If you keep an AR or M16 clean and just are cautious not to get too much dirt on it, they are pretty reliable. When hunting, your probably not gonna be shooting a whole lotta rounds, so jamming shouldn't be a problem when you've got your sights locked on. Either rifle is gonna kill a coyote, but just get what you want. The AR is gonna be more accurate in the hands of a good shooter, and a mini 14 can be a little more rugged.