Mini-14 or AR-15
- Thread starter Quincy12
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More than that, it's a perfect example of a rifle I'd much rather have, not giving a proverbial rat's behind whether it functions worse than something else. Not mine, unfortunately. A loaner, way out of my toy budget and on paper not nearly as "good" as some AR:s, but I wanted it more than I've wanted any mainstream rifle, ever. And that epitomizes what not trying to chase somehow "better" is all about. A bull barrel AR shoots .2MOA better groups at 300yd? Who cares?! IT'S PSG-1, FOR (HONK)SSAKES, AND I LOVE IT!
Why settle for steak when numbers clearly state that powdered protein supplements offer at least 40% higher nutritional content than steaks, for a lot less money? When did subjective factors like flavor get into the equation when a minute ago it was all about "better" by numbers, irrespective of individual, subjective preferences, or aren't we talking about numbers and strictly objective, measurable factors anymore?
jim in Anchorage
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But thats not practical. Any AR fan can tell you. Wood and steel is like SO yesterday.
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Kame B.
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Ash
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But better for what? Better is best defined by the user.
jmorris
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Better accuracy is one thing I have found with AR's vs my mini and the brass is easier to find (I reload).
Quality magazines that run well are cheap for the AR and everywhere (why many other guns also use them), I can't say the same thing for some I have for the mini. Ruger magazines are the best I have found for the mini but cost twice what a good AR mag costs.
There are many very good triggers available for the AR, not a lot of choices for the mini and again they cost more.
Quality magazines that run well are cheap for the AR and everywhere (why many other guns also use them), I can't say the same thing for some I have for the mini. Ruger magazines are the best I have found for the mini but cost twice what a good AR mag costs.
There are many very good triggers available for the AR, not a lot of choices for the mini and again they cost more.
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A reminder: "for the sake of being better". I'm not sure making a generalization out of my very specific statement serves any meaningful argumentative purpose. Then again, sticking to the "better" argument as it has been implied in firearm context would mean that anyone preferring a steak over more nutritious, more easily digested and quickly consumed powdered supplements would be a fool, not realizing that the supplement is so much "better" as far as all measurable qualities are concerned.
Taste an texture of the steak, smell of charcoal barbecue, baked potatoes, a nice glass of wine or maybe an ice cold beer is all subjective. And a very good reason to ignore objectively "better" protein shakes or whatever might be the "better" alternative by numbers alone. I'm quite sure you understand very well what I mean. It's very simple once one is willing to admit that there's far more to choosing a gun than one being "better" than another on paper. This is a very clear and direct analogy that should leave no room for further (mis)interpretation.
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Hands down the AR is a better option, even if the Ruger is more traditional in appearance.
Accuracy is better on average from a less expensive AR than the Ruger and can be made very much better with a new upper (assuming you don't start out there).
Multi caliber ability is present in the AR platform, including 22lr.
Sighting options are better.
Ergonomics are superior with the ability to set LOP to fit the shooter just by using an adjustable stock.
Magazines are cheaper and more readily available.
Accuracy is better on average from a less expensive AR than the Ruger and can be made very much better with a new upper (assuming you don't start out there).
Multi caliber ability is present in the AR platform, including 22lr.
Sighting options are better.
Ergonomics are superior with the ability to set LOP to fit the shooter just by using an adjustable stock.
Magazines are cheaper and more readily available.
Ash
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And yet that coyote is still just as dead with the Mini.
Crowcifier666
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I think you guys scared the OP away....
Really surprised this is still open.
Really surprised this is still open.
More than that, it's a perfect example of a rifle I'd much rather have, not giving a proverbial rat's behind whether it functions worse than something else. Not mine, unfortunately. A loaner, way out of my toy budget and on paper not nearly as "good" as some AR:s, but I wanted it more than I've wanted any mainstream rifle, ever. And that epitomizes what not trying to chase somehow "better" is all about. A bull barrel AR shoots .2MOA better groups at 300yd? Who cares?! IT'S PSG-1, FOR (HONK)SSAKES, AND I LOVE IT!
