The mini-14 for me?

[BigBoyPinoy]

Mini for me.

[socalshooting]

You should add M1 carbine into your choices...it's a pretty similar platform to a mini-14. Regardless though, there's a lot of advantages to a mini-14 over an AR type. It doesn't look like an evil assault weapon, especially with the wood stock. It can pass as that old hunting rifle. I've seen them go for $500-600s in the private firearms sales section, which is considerably cheaper than an AR. It's a very underrated gun but not a lot of people know that it's been used in some of the deadliest shootouts in America including the miami FBI shootout.

[Gem1950]

Minis ~ Good, Bad, Etc.

If you want more information (and opinions) about the Mini-14 this is a good source ~ http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/

[plankowner]

I have a M1A Scout an AR and Mini 14 (older one ) like everybody says it's no M1a , and the AR would have a whole lot more choices to customize it to your taste, BUT I would not have a problem picking up my Mini and using it for what it is intended for, this thing just runs it kind of like my Glock eats anything and keeps on running, bottom line it should serve you well and later on maybe you can build an AR or buy yourself a Socom or scout either way you will enjoy yourself with whatever you choose.

[Big Jake]

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?

If you want a mini-14 don't buy the mass produced junk that you can get at Big 5. I had a custom one made and it is awsome! Check out this company that built it for me. www.accuracysystemsinc.com

You will not regret spending the money as the gun is amazing!

[SOCMOB]

Mini for me.

Don't laugh I mean this in a good way; that looks like a kid's gun, like a pellet gun or something. BTW since I'm not big I really like the Gamo Delta, a kid size pellet gun, little brother to the Big Cat I think it's called, just nailed a big ol (but kinda dumb) crow with it about 15 min. ago.

Synthetic/stainless or synthetic/blued like yours may be a good way to go. There's about a $70 difference at Big-5.

The only thing is, wow, guns of all types are so expensive compared to even the mid-90s.

[tomd1584]

I like the Mini 14 for what it is.

NRA edition + ultimak rail + Aimpoint micro = fun rifle.

I just wish the stock was about 2" shorter though.

[deebix]

Get the mini, i just went through the debacle of ar-15 vs mini-14 and I wanted something simple and to the point and was not worried about mods other than maybe a scout rail and accu-strut, thus traded my old mini for a new. cheers

[SOCMOB]

I like the Mini 14 ...
I just wish the stock was about 2" shorter though.

You can shorten a stock, get out the saw and file and go to town. Good fit is more important than beauty, although if you're careful you won't uglify things that much.

I will shorten my future Mini too, by a similar amount. I'm really big on gun fit.

[SOCMOB]

I'm "decided" enough that today, among other things, I bought two 10-round mags for the Mini I don't even own yet, and am going to sell off a bunch of ammo tomorrow to pay for the Mini (and more mags lol).

[nick]

You should add M1 carbine into your choices...it's a pretty similar platform to a mini-14. Regardless though, there's a lot of advantages to a mini-14 over an AR type. It doesn't look like an evil assault weapon, especially with the wood stock. It can pass as that old hunting rifle. I've seen them go for $500-600s in the private firearms sales section, which is considerably cheaper than an AR. It's a very underrated gun but not a lot of people know that it's been used in some of the deadliest shootouts in America including the miami FBI shootout.

OT, but where did you find the image in your avatar? If I ever considered a bumper sticker, that would be it. In fact, I might still consider it

[nick]

To the OP, how about a Mini-30? 7.62x39 is just as plentiful as 5.56, has more penetration to it, and it's cheaper than 5.56.

[bsg]

i have a mini 14 stainless; about one year old now....

-Brady-

[SOCMOB]

I could do some research on the mini-30 .... still very biased towards the 14 though because there are a million of 'em out there, you can carry about 2x the ammo compared to .308 or 7.62x39, and so on.

[SOCMOB]

OK I just an ammo inventory and it appears I don't have ANY .223, and of course I don't have a mini-14 yet, so this is the weekend I try to sell off a bunch of ammo I have nothing to shoot in, and hopefully end up with enough money to fund a mini-14 and ammo for it.