Mini-14 versus SU-16CA...battle of the non-OLL 5.56 carbines

[TonyNorCal]

Ok, so let's say you had to choose either a mini-14 or an SU-16CA (might as well go with the best SU-16 as the mini can be upgraded). So, no M-96, no OLL, no VEPR in .223, etc. Just these two...head to head.

Here's the way I see it...

Mini-14

Pros - feels more like a rifle (metal, etc - to me anyway), likely able to take more of a beating, reliable if you have the right mags, lots can be done to improve/upgrade it (from do it yourself mods on Perfect Union to full blown expensive Accuracy Systems make-overs).

Cons - accuracy generally leaves a bit to be desired (barrel is to thin, etc.), point of aim shifts as it heats, having the 'right mags' is a drawback unless you already have some from before the ban, some parts need to be 'factory fitted' (firing pin).

SU-16CA

Pros - more accurate out of the box than the mini, takes AR mags

Cons - hasn't been around long enough for a proven track record, I question it's durability over time and for any hard SHTF use.

~~~

My conclusions? For the least money the SU-16CA will likely give you the greatest accuracy. However, if you're willing to invest some time and money into the Mini you can get an equally or more accurate carbine. Check the posts over at http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=86 and see what those guys do.

~If you want to plink right out of the box and have an accurate carbine with no additional work needed then the SU-16CA win.

~If you want a bullet hose with accuracy that might leave you wanting then get the mini.

~If you want to buy a Mini, are fairly handy and resourceful, and want to work/tinker with your gun and probably spend some money, but nothing too extreme. then you may end up with something that rivals (perhaps better?) the SU-16CA (and may not). Some of those guys on Perfect Union really do a number on their carbines.

~If you send your mini to accuracy systems you'll have a better carbine than the SU-16CA (and also be out some serious $$$).

~If you want something for SHTF duty well, I'd say mini. But of course of the firing pin breaks Ruger ain't open to help.

[GTKrockeTT]

where's option #3 - Both

[C.G.]

You did it now! Time to dust off the old Seabiscuit.

[Q]

i like the mini14. it always worked for the A-team.

[grammaton76]

SU-16CA. In an SHTF situation, it folds nicely. And, it's accurate enough to acquire a real M4 with, should the situation arise. I have no doubt there'd be more than enough hosers out there with stolen real M4's that need put down.

[Mudvayne540ld]

+1 for the Mini. I love the Garand action and saftey. Magazines are hard, but I have 2 5's and 2 20's that are factory made and have yet to fail! The barrel only gets whippy on me when im shooting on a real hot day (100Fº+) Then again, im not the guy on the range yanking the trigger as fast as I can ;-)

[ocabj]

Honestly, I'd probably go with the SU-16 since I can use my 20 and 30 rounders in it.

Unless it's severely less accurate than a Mini-14...

[rssslvr]

At first I didn't like the su-16(Only had seen the a and b models)and bought the mini-14 instead.After handling another members su-16ca I found that I really liked it and would take it over the mini any day.The mini is my least favorite of all my rifles.

[VeryCoolCat]

I know the Mini-14 isn't the most accurate weapon, but the SU16 feels way too much like a toy.

Considering all aspects of weight, durability, and considering I would be using it in combat and shtf situation. I'd rather get a mini14.

[grammaton76]

Unless it's severely less accurate than a Mini-14...

Actually, the converse is true. The SU-16 is much more accurate, out of the box, than a Mini. To get a really accurate Mini, you have to put more money into it than you would put into a brand new AR.

[maschronic]

i would take the SU. i have SU-16B model. yeah, its not the CA model, but it shots really good....except for wolf ammo. i've played with both at the same time. everyone is right. the mini feels like a realy rifle while the SU feels like a toy gun.

if i had to pick between the two, i would go with SU all the way!!!!!

[Clodbuster]

Sounds to me like this should be settled at the range.

Clod

[Mudvayne540ld]

with Wolf ammo.

[Teletiger7]

my experience with the CA

First off I have never shot a mini and only have experience with the SU so I will share my experience with it. I would say that the SU-16 is fairly accurate out the box. Not as accurate as an AR, but chest size targets out to 100-150yds are Very Easy to hit with iron sights. After alot of research and personal tinkering I found out that if you want to get it to be reliable there are a few very cheap mods that need to be done. 1) change Case Deflecting Handle(standard on the CA,C and D models) with the original round one(eliminates alot of stovepipes) 2) change the stock Kel-tec extractor with a Bushmaster AR extractor(eliminates FTEs) 3)Change the flimsy bipod/foreend with the compact forened kit(much more sturdy and allows attachment of accesories to rail) After I made these changes i ran a bunch of M193 through the SU and have not had one failure. Also, the SU has a built in rail which allows you to easily attach optics. I have a cheap M2 clone on it, which seems to hold zero pretty good(Im actually suprised how durable it is for a cheap overseas knock-off)

[HUTCH 7.62]

SU 16 is more reliable, the mini Jams so much and good mags are hard to find. The effective range of a mini is something like 50 yards. The Kel-Tec is lifetime warrantied. The mini is expensive the Kel- Tec is not, I paid 550 OTD for my SU16CA. After owning both I would have never bought my Mini If I had owned the Kel-Tec first.