MINI-14 OR AR-15???

Neither!!!!!!!!
Get yourself a good Bolt action rifle!
Mini-14 way over priced$$$$

The worst shooting AR still shoots better then any Mini-14!!!
 
Well the math is pretty easy as I see it. 14 to 2 regarding negative vs. positive experiences with the mini. I'm happy for the two lucky fellas that are satisfied with their minis. Congrats!

As has been mentioned this subject has been beat to death a hundred times with many, many more responses than this thread has had. It always ends up with the same info provided each time. About 95% + dissatisfied with the minis performance. Nothing against Willy and Tex but nothing you guys can say is going to change history unless you are planning on buying Ruger and redesigning the mini. LOL! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

As far as reliability goes, I can use pretty much any brand mag in my ARs and they just keep chugging. Reliability has never been an issue for me with ARs. And I am notorious for letting my ARs get good and dirty. I really like the mini. Just wish it would shoot. The ones I've had just didn't. You two fellas are very fortunate to have good minis it sounds. I recommend keeping them. And if you ever want to sell one of those 1 1/2" shooting minis, look me up. I still have folding stocks, mags and other accessories from the 5 minis that have passed through my hands over the years. One that shot like that I'd probably keep though. Wouldn't use it for hunting, but I would keep it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Take care, Curt
 
Unless you are planning on buyin out Ruger and redesigning the Mini

What do you think Willy? Sounds good to me. They could come standard with a Fluted Bull barrel and a heavy duty gas block.

Now I need to figure out which bank to knock over to get that money..........

Goody Huntin All
 
You know Boom, it sounds to me from your post like you already bought the Mini. So, you know what, don't listen to any of this "AR is King" garbage. You bought the rifle, now shoot it. Decide if you like the way it feels, handles, and FUNCTIONS. If so, tinker with it and get it to shoot to your tastes.

The mini wasn't designed to be an MOA shooter. If Ruger were to do that, it would probably jam about as much as the AR.

To me, if you want a dependable rifle to shoot less than MOA, get a bolt gun. If you want a dependable rifle, and 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups are fine for your purpose, get a mini. If you want a semi auto that will shoot nice groups, feels like a child's toy, and don't mind the jams, or carrying something that looks like you just robbed an infintry private, get the AR. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Know what I think ,I think these guys are full of SH!!&.I offered to buy that poor guys Junk Mini ,just as I thought,never heard back.Talk is cheap.They are very thick headed I think Im on my 5th Mini and got em all to shoot. To bad but maybe I can own some cheap junkers down the road
 
Well guys, I had no idea what I was starting here. I havent been keeping up with the forum the last couple of days. This is what has happened so far. Well I took the mini out to the range, and fired the first shot at fifty yards into a 5" paper plate. The first shot was right on the money, the second shot was about 2" low, and the third was even lower and to the left. The last two shots fired didnt even hit the plate. I made adjustments, and all together put about three whole clips through her. NO IMPROVMENT! I had enough, and went and got the AR-15. Well guys both of these rifles were used but in great condition.Or so I thought. Well I took the AR to my local gun shop guy, and he proceeded to tell me that this gun had a M-16 bolt in it, and that it was ilegall to have in there. I dont know if this guy is full of sh**, or if I should buy a new bolt for it. I cant figure out whether hes trying to make a buck off me, or if hes telling the truth. He offered to get me a new bolt for it, and I could use this bolt for half off the price of a new one. I was pretty skeptical about all this, and told him id think about it. I took it to the range today. Well did not have a good time to say the least. I was getting some good groups at first, then all hell broke loose. About every third shot jammed. It was trying to push two rounds in at once. Dont know if this is because of the bolt thing, or maybe the magazine. I dont have anyone around here that I can trust to look at it, and give it to me straight. Tell me what I need to do truthfully. All in all, im looking for a good shooting semi-auto. That does what its supossed to do when needed, and so far no good. Im on the edge of going back to the bolt action rifles. You would think that if a guy spends that much money on something, that it should function. I know I know, that what I get for bying used right. To tell you the truth guys, im not sure that im to impressed with either gun. Sorry so windy. Take care, BOOMADDICT
 
Hey Boom, I have owned a mini and a month ago I bought my first ar. I learned the hard way about the mini's. I had no one to tell me that they wouldnt get the accuracy I wanted out of it. They can shoot minute-of-coyote though.I dont know why ruger dosent make them better. I wanted a ruger #1 for a long time till I found out that I can get a Savage that will out shoot the #1 hands down and save about $300. I still like the way the #1 looks though. Anyways the whole reason I posted was to tell you that you might want to change your profile settings. Instead of saying that your from the USA just put your state, that way if I or anyone else knows anyone that could help you out in the area we could tell you. I am not trying to be rude just trying to help you out. I know the guys on this board have provided me with a wealth of info. Take care and good luck on the new ar.
Steve
 
Boom,

I think it's a shame you got rid of the mini before tinkering with it. But, I will say this, if tinkering or playing with ammo selection isn't your thing, the mini isn't your gun.

