Mini 14 vs. Norinco M14

TRich

TRich

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
14   0   0
Location
Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Hey I'm new to this forum, but I am considering buying a Ruger Mini 14 or an M14 and I would like some gun people's opinions on the guns. Which is better to shoot recoil wise and also economically, is .223 generally cheaper than .308? Any and all opinions are welcome.

Thanks guys
 
on the other hand, the m14sor m305/whateveryou prefer has FAR more capability for both the hunting and longer ranges- you can go up to 165-168 grain for moose and bear. 150 for deer and whatever else ie smaller game, and the 223 is minimal for even deer- and then only to 300 yards max -and that's with the 70 grain bullets and 1/7 twist- your ablility to handload to performance is somewhat limited with the 223, and the mini14s have a less than stellar reputation for accuracy
as far as the recoil goes with the 308, there ARE ways to minize that as well- recoil pads and pussy pads, maybe a muzzle brake
 
223 is pretty and all... but 308 gets the job done. lol..

they are different, one is north American made for sport hunting and target shooting, the other is a Chinese reverse engineered military type firearm (i may get flamed on for that, but that was the purpose of the original they ripped off)

the Norinco M305 is going to be less expensive $399-499, while the ruger is going to be around $899-999, depending on where you buy. the 308 is going to be better for longer distances vs 223, but the 223 will have much less recoil.

IMO go with the M305, you save like $500 which can go towards a nice scope and mount.
 
For the OP. Recoil and cost are both lower with .223 so if those are your primary concerns the Mini 14 will be your first choice.
 
Definitely swaying me more towards the M-14. I love the look of the rifle and I would be shooting it mainly for hunting and recreational purposes. I know it's hard to get some parts into Canada though like barrels and stocks and stuff does anyone know any good Canadian importers? and by good I mean cheap :p
 
The Ruger Mini-14 is much more expensive than the Norinco M-14. But the Ruger is not a better rifle.

Get the Norinco and don't look back.
 
TRich said:
Definitely swaying me more towards the M-14. I love the look of the rifle and I would be shooting it mainly for hunting and recreational purposes. I know it's hard to get some parts into Canada though like barrels and stocks and stuff does anyone know any good Canadian importers? and by good I mean cheap :p
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure most places in Canada make it illegal to hunt big game with a .223 cal. .308 is a fine choice for a hunting rifle though.
 
locke it said:
The Ruger is a FAR better rifle.

Do you own ether?
Click to expand...

I do. a 09' M305 and a 581 stainless mini 14. The M14 IS the better rifle, regardless of who makes it. not to say the mini is junk.. I love them both. And you CAN hunt some game with .223 in some parts of Canada. its been done.

If you can, go my rout. Get both and use the mini to train with and use the M14 to reach out and touch somthing.
 
meh, mine's showing some signs of use after 800 rounds, the M14's @ 1200 and its just getting worked in. to each there own. I still say get both, train with the lill guy and use the big bro when he feels like it :).....OR get the M14 first and use the extra dough on ammo. a fine gun is useless in the hands of a man who doesnt have any money left over for ammo. the mini has like no recoil..the M14 isnt that bad either due to its weight. for all we know he wont even like the platform and sell it. IF I had to pick, I would get the M14 first, try it and go from there.
 
locke it said:
Not even close to the same thing... That said, I would buy a mini 14 over the prc m14 any day.
Click to expand...

One is based on the other, so they are pretty much the same thing. Ruger actually had a prototype mini 308...Get the mini for plinking, it will be cheaper in the long run, get a 308 bolt for the hunt, wait for another canam m14/308 deal and you'll be on your way to being a gun nut....

Cheers
 
Not even close! A new shooter will have a much easier and more pleasant time of learning with a Mini14 than an M14. Less recoil, plenty of accuracy potential for 300-yard shooting, definitely more trouble-free. I've had a half-dozen or so mini14's over the years, still have one now, and have had zero problems with any of them. I've had a couple of M14's as well...very fiddly and demanding guns, poor fit and finish, wobbly this, crooked that...how many challenges does a newbie need at one time? Learning to shoot well should be his goal for now...learning to be a gunsmith can come later.
 
jjohnwm said:
Not even close! A new shooter will have a much easier and more pleasant time of learning with a Mini14 than an M14. Less recoil, plenty of accuracy potential for 300-yard shooting, definitely more trouble-free. I've had a half-dozen or so mini14's over the years, still have one now, and have had zero problems with any of them. I've had a couple of M14's as well...very fiddly and demanding guns, poor fit and finish, wobbly this, crooked that...how many challenges does a newbie need at one time? Learning to shoot well should be his goal for now...learning to be a gunsmith can come later.
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
I own both. The mini is much cheaper to shoot and reload for. Going iron sights, the M-14 has better accuracy and if I reloaded for it too, I'm sure I'd get much better groupings. As long as it shoots straight, does not prematurely wear out, goes bang everytime, cosmetics is nothing to me and wont comment on quality. I love the Norc and same goes to the Mini. Quality wise, I dont care cause its all cosmetics. For reliability, none have failed on me so I cant comment. Buy both!!

Mini 14 Ranch Rifle: lighter, more compact, easier scoped, cheaper to shoot, light recoil

M-14: harder hitting cartridge, better for hunting, more accurate(stock vs stock), better adjusting sights
 
Yea get both.

IMG-20120315-00067.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom