Posted on 07/27/2016 1:12:46 PM PDT by w1n1
Depending on what the AR's or Mini's are used for, we can all agree that the AR's is better for most situations. (SHTF, home defense, hunting, etc..) But, if we talk talk about the costs to have either a low end or tricked out piece of hardware, I guess the discussions can go on almost forever with the die hard AR’s and Mini-14 folks. Or, better yet which one is most accurate?
Here's what some are saying from Reddit and AR15Forum:
Poison_Tequila: the truth is a little different. An AR can be picky or reliable, a mini is probably more accurate than 95% of shooters. Comparing an AR to a mini is a little like comparing an iPhone to some Android device.
LCDJosh: The newer Minis are also not as finicky about mags as the older models. I like Ruger factory mags the most, but I’ve never had a faliure to feed from the cheap plastic eagle mags(not the greatest feed lips though), the polymer thermolds(though I do not recommend thermolds because I couldn’t insert the mag with the bolt closed), or even the pro mags.
DaSilence: I inherited the Mini-14, and rarely shoot it. The AR is the barbie doll of guns. You can do literally anything you want to it. They’re both fine rifles, and either would be a good choice.
Fozzy: If I were you, I'd tell him to get the AK, or be a good friend and spend some time talking him in to an AR. Read the rest of the sentiment here, What's your choice?
I have a mini-14 and I love shooting it, until it gets hot. It is very accurate, until it warms up. My Bushmaster xm 14 e2s never has a problem with heat. But what do I know (US Army expert, NRA sharpshooter - 1 bar.
I know. $99. Should have bought a crate of them.
came with the field kit, strap, and some other stuff.
so thick with cosmoline or whatever I could have buried in the yard and it would still be good today. 1996 I think.
Ruger products are rock solid in my experience. My EDC revolver is an SP101.
L
I went through the “mini-14 phase”.
To be fair, older versions, and horribly inaccurate.
Overall, don’t waste your time with them, unless there is an AWB, because the AR is superior in almost every way.
Horrible mags (at the time)
I’ve got 2 older Ranch models in stainless. As long as you know their limitations they’re quite useful. Ours are SHTF rifles, inside 150 yards or so.
Fun to shoot, fer sher.
L
The Tapco Gen2 polymer mags aren't bad at all. Those are the ones with the steel reinforcing tab on the front, to prevent the plastic from wearing on the rifle's mag locating pin. Fit seems to vary based on series, though, but they're inexpensive enough to buy and try.
The Ram-Line AR-Mini combo mags were pretty good for range use, I used to have a bunch of those which worked perfectly in both rifles. Others hate on 'em, but I liked the little translucent devils.
better than paying Ruger's price, the thing that sucks is you can't even mod the reviver to take AR mags
If I were to give advice, and nobody asked so you get what you pay for, I would suggest to get one of the few Saiga IZ-240’s that are left out there ( in 5.45x39) with the chrome lined, hammer forged barrel, convert it with a Tapco trigger, Hogue rubber pistol grip, folding stock, several Circle 21 30 round magazines and a couple tins of 7n6 ammo...
You will pay less overall, have a gun that is indestructible, accurate, no recoil, and lasts forever.
Lost em in a hurricane? That blows.
There are two big problems that will preclude me from ever buying a Mini-14.
One, they only use Ruger magazines, which are getting more and more expensive. You’d think Ruger would recognize the benefit of allowing them to use the same magazine as the AR.
Two, there are no repair kits for them. If something goes wrong, you gotta send it in for repair or take it to a gunsmith.
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