Mini-14 or Norc M305?

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A.T.R.

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I guess Im just adding to the lack of knwledge, but I read here like a mofo and learn so much.

Im on the fence on whether to purchase a Ruger Mini-14 or go with a Norc M305/M14.

I do not hunt and this is for training purposes, specifically with CQC scenarios.

Ill be training for the patrol carbine portion of my club, but buying an AR platform is out of the qustion for a long time.

The Mini-14, obviously is much more expensive than the Norc, however if I were to get the Norc, I would almost immediately upgrade to something like the Tapco Intrafuse stock.

The Norc route is still a lot more cost effective. Im pretty sure I can still be very competetive when shooting and competing.

On a recent thread someone posted very sage advice that "This is supposed to be fun........" and I take from that not to worry so much that it is the shooter as much as it is the rifle.

Ive had a Glock pistol for 10 years, recently got into shotgun with a nice purchase, and now want to break into the rifle component without killing the pocket book.

Any thoughts?
 
If you are shooting alot, the M14 can break the bank alot quicker than the .223 on ammo.
I don't understand what you mean by "training" and "CQC" Are you a cop or something? Don't they provide that training?

Personally, I would take the M14. I like the bigger cartridge, and from what I have read (never used the mini-14) the mini-14 is not quite as accurate as the M14. Someone feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
 
Id suggest you split the difference and go with a Norc M-4 in .223. They are cheaper than a Mini-14 and less expensive to shoot than an M-14. You can find some good deals on them here on the board
 
analagous (and fairly recent) thread here:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=579379

I have both (mini-14 and M305/M14s) and would highly recommend the mini over the M14 platform for patrol rifle type drills on the merits of weight and ammo cost alone. The only drawback will be in the magazine department. Factory 5/20 mags are expensive for the mini and others shooting a platform that takes AR mags will have an advantage in that they have a legal 10 round magazine option.

Regarding the incremental cost of the mini as compared to the M14 platform - it's only $300 more and you will easily eat that in a month or two (and then more and more and more) on the incremental ammunition cost of .308 over .223.

As a semi-auto hunting rig though the M14s is pretty nice...:)

Brobee
 
What about the Mini 30 as an option? perhaps the OP is looking for Rest. vs Non-Res?.

I've been mulling over a Mini 30 in SS myself, cheap ammo and with SS, corrosive shouldn't be as bad.
 
looking at what you have said, and considering cost, I would suggest that you wait a little longer and go with an AR platform. The cost of a mini can run you around $1000, and I would think that upgrading a Norc would do the same. I dont like Norc anything, but thats just my own preference...
Check the EE, you might come across something worth negotiating for.
 
My personal view is that I would take a Mini 14 over an AR 15 or other black rifle any day.

I have both a Mini 14 and an M305, and they are my favorite rifles out of my whole collection.
 
A CZ-858 in 7.62x39mm or the Czech Small Arms VZ58 in 5.56 would be a good choice if you're mainly looking to shoot close range carbine drills. The Norinco M14 is a superior firearm to a Mini-14, but weight and ammo costs are excessive for your intended use.
 
The Mini-30 is also an option I have been looking at.

.223 or .308 I know there is a cost difference in ammo and how much Ill eat up. But as long as the choice makes me happy, I can go either way.

I want to stay Non-Res for the meantime, so the Norc M-4 isn't an option.

An AR will come in time, but just not now.

Im leaning to the Mini since there will not be a lot I will do to it. So I say now anyway. But the M14 I can see stuff being done, which would then be up around the Mini cost anyway.
 
the new m305's dont really need much work out of they box, they are good shooters. No tapco stock option for the m305 btw. I've read that the mini 30's are worse then an sks for accuracy but I have not shot one myself. I love my mini and my M305, both are solid. Ignore the stuf you hear about the M305 is krap, they are good rifles. Bottom line, buy what you want. you can always get a mini with a few rounds down the pipe. There are a few on the EE right now.
 
I've got them all

I do have in my vault a Springfield M1A, NM, a Ruger Mini 14 target with both target stock it came with and Hogue stocks, and a Mini 30 all are scoped.

