the mini-14 is nothing but reliable yes it lacks accuracy but really isnt much wourse then most semi auto rifles out there, except the AR's but I cant think of too many semi auto rifles out there that will hold a candle to an AR except maybe a M1A or a HK 91. A way to look at it is expect 1 to 2 inch groups at 100 yards with rifles like browning BAR's or the Remington 7400 which is more then exceptional accuracy for a hunting rifle and is the high end of accuracy for a semi auto. Then you have the mini-14 which you can expect 3 to 4 inch groups which is really not all that bad considering there are semi autos out there that are much wourse in accuracy for instance the AK-47, with an AK I wouldnt expect better than 6 inch groups at 100 yards same with a M-1 carbine they dont shoot worth a darn either the best Ive ever done at 100 yards was about a 8 inch group if it actually grouped at all and if the rounds actually hit paper. the only others I have experience with which would be about the same as a mini-14 in accuracy would be SKS's and dragunov's. If you are looking for a tack driver then a semi auto isnt what you want you would be better off with a bolt action but if you can accept 3 to 4 inch groups then go for it. heres a picture of a target I shot several months ago.