Most of them weren't alive in the 80s, AR cost more than 1200 bucks then and only one company had the rights to make em. For 5.56, Mini 14 was the North American choice at less than 400 bucks a pop. And the stuff you could get; banana mags, drums, folding stocks, night sights and matter of flash hiders and bayonets. Ther was very little available to play dress up with an AR then, indeed the debate over how effective the AR versus the FN/M14/G3 was raging.
Mini 14s in Paris
- Thread starter Bigfooter
- Start date
Most of them weren't alive in the 80s, AR cost more than 1200 bucks then and only one company had the rights to make em. For 5.56, Mini 14 was the North American choice at less than 400 bucks a pop. And the stuff you could get; banana mags, drums, folding stocks, night sights and matter of flash hiders and bayonets. Ther was very little available to play dress up with an AR then, indeed the debate over how effective the AR versus the FN/M14/G3 was raging.
According to Wikipedia, the U.S. Marines sometimes use the mini 14 to guard embassies in countries where the less military appearance of the wood stocked version was deemed appropriate for sensitive areas.
The mini 14 has simple controls, but the main problem with it is that the ruger mags are unavailable or like $90 for a thirty rounder pinned to five.
The mini 14 has simple controls, but the main problem with it is that the ruger mags are unavailable or like $90 for a thirty rounder pinned to five.
Expendable Nate
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Brunswick
i have owned both and i mean really the average AR owner isnt doing anything more then plinking at a couple hundred yards max and my 581 did just fine at that range too and much MUCH farther . i also never had a hard time finding mags and the ones i did buy were $25 bucks or so which is darn near on par with AR mags.
And they will shoot their Mini-14s where ever they want and laugh at you for being stuck at the range.
- Location
- WMU248 near Edmonton
same for government agencies, the mini 14 was cheaper
and no one was hanging lazers (lazers back then were as big as 2 d-cell flashlights) or other kit off their rifles.
True....that is the down fall of many ARs....they are restricted , so range use only . People spend a lot of money building a restricted AR rifle , deck it out with all the tactical cool toys....and then the rifle spends its whole life punching holes in paper , and knocking over steel plates ; while the owner of the rifle pays expensive range / club dues , and following all the club rules.........
I had one of the original, early Minis, a 181 stainless as I recall, with a wood handguard. Anyway, the thing was accurate as hell. Many won't believe it but it's true.
It must have been a freak...I've read a lot of Mini threads and people expressed their disgust at the poor accuracy they got with theirs. They can't all be wrong.
I still can't believe certain police agencies dumped their barely used FNC1's in favour of Mini 14's. The FN was a much much better rifle IMHO. Probably due to lack of support since Trudeau closed down Canadian Arsenals.
It must have been a freak...I've read a lot of Mini threads and people expressed their disgust at the poor accuracy they got with theirs. They can't all be wrong.
I still can't believe certain police agencies dumped their barely used FNC1's in favour of Mini 14's. The FN was a much much better rifle IMHO. Probably due to lack of support since Trudeau closed down Canadian Arsenals.
Yes, why not the Ruger Mini 14? It was the "go to" gun for the A-team, and it never let them down! Another price inflated firearm, due to it's Hollywood exposure.
Turkinator
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Onterrible
The mini 14 is one of the most modestly priced non-restricted semi-auto 5.56mm/.223 firearms available in Canada.
- Location
- Behind a large rock
Every mini I've owned has been accurate. It's not a bench rifle.
Another clueless opinion due to the Internet.
WeatherdoG
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Trenton, ON
I'll address your points one by one as they pertain to a government issued weapon.
Accuracy: .5MOA groups from a bench mean little when people are shooting man sized targets at less that 100m... argue all you want about how every bit helps, but I can assure you no government is looking for a .5MOA gun to issue to the average cop/soldier.
FN/Availability: The weapons were sourced before the AR craze, and as long as they put rounds into the bag guys effectively they will continue to be issued.
Ease of use: If your training has been on the weapon it is as natural to you as an AR, maybe you lose .5 seconds on mag changes but in the world of policing and soldiering that is why you have fireteam partners covering while you reload.
Adaptability: You are issued your weapon as is and are expected to leave it as is. If the bosses decided that 20" barreled ARs are good for mounted troops then that's what you get, you don't swap uppers because today you're in an army car and yesterday you were on foot. Same applies to muzzle devices etc... you have what you are given and you make use of it.
Supply chain: It's the government, they buy in bulk and they have special batches made for them if required. The don't run downtown to the local shop for a new firing pin.
Aftermarket: See adaptability... The issued weapons aren't Barbie dolls, they come as they are and are used in that state until the bosses decide otherwise.
The AR is great for what it is, the Mini 14 seems to keep the Gendarmes happy and suit what they need.
Good post and info.....plus one for the mini....
Gunnerlove
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island
I have seen some mini-14s that I wouldn't trust to hit the ground if dropped, that said most shoot well enough (or better) to meet the minimum standards for military rifles and I have seen an example of their target model that was/ is very impressive.
They are not what I would like to kick a door with as their controls are less intuitive, the rock and lock mags are slower and fiddlier than an AR and they do not like loading mags with the bolt forward.
That said as a general issue containment / trunk rifle they are easily the 99% solution.
They are not what I would like to kick a door with as their controls are less intuitive, the rock and lock mags are slower and fiddlier than an AR and they do not like loading mags with the bolt forward.
That said as a general issue containment / trunk rifle they are easily the 99% solution.
