AR-15 or Ruger Mini-14?

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nugunner

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While waiting for my first 2 pistols to arrive, I've been jonesing over a first rifle. We've shot ARs before and .223 seems to be somewhat available, unlike .30 for an M-1 Carbine. I like the fact that the Mini-14 isn't Restricted (at least for now). The AR is, well, the AR. Cool and you can get a Dominion Arms one for only $650 or so. What does the community have to say, pro or con?

Let the flaming begin!
 
If you want non res for bush work then get something other than the two above. If you're ok with the restricted status of the AR then don't buy a POS Chinese copy.

TDC
 
Dominion Arms is Chinese? I wasn't looking at Norinco for that reason. I like the old style rifles and the Mini-14's Garand style action should be reliable. We're only using it at the range for targets, but who knows what may happen in the future?

I may fall back on my preference, an M&P15 Sport
 
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If you're only planning on target shooting at the range, I would think that an AR type rifle or carbine would be your best choice. Something to go with the two pistols you are thinking of acquiring.

You won't be able to hunt with your AR, nor will you be able to go to crown land for an afternoon of plinking. However, if you want to do either of those activities, you may consider a tuned bolt-action topped with very nice glass and good handloads.
 
I won't be getting into hand loading, so availability of ammo is an issue. That's why I'm trying to keep the number of calibers to a minimum, so I can buy in bulk. I think either one would be fine, but the AR aftermarket probably makes it more attractive. I'd go with a better trigger right from the start, for instance.
 
I have been debating the same thing for a while but I've come to the conclusion with discussions with a friend who's well versed in firearms that a non-restricted would be better for my purposes overall, so I'm eventually going for the Mini-14. If you're only going to shoot on the range then an AR is fun, as I also know several AR owners who love them.
 
As a new gun-owner (at least when they get here) I wonder if the gas piston action of the Mini-14 won't be easier for me to maintain than the AR gas impingement system? I don't see springing for a piston AR anytime soon. I have never cleaned a gun before, or broken one down. I'm looking forward to the new experience.
 
nugunner said:
As a new gun-owner (at least when they get here) I wonder if the gas piston action of the Mini-14 won't be easier for me to maintain than the AR gas impingement system? I don't see springing for a piston AR anytime soon. I have never cleaned a gun before, or broken one down. I'm looking forward to the new experience.
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ARs are easy to take apart. Two pins and you have 2 halves! The BCG and barrel are the only part you really have to clean. There are tons of Youtube videos and stickies here to help you with that.
Don't forget the Mini14 mags are proprietary and won't interchange with AR STANAG mags. Also, a good AR will run circles around the Mini 14 in terms of accuracy. Why are you limiting your .223 to only these 2 rifles? There are plenty of NR .223 rifles out there.
 
Mini rifles are great quality for the price. Not as accurate as ar15, but you can take it in the bush. Used one for years and like
them
 
TDC said:
If you want non res for bush work then get something other than the two above. If you're ok with the restricted status of the AR then don't buy a POS Chinese copy.

TDC
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I think one of my POS Chinese copy rifle can out perform, out shoot most of your over priced POS rifles you have...want to bet? :)
 
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Still alive said:
ARs are easy to take apart. Two pins and you have 2 halves! The BCG and barrel are the only part you really have to clean. There are tons of Youtube videos and stickies here to help you with that.
Don't forget the Mini14 mags are proprietary and won't interchange with AR STANAG mags. Also, a good AR will run circles around the Mini 14 in terms of accuracy. Why are you limiting your .223 to only these 2 rifles? There are plenty of NR .223 rifles out there.
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Let me guess, you've never field stripped a mini 14.

Zero pins and you have it done.
 
AR for the range. It's far more adaptable due to its modular nature. I do like the look of the mini. They are just so damned spendy for what they are. Of course I guess that means they hold their value well.

Norc AR wobbles a bit, but if you aren't going to handload or shoot premium ammo and you aren't a brand diva, it is solid, goes bang, and does a decent job of hitting what it is aimed at. And it's still $520 at marstar

In the end, buy whatever gun makes you smile (if R/NR isn't an issue). That's what is going to make you want to shoot it.

