Benelli MR1 or Ruger Mini-14?

C

carykoechlin

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
8   0   0
I have done a few searches now and have not come across any comparison between the Benelli MR1 and the Ruger Mini-14. I am looking to find out what some of the CGNers think of these two rifles. Please add your $0.02 on Cost/Reliability/Durability/Accuracy/Optics. In the context of plinker/varmint hunter which is superior and why?
 
MR1; $1600 (NIB)
Mini-14; $750 (NIB)

MR1; 1.5 MOA out to 300y
Mini-14; 3 MOA out to 300y

MR1; takes AR mags that are cheap(ish) and readily available ($20+)
Mini-14; takes expensive propriatory mags ($45+)

Optics selection for both would be very simular. What works on one would work on the other.

Out past 300y I'm not sure I could 'trust' a Mini-14 to take a coyote sized target 'humainly'. The MR1 on the other hand I would 'trust' to take the same target out at 500y. The problem with a .223 is that past 300y you pretty much need to know the exact range to make reliable hits. Fine on at the range where you know the distance, not so much when hunting varmits.

Cheers!
 
Just was thru the same decision and the accurized Mini 14 was a heavier and more ungainly gun than I wanted to carry as a hunting rifle
 
carykoechlin said:
Thanks notsrichguy for your input, where would you recommend purchasing a mini-14 for $750?
Click to expand...

I saw one at my local G-store for that price. It may have been used, I didn't look that closely.

There are several site sponsors that sell mini-14s.

Ellwood Epps has a used one for $650 (If I was buying one today it would be this one)

Frontier Firearms has Blued Birch models starting at $799, Synthetic stainless models @ $849 & Target Stainless Laminated models @ $999. All of these are NIB.

These are just the ones I found looking for 5 min at site sponsors......

You could also try P&D Ent., The Shooting Edge, Target Sports, Reliable gun, Prarie Gun Traders & Prophet River....... These are all dealers I have used in the past. They don't list a Mini-14 in stock, but many sites are a bit slow to change the status of their in-stock items.

Cheers!
 
I fondled the MR-1 at a local store and was disappointed. It pointed well and was light, but that's where it stopped. The mag release was a pain, the bolt handle should be on the left side, and the gun was very plastic feeling. Now don't get me wrong, I don't have a hate on for polymer guns, but for the money it felt cheap.

The Ruger is a more solid gun and the newer ones are supposed to be more accurate then the old thin barrel model, but you still don't hear many positive reports.

I guess my 0.02 worth is to wait and see what Kel-tech brings in. You will get a gun that is closer to a mini 14 price, but that takes ar mags.
 
My vote would be for the MR1. I personally really like the clean lines of the Benelli, not that you should put form over function, but in this case I believe the Benelli has the Mini-14 beat on both counts. It is also available with a collapsible stock for $100.00 more. I liken it to the Domestic versus Import debate. Sure you might pay a little more for it up front but it's worth it in the long run. As others have mentioned I think it is a huge plus that it accepts 10 round LAR-15 magazines. I think that it's mostly going to amount to budget and personal preference for you. Handle both and see what you think. I can't wait for my MR1 to get here!
:cheers:
 
If I was forced to choose one over the other, I'd take the MR1.

It's an ergonomic nightmare though. I'd rather spend another $500 and get an XCR.
 
I had a mini 14 Target just found it way to heavy to pack hunting especially when I had a pack/snow shoes on accuracy with 60gr Sierra HP Varminters with H322 powder = 3" three shot groups @ 300 yards.

Held a MR1 last week it is a solid little rifle was impressed with how solid it felt.

I have no interest in either I now have an XCR-L in both 223 & 6.8 SPC now this is a rifle...
 
I got a mini 14 for 500 used its a 183 serial # with no ring moumts and the cheap scope mount I got sucks but the tapco stock ,flash supressor look cool and the list of acsesories is almost endless ,just started my load devolpment and have got it just under 2 inches and should be under 1 by the time I am done. have not put a barrel strut on yet we have to see how it groups first.My brother has the187 with the 1-7 twist and is around 2 inche groups with 52 grain match bullets he needs to use heavier bullets to get better groups.When you start adding all the toys the weight goes up but the jump goes down for faster follow up shots.We both got the stainles for dirty weather yote hunting.Had a pre ranch years ago and could only hit 7 outa 10 gofers with just a scope and nothing on it.It was a barn door gun ,you coundn,t hit a barn door standing in the barn.google accurizing a mini 14 and start learning just how good they can be made to shoot .I plan on getting a mr1 next then working up to a xcr,and then a HK, dare to dream ah!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom