Does my thinking sound logical?

[Ricky-Ray]

Ok so I've been wanting something in 223/5.56 for the longest time. Everyone say's just get an AR. I wouldn't mine owning an AR however I can't stand the fact that I have to use a Bullet Button.

I know, the answer would be to go featureless. Well I'm thinking If I'm gonna have to go featureless why not just get a Mini-14 instead.

I know with the AR I can add more options on there but I'm thinking at most I would add a bipod (maybe), a sling for classes, and a scope. As for what scope I don't know which one yet but something medium powered, maybe something like an Aimpoint or Acgo.

Does this sound like a viable option or should I really consider the AR platform?

If it matter's I don't plan on ever using this for hunting or anything like that. It will see range time, rifle/carbine classes and if it ever comes to it the zombie apocalypse, some sort of terrorist invasion or the SHTF event.

[kmca]

I'd go with the AR. My first one groups at 3/8" and it's just a plain ordinary gun. If you decide you want to play competition games or varmint shooting, just change the upper. The older mini's are not what you would consider accuate. They can be made that way, but you'll have way more money into it than an AR. I'm not sure about the newer mini's though.

[Kestryll]

A lot of people will tell you to go with the AR and how much better it is than the Mini-14 and there is something to the accuracy issue with the older ones.
However the new ones have a thicker barrel and there are several things you can do to help the accuracy.

I own a few ARs and a Mini-14 and frankly I like my mini-14 better than the ARs for just an all around GP carbine. I've never had a mechanical problem with my Mini-14 no matter if I neglect it or clean it scrupulously and out to 100 meters I can hit what I want to just fine.
I have had issues with one of my ARs due to insufficient lubrication however.

Now if you want to assign your rifle a specific task the AR is very customizable. I have a flat top 16" heavy barreled AR with bipod, scope and U-15 stock specifically built to be a mid-range paper-puncher, I could probably build a Mini-14 to do the same but it would involve a fair bit of gunsmithing and cost.

If you like the Mini-14 get it, who cares if someone thinks it's not 'tacticool enough'.

[7.62x54R]

AR is a better choice. Just build a Featureless

[Lone_Gunman]

My main issue with the mini-14 is I don't like how the mags rock in. I wish you could have a mini-14 with an AR mag well. That would be a great all around carbine.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

Go with an AR. The money you would spend for accuracy with the Mini would cost more than an AR.

[VictorFranko]

Ricky-Ray, like using turn signals when you drive, using a BB isn't as big a deal as folks make it out to be.
Get over it and deal with it until we can change the law.
There are many creative ways to work with the BB.
Go with the AR, you won't be sorry.

[bombadillo]

Now when I hear that a factory at is grouping at 3/8" I just want to call BS on it. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say you're an awesome shot and your gun is a factory freak. Are you shooting handloads I'm assuming. I would say if you want a different kind of rifle, a volquartsen evolution would fit the bill, a mini 14, a saiga even if you want cheap, or a handful of others. Good luck with your choice.

[rromeo]

How do the Saigas compare?

[chuckdc]

Now when I hear that a factory at is grouping at 3/8" I just want to call BS on it. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say you're an awesome shot and your gun is a factory freak. Are you shooting handloads I'm assuming. I would say if you want a different kind of rifle, a volquartsen evolution would fit the bill, a mini 14, a saiga even if you want cheap, or a handful of others. Good luck with your choice.

I have a "frankenstein" AR that has done 3/8" repeatedly, but yeah, it was with specially-tailored handloads from a sandbagged rest and had a large scope on it. Using Sierra Match bullets, prepped and weighed brass, weighing all charges, and all the rest of the tricks.
The best its done with factory ammo was 3/4" using Federal American Eagle 55gr. In general, it goes around 1-1.5 or so with generic ball ammo (except PMP South African stuff which misfired, had differing recoil round to round, etc)

[McCrown]

You can't go wrong either way, but if you plan on mounting a scope the AR is much easier to do that with. Yes the AR is more accurate and can do anything a mini can do, but the mini is fun and a decent rifle in itself.

[cannon]

To the OP,

I am no real fan of the AR. I know they are fantastic, accurate rifles you can customize to do almost anything. I just can't stand that spring noise in my ear.

I've had more than a few Mini 14's and every one has been dead bang reliable and they are fun to shoot. Are they Bullseye rifles? No, but they will make fist sized holes around the Bullseye all day long at 200 yards.

[trautert]

A lot is going to depend on what your taste in rifles is. Plastic and aluminum okay with you? Then the accuracy of the AR is gravy. Prefer blued steel and wood? Maybe you'll be happy with the scaled down hybrid of the Mini-14.

The question really is which one feels better in your hands.

Tom

[Neuvik]

Plently of decent opinions.

One more reason to get an AR is for the political statement it represents. It was an evil assault weapon and banned for a while because it was black...and had +1 to assaulting. But thanks to legal endeavours and some careful interpretation of the law we can now all enjoy them.

Just remember to never let it out of your sight...you never know when it might go on a rampage.

[bombadillo]

So many cool options out there. The AR is always a great platform but if you're really TRYING to stay away from that route for one reason or another thats fine. What is your budget on this project?? For a .223 auto-loading rifle, I'd look into a few of these:









Some eye candy to get you thinking. Look up volquartsen evolution and a pleasant gal pops up that isn't spoken of anymore