Mini 14 or T97 for Coyotes?

P

Phospek

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
SW Ontario
Hey there,

Just looking for some advice on a semi-auto 223/5.56 coyote gun, and have mostly narrowed it down to a Mini 14 or a T97.
I don't tack driving accuracy, just reasonable accuracy with reasonable ammo. My current yote gun is a 30-06, and it is just absolutely overkill.

I narrowed it down to these choices because they seem to be the best price point while remaining fairly sturdy/reliable.
Based on my forum searches, the Mini 14 has better optic mounting options but seems to have varying degrees of Barn Door to 1 MoA accuracy claims.
On the T97 side, Optic is harder but do-able with a flat top upper, with less weight and perhaps better accuracy? In average opinion it seems to be rated better anyways.

Anyone have experience with these and can offer me some advice?
Thanks in advance!
 
For coyotes I'd go with the mini 14, the Ruger is going to have better accuracy which you'll want when hunting! Even with quality factory ammo, my buddy's easily prints 1 MOA. I can't claim for the T97, but from all the reviews it is a 1.5 - 3 MOA rifle
 
While it's no 1 moa rifle, I love my mini 14 :)

It's one of the newer ones (synthetic/stainless ranch) and with 55 grain fmj it's at best 2 moa, I've ran some of my bolt gun handloads (69 gr matchkings) thru it as well out of curiosity and it didn't improve much.

I personally find the T97 to be hideous cosmetically, but it does have its own following so I assume it has merits.

I'd go with the mini 14 if I were you, it's got that classic look, its durable, and its easy to mount an optic, I run a leupold 1-4x20 and found I can remove the bolt for cleaning without touching or removing the scope.
 
Regarding the T97, the flat top model looks much better than the carry handle model, that front site is downright fugly.

Now I'm interested in a flat top T97, but I still won't be parting with my mini 14.
 
norlandgeese said:
Get a 223 bolt gun if that's your primary purpose, and I'm a black gun guy.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I have a mini and I'm happy with it, but nothing beats predictable shot placement of the bolt gun. But to be more constructive to your question I'd go stainless steel 5.56 mini ranch. Modern production taper barrel. Yes you are limited to The 5 round mags, But they work fantastic. Or if you want to drop a bit more $$ grab the .223 target model For added accuracy. Also from what I've gathered is there isn't much support for the t97. Hopefully some one more knowledgeable can confirm this...
 
I own a T97 and love it but the one deal breaker for me is that its impossible to rest on a support like you would a regular rifle. May be an issue for long shots.

It has like no recoil that would make follow up shots awesome and its light.

It is very well priced on the other hand.
 
norlandgeese said:
Get a 223 bolt gun if that's your primary purpose, and I'm a black gun guy.
Click to expand...

I gotta agree with this. A decent $500 bolt gun in 223/556 will be far superior in accuracy compared to the T97 or Mini14.
If you're worried about some fantasy wolf pack attacking you (yeah, i'm sure this has happened.. most run away though) then carry a shotgun with buckshot.
 
SoylentD said:
I gotta agree with this. A decent $500 bolt gun in 223/556 will be far superior in accuracy compared to the T97 or Mini14.
If you're worried about some fantasy wolf pack attacking you (yeah, i'm sure this has happened.. most run away though) then carry a shotgun with buckshot.
Click to expand...

Yes, I love black guns. But yotes are slim and nimble, if I am pulling the trigger to deliberately take a life, I want it as clean and as confident as possible.
If I want to scare critters off in emergencies and am ok with the risk of wounding them, a Mini-14 or T-97 would be great.
 
Thanks for the great advice everyone!

For the Semi vs Bolt, I was mostly just concerned with not getting a clean first shot, and having a little more confidence in a second follow-up before it scurries off.
My worry is always that either A) It will scurry somewhere into a corner, and I don't want to corner a wounded animal, B) It will get somewhere I cant follow, and it will suffer more than it should.

Sure it doesn't take a long time to cycle a bolt, and it is mostly down to me to make a clean first hit, but in the event that I am off my game - Just the ability to give it a second hit was why I was thinking of a semi-auto.

In summary though, sounds like I should be leaning towards the Mini 14 (5 rounds should be plenty since it should never take more than 2) or a bolt and spend the extra money on quality ammo / practice.

P.S. If there is ever a wolf pack that attacks me, I plan on finding and climbing the nearest ladder. Guns are great, but they have yet to figure out ladders!
 
This is a suggestion of a test you can try for yourself, I've tried it in the bush myself.
Ambush a yote, just say 'bang' and slight fake recoil, to simulate a bad shot or slightly wounded animal. Watch the yote runs, and try to pretend it's a semiautomatic and do a follow up shot. When I tried it I had difficulties in saying I can confidently do it with a follow-up shot, ergo I prefer a high confidence first shot. Your mileage might vary:) especially if you're in open big sky country.
 
Phospek said:
Thanks for the great advice everyone!

For the Semi vs Bolt, I was mostly just concerned with not getting a clean first shot, and having a little more confidence in a second follow-up before it scurries off.
My worry is always that either A) It will scurry somewhere into a corner, and I don't want to corner a wounded animal, B) It will get somewhere I cant follow, and it will suffer more than it should.

Sure it doesn't take a long time to cycle a bolt, and it is mostly down to me to make a clean first hit, but in the event that I am off my game - Just the ability to give it a second hit was why I was thinking of a semi-auto.

In summary though, sounds like I should be leaning towards the Mini 14 (5 rounds should be plenty since it should never take more than 2) or a bolt and spend the extra money on quality ammo / practice.

P.S. If there is ever a wolf pack that attacks me, I plan on finding and climbing the nearest ladder. Guns are great, but they have yet to figure out ladders!
Click to expand...

If your worried about a clean first shot you wont get a second in. :nest:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom