Mini-14 Vs. AR-15

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Hmmm....
Seems to me we have a question that can be interpreted a couple different ways, and we have folks answering the question in different ways.

Anything mechanical is great until it breaks. That means a Hyundai, and Mercedes. It's working as intended until it something critical breaks, and then it doesn't.

IF the question is "what is a superior design", well that is one debate. IF the question is which one as more available parts, that's another debate, and yet still, could be influenced by durability of said design, and quality of materials selected in said parts.

It's kinda like a chicken or egg debate. Most folks clearly accept the aftermarket parts are more available for the AR platform. But, why? Is that because they break more often, and thus NEED that large supply chain? I dunno. I'm not an armorer for BOTH platforms. Is there a aftermarket supply chain for the GLOCK brand like there is for the AR? No, why? 'Cuz they don't break! (I don't own one 'cuz I don't like how they feel, but I respect the design) Now, I can recognize that because of the modular design, and relative ease in doing so, that the AR design has a much larger aftermarket customizing industry.

What I do wish to add, is how I have read on this forum and other places many, many times, that you should "get a spare bolt and carrier group, and extractor with your AR". I've NEVER read that about the mini. Why? Is the Ruger material/design superior? I don't know. Just an interesting observation.

I've had a mini, loved it. Don't have it anymore. The reason it got sold was I needed some cash quick, and it was the fastest thing to sell for good $$. No hard feelings. I currently own an AR. Love it. Ergonomics are very much a personal feeling, and I did notice lots of folks indicated in their vote/post that they chose the platform they were the most familiar with.

If you have parts that work (for example: proper, quality mags), and your products are built with equal design quality, go with what you are familiar/comfortable with. I will give a lot of credit to the AR platform for being very 'naturally comfortable' for a new shooter to shoulder and sight properly. I think that is a strength of the design, since the military teaches a lot of young folks to shoot, having a gun that sights easy is a big plus. But I also don't think the Mini has a poor feel either.

I don't think either one is a poor choice for the OP's question. I just think we need to make sure we're comparing apples to apples.

PE
 
I have a question:
Let's say the firing pin ( or some other necessity part) breaks at a critical moment in battle on either weapon. At this point, both of these firearms become a "weapon" instead of a firearm. Which one would you rather butt-stroke a zombie with? A collapsible stocked AR or a piece of American birch? Kust me, but a Mini would make a much better pugil stick in a hand to hand situation. Out of ammo or broke firing pin either one, a Mini is a better club.
 
Since I no longer have my AR-15 OR my Mini-14,I am going to rely on my(actually my wife's) USGI 30cal M1 carbine. I(we) have 5,15 and 30rd mags (several each) and a boat load of commercial JSP and JHP ammo. SKS and Mossy 500 12ga are back-ups. I think I have it covered.
 
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So, let me get this straight: for a popst-apocalyptic world where I get to wear a brown duster and walk the Earth (like Kane in Kung-Fu) you want me to choose a firearm?

In that case, I'm going to pick a man-portable minigun.

Justin, the fatal problem with this approach is twofold: recoil and ammo consumption. The minigun is a dead end on both.

Really, a phased plasma rifle (preferably in the 40 watt range) would be far more suitable.

As for AR vs. Mini, they both work, pick the one you like.
 
I have a question:
Let's say the firing pin ( or some other necessity part) breaks at a critical moment in battle on either weapon. At this point, both of these firearms become a "weapon" instead of a firearm. Which one would you rather butt-stroke a zombie with? A collapsible stocked AR or a piece of American birch? Kust me, but a Mini would make a much better pugil stick in a hand to hand situation. Out of ammo or broke firing pin either one, a Mini is a better club.

so... the AR is a better rifle, and the mini is a better ....... club?
 
I guess I'm obligated to say SOMETHING here:D, since I just days ago got a stainless 581 from CDNN. I've been an AR fan for decades, but in the past five years, I've become a bigger fan of AK's. I traded my last AR to a good buddy for his old Hungarian SA-85. I love that AK, but have since tried to trade ( other stuff) for the AR again. Go figure.
Anyway, I still have a quasi-buttload of Lake City 5.56, so I decided to get another 5.56, and with my budget, that meant either a Mini-14 or an AR.
I might have gone with the 20" Armalite from Budsguns, but they've been out of stock for a while.
I always wanted a mini, and the CDNN deal was a pretty good, $633 for the stainless with one 20 round factory mags, and 2 more for $24.99 each.
I've been way into the black-rifles for years ,but I'm actually digging the non-assault riflle thing. I really like the iron sights (very AR like, IMO, and way better than AK sights) and am very happy with the over-all ballance and feel.
I have been surprised at what a PITA breaking it down and re-assembling it turned out to be, but I'm getting more confortable with it.
I have a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 coming this week, looking forward to throwing that on and getting out and busting some rounds with it this weekend.
There's my little ramble that shines no light whatsover on the debate.
Carry on ;)
 
If my rifle goes down why would I but stroke anyone? Transition to pistol and shoot.

And noone said the Ar had to be a stock basic obsolete A1 relic. A Modern Magpul UBR or ACS is going to leave a mark when you get wacked upside the head with one.
 
New Mini-14s are more accurate than 99% of the shooters out there.

A gun more accurate then the shooter ??:confused:
More accurate then 99% of shooters :rolleyes:
 
Wow! This is entertaining(where's the popcorn eating smiley when you need it lol!)

Both weapons will work! There is no need to detract from someone elses rifle, that's like insulting their wife! Cone on Highroad, let's keep it clean:banghead:!!

I posted my reason for choosing the AR first, and not long after this turned into the roll in the mud I that I bet the now MIA, OP was possibly looking for. We are not cannibles, and shouldn't feed off our own.

Each rifle has pluses and minuses, The AR is ubiquitous, and the Mini is Old-School cool, whatever you would choose, get spare parts, Murphy happens;)!

Oh yeah, IBTL...

Still 2 Many Choices!?
 
There would have been a clear winner if the OP would have included the Hi-Point carbine !! :evil:
 
AR-15 hands down. I own a Ruger SR 556 outstanding weapon. If you have spare parts like you should the AR is far better. It's modular so you could grab uppers off the fallen or mags. The alternative of course is an AK. Or carry both you can never have too many guns.
 
Since Conky hasn't seen fit to return to increase his post count from 1 to 2, let's put this umpteenth iteration of AR vs some-blooming-thing to bed. It'll wake up again, some morning, for sure.
 
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