Yes..........I can answer this one for you. I have owned 3 Mini 14' s. I bought the last 2 simply because of price...not accuracy. A mini is not accurate. The front sight blade is too big for shooting even at 100 yds.
If you have the capital go with the AR15. I have been told that any model is better than the mini. I' ve been out shot by Colt and Bushmaster AR' s, and I hate being out shot. It embarrasses me.
My next 223 semi auto will be the Olympic Arms from Olympia, Washington. Their web site is olyarms.com
I have found some people who own them and they are quite satisfied with them. They say they' re the best on the market.
They sell for about $1030.00, Mod. PCR-1, " ultramatch" . I have found them for $995.00, retail on the net. See if you can find an FFL guy to order one for less.
The olyarms website has some interesting reading.
I like Ruger, just not the mini. Good luck. critch