Colt Sporter Target AR or Ruger Mini 14???

olopokram

olopokram

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Hey everyone,

I know this is personal choice, but I was hoping to get some suggestions. I've always wanted an AR, but have never been in a rush to get one as I planned on buying a new one (S&W MP15i). I've come across a Colt Sporter Target that has come up at my local gun shop. What I'm debating is, do I buy it or a Ruger Mini 14? I don't hunt, but don't like the idea of being limited to a 100m range vs. shooting up to 500 yards in the fields. I've read that AR's are typically more accurate than the Mini 14 (where accuracy is important to me). I prefer the look of the AR over the Ruger as well (just looks cooler being an AR). Finally you take into account cost, $1600 for the Colt vs. $900 for the Ruger. Being in my position, what would you do/choose? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
 
What would you do with it most of the time? If going afield away from a range is something you will do more aften then not, then a non-restricted gun like the Mini-14 would be the way to go. If you spend more time at the range, then restricted AR would be the way to go. For me it comes down to what I have more use for and where I spend the bulk of my time shooting.
 
seems you already decided that other than the price you are really have no reason to but a mini 14. just help push you over the edge, mini 14 mags are expensive, with an AR you can use 10 round LAR pistol mags at less than half the price. :)
 
I guess what's tearing me apart is that when I bought my Remington 700P .308, I had no idea at the time (I was really new to the sport) that 100 yards was like shooting fish in a barrel. Then I got to experience 500 + yard shooting and finally I REALLY got excited about what you can do with the rifle. That's what I'm worried about, that I'll buy the Colt, take it to the range, it'll be extremely accurate at 100 meters and the challenge is lost. I hope this makes sense?
 
The Mini isn't a 500 yrd rifle. Price on the AR seems a little high. New or used?

To keep things challenging with your 100 yrd range you can use scaled down targets that will simulate longer ranges. It works pretty well. Shooting golf balls at 300 yards with my custom 700 has kept me in beer for years. Practicing with scaled targets allows me to maintain those skills when I only have access to the shorter range.

If precision is your passion, go with the AR platform. I like my Mini, but precise it is not. It's great for plinking, shooting steel and even taking a crack at the odd coyote, unless you want to spring for one of the new "target" model Minis. Price-wise the latter are getting into the territory of a good, used AR.

I'd go with the AR, but I'd shop around first. Best of luck!
 
AR15 will be more accurate "1-2MOA" as the mini-14 model 581 will give you between 2-4 MOA.

Now the minis are durable and non restricted "bonous"
 
badboybeeson said:
the only thing you will be hitting at 500 yards with a mini is a barn door, very ,very large one
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I've heard the new target model will do 1.5 to 2 MOA.

My Colt H-Bar Competion model (flattop heavy barrel) will put 10 consecutive shots in to 1". But I can't shoot if off range altho my home club's range is 400 m.
 
762shooter said:
I've heard the new target model will do 1.5 to 2 MOA.

My Colt H-Bar Competion model (flattop heavy barrel) will put 10 consecutive shots in to 1". But I can't shoot if off range altho my home club's range is 400 m.
Click to expand...

The Mini14 target will do less than that. It's a 3/4 to 1 moa rifle with the right ammo. That being said a real target AR is 1/2 moa.

Lots of confusion here between the regular models and the target versions for both the AR and the Mini14.
 
I'd say neither. That Colt sounds way overpriced. Do you have the model number, or can you describe it? If it's an iron sight model with heavy barrel it should be a lot cheaper than that.
 
Satain said:
Laugh2
True...
So True.
(Personal use disclaimer: Except for there target model with handloads. Then you would be able to hit something.)
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My Ruger Mini Ranch rifle will shoot 2" groups at 100 yds.
My Ruger Mini-Target will shoot sub MOA with factory Winchester 55 grain sp ammo and less (.59) with handloads.

The older Ruger Mini's with the pencil barrels were less than accurate, I agree, but not the case with the newer (581###) series.

PLUS, PLUS the BIGGEST advantage here in Canada, is that you can actually use a Ruger Mini-14 in a farmer's field, or a gravel pitt... It's NOT restricted. The Colt AR-15 (RESTRICTED) can ONLY be shot at a Gun club range, period!

We are lucky to own a sharp pencil here... lol

Have a great weekend guys!

Keith
 
SQUAREHEAD1 said:
My Ruger Mini Ranch rifle will shoot 2" groups at 100 yds.
My Ruger Mini-Target will shoot sub MOA with factory Winchester 55 grain sp ammo and less (.59) with handloads.

The older Ruger Mini's with the pencil barrels were less than accurate, I agree, but not the case with the newer (581###) series.

PLUS, PLUS the BIGGEST advantage here in Canada, is that you can actually use a Ruger Mini-14 in a farmer's field, or a gravel pitt... It's NOT restricted. The Colt AR-15 (RESTRICTED) can ONLY be shot at a Gun club range, period!

We are lucky to own a sharp pencil here... lol

Have a great weekend guys!

Keith
Click to expand...

The disadvantage of the new target model is that its heavy and bulky. Its lost all of the handiness and ergonomics of the old (but inaccurate) models.
 
Ruger Ranch 581x
Reliable, durable, fun as hell in the backwoods or a gravel pit, on a hike, camping, what have you. Comfortable to sling too and very cool sights and action.

AR is cool, arguably more rewarding to handle, larger capacity mags, etc. - I hate Canada's firearm regs.

For me, I hate the range so Mini-14/30 all the way
 
but wit hthe target model it still has the same issues as the older ones, soon as the gun warms up the shots are all over the place.
You can make a target gun out of anthing, the isea of the mini wasa light compact take anywhere gun.
Now its a 10lbs bench gun.

Id put my 10inch ar15 up against a mini 14 with 18inch bbl for MOA after 50rds down range.
As far as return to point of impact, the mini is a major fail!!
 
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