I totally disagree with 357!
My post in another thread on this page:
"Being in Cali I had this same issue. I wanted a .223, but wasn't sure about the Mini 14. I've read it's not the most accurate thing in the world, and I don't agree with Rugers "no badge, no need" policy (even though I can't have um anyway). And it's my money so I'll chose to send it to whomever I want. No matter how stupid Roland thinks it is.
That being said, I found the SU16. I had a big debate over the two. Mainly I didn't like the SU because it was all plastic and most people said it felt like a toy. Well I went to a gun shop and found that I really like the gun. It is sturdy, it's very easy/fast to shoulder, the sights are dorky but the gun seems to aim itself, it's uber light, and it's cheaper than the Mini 14. Most people that talk bad about the gun have never shot it or never even held it. They make decisions based on it being plastic. Well, polymer handguns took a lot of guff when they were first coming out. Anyway, I found my Kel Tec for $438. You just gotta find the right place. CDNN sells them for $399.
Then think about the accuracy of both guns and how they work. The SU is similar to the AR in that they are both basically gas operated bolt action rifle. From what I've read (and I've been doing a lot of reading) the firing pin assembly and bolt are very similar. The Mini has a Garand style action that is cool, but not right with the Mini 14's weak barrel. They don't like the large gas block slamming back and forth on each shot... compared to no block on the AR... and a light hollow rod on the SU. *thanks flyer.*
I've heard alot of people complain about the weight of the Kel Tec, and not being able to butstrike with it. Well, I'll never butstrike any of my plinking buddies. So that's not even an consideration. Remember what you're getting. The SU isn't a battle rifle, it's a light weight plinker used for having fun. And for the price, you really can't go wrong.
It also has some neat features, you can use AR/M16 Mags, it has a handly little mag holder in the stock of the gun, and is foldable. Foldable is cool to be because you can put it in a backpack, or take it hunting w/o taking up much room. I really don't care for the bipod, I'll probably never use it, but kinda neat to have it there. Although they coulda used that space for something cooler.
The only downside of the gun is the Alpha model sights. They are kinda geeky, not easily adjusted, and not liked by the AR crowd at all. But you can buy the Bravo model and get AR style sights that are much better (adds about $30-$40 to the price). Or you can buy the Alpha model and then buy the Bravo sights (for $30-$40). The Alpha has a longer heavier barrel than the Bravo but the Bravo is a shorter rifle with better sights. Personally I like the longer barrel of the Alpha with the sights from the Bravo.
And if you read the reviews on the SU16, almost every person has shot the rifle has turned out to love it. And that has to say something.
So basically you get a gun that is easily transportable, a much better shooter, lighter, and cheaper than the Mini. And on top of it, you don't give any money to Ruger. And Kel Tec has a great warranty and great customer service. Two things that go a long way in my book."
It also seems funny to me that people rag on the SU16 for being plastic... how much of the AR is plastic? I'd personally like to see some of you 'tuffguys' break the SU16's reinforced polymer.
