An AR15 is the easies semi auto out there to clean, the whole upper recvr comes apart in seconds, getting the bolt back in a mini is a PITA, especially if it has a scope. Now i will agree it is more reliable as far as feeding and jamming compared to an ar15, but changing magazines fast in the ar15 much easier than a mini 14, ak, or sks etc.

Basically if you want a nice hi cap semi that shoots good at over 50 yds and you can mount a scope on and hunt with and have fun at the range an ar15 is the WTG.

For a short range home defense rifle, a mini is fine but in my experience their accuracy past 50 yds is terrible, an you can get an AK47 for less and IMO have a much better rifle for its intended use.