Polar Express
Member
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
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