If a guy were to buy a Mini-14 from a good supply source (you can find them for much lower than MSRP), then buy several parts and have quite a bit of work done on it to accurize it, it' s VERY possible to get a Mini-14 to outshoot an AR-15 for the same price as a new AR-15. I really like the Mini' s action type, it' s built like a tank and will never break down. A buddy of mine bought a new Mini a couple years back for $350 new, sold his barrel, bought a bull barrel for it with a comp. chamber and had several other things " adjusted" , he sold everything he took off, so it made a pretty good difference, but he came out with a .5MOA @300yrd rifle for under $700 before the glass, which is more than one could say for a STOCK AR-15 which one would have trouble buying new for under $700. (plus, I' d never buy a used semi-auto, unless it was just for a beat around plinker, because I know how I shoot them, and if that' s how he shot it, then it' s not going to last much longer). I' d recommend going with the Mini-14, then having the accurizing done.

What I love about the AR-15' s is that you can mix and match a million parts and replacement parts are all over, accurizing is easier (most smithies know how to do it), you just start out at a higher price. Another thing about them is that you can buy new uppers for them, say like a bolt action .50BMG or a semiauto .50Beowulf, or .45 acp, giving you unlimited options from one gun.