AR-15 or Ruger Mini-14?

Reliability is really dependent on the type of AR you get and how well you take care of it, the Mini 14 is bombproof. The only reason I want an AR is the moderate accuracy improvement over a new mini and the aftermarket accessories. I would love to hunt with a NR Ar-15, that said anyone who talks down about the Mini 14 is doing so from their ass. The mini 14 is an awesome rifle that is insanely reliable and PROVEN.
 
I'm not sure what all the fuss is about with mounting a red-dot to a Mini-14. So much difficulty and expense?

A friend of mine put a red-dot on his rifle. The mount cost $15, took five minutes to install, and it works just fine.

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https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/mini-14-mount-in-black/
 
84wh1 said:
Yes DA is Chinese. It's a rebranded Norinco product. It's really hard to compare these 2. Both rifles are reliable and will function great, however one of them is a range toy only. And don't ever worry about the mini going restricted. It'll never happen.
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You willing to bet some good money on that one? Hell I will bump it up a notch and say it'll eventually become a prohib along with all of it's other semi auto buddies.
 
Tyockell18 said:
You willing to bet some good money on that one? Hell I will bump it up a notch and say it'll eventually become a prohib along with all of it's other semi auto buddies.
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Hope you're wrong but won't bet against you.

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W.r.t. the topic, the only thing the Mini14 has going for it is NR. AR15 pattern rifles are superior to it in literally every other parameter. So decide if you want to limit yourself to a range only rifle or not.
 
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It really depends on your intended purpose for the rifle. If you're going to be primarily at the range and you're fine with restricted, definitely get an AR. Way more options to play around with them, and mags are everywhere, including 10 round LAR's. I love tacticooling up my AR's, I love quad rails, surefire lights, and Aimpoints. And they shoot great. I recommend Daniel Defense, BCM, or Colt strongly if you can afford to pay a little more than a Norc.
If you prefer NR, the Mini is a good choice too. Yes there's always those guys who love to rag on it but honestly it's a good rifle. I don't personally own one but I have buddies with the Mini 14 and Mini 30, they are hella fun to shoot and they haven't had any issues with them I know of. Just bear in mind it's not an AR, and you shouldn't try to make into one. It's one of those rifles I would just keep it the way it is, like an SKS. Conventional stock and iron sights. Of course it's totally up to you but it's what I would do. The biggest drawback for me about the Mini's is they don't take AR mags.
 
Mostly limited by price at the moment. I'd rather start with a decent basic rifle and trick it out over time. It's a hobby for me, not serious enough to spend more than I want to in any given time frame. So perhaps it will be the M&P 15. Or are there other good quality basic M4 style ARs for under $1,000? I haven't seriously started to look as I just purchased 2 handguns.
 
nugunner said:
Mostly limited by price at the moment. I'd rather start with a decent basic rifle and trick it out over time. It's a hobby for me, not serious enough to spend more than I want to in any given time frame. So perhaps it will be the M&P 15. Or are there other good quality basic M4 style ARs for under $1,000? I haven't seriously started to look as I just purchased 2 handguns.
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If the M&P15 fits into your budget I say go for it! I've always heard very positive things about it. Wolverine also has the Core15 for $999 right now, another solid choice.
 
nugunner said:
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!
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If you are unsure, I would roll the dice with the AR. The restricted thing is a pain, but if your a range guy anyway, who cares.
Just bought and sold my first mini 14. Wasn't my thing. Was going to cost too much to build it how I wanted it, as much as I didn't want to admit that.
Felt a bit too old school for me, but I definitely was impressed with the quality and the basic functioning. I will get another some day, but not before a decent AR.
Good luck and welcome to the EE!

Mack
 
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