Mini-14 Target or AR-180B?

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APSCO17

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I am looking for a non-restricted semi auto .223 for target shooting. I have narrowed down my interested choices to these 2 since I don't have the $2500 for a Volquartsen target rifle.

The mini-14 target with the Hogue stock seems to get to 1 MOA, from posts I've read here, but it seems to be a bit gimmicky with that balancer on the end of the barrel. It is stuck with only 5 round mags and is heavy. On the plus side, it should be reliable and long lasting, given it's pedigree.

The AR-180B has a reputation for a weak hinge pin joint, but it is lighter, can use 10 round mags and seems to be well liked by the few who have one.

I'd like to get a rifle that shoots better than I do now but that I can grow into over the next year or two. If the AR-180B can get the same accuracy as the mini target, then that's the way I'd like to go.

So, how does the AR180 match up with the new mini-14 target for accuracy?
I have read the cruffler review where the AR180 outshot the AR15 at 25 and 50 yards, but have not come across many other accuracy evaluations. Does anyone have any observations or experience to offer about these 2 rifles? Have I overlooked any other rifles in this category?

By the way, I already have a Norc M14 and don't want an AR15 until a few years down the road.
 
I have no experience with the new Mini but the old one is like the SKS in the accuracy dept. I have one of the first 180B's and it shoots really well for a plastic pencil barrel gun. I am getting 1 to 1 1/4 moa groups with 50gr vmax handloads. The gun is reliable as a train, stays much cleaner and much easier to clean than my AR15, just not quite as accurate. The down side is that it will not shoot flat based bullets worth a damn. The hinge thing is not an issue unless you are incredibly careless and hamfisted. I had Jeff at Valley Guns weld and screw a rail to it as the factory mounting system is crap.

Brian
 
Wolverine is the importer, but they're also available at TSE in Calgary...if they have any left in stock. The 180 was back-ordered for quite a while because of us-based exporting issues, so it seems that a lot of folks are snapping up 180's as soon as they find them.
 
Ar180

Ilike mine, I carry 4 times dailey,walking my dogs. It's couger& wolve country.
I carried a 311 an liked it.
My Blue Star got too heavy, an my SL8-5 isn't going for a walk.
My Rem 7616 is for snowy,rainy walks.
Just got my scope rings&base from Wolverines so haven't check out for acuracey on the 180, but for normal shooting it should be good.
My AR 10 also was too heavy after a while for my 74yr old body.
The 180 is a good chioce an if you don't like it , its easy to get ridd of.
 
Good to hear the hinge joint problem is overblown, I suspected a bit of common sense would render it a non-issue.

Seems to be a solid consensus that the AR180 is the better choice.

Thanks to all for your comments, I do appreciate you taking the time to pass them on.

Now, to get out the credit card...!
 
I'd love to have an un-restricted semi-auto like the AR180B. Remington has a new rifle- the R-15VTR. Since it's an AR15 clone, word has it it will be restricted also. What's the AR180B worth these days?
Thanks.
 
I hate to say this, but I didn't know there was more than one gun shop in Red Deer. I'm just getting back into shooting after a long hiatus so I've got a lot of catching up to do. How long ago did you see it?
Thanks.
 
pimlott said:
Ilike mine, I carry 4 times dailey,walking my dogs. It's couger& wolve country.
I carried a 311 an liked it.
My Blue Star got too heavy, an my SL8-5 isn't going for a walk.
My Rem 7616 is for snowy,rainy walks.
Just got my scope rings&base from Wolverines so haven't check out for acuracey on the 180, but for normal shooting it should be good.
My AR 10 also was too heavy after a while for my 74yr old body.
The 180 is a good chioce an if you don't like it , its easy to get ridd of.
Click to expand...

I wish I had that many guns and that many reasons to go for walks with them!!! :eek:
 
APSC,
You might want to look up Ardent7's posts on his mini 14 target.
Seems he's able to get around .5 moa with his and the right ammo.

Go and check them both out if you can, before spending the money. That way whichever one you decide to get, you'll be happy with it.

By the way make sure to let us know which one you do end up buying.
 
I am getting close to 1 MOA with Remington 55 grain ammo( about 1.5). The barrel tuner though needs some lock tite to prevent it from loosening after some shots. I am happy with it. Planning to buy the hogue stock as an alternate stock.
 
Slushie

Where I live ,dogs have been taken just in front off the owner, he had bear spray on him, no gun,too bad for his dog.
A 92 yr neighbour, out on his porch for fire wood fought off a cat with his cane, recieved some scratches on his leg an a year later is still having trouble. Being the gun safty instructor here I don't want tobe cought without a gun in any cases.
Ihave 33 rifles,17 handguns, 7 shot guns, but I have to start getting rid of some of the bigger ones, 458 winchester for one.
 
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