Should i trade my mini 14

A good quality AR-15 would probably be your best bet. A lot depends on what you intend on doing with it. Hunting, plinking, 3-gun, highpower shooting, or whatever other application you chose will dictate what exact configeration you get.

If you want a gun of equavalent price, but better quality and accuracy than the mini14, I recommend the Armalite AR-180B ($600-650).

I don't know what Ruger is putting on them now, but they used to have a rep for not so great barrels. I had mine rebarreled. It is now quite accurate. I like it a lot more than the AR-15 stuff.

Tom C.- What barrel did you put on it? What was the cost?

bbutler- What do you want to do with your new rifle? And what's your budget?

bbutler:

If you are looking for another .223 rifle in the same price range, I'd personally go with a KelTec SU-16 varient. You'll have to get AR mags for it, but quality 30-rounders go for $15, so that's not too onerous.

It's a nice, light weight, handy rifle that most people have had good experiences with.

Agreed^ Too bad its like they make SU-16ca models but they just dont sell them. Whats the deal!

I've seen several SU-16CA rifles. They do exist.

That said, I'd keep the Mini-14 rather than trading for a rather similar gun like an SU-16. You'll lose too much money by selling it and buying a new Kel-Tec, for the trade to be worth it. It's not like the Kel-Tec is a match rifle or anything!

There's a difference between the choice I'd make if I had $600 and no rifle, vs. already having a rifle.

I'd keep the Mini-14, but send it to Accuracy Systems. I didn't believe they could make Mini-14's sub-MOA until I shot the ASI/Rugers. Cheaper than a full-tilt AR, if you already own the Mini-14.

A rebuild aside, the AR-15 platform is tough to beat.

I'm not sure a Kel-tec is the best choice, accuracy-wise.

If accuracy is your only problem w/the Mini-14 then there are several easy & inexpensive ways to significantly improve it: Cut the bbl back a couple of inches and/or add a muzzle brake or flash hider, ensure the gas block screws are properly torqued & evenly gapped, trigger job, add an Ultimak or Amega Ranges scout rail (stiffens the bbl). Good info here: http://perfectunion.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=86
Good work here: http://www.greatwestgunsmithing.com/
HTH...
Tomac
Edited to add: My 2 KISS Mini's w/tritium front sights, ghost rign rear sights, bbls cut to 16.5", Choate flash hiders & extended mag releases.

Mini's can be made to shoot, it just takes time and money.
An AR would be a better choice compared dollar to dollar.
I got mine to shoot, but it wasn't cheap.