I am a little concerned about your discussion of the Mini 14, though. A poorer rifle is hard to find.
I am intensely loyal to the Ruger brand. I know there are lots of naysayers about the 14 but it is SUCH a popular and SUCH a tested rifle with SO many adherents that it is really hard to believe people who say the rifle is “crap.”
It’s like people who say the 911 is actually a shitty sports car. Ever driven one? No, didn’t think so. Mossbergs “unreliable.” Ever had one fail on you? No. Redheads the “ultimate wives.” Ever been married to one? Miss your house and your kid? You see what I am getting at.
A buddy of mine introduced me to the rifle. He was an Olympic-team biathlete who (in those days) drove around in an ATC and killed prairie dogs as a well-paid summer job. (The best summer job ever, I thought, and still do!)
This was a guy who had rifles custom built for him by Anschutz, but worked with his Minis with the big scopes.
He just loved that little rifle, and after a few shots I loved it too.
Maybe it just FEELS better, more solid, than a bunch of stamped metal? Maybe it seems far more accurate than a carbine should be?
Maybe the wood makes the difference in vibration dampening? Maybe it’s just plain classy? Maybe it’s because the stock sights aren’t for retards? Maybe it gives me Garand tingles?
In any case, I just love it.
Remember that a lot of people who post crap about semi-autos especially never found the proper ammunition for the weapon. Every time you buy a gun ask your gun shop guy to recommend a specific sighting-in session, and a specific set of ammunition grades, and ideally, a specific guy who he feels might be of great assistance to you in getting to know the weapon. Offer a little cash or surely a bottle of scotch or something in trade. Good gun shop guys are always thrilled to help people who want to learn, absorb, and share knowledge.
No I never married or divorced one of those passionate red-heads, but I have friends...
So, what was the results of your inquiry? Have you made a choice?