The advantages of the new crop of high quality AR10s aren't really accuracy relative to the PSG-1. The PSG-1 shoots just fine. The AR10s' advantage is they
- Don't cost $10,000 like the PSG-1
- Don't weigh 15 lbs
- Don't have a ridiculous 26" barrel
- Have a standard mounting system
- Have widely available and relatively (but not perfectly) compatible parts and accessories
Now, if you happen to be a PSG-1 fanboy and just love the gun, more power to you. Wacky Euro-guns need fanboys too
Have fun wtih it. But when someone comes on a forum asking for a comparison of A vs. B, it generally means they're NOT a fanboy of A or B and want to know what the differences are. That's all people are pointing out here, and the differences generally don't favor the Mini 14.ColoradoShooter77
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I have both and will say that the magazine cost on the Ruger is rediculous. I can buy 3 P-Mag's for the cost of one Ruger magazine.
As long as you're not looking for a match grade rifle, the Ruger is a fine platform.
As long as you're not looking for a match grade rifle, the Ruger is a fine platform.
jim in Anchorage
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As I recall on a earlier thread you showed MOA groups from that same beautiful rifle.
Whats not to like? Oh thats right the magazines cost more
Junk it!The differences have been made very clear from the start. The shortcomings of either design and the relevance of "better" in context of intended use are, of course, on the sole discretion of the OP, as is disregarding some of them altogether. With close to one hundred AR:s in my collection, well over half of which are full auto, I'd be a prime candidate to be called an "AR fanboy", but just the notion of claiming the (relatively newfound) superiority of the design over other design is so meddlesome that I want no part in pushing it to anyone. After being very AR-centric all my adult life some might call it backlash, but in fact it's only a realization that there are plenty of great designs out there and favoring just one as a be-all, end-all solution to all needs is rather narrow-minded.
Just like with the "better" protein powder analogy, it often boils down to "so what".
polarisgold
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Get the AR, it pisses off the government!
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Kame B.
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As I recall on a earlier thread you showed MOA groups from that same beautiful rifle.
Whats not to like? Oh thats right the magazines cost more
Yeah my Mini defies all the AR fanboy logic. It is modified, it has optics, it has been accessorized, the total cost of the rifle is a little under 800 bucks, it shoots sub MOA groups with steel case ammo, it eats anything you feed it, it was not a pain in the butt to modify it. In fact this was one of my favorite projects. And yes the mags are expensive, but I was never one to buy cheap stuff.
Incidentally, while I've rarely bothered to intervene in common AR vs. Mini threads, my recent motivation has been a Mini 30; a refreshing change in routines. Mint condition, spare mags, Hakko scope, all for $300. I've budgeted a few hours of work (trigger job in fixture, hand lapping the barrel, re-mounting the gas block etc.) and $100 for assorted small parts like recoil buffer to see what it'll be capable of without changing any major components.
A bit more work than floater upper, JP trigger kit, accu-wedge and a quality scope I have routinely installed to a number of my AR:s, but an interesting experiment what can be done on a shoestring budget. And, most importantly, something different that can't be duplicated by just maxing out your credit card at the nearest gun accessory shop. Paying a gunsmith to do it for you, yes, but not with just Lego-level mechanical aptitude and a screwdriver. Whether that's a good or a bad thing is a matter of individual preference.
HSO said:
Is it? from most of the test I've seen and personal experiance the accuracy of newer mini is on par with what can be expected from a budget AR.
I won't argue that it's easier to get a AR to shoot better but a lot of guys are happy with 3-4 MOA from a mil spec AR with cheap ammo.
You got some splaining to do Lucy.HSO said:
???Tapco Gen 2 Mini mags are 8-10$ everywhereHSO said:
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