Mini 14 Questions

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ippielb

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So, yesterday i went to TNT Gunshop in Regina SK, and i asked the guys there, and for what i was looking for, shooting coyotes, they said that the mini 14 .223 would be the best choice for my expectations, because you don't often hit our coyotes on the first shot because they're so unpredictable. And, you don't have the time to reload, so a semi automatic .223 seems ideal for my needs, i wouldn't use it for anything else except control of the coyotes, and putting down cattle. I just have a few questions,

1. Is it restricted? Gunshop didn't say anything about it being so.
2. Maintenance, is it hard to maintain and keep up this rifle?
3. Is the gun reliable? Jamming, problems from the manufacture to expect?
4. Am i looking at the right kind of rifle for my needs?

Thanks for reading.
 
Looks of the gun doesn't matter to me, i just want it to shoot straight, and get the job done.
 
If you like being a "2 shot guy", go with the mini. I have one and it is a great multi purpose beater, very reliable and many options. For "yotes only" I would sooner pull my Rem 700 DM bolt .270 and gitt'er done with 1.
 
I have a Mini 14 Target and would recommend one.

1. They are non-restricted.
2. Quite easy to disassemble and clean, although you can shoot a lot of rounds between cleanings.
3. I haven't had any problems with feeding or misfiring with mine.
4. I'd say so. Accuracy is fairly good. I get about 2" groups at 200y.
 
Ninety percent of the time, with our coyotes, they're on the run, and going every which direction, and i'm either in the tractor, or the truck, or running after it. So, i don't really want to take my hand off the gun, and my eyes off the coyote to reload. i just think it would be more effective with a semi auto, personally. Thank you for your opinion.

And, for range, it's usually at around 1/4 of a km or less. Usually around 20 feet in the truck, haha, some times i want a shot gun.

Edit:

Which version of the Mini 14 would be best, what varies between models, the Ranch Version, the GB version, and the Target Version?
 
You aren't looking at the stainless, laminate thumbhole one I had my eye on for $900, are you???

If you are its a POS do not buy it!!!!! :D

Who were you talking to Ed, Alice, Perogie or Darryl? Not that it really matters, the mini is a good offering for what you are looking for. TNT stands behind every firearm they sell, so if you have any problems (which I highly doubt) you should have no worries.

Good luck with the 'yotes.

Cheers!
 
Yes, i actually was looking at that rifle, it looked so tempting, but i just couldn't drop that much money on it, i would have loved to, but i got laid off on friday, and now I'm stuck part time, making minimum wage. Sounds to me like I'll be getting a mini 14 in the near future, those coyotes are starting to get real hungry with all the gophers going to sleep. And if you're wondering why i can't spend that much on a rifle, but i say i need one, is because, if i don't, the coyotes will get livestock, and make me lose more money then if i would just spend what i can afford right now.

And i was talking to a shorter guy with black hair, and a taller fellow with a mustache i believe.
 
Howdy, had one for years, when I lived in the north and worked pretty good on coyote's, easy manuverability because of the size and I did have a 4 power scope on it.
Used to have a 10 and 20 shot clip which was pretty handy until that nice Kim lady had them banned.
I think they are still legal while driving a farm tractor though! LOL Later
 
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What should i expect to spend on one of these rifles? is there a time period of manufacture i should avoid? Any specific accessories worth purchasing?
 
The mini-14 is a great rifle, the newer 580 series with the thicker ( improved ) barrel is a good way to go, however all the mini's will preform great for what you want to do. I personally would recomend staying away from the target version, for a good farm rifle, and if you are thinking of optics, then the ranch rifle is a good platform. they are less expensive to start with, the stock is very durable, syth or wood, and they are relatively accurate for preadator control. dont expect to compete in any accuracy matches, or make really long shots. and for reliability, it is based off the m-14/garand design, the flip over bolt and the relativly simple internals keep it sealed, cleans the action of debris when fired, and is very reliable and solid.
and for the price, it doesnt break your heart to put it through the abuse of farming...:D
 
Would it just be cheaper, spending the $900 on the Mini 14 with the thumb hole stock, and all stainless and the scope rings already on the gun from TNT Gunworks? I really liked that rifle, but i just got my paycheck from my last week at work before i got laid off. Cheaper as in getting the best results i for the money i spend?
 
Would an SKS offer me everything a mini 14 would? But just cheaper to buy and shoot? or would it just be an all around better choice to stick with the mini14?
 
I think you would be happier with a mini. But for $400 you can get an SKS and 1120 rnds from TNT (they have them in stock). The short dark haired guy was Darryl (the owner) and the taller mustchioed fella was Ed.

Since you are on a budget, I'd reccomend the SKS untill you feel you can afford the Mini. For the most part.... You can spend the same $$$ on accessories for the SKS as you would on a M-14.

I know a few guys with SKS rifles, They are a blast to shoot and everyone seems to have one that is just a bit different from the last one (many different things you can customize on them) I have yet to buy an SKS, I probably will one day, but I just have always had 'one other thing' on my list to get first.

Cheers!
 
Had one of the older mini's (180 series) and it shot minute of barn. 4" at a hundred may be military accurate but with a moving target like a coyote all it did for me was make my misses bigger. Also the problem of mounting optics on it. Recently picked up a Mini Target (Yeah, they are a little pricier and heavy) and I seem to be clover-leafing my shots at 100 yards. That I'm happy with. Also have a SKS. It's a good, reliable and lets not forget inexpensive rifle. Shoots great, little recoil, but ballistics like a 30-30, so 200 is pushing pretty hard. 1/4 mile is over 400 yards where I come from. To me that says my .270 or 7mm RM. A .223 will get there but theres not going to be a lot of oomph at that range.
 
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