Mini-14 or Remington7400

RemingtonLover · 03-07-2004, 01:01 PM

I am in the market for a gun that I can do damage to groundhogs with. I have a .222rem and other guns that are adequate for hunting them, but i want one that I can make lots of noise and spray lead with. People ask why, I say "just because." I want something that I can use off of a tractor while I am plowing or brushogging. Something I can fire off a few shots quickly. I have a nice little Ruger mark2 but i am looking for something to fill the gap between, short and long range shooting. I would probably get the 7400 in 223 or 243 (and obviously the mini-14 in .223).

around here the Mini-14 runs $ 490 and the Remington7400 runs 420. What to get, what to get? I know hi-cap mags for the 7400 are hard to come by and even then are only available in 10 round capacity. Of course I would hope that I wouldnt need all those shots anyway. What are the differences in accuracy, usability and overall reliablity? I need help cause the groundhogs are already runnin...

BigBore1895 · 03-07-2004, 02:16 PM

Get the ranch rifle in stainless/synthetic. Beware the accuracy of both of those guns, but it is not bad, just don't expect sub MOA groups.

The ranch rifle is fun and doesn't jam up much, and hi-cap mags are easy to find and relatively cheap.

Pro-Line · 03-07-2004, 02:19 PM

Shotgun???

Check the PA regulations for shooting from a moving vehicle first. I can't imagine that's legal.

eldeguello · 03-08-2004, 08:06 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: RemingtonLover
but i want one that I can make lots of noise and spray lead with. People ask why, I say "just because." .

The Rem. semi-autos are NOT outstanding rifles! BUT, they are a LOT better than the Ruger Minis of all calibers. If all you want is to spray lead and make noise, by all means get a Mini-14. Just don't be disappointed when you discover how seldom it will actually hit anything you aimed it at.....

RemingtonLover · 03-08-2004, 08:23 PM

Thanks for your responces guys. haha, maybe pro-line has never lived and worked a farm before. A tractor is a moving vehicle but doesnt constitute a car. How many farmers that you know, actually follow that rule and consider the action type? deer hunting-sure, but poppin grundypigs-I dont think so... sorry. I try to make sure I have the advantage over those crummy crop killers.

no offense meant, or implied.

I am leaning toward the Mini-14 in stainless/hardwood. I found one near for 530 bucks. pretty good deal if you ask me. I still am interested in that remington though. for only a touch over 400 bucks. choices, choices.

rkbo · 03-08-2004, 08:43 PM

The mini 14 will let you down. Shooting grounghogs at 200 to 300 yds it wont do. I did everything eccept send it in for a rebarrel and match trigger. Shooting 3" or worse groups at 100yds is not good. I bought the mini 30 and had the same problem.

On the other hand I have a rem model 4. It's an old version of the 7400. I have a load for the 30-06 that will shoot consistent 1" groups. On a good day it will shoot 3/4". You have to make sure all the screws are tight and the action nice and clean. It dosen't jam like some have the reputation of doing.

I've had friends with the mini 14 and they all agree with me. The rem is a better rifle all the way around. If you want to shoot 7.62x39 an SKS or mak 90 is the way to go. If you want to shoot groundhog with a semi auto save up and get a ar15 type rifle.

Just my opinnion.

Briman · 03-08-2004, 08:51 PM

Save up an extra Ben Franklin or two and build yourself and AR. Too many people regret buying Rugers.

RemingtonLover · 03-08-2004, 09:03 PM

How about the Browning BAR? I have heard nothing but good about it. How bout you all? I just dont like the idea of a an AR. Ive been there done that with those things, but maybe I will end up goin back.

Pro-Line · 03-09-2004, 05:12 PM

RemLover...while not a full time farmer, I do own a 490 acre farm and do have a tractor. However, I don't choose to "spray lead" from it. Just me I guess.

My sis used to be an engineer at Armco in Butler. She lived in Butler for a while...then Zelienople....then Mars.

RemingtonLover · 03-09-2004, 08:36 PM

Pro-line - not a prob. I probably came across a little ignorant.

About your sister, did she get laid off from Armco or was this years ago? My father was recently laid off from Armco(now AKsteel) and found work down in WV at a Carbon plant. My brother is going to be holding things down here and Im gonna move down near my folks.