Mini 14 Vs MR1

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savagecanuck

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Im looking at a NR sporting semi auto and have narrowed it down to these 2.Not looking for chinese junk or 2k plus black rifles.I have shouldered the MR1 with adjustable stock and I find it a very comfortable gun.I shoot off the left shoulder.I will be mounting an optic 2x7 or 3x9.I plan on keeping the gun and also having it on my quad for back up deer,yotes.Gun will also be used at the range.
My dilemma is price the best I can get an MR1 is about $1700-1800 all in just for gun then need an optic so will be well over 2k when done for a fun gun.
I can get a blued syn stk Mini 14 in town for about $1100 all in at LGS ,that leaves $200 for a ATI stk and flash hider $400 for optic $100 for extra mags so $1800 all in
The Benelli is a beautifull well made gun that uses STANAG mags with little available in accesories,but is it worth the extra coin?
I do not like the look of the stock mini14 so it does need to be modernized for me.
One issue I have is Del of Delsellins in Vernon a well known gunsmith does not recommend the mini14 saying they are unreliable contrary to what I have read.
They push the MR1,CZ[no optic mount]T97[I don,t like open sights]
Have not found any used MR1's with the adjustable stock on the EE just the regular ugly stock as I would look at used
So what I am asking is it worth the extra coin for the MR1.Just looking for a modern reliable shooter that will last me years thks Ryan.
 
I had a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle for about 15 years. It was built like a tank and never had any reliability issues. I sold it to pay for another rifle, but I must admit I regret selling it now. I should point out however that: a) the rifle was built around 1980 and I don't know what the reliability is like for current rifles; and b) the rifle, while extremely reliable, was also inaccurate. It was shooting groups in the neighbourhood of 4 inches at 100 yards. Again, I don't know much about the accuracy of the current rifles, other than from what I have heard, they are better than what they used to be, but are still inaccurate.
 
circlingvulture said:
I had a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle for about 15 years. It was built like a tank and never had any reliability issues. I sold it to pay for another rifle, but I must admit I regret selling it now. I should point out however that: a) the rifle was built around 1980 and I don't know what the reliability is like for current rifles; and b) the rifle, while extremely reliable, was also inaccurate. It was shooting groups in the neighbourhood of 4 inches at 100 yards. Again, I don't know much about the accuracy of the current rifles, other than from what I have heard, they are better than what they used to be, but are still inaccurate.
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Mini 14 reliability is the same (bomb proof) but accuracy is greatly enhanced with the newer Mini 14. Awesome rifle, its only draw back is expensive magazines. The MR1 is also sweet, the looks are awesome but the price tag is about double what a mini is. I have seen threads about disappointed people who wonder what the extra money got them. Mini wins this match hands down, it might go differently if the price of the mr1 was reasonable.
 
I have a 582 model mini14 with a barrel stabilizer ( accustrut ). I can get 1 moa out of the rifle as long as its not being shot at rapid fire. I also use both factory and tapco mags. Tapco mags are just as reliable so far for 35 bucks a mag FYI. Great little rifle!

 
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I haven't shot the Mini 14 but I was in the same position as you when I was looking for a rifle. I wanted to pick one up and install a sparta stock. I ended up deciding on the MR1, because it came from the factory with a pistol grip and ready to mount optics. I also prefer AR15 magazines, as they're easy to find and there are a lot of fun options (.50 beowulf, PMags, LAR-15). I picked up my rifle on the EE lightly used and I'm very happy with the purchase, great value. The MR1 is a good shooter, very well built, easy to handle, accurate, and has no reliability issues. I don't think you can go wrong either way though, I'd still be interested in a mini 14 if I found myself in the market for another .223 semi.
 
For me the 10 shot magazine was a must so I went with the MR-1.

I like it a lot and it has been very clean shooting and reliable.

I still have to buy a used Mini 14 one of these days, just to piss off Wendy.

MR1rifle_zpsccd71d9c.jpg
 
I have never shot the MR1 but I have owned a few Mini's. I like the Mini because of the aftermarket support and the availability of getting it in stainless steel. It's also a more affordable option for a throw around truck/bush gun.
After I sold my last one I regretted it pretty quickly and picked up a NIB "used" one off the EE. Won't be getting rid of it anytime soon.

Here it is, a fellow CGN'r added most of what you see. Benefits of the EE :)
 
I traded my mini14 towards my Benelli MR1 b/c the Mini will never be more than 100yd accurate gun built that way by Ruger.
I "heard" MR1s can compete with Tikka T3s.

I wasn't aware that hunting deer with 223 caliber was legal?
 
dvn00 said:
I "heard" MR1s can compete with Tikka T3s.

I wasn't aware that hunting deer with 223 caliber was legal?
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I'd be interested in seeing accuarcy tests with the MR1 because it's hard for me to believe it could compete with a bolt gun. Let alone a T3. I'd have to reconsider my choice if it's as accurate as that!

And .223 is a no go in Ontario. Not all provinces have the same caliber restrictions.
 
Not as accurate as a bolt gun, haven't seen any proof of that being done reliably. great gun, no issues at all with any ammo cycling. Ive had both the mini and MR1. I might sell mine to get some money back for another AR.

 
Mike7 said:
I'd be interested in seeing accuarcy tests with the MR1 because it's hard for me to believe it could compete with a bolt gun. Let alone a T3. I'd have to reconsider my choice if it's as accurate as that!

And .223 is a no go in Ontario. Not all provinces have the same caliber restrictions.
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I was under the impression that there are no centerfire restrictions for deer in Ontario? I don't believe .223 has enough energy to reliably drop a deer but I didn't think there was anything in the regs against it either.
 
geologist said:
For me the 10 shot magazine was a must so I went with the MR-1.

I like it a lot and it has been very clean shooting and reliable.

I still have to buy a used Mini 14 one of these days, just to piss off Wendy.

MR1rifle_zpsccd71d9c.jpg
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Nice MR what did that cost you to get the barrel shortened and threaded?
 
dvn00 said:
I wasn't aware that hunting deer with 223 caliber was legal?
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we can shoot deer in BC with a center fire. so .223 is legal here. I have loaded some 55gr Hornady GMX for that purpose. Hornady says its a "medium game" projectile. Haven't hit one with it yet though. This year took a buck with a T3 in .270WSM @ 230 yards. I wouldn't have taken that shot with the .223
 
hoochie said:
we can shoot deer in BC with a center fire. so .223 is legal here. I have loaded some 55gr Hornady GMX for that purpose. Hornady says its a "medium game" projectile. Haven't hit one with it yet though. This year took a buck with a T3 in .270WSM @ 230 yards. I wouldn't have taken that shot with the .223
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With softpoint ammo it would be great for the little island deer.
 
Mike7 said:
And .223 is a no go in Ontario. Not all provinces have the same caliber restrictions.
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This is not correct. The .223 can be used for any game in Ontario. Perhaps not the best choice but it is not illegal.

On the original question, I ruled out the MR1 because of the safety. I found it difficult to disengage. YMMV.

I owned a Ruger once and it was 100 per cent reliable but very inaccurate. I understand the new ones are better and the Accu-strut looks like a promising device.
 
dvn00 said:
I traded my mini14 towards my Benelli MR1 b/c the Mini will never be more than 100yd accurate gun built that way by Ruger.
I "heard" MR1s can compete with Tikka T3s.
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I have 2 T3's, used to have a 3rd. In .243, 270WSM and .300WSM; I can assure you that my MR1 is nowhere near as accurate as my T3's. I think the only person who would even suggest such a comparison would be a salesman trying to sell you the MR1
 
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