Looks like you found out the hard way about both rifle's shortcommings. You simply can't expect either of these rifles to be both as accurate and as reliable as a good bolt action rifle.

Hope you figure out that AR's problems. It is just my experience and opinion that it is easier to get the mini to shoot reasonably for hunting purposes, than it is to get the AR to function every time, hence my preference for the mini.

Good luck.
 
Hi Boom,

I didn't realize you were dealing with used rifles. A lot of the time used rifles end up in a gun store rack for sale is they are problem guns. Sounds like both the rifles you got a hold of are problem rifles. Definitely sounds like that AR has seen better days. All my comments are regarding rifles in serviceable condition. Mis-matched bolts are not a good sign.

It is rare for either the mini or AR to have reliability issues in my experience. As I said, my only problem with the mini is accuracy. If you take a new AR and new mini to the range to shoot groups both are more than likely going to function perfectly but the AR is going to shoot better groups out of the box. Just a dang fact. And after you get a few hundred round through the AR it will shoot even better.

Sure there is the occasional freak mini that might be a decent shooter. Wish I had one. So far no luck. Hardly anyone I've ever spoke to has had that luck either. There are a few I'm sure. In contrast if you get a good AR, it will likely shoot circles around a stock mini and it won't jam like some of these fellas would like you to believe. That's hogwash. Like Bronco said, that's old news from the 60s related to ammo. I'm not saying there isn't ARs or minis that jam either. There are. It can happen with any semi auto. Heck I've had it happen with a bolt rifle even.

Anyway, good luck with whichever you choose Boom. Let us know how it goes.

Take care, Curt
 
Hmmm....you just learned a very important lesson. Never go in on a sale where you don't know what you're buying. I tell ya the safe route, if you're still interested in semi autos, a BAR is hard to beat. Or you could take the VERY safe route and stick with bolt guns.

Although not being able to print a magazine into a 5" plate at 50 yards does have me skeptical. I am pretty sure about one thing, if you were doing everything right at the range, then that Mini-14 wasn't in near the condition you thought. I sure wish you had it around, you could fill us in on the serial #.

I believe it may be an older gun with possibly worn parts and a worn bbl. Most Mini's outta the box will hold at least 2" at 50 yards. 5" is over what I was originially getting at 100 yards, before any mods.

I think ya kinda rushed into this thing a bit too quickly. Next time sit down and breath, then ask some questions to folks who know something on the subject, like here. Then you won't have to lay awake at night second guessing your decision.

BTW, going calling this weekend with the Mini. This will be my first time hand calling as I'm tring to move away from E-calls. Hopefully another coyote will bite the dust.

Good Hunting All,

Jake

P.S. Still wondering which bank to knock over......... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I think a lot of it depends on your hunting situation. Here in SE MN it's hard to find a spot to call and be able to see a coyote coming from over over 200 yards. Most of the times it's a charging or trotting dog at 50yds. Then if you do have to take mutiple shots, they'll usually be out of sight way before they're out of range. For that my mini works great. With a bolt you'd be lucky to get a second shot. Would I rely on it for a 300 yard shot? NO! That's what a .220 bolt action is for. The mini-14 has a place. If I had to have just one gun, I'd have to pass on it. But, used in the right situation, and for the price, it's a good gun and has put down it's share of fur.

drizz
 
Some of willy's remarks in this thread:

"most of these weekend windbags"

"That fellow that says hes no weekend guy,is one narrow minded$%%"

" think these guys are full of SH!!&."

"They are very thick headed"

"Ill put my rebarreled Mini agaist your AR any time"

Willy,

If we don't agree with you we're narrow minded thick headed windbags???

If your previous mini-14's shot so well why are you on your 5th one.

And why is it that you left out that fact that your mini has been re-barreled until now?
 
My AR jammed once.....

I was holding it offhand and had my hand curled back toward the reciever. The finger from my glove got caught in the bolt as it tried to close, and wouldn't let it close all the way /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Good, Wlscott, back on the topic.

Willy Lewiston, your remarks are out of line.

Everyone take a moment to review what you agreed to:

"3. You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use this BB to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law."

Pay particular attention to the words "abusive", "vulgar", "hateful", "profane", etc. Thinly disguised vulgar language is also not acceptable.

NOW, back to discussing RIFLES.
 
Ok, You all have valid points of veiw. Thank you for your replies, and I have learned a valueable lesson this week. I tend to buy guns with the ooo and ahhh effect, before thinking things through. Willy, your opinion has been duely noted, so thank you, and relax. Lets move forward, and concider this thread finished. Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts. Now lets get back to killin them critters. LOL. Take care everyone, and keepem shooten straight. BOOMADDICT
 
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