The mini-14 for me?

[SOCMOB]

OK while I love the M1A and could plink with it all day, it's just a large, heavy gun.

Now, the reality is, I'm 5'5" on a tall day, my top weight's been 150 or so and that's putting on a lot of muscle, I'm not a large guy.

There are things being my size are great for: test pilot, motorcycle racer, scout, bicycle racing hillclimber (although my real strength was sprinting) etc. But it's a bummer because being small/short sux for stuff I'd like to do, like get an old Kawasaki KZ1000P yep the cop bike used in CHiPS, great practical machine, and ride that all over, reach **** on the very top shelf at the market, play basketball, etc.

Now, I know gun fit is VERY important. I'm developing a real curiosity about the Mini-14, here's a gun that will fit me right out of the box (OK stock may be a bit long, I can fix that) a mini-Garand/M14 that shoots a decent 200-300 yard round, and doesn't have a bunch of stuff sticking out like the AR15 family.

The latest mini-14's seem to have better accuracy and better sights, plus built-in "divots" for installing Ruger rings. I'd likely put a VERY basic scope on mine if I put one on at all. More likely I'd optimize the iron sights if possible and leave it at that.

Anyone have their 2c to put in about the latest Mini-14s?

[1lostinspace]

OK while I love the M1A and could plink with it all day, it's just a large, heavy gun.

Now, the reality is, I'm 5'5" on a tall day, my top weight's been 150 or so and that's putting on a lot of muscle, I'm not a large guy.

There are things being my size are great for: test pilot, motorcycle racer, scout, bicycle racing hillclimber (although my real strength was sprinting) etc. But it's a bummer because being small/short sux for stuff I'd like to do, like get an old Kawasaki KZ1000P yep the cop bike used in CHiPS, great practical machine, and ride that all over, reach **** on the very top shelf at the market, play basketball, etc.

Now, I know gun fit is VERY important. I'm developing a real curiosity about the Mini-14, here's a gun that will fit me right out of the box (OK stock may be a bit long, I can fix that) a mini-Garand/M14 that shoots a decent 200-300 yard round, and doesn't have a bunch of stuff sticking out like the AR15 family.

The latest mini-14's seem to have better accuracy and better sights, plus built-in "divots" for installing Ruger rings. I'd likely put a VERY basic scope on mine if I put one on at all. More likely I'd optimize the iron sights if possible and leave it at that.

Anyone have their 2c to put in about the latest Mini-14s?

the Mini does not shoot like a M1A.
Minis are cool but if you are looking for accuracy you might want to think about an AR. Minis are fun to shoot, if you are looking at the new one then yes it is far more accurate then the original but will cost as much as an ok AR.

[SOCMOB]

Oh yeah sigh .... I read all about the Mini-14 vs AR thing last night on that other site. Pages and pages of it. Apparently, the mini will shoot 2-3 MOA, you know, that's actually good enough for me for its intended purpose. I'd probably do a couple of things to it that better that but don't want to get away from the handy little rifle concept.

Besides, I may have the use of an AR or two anyway lol. I'm thinking of what do I myself want to have, while out scouting around etc, what do I grab in the middle of the night, etc. In fact the pages and pages of stuff on the mini vs AR accuracy etc debate are good to read, over on that other site.

[WReyth]

I haven't shopped for mine in a while, but good magazines were harder to find. A lot of the after market stuff was pretty bad (would not seat properly, spit out or fail to feed, floor plate come loose,etc).

[Creampuff]

Your size would actually favor you more in the direction of a AR platform. I am somewhat taller and somewhat larger than you, and I would say it is easier to customize the AR to the smaller frame shooter than the mini-14. There are more parts, telescoping stocks, etc for the AR (as long you use the bullet button type of configuration). Or you can use an entry stock if you chose to go featureless.

I have both, and they are in my safe for two different reasons. The mini is a simple reliable plinker, and fun to shoot - but it loses points on accuracy and availability of parts, and affordable good magazines (Ruger only recently released their factory 10 round mags, it wasn't an option when I first purchased my mini).

The AR's are of course more accurate, and the adult's version of Legos.

[Sheepdog1968]

I've done accuracy tests w the newer ones. With a wide variety of ammo (not target) it will shoot 3 MOA. I've tested this at both 50 and 100 yards. For social plinking or home defense that is more than accurate enough. Recoil is very minimal. I've found them to be very reliable. I would not hesisitate to reccomend one. In CA, the AR platforms need to have enough mods where IMO I cannot reccomend one for self defense.

[SOCMOB]

I'd definitely get Ruger mags.

I'm still leaning towards this rifle.

[hnoppenberger]

ar-15. mini 14 is nothing like your m1a.

[glockman19]

I like the mini-14. I have a newer one and find the heavier barrel is much more accurate than older ones and has accuracy that rival's my AR's.

It is however NOT a M1a.

The Mini is a great ranch rifle that has many options and accessories available. It also shoots the smaller less expensive .223/5.56 round, has good iron sights.

If you like them, shoot them well and can find one for a fair price then I'd say get it and enjoy.

[Kali-Jax]

Have u thought about a Saiga for your plinking needs?

[1lostinspace]

Oh yeah sigh .... I read all about the Mini-14 vs AR thing last night on that other site. Pages and pages of it. Apparently, the mini will shoot 2-3 MOA, you know, that's actually good enough for me for its intended purpose. I'd probably do a couple of things to it that better that but don't want to get away from the handy little rifle concept.

Besides, I may have the use of an AR or two anyway lol. I'm thinking of what do I myself want to have, while out scouting around etc, what do I grab in the middle of the night, etc. In fact the pages and pages of stuff on the mini vs AR accuracy etc debate are good to read, over on that other site.

There is no debate when it comes to accuracy between an AR and a MINI
If your happy with a 3 MOA rifle then a SIAGA is a far better choice.
Mini's are good guns but when you can have a Saiga for about $325 then go with a Siaga, an AK will be far more reliable then any Mini AR or what ever else you want to add to the contest.

[SOCMOB]

OK the mini-14's for me!

[Quiet]

Get a M1A Squad Scout or a M1A Socom, if you want a shorter M14 type rifle.


IMO...
In regards to reliability, accuracy, etc...
Saiga-223 > Kel-Tec SU-16CA > Ruger Mini-14

[Millions-Knives]

OK the mini-14's for me!

This forum is highly biased toward the AR-15 in the endless AR-15 vs Mini-14 debate.

The OP can make his own decision on what gun he wants.
Unlike some folks who can't decide what mods are necessary to make their tactical shotgun or glock acceptable.

The Mini-14 is a great gun. I actually own one.
The AR-15 is great too. I actually own one, too.

Different guns, different purposes, different platforms. Personally, I'd rather have a mini-14 instead of a neutered featureless AR (Looks ridiculous)

We live in California, and if you're fortunate enough to own a registered AW that's awesome.

I'd rather send 100 rounds downrange with a mini-14 in the time it takes a Bullet Button AR 50.

It's a ranch rifle.
Throw it in the back of your truck.
Throw it at a pile of loose gravel.

It keeps ticking.

Good choice.

[Seesm]

Just get a new 580 model with the thick barrel... My buddy has one that is a 580 but has the same crappy barrel I have on my oldie (but a goodie) Enjoy it... It is no M1a but resembles one...