Author Topic: Why not a Mini-14?  (Read 7974 times)

Huby

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Why not a Mini-14?
« on: March 21, 2013, 10:18:26 AM »
A recent rekindled interest in firearms started me re-educationg myself about what's out there.  Pretty quickly you get almost overwhelmed with stuff about the AR-15 (or M16A1, to me), and end up wanting one.  I was also reminded about the M1 and decided I really wanted one of them, for the historical significance.  Well, what pops out when you think about an AR and M1 at the same time - a Mini-14.  So why (at about half the cost) not an Mini 14?  What would a head-to-head AR-15 vs. Mini-14 competition look like?  If it was up to Ruger, I'm sure they'd both come out winners, but what do you folks think?  (And you can get both in a .30 if you like.)

PegLeg45

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2013, 12:42:21 PM »
Well...... I've owned a Mini-14 for 25+ years..... and an AR-15 for about 6 months........ and I love them both for what they are and can do.

The Mini-14 has a few strong positives:
1- Reliability...... mine has never failed to feed or fire or eject any and all ammo that I have fed it.
2- Rugged and durable...... they don't break much.
3- Will shoot a wide variety of ammo without hang-ups

And a few minor negatives:
1- Fair accuracy.... the diminishes as the barrel rapidly heats up, causing shot stringing.
2- Mag changes require extra work to be proficient, but not unlike the AK, if yo learn it, it becomes the norm
3- Modification or customization is severely limited based on design.... (but they work well the way they are)
4- Accurizing cost a lot of money


The draw of the AR rifle is its modularity and the ability to customize and modify it to suit individual needs of each shooter. The AR is decidedly more accurate out of the box...... and with a few modifications, can be made even more accurate. You can change calibers by changing uppers or just the barrel (in some instances like the .300 Blackout).


"I expect perdition, I always have. I keep this building at my back, and several guns handy, in case perdition arrives in a form that's susceptible to bullets. I expect it will come in the disease form, though. I'm susceptible to diseases, and you can't shoot a damned disease." ~ Judge Roy Bean, Streets of Laredo

For the Patriots of this country, the Constitution is second only to the Bible for most. For those who love this country, but do not share my personal beliefs, it is their Bible. To them nothing comes before the Constitution of these United States of America. For this we are all labeled potential terrorists. ~ Dean Garrison

"When it comes to the enemy, just because they ain't pullin' a trigger, doesn't mean they ain't totin' ammo for those that are."~PegLeg

alfsauve

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2013, 07:35:20 AM »
What Peg said. 

Newer ones especially the Tactical and Target seem to be more accurate.  So I've heard.

I've sold all three that I owned and decided to go with the carbine sized bolt action. Like the MVP or Scout.

But everyone should own one for a while and get it out of your system.
Will work for ammo
USAF MAC 437th MAW 1968-1972

Michael Bane

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2013, 04:50:00 PM »
The only one I have now is one of the ANCIENT Series 180 that I actually shot in 3-Gun in the mid-1980s when the sport started. Not a tack driver, but hey, we shot within 300 yards and it was fine with one of the first small-tube Aimpoints. Minis are reliable as dirt...if it was the only black rifle I had, I'd be okay with it...

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PegLeg45

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2013, 04:59:43 PM »
The only one I have now is one of the ANCIENT Series 180 that I actually shot in 3-Gun in the mid-1980s when the sport started. Not a tack driver, but hey, we shot within 300 yards and it was fine with one of the first small-tube Aimpoints. Minis are reliable as dirt...if it was the only black rifle I had, I'd be okay with it...

Michael B


I bought mine in 1987. It had belonged to a good friend and when he told me he had traded it the day before at a local gun store I went right on up there and bought it. It has given great service ever since and still has the old Tasco 3x9x32 scope on it. It'll still hit a coyote at 200 yards or an armadillo at 100.....and that's good enough to get the job done.
"I expect perdition, I always have. I keep this building at my back, and several guns handy, in case perdition arrives in a form that's susceptible to bullets. I expect it will come in the disease form, though. I'm susceptible to diseases, and you can't shoot a damned disease." ~ Judge Roy Bean, Streets of Laredo

For the Patriots of this country, the Constitution is second only to the Bible for most. For those who love this country, but do not share my personal beliefs, it is their Bible. To them nothing comes before the Constitution of these United States of America. For this we are all labeled potential terrorists. ~ Dean Garrison

"When it comes to the enemy, just because they ain't pullin' a trigger, doesn't mean they ain't totin' ammo for those that are."~PegLeg

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #5 on: Today at 05:49:33 AM »

TAB

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2013, 01:35:40 AM »
One of 2 guns I have sold, the other was a glock.   I could not keep it on a pie plat at 100 off of sand bags.   me shooting it, othere people shooting, this brand of ammo, that brand of ammo, reloads, custom hand loads.  It didn't matter.  After the 3rd shot the barrel was warm and it was done.   damn shame, i always liked them, just not how they shot.
I always break all the clay pigeons,  some times its even with lead.

Strider

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2013, 11:05:37 PM »
the Ruger is a great gun! In fact it is the only other patrol rifle(than an AR) that many police agangies are authorized to carry. It is reliable as a brick and is a 2" grouper at 100 yds on average.
Semper Fi

MAUSERMAN

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2013, 12:50:05 AM »
Ruger mini series carbines are awesome. I one in 7.62,.223, and 6.8spc. Best alternative to an AK or AR. My 6.8 is a dear slayer.
Judokas 🥋make the world tremble IPPON

crusader rabbit

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2013, 01:20:08 PM »
Had a mini.  Traded it back to the gun store for an AR.  Couldn't keep the mini on paper at 50 yards.  HazCat gave it a try with the same results.  

My AR is a tack driver.

I like other Ruger guns, but their mini-14 is one I would not have in my gun safe.

Crusader Rabbit
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alfsauve

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Re: Why not a Mini-14?
« Reply #9 on: April 07, 2013, 12:36:05 PM »
Had a mini.  Traded it back to the gun store for an AR.  


See.  Everybody has to try them out.  For some they're great.  Not so much for others.  BUT everyone needs to one one at one time or another.

I will admit, if I every wanted to add 7.62x39 back to my arsenal collection, the it would probably be the mini-30.  

Will work for ammo
USAF MAC 437th MAW 1968-1972

 

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