Alright I really want/need a non-restricted .223 semi. Anything much over $1600 is a no go. So....the Benelli MR1 is in my price range and will use the many AR style mags I already have. It fits and feels great, love the trigger and it oozes quality.....But, for about the same money I can get a S/S Mini 14 ($699 P&D), a Tapco stock, Ruger mags and a case of Fedral .223 FMJ. My heart says Benelli but my head says Ruger.
Need Advice Ruger vs. Benelli
- Thread starter Glockster
- Start date
Well to be honest, I'm kinda holding my nose to vote for the Benelli. If you absolutely have to have a .223 then I guess get the Benelli. It's a boat anchor, but it's a little more accurate then the "minute of barn door" Ruger. And the ability to use AR mags is actually a fairly big deal, especially considering the price of large bodied Mini mags, which last time I checked were still in the $100 range. But given your budget, I'd suggest getting a VZ. Rifles are good quality, mags are fairly plentiful and affordable, and there are lots of accessories for it with more coming all the time. I guess if you want to go varminting then get the Benelli. Just my $0.02
The MR1 = BARF in my opinion. It looks like a Benelli shotgun with too small a barrel. Or what Wendy Cukier would want you to own and consider a real "black rifle" as an incremental ban step.
Neither of those guns you listed is particularly known for accuracy. Also, the MR1 retails for more like $1799 plus tax and shipping if applicable, so it's not sub-$1600 unless used.
I would not get a tarted up Mini-14 either. It will look like an SKS with a cheap ATI stock - very mall ninja, and not in a good way.
If you must be non-restricted, look for a good used SL8-5 or AR180B for around the same money. That's my $.02 worth.
Neither of those guns you listed is particularly known for accuracy. Also, the MR1 retails for more like $1799 plus tax and shipping if applicable, so it's not sub-$1600 unless used.
I would not get a tarted up Mini-14 either. It will look like an SKS with a cheap ATI stock - very mall ninja, and not in a good way.
If you must be non-restricted, look for a good used SL8-5 or AR180B for around the same money. That's my $.02 worth.
The benelli has a REALLLY thin barrel. I really wanted a MR1 untill I had the chance to actually handel one...they do not feel up to the task. From the reports I have read they do not group very well either.
The Ruger would group about the same as the MR1 ... but is built really solid.
The Ruger would group about the same as the MR1 ... but is built really solid.
...take that for what you will....
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
I'd look into the CSA 5.56 over both of those. Price is $999 at Ellwood Epps, and rumor has it an AR magwell conversion kit is in the works. 
lejarretnoir
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- 162km from Connaught
I'd go the Mini 14. That rifle is just waiting to be customized, oh yea!
The newer ones shoot much better.
The newer ones shoot much better.
I went thru the same decision process and went with the MR1 when I found one used with a Burris 3-9x, mounts and 2 LAR mags for $1800. They are pricey, there was one on the EE awhile ago for around $1400. The Ruger in target configuration was heavier that I wanted to carry and true or not they didn't have a good rep for accuracy in the regular configuration. I was wanting it as a crossover hunting rifle rather than a dedicated tactical shooter. It would look better with a thicker shorter barrel and a flash suppressor but it is what it is appearance wise. Accuracy is good IMO for what the gun is, with premium hunting ammo, about 1.5 MOA out to 200 yards is as far as I've worked with it so far. With cheaper FMJ ammo there may be not much difference between the 2. I'm getting 4-5" groups at 100 yards. It does seem to be a reliable gas system and and a quality built piece. No failures to feed or eject with anything I've put through it so far, 7 different brands\loadings. Ergonomics and trigger are great IMO and the ability to work with 10 rounds mags as a hunting option was another plus.
Downside is the irons don't coexist well with optics. I sighted the irons in and then removed them. Would be fast to replace if needed but to get a proper cheek weld requires low rings and removal of the rear irons.
Downside is the irons don't coexist well with optics. I sighted the irons in and then removed them. Would be fast to replace if needed but to get a proper cheek weld requires low rings and removal of the rear irons.
I would pick the Mini-14 just because they look pretty good, and I think that all of there past problems don't exist no more. They shoot 2-4moa now and thats pretty good. If you can hold out and wait until the Kel Tec SU-16 comes here, that might be the best option.
Hokus Grey
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Somewhere between "WTF?" and "FTW!".
I'm very partial to the CSA .223. Very nice.