And keep in mind that it's not a once in a lifetime purchase. Guns come and go. Some just hang around longer than others.
 
Still alive said:
You are right, I've never field stripped a Mini. I just had my personal bias for the AR come through.
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You should check it out on YouTube... Field stripping is defiantly a high point for that rifle.

I'll admit that if I could obtain an nr ar-15 I would own one... But the mini-14 is a fine rifle. The Internet loves to beat up on it, it's too bad.
 
Deuce-deuce said:
You should check it out on YouTube... Field stripping is defiantly a high point for that rifle.

I'll admit that if I could obtain an nr ar-15 I would own one... But the mini-14 is a fine rifle. The Internet loves to beat up on it, it's too bad.
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I guess I was judging a book by its cover! As Mark II says, the AR is more modular. There are more parts available and one big feature is the LAR and Beowulf mag compatability with the AR platform vs the Mini14. The Mini is a light enough and fun shooter, just not an AR. Gonna check out the fieldstrip vids now! Thanks!
 
kinggeorge168 said:
I think one of my POS Chinese copy rifle can out perform, out shoot most of your over priced POS rifles you have...want to bet? :)
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Whatever you think there sport...Not sure where you're getting your info regarding my rifles but I assure you its misguided.

I don't doubt the Chinese knockoffs can hold a respectable group, my concern is with the poor quality materials and out of spec craftsmanship(if you can call it that) that goes with them. Why would you pay $700 for a POS when a Colt can be had for a little over $1000?? I don't see anyone wishing the had a Norc/DA rifle, but I see plenty of Norc/DA users/owners wishing they had a DD, BCM, Colt, Laure, Spikes, KAC, LMT etc etc.

How many times have we seen threads about compensators not fitting and the "custom fitting" needed for DROP IN handguards like Magpul MOE?? If you shoot 100 rounds a year slow fire from the bench like most here, then go ahead buy a knockoff wannabe rifle. If you expect to get a rifle that meets some kind of standard that will last, then pick a quality brand..

Deuce-deuce said:
You should check it out on YouTube... Field stripping is defiantly a high point for that rifle.

I'll admit that if I could obtain an nr ar-15 I would own one... But the mini-14 is a fine rifle. The Internet loves to beat up on it, it's too bad.
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The mini14 is sh*t. Its best attribute is its non restricted status. Mounting optics is difficult, stock options are limited and its far from consistently accurate.

TDC
 
I will admit that having a nice brass catcher available for the AR has really helped to win me over. Semi autos are messy eaters.

My M1 in particular likes to make a brass garden, hit me in the face, etc...
 
TDC said:
Whatever you think there sport.. bla bla bla




The mini14 is sh*t. Its best attribute is its non restricted status. Mounting optics is difficult, stock options are limited and its far from consistently accurate.

TDC
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I don't run optics on my mini-14 and if I did I would slap a scope in the supplied factory rings. Doesn't seem hard to me...Same rings my M-77 uses. Rock solid rings, I really like the ruger system... But if you're a quad rail kind of "operator" there are rails availible.

While being nonrestricted is defiantly high on the list, it's not the only reason I'm a fan of the ruger mini-14. Short, light, stainless, reliable and pisses of antis and fat mall ninjas alike.

Truth be told, I love the factory synthetic. I might put a hogue on it but see no need to change the ergonomics. I don't even understand the obsession with changing the stock or trying to make it look like something it's not... Maybe it's because the gun fits me but ergonomics are fine for me and I don't care how my guns look.

Accuracy, this always makes me laugh. Every mini-14 I've owned has been more than accurate enough for the job intended... But every blow hard on the Internet says they aren't. Maybe I just keep getting good ones? Hickok45 has some interesting things to say regarding acuracty, in both hismini review and a video called acuracy.

It's not an AR-15 and it never will be... But that's one of the reasons I like the Mini-14.
 
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