Mini-14 vs. AR15 (price)

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RatDrall

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I'm in the market for a short range SD rifle in 7.62x39 or 5.56. I'm not too worried about accuracy or customization, just reliability. I just want a smaller carbine that I can shoot critters/zombies with.

I was looking at an AR15, but it's getting very hard to find anything decent for less than $1000, any of the brands that I want are past $1200.

The new Mini-14s are starting to look a lot better, now that I can buy factory magazines. They also look less "militant". I'm finding Mini-14s for less than $800

Any reason not to choose a new Mini-14 for a short range SD rifle?
 
No.
I qualified expert marksman with the M-16, but I prefer the mini-14.

The mini, to me, is more ergonomic, has a more accessible safety, and they are one of the most reliable autos you can get.
 
As long as you are not concerned with accuracy, then no. However many people report the Mini's being accurate for a shot or two then all bets are off after that.
 
I have both, but fortunately I have had mine a while so prices were not so bad. I bought a new Mini-14 last year for about $550 and think they are a reasonable rifle for that price, my AR's ran a little more than that so I thought they were good prices also.

AR is more accurate, and while I feel the mini may be more reliable to be honest I have had zero problems with my AR's. I run them occassionally in 3 gun, which is not combat, but they can run through 3-400 rounds a day with no problems at all.

If the AR is 50% more than the mini I would go with a mini.
 
the new minis are really quite accurate, even after a few shots. I can keep mine in a 2 1/2 inch circle at 100 yards with open sights. (haven't tried to scope it yet.) I know that the AR's can shoot moa but if you are going for self defense and price is an issue go with the mini. (Ruger now has 30 round mags too)
 
For SD/HD go with the Mini. It can be brought to bear more quickly if time is critical. Given the choice between a Mini and an Ar, I will choose the ......30 cal.M1 carbine.
 
You might want to look around on that price a little more. I wouldnt pay more than 700 for a new one. I bought one NIB in December for 607 , with the scope rings included.

More recently ive seen then between 675-800 , but keep an eye out and you may be about to find one for 700.
 
I compared price between the rifle, a dozen magazines, a spare parts kit, and a case of ammo......And they end up costing the same because of the rediculous cost of the mini-14 factory magazines, and the hard to find spare parts.

I'm buying an AR15.
 
If you read it to the end that thread does indeed say it all... ;)

I bought two Promags from Academy about 6 mo. ago for my 580 series mini. They did not work. Could not get them to latch properly and they would not hold the bolt open. Took them back and decided to buy Ruger mags only for now.

I would love to find a cheaper mag that works, but it isn't worth the frustration of buying and taking back every time. I'll stick with what works for me for now or until you guys convince me to try another brand. I envy those that use and love Promags.
Click to expand...

I haven't tried the promags so I can't personally comment. But I know my factory mags work. I have some 30 and 40-rd steel aftermarket mags of an unknown make; 2 or 3 work okay most of the time. The key word being "most."

It would indeed be nice if reliable mini mags could be had for 10-15 bucks. I ain't holding my breath, though. :)
 
I was able to get a few of these before the price went up and before ruger started making the 30's again its too bad you can't get the 20's anymore, PMI mags are top of the line. http://www.franksgunstuff.com/wvss/product_info.php?cPath=27_105&products_id=139 As far as the OP goes I like my mini, it's an older one with the wood stock and was purchased for 400 dollars a year ago. Maybe I'm old fashioned but I just cant stand ar-15's they remind me of toys.
 
you mentioned that you wanted 7.62 or 5.56... as sgt. sabre said, how about an SKS or AK? even today, i think either will be cheaper than a Mini or AR. my Ruskie SKS, stock, with chinese steel ammo, is about 8MOA if i concentrate. 8MOA is terrible but still good enough for SD out to 100yds and critters out to 50... i'm sure i can get better accuracy with more practice (i've only put about 150 rounds through it).

downside is that all the cheap ammo is steel and/or Berdan primed and thus useless after firing.

TMM
 
I own an older Mini-14 in 223. It is a totally reliable, less "tactical" looking and less accurate than an AR 15. However, years ago I tested 8 or 9 different loads in my mini. Some were 5 inch groups at 100yd with iron sights, many were 3 inches. One load was awesome. I could shoot under 1.5 inches easily and I am not a great rifle shot. WWB 45 gr JHP was totally sweet in my gun. My rate of twist is probably slower than the newer mini-s. My gun hates heavy rounds. My point is, find out the rate of twist in the mini you buy and get ammo accordingly. Iron sights are easy to use on the mini. It is a good gun.
 
I have always been fond of my Ruger 223 Ranch Rifle fitted with a folding stock and 30-round magazine.
 

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I have had two ARs and two Mini-14s. Right now, I still have the second mini. With minimal work, I have gotten it (181 series stainless) to shoot MOA, and not just for the first three shots. Even the 20" Colt Match H-Bar I had wouldn't shoot that well. Whether you want to work on it or not, the Mini-14 is a fine defensive rifle. I have even seen a few go for around $400 recently, but you better be the first to call. Unfortunately, I wasn't.:( I would shy away from anything in 7.62 x 39 for home defense, unless you live in a very rural area.
 
I have had two ARs, and two Mini-14s. I still have the second mini. With very minimal work, I have gotten it (181 series stainless) to shoot MOA, and not just for the first three shots. The 20" Colt Match H-Bar I had wouldn't shoot that good. Whether you want to work on it or not, the Mini-14 is a fine defensive rifle, and is as reliable as any firearm can be. I have recently seen a few of them go for around $400 locally, but you better be the first one to call. Unfortunately, I wasn't.:( I am actually looking for one of the newer ones in stainless myself.

I would stay away from anything in 7.62 x 39 for home defense, unless you live in a very rural area. You may, however, want to consider the .30 Carbine. Good luck!

P.S. I have had excellent results with the Promag aftermarket magazines.
 
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I have had both and I would pick AR over mini.
I do not know about newer stuff but the AR was way more accurate
then the ruger's I had.
 
When you factor in the magazines (if you are like me), you won't come out ahead with the Mini.

I dunno. I have used Promags in a few AK's that I had. I'll never trust a Promag with my life.


-- John
 
Make mine an AR, please! I have owned two mini 14s and a mini 30. None of them would shoot minute of barn. One of the first things I do when going starting at a new department as chief is to look at the weapons. If they have minis, I sell/trade them for ARs!! IMHO, The M14 is a great rifle, the mini 14 is a joke.
 
The mini is a great rifle.. so many complaints from nonbelievers. I dont think anyone here would care to prove it couldnt hit a barn by standing infront of that barn. Its a dam good value for the money
 
As others have mentioned it depends on how many mags you want. Monday when I was at a gun store they had Ruger mags for $70 each. I have 120 AR mags so if I wanted that many Ruger mags it would cost me $8400 at that price just for magazines.
 
Yeah... if you wanted 120 mags for some reason. And you can get 20 rd mags for about 30 bucks and 30 round mags for about 50 bucks.
 
Minute of barn!! I can easily shoot minute point 5 and I am not a good rifle shot.
Do you insist on BDUs and Jump Boots for your officers as well as black rifles?

An AR is more accurate but I doubt your officers are good enough shots under stress situation to tell the difference. BTW, what was Murderer Platt armed with in the Miami FBI shootout? I think the FBI agents would disagree with your assessment that the mini-14 is a joke.
 
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