I agree, there are accuracy issues with the mini 14. However, the .223 is an effective deer killer. My daughter, age six at the time, dropped two Texas whities in their tracks using a mini 14. This gun's low recoil and shorter stock were well suited for this small framed huntress. She used the gun's open sights, and I restricted her shots to 30 yards or less.

Funny I was just looking at a mini 14 for the first time in walmart today wondering what the heck it was. I guess I know some about it now.

A 223 will take down a whitetail down but I not a fan of the mini 14. The 2 I shot wasn't that accurate. Good luck if you try with it.

My stainless Mini-14 (circa 1989) is a blast to shoot and is fairly accurate for what it is. I put a barrel stabilizer on it (inexpensive fix) which keeps the barrel from misbehaving after it gets hot. Not sure I would go after deer with it but maybe small pigs will feel the sting at some point.

When I shot for the state match pistol and rifle team, we were limited to stock(basically;) rifles. They are greatly accurate if you find what makes it tick.
Accuracy out to 100yds is good if you use iron sights and take your time. I could put a full mag into, or next to, a pack of cigs at that distance in mt earlier days.