I agree on the Mini 14's, I think a Chinese AK would out shoot it, now that is bad. I also agree on the Bushmaster rifles, excellent quality, great accuracy, so far great durability. I don't think that you are going to find a .223 auto loader more accurate than the current offering of AR's out there. There are many choices in .223 semi-auto rifles, pickup a copy of Shotgun news or look through the Gun Bible on the shelf at Wal Mart, the mini 14 is not the only alternative if you do not like the AR style rifles. They even have AK varients that fire .223, go figure? Good luck.