In terms of quick handling, the Minis are the way to go. Shorter, compact and lighter recoil. The Mini 14 Target is a bit unwieldy with the target stock and the counter weight at the end of the barrel. The Hogue stock mitigates the unwieldy nature of that rifle a lot.

For accuracy between the 30 & the 14, the Mini 30 was averaging 4 inches at 100yds, (with reloads) and the Mini 14 target on average with reloads about .5 inches at 100yds.

My Springfield is a rifle. Heavier with it's laminated stock, steel scope mount and scope, and much slower in handling unlike a carbine. It is extremely accurate though. I have hunted with them all, and all were more than capable in the field. You do have to be really fit and have a fair amount of upper body strength to be humping the M14 up and down a mountain and bush.

If you are watching the pennies and not into reloading then the Mini 14 is the way to go. It is more expensive in the beginning than a Norinco (half the price of a Springfield) but cheaper in the long run .223 is cheaper than the .308. Also if you are new to shooting, and not used to recoil, the Mini 14 is what I would recommend. You might develop some bad flinching habits from a bigger round. Good Luck!
 
I Got Both

I have both a Ruger Mini-14 (Serial #581...) and a 2009 Poly M305.

Thanks to Hungry the accuracy bug has bitten me and I tweek here and there.

For the Mini, greased it and got rid of that goofy handguard. Put a decent scope on it and it shoots about 1.5", depending on the ammo. It likes the longer bullets (nosler and 50 gr varmint grenades).

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The M14 is a work in progress. I just ordered a bolt from 7.62 (arrived today) and put a decent scope on it as well. With my handloads, that thing was shooting a little less than 1" groups at 100 yards. Hopefully tightening up the headspace issue will improve accuracy.

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The new Poly's have less bolt movement than mine, so are likely well within the 308 range and therefore, probably really good shooters. I picked one up the other day, and while not being allowed to take apart, it seemed really good. Better than mine was out of the box, that's for sure.

The only downfall, is that they are heavy beasties.

To answer your question, it really comes down to what you want to do with it. My ruger is basically a fun gun and for shorter range coyote shooting and such. The M14 is also a very fun gun and now is my most utilized rifle. I can hunt with it, target with it, plink with it and not be afraid to put a scratch on it. This year I am going to hunt coyotes with it and see how it does (weight thing and new bolt for the longer ranges). It really has become my go-to.

:D

If I rest it,
 
Can't beat a new 580 series stainless/synthetic mini 14. Reliable and much more accurate than the armchair commandos will have you believe. It is light and ammo is a fraction of the cost of a .308 M14. The mini has integrated scope mounts and comes with rings. 5 round mags are about $30-35 and there are tapco 5/30 coming soon that will be not too bad a price either. Even if you spend the bucks to get a few Ruger brand 5/20's, you will still be financially ahead of buying a .308 M14, scope mount, ammo and mags, etc. The Poly/Norinco mags aren't cheap either.

Don't get me wrong, I love the M14/M305, but for just practical reasons, I personally think the mini can't be beat.

Buy the mini and once you have a few thousand rounds of .223 stashed, save up and buy a M305/m14. Can't go wrong. You'll then laugh at the AR15 guys when you take your rifles to the local gravel pit to blast away and they can't join you with their black rifles (which is just plain silly).
 
eventually you should buy both. but start with the mini 14. i started with the m14. i have had both for about 2 years now and they are a great. my favorite part about each of them is taking them into the woods with my family and friends. what i like about them is slowly building them up over time with new stocks and internals when i can afford it. it is a great feeling to do the mods and see the results. but you will need both eventually. fast cheap fun with the 223 and the awesome feeling of semi automatic 308 rounds cant be beat.
 
the awesome feeling of semi automatic 308 rounds cant be beat.
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Amen to that :cheers:

Just be careful, it's highly addictive, begs to be shot rapid fire, and even when reloading is very expensive.

But f**k does it EVER put a grin on your face :D

Like I said before.....the best rifle I own.

I found MY rifle, and it's an M14 ;)
 
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