Mini 14 Questions

[jwalker497]

I have a few questions regarding a Mini 14 .223 as a SHTF rifle.

1. What type of defensive round chambered in .223,choose FMJ or JHPs?
2. Also what grain and brands would be recommended.
3. Lastly would you choose a 7.62 or a 5.56(223) in a SHTF type of scenario
4. Can you reccomend a simple Red Dot sight that will mount with the stock rings the mini 14 comes with.
5. Do you feel that a .223 would be sufficient man stopper or would a 7.62 or .308 be better suited for that job?

 

[DMK]

Just so you know, you can't get a Mini-14 in 308. The Mini-30 is 7.62x39 (like an AK).

Despite what some Internet commandos might thump their chest about, .223 will do just fine for self defense. Just use a quality round like Winchester Powerpoints or Hornady TAP.

 

[LoneStarWings]

Semi-Auto it'd be 7.62x51mm with Something like Hornady TAP 155gr

If I had a select fire rifle it'd be 5.56x45mm, also with ballistic tipped type ammo, or whatever would feed reliably in my machine gun.

 

[W.E.G.]

Can you explain what you perceive as a "SHTF" scenario?

 

[Maverick223]

FWIW I have Hornady TAP .223 loaded in my M17.

 

[Walkalong]

Since mine is .223, I choose it with FMJ.

 

[lobo9er]

i would go for a 7.62. both would do fine for self defense. But say i had to hunt for some grub 7.62 would do a little better, for large game any how. its all what you want to do with it. cuz if you want to eat some small game 7.62/308 may destroy any possible meat.

 

[lobo9er]

after posting that .223 can still drop big game so maybe it would be better. one of those questions that will never really be answered. a .22 lr and a .308 would be a good combo.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

if 'SHTF' is some sort of civil unrest or rioting, or due to natural catastrophe the .223 Mini is more than enough IMO. only a really hardened gang would persist when faced with even a few rounds of lowly .22LR zipping by them. never mind a load of 12ga Mag 00 or a centerfire gun slug.

 

[Rshooter]

I have a few questions regarding a Mini 14 .223 as a SHTF rifle.

Your mother in law coming by?

1. What type of defensive round chambered in .223,choose FMJ or JHPs?

I would use JHP's

2. Also what grain and brands would be recommended.

52 to 62 grains, any good US - Remington, UMC, Winchester, etc

3. Lastly would you choose a 7.62 or a 5.56(223) in a SHTF type of scenario

5.56 in JHP really is enough normally

4. Can you reccomend a simple Red Dot sight that will mount with the stock rings the mini 14 comes with.

Aimpoint, commercial.

5. Do you feel that a .223 would be sufficient man stopper or would a 7.62 or .308 be better suited for that job?

Yes, but really now let's not go there.

 

[carbine85]

I would think that in a all out SHTF situation you might be better off with the .223 / 5.56. Ammo might be more available over the long haul.
The 5.56 has stopped a lot of men.
Mounting scopes on a Mini depends on which one you have.
I bought a Bushnell Red Dot for like $60 and use it on a Carbine. Seems to work well.

 

[4v50 Gary]

FMJ because they're cheap. All you have to do is render hors d' combat.

 

[Quentin]

Your mother in law coming by?

Yep, that qualifies!


I voted .223 with FMJs (actually 5.56), they do the job very nicely