Kel Tec SU-16 VS Mini-14 or....

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TimSwayne

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Hey there,

So I've been searching around for threads on the Keltec SU-16F and some guys south of the boarder are saying they're great but the mini-14 is still better. Then some other forum was ranting and raving about how awesome they are. I love how the SU-16 uses AR mags but I hear you can convert the mini-14 to use em.

I want to find a black rifle option that :
1. isnt going to ring up 2000$ + (hoping to sit around the 1100$ mark)
2. non restricted
3. uses LAR mags

your thoughts? Options? Recommendations?
 
Hard to go wrong with either. The mini is stone cold reliable and Kel Tec seems to have worked out the kinks in the SU. The mini can't be converted to take AR mags. You're stuck with pricier 5 rders. The controls of the SU are more AR like aside from the safety. The mini is obviously like an M14. Both are light, handy and have some cool aftermarket stuff to build them into good little carbines. The older mini's will shoot better than their 5-6 moa rep with a bedding job in my experience. Mine went from 6 moa to 3 moa with the same ammo by bedding and doing a trigger job. Both rifles could stand a trigger job! Bottom line: pick which one you like best. You can always sell it and buy something else as they hold their value pretty good.
 
I have no experience with the SU-16 but I have read quite a few posts with people having problems. Supernova seems to be better informed and it sounds like they are better now.
I used to own a mini-14 ranch and will never own one again. The only things I have nice to say about it is that it was reliable and non restricted.
I think you can modify AR mags to work with the mini but I wouldn't bother, mine was picky about mags, as long as it was a factory Ruger mag or one of three of the 5 5/30's I had it worked well but the other 2 mags that looked undamaged were very unreliable. It was very hard on brass if you reload, and it threw brass about 15-20 feet to the 3:00 so if anyone was next to you at the range they were eating brass. That rifle definitely needed an adjustable gas block.
Keep saving for something better, you will just end up selling it to buy something better later or you will spend another $500 on upgrades which would have just about bought you a used XCR-L.
If you can find one I would save a little more cash and try to find a used AR180B-2. They are reliable, light and as accurate as most battle rifles out there. You can find used ones from time to time for around $1600 on the EE. I miss mine. I actually preferred it to my Swiss Arms. Now I have an HK SL8-4 and while I like it I'm still planning to buy my AR180 back from my buddy when he's ready to sell it.
 
Don't even consider a KelTec until you have the chance to examine and handle one first. I know that plenty of people still buy them even after they have seen one, but my initial interest in them faded 15 seconds after actually picking one up. It felt like something that was built to shoot plastic BB's or maybe nerf balls. My non-shooting wife's comment was "Is that a real gun?"

I've had several Mini's over the years, and I doubt that I will ever be without at least one. Super reliable, and the newest generation is very accurate as well...the Target model is usually close to MOA. They don't fold up like the KelTec, but you can put an aftermarket folder on them. And yes, you are limited to 5-round mags. Doesn't bother me, since I use it as a hunter/plinker. If you plan on playing soldier, your priorities may differ, but in that case you probably need to expand your search a bit.

And, for the record, I have owned an AR180B, a couple of different Swiss Arms in both target and standard configurations, a couple of M305's and a Colt HBAR (back in non-restricted days). Glad I tried 'em...not sad I sold 'em. Still keep on shooting the Mini's. I admit that if the AR were still non-restricted I'd have one or more...but it isn't, so it's a non starter for me now.

Good luck with your choice, and again: if at all possible, try before you buy.
 
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