Which would you buy and why?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I’d go with the Mini if reliability is what you want. It’s hard to beat that Garand type action for reliability, as long as you’re running good mags.

I’d suggest that you download and read the manual for each and decide which one you’d rather live with. The Mini is as simple as it gets. And, gotta say it...it’s a real rifle.

I feel that I could trust my life to a mini. With the keltec I’d just be counting the number of rounds it ate until it broke.
 
Last edited:
Mini 14

...reenact your favorite scenes from “The A-Team”

View attachment 904707
For what it's worth, Ruger is collaborating with a company called Samson who is re-releasing the folding stock shown in the photo, with minor differences. They're selling for just under $300. They're currently working on pre-orders, so it will take a while to get one.

The stock model is called the A-TM, get it? Seriously.
 
another vote for the Ruger . I got one way back in the Bill Clinton assault weapons ban years it was cheaper than an AR (unlike now) but I like it just fine .
 
What about a Keltec RDB? Seems sturdier and better reviewed than the SU-16, you can find them in the $700s, and they take STANAG mags but aren't an AR.
 
If I forced myself to choose between a Mini and a Kel-tec, I’d reconsider forcing myself to choose either, and buy an AR.
Son has a AR, I can shoot it anytime, want something different. Other son has a 'tactical mini-14, I am looking at the wood stock one..
 
I'll throw another out there. Since the only things I have to have is 223/556, reliable, not a ton of $..for plink with sons, no HD or hunting..why not this into consideration?? Whatever I choose doesn't have to be semi-auto, just needs a magazine. Just needs a scope.

26965.jpg
 
I'll throw another out there. Since the only things I have to have is 223/556, reliable, not a ton of $..for plink with sons, no HD or hunting..why not this into consideration?? Whatever I choose doesn't have to be semi-auto, just needs a magazine. Just needs a scope.

View attachment 905911
That would be a fun rifle! I'd rather have that Ruger than either the Kel-tech or the Mini.
 
Between those two, Mini-14.

I have many Rugers, only one Kel-Tec.

Get a NEW mini. The pre 582 series had major barrel and front sight issues. Don't let some goober
wipe off his old pencil barreled, crappily staked front sight, used old mini on you, like I did.
Get one NIB, straight from the factory, with all the paperwork and gear. WTTW.
For more information about Mini-14s, visit the forum called Perfect Union.
 
Last edited:
Overall more durable is probably the mini, but for me I would choose the Kel-Tec which is good enough. I would get C model as a first choice, with a Burris fastfire sight or Aimpoint micro sight. Second choice one of the ones with a front sight. You can hold two low cap mags in the stock. Why? the C weighs around 5lbs, has a folding stock and uses AR15 magazines. Not many rifles can say that.
https://www.keltecweapons.com/firearms/rifles/su16/
 
Last edited:
If the Mini 14, just make sure you have a factory —Ruger—magazine.

All companies label their mags as “Factory”, especially “Pro”..mag.

Keep in mind also (you might be quite familiar) that recent Minis have the thicker barrels.
 
Pretty new guy here, fairly new guy returning to 'gun sports(last 3 years)..old guy that favors reliability, cost effectiveness and not one to muck much with a gun/rifle with how it comes from the factory.

Rifles..I have a 1022, really like it, son has a Henry BigBoy and Mini-14, other son has a Ruger 556.

Looking to acquire a 223/556 rifle with the upcoming trumpbux..Narrowed them down to
-Mini-14 ranch
-KelTec SU-16A

My goal is a reliable 223/556 to go to the uncontrolled outdoor range with sons and shoot.
Not HD, not competition except how many times I can hit that steel plate at 75 yards vs my 2 kids.

NO pistol grip AR types please..why has no bearing. But essentially between these 2 above..

Thanks
I'd get the mini. Or an AR. I've owned around 40 guns +/- and the one kel tec I owned was the worst, least reliable gun I ever owned and I actually thought about throwing it away vs selling it.
Kel tec has some really interesting and innovative designs and I really want to like them. They get an A for effort and innovation but an F for execution. If it was just a plinker I'd say go for it but to trust your life to it, nah....
 
there is only 1 option for you, the SKS. After WWll it was clear "pistol girp" was a better way/ Mini's are good, but the fact remains, better designs exist. Colt ****ed up the M16 in the 60's, but HR, and GMHydro fixed it. But if you want an old fashioned rifle thats reliable get an SKS
 
Im gonna be that guy.
I would build an ar15 or buy a bolt action 223.
Mini 14 mag prices can heck off, and I refuse to own a centerfire keltec.
 
If my only choices were a Kel-Tec SU16 or a Ruger Mini 14, I would go with the Mini.

I have to agree that there are better choices out there. I can understand wanting something different than a AR. The OP didn't say what his intended uses really are. A good bolt action that takes AR magazines would be a good choice to plink with and also be more accurate.
 
If my only choices were a Kel-Tec SU16 or a Ruger Mini 14, I would go with the Mini.

I have to agree that there are better choices out there. I can understand wanting something different than a AR. The OP didn't say what his intended uses really are. A good bolt action that takes AR magazines would be a good choice to plink with and also be more accurate.
Outside range toy, plink, shoot at metal targets, farthest probably 50-60 yard. One son already has a Mini-14, other a Ruger 556..so wanted something different. All 3 of us go 'up there' together so we all get to shoot each other's...
 
Outside range toy, plink, shoot at metal targets, farthest probably 50-60 yard. One son already has a Mini-14, other a Ruger 556..so wanted something different. All 3 of us go 'up there' together so we all get to shoot each other's...

Oops, I missed that. I still stand by the rest of my statement. Another option if you can find one would be an AK in 223/5.56. The AK will be close to the cost of the Ruger.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top