Custom Mini-14 vs Piston AR15?

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Regarding Mini 14 accuracy - I read a lot about the inaccuracy of the AK-47, yet everyone seems to want one and it's the arm of choice for every rabble rousing rebel on the planet.

I like the AR15, but sometimes I'd like something handier and more basic. It's like a Glock vs. a Ruger GP100, both are good. Buy what makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
 
Nowadays "Sub MOA" means it can shoot beer cans at 30 yards at the gravel pit, or the X ring at the 25 yard indoor range. People legitimately thing that "Sub MOA" means practical accuracy. Its strange.

Probably right. I wouldn't expect a pistol shooter to know what it means but many rifle shooters don't know either. I've asked a number of people at my range about what they think their rifle is capable of, some with some seriously expensive AR's. They didn't know what MOA was. All they knew was they paid a lot of money for the rifle and it seemed to shoot "OK".:uhoh:
 
Regarding Mini 14 accuracy - I read a lot about the inaccuracy of the AK-47, yet everyone seems to want one and it's the arm of choice for every rabble rousing rebel on the planet.

I like the AR15, but sometimes I'd like something handier and more basic. It's like a Glock vs. a Ruger GP100, both are good. Buy what makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Now the AK is truly a combat rifle........close combat. :D
 
Regarding Mini 14 accuracy - I read a lot about the inaccuracy of the AK-47, yet everyone seems to want one and it's the arm of choice for every rabble rousing rebel on the planet.

I like the AR15, but sometimes I'd like something handier and more basic. It's like a Glock vs. a Ruger GP100, both are good. Buy what makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

AK accuracy is reasonable to about 250ish yards. However they're harder to run well due to the poor ergonomics, harder to shoot at distance because of the bullet drop, and, in my experience, will tend to string rounds vertically something fierce when they get hot.

The fan base for the rifle world over tends to be child soldiers in sub-Saharan Africa, illiterate conscripts in former Eastern Bloc nations, Middle Eastern terrorists, and communist revolutionaries whose conception of good shot placement involves point-blank application to the backs of the heads of targets kneeling in front of hastily dug trenches.
 
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$850-900 rifle
$250 Shilen barrel
$100 contour, chamber, install
Total: $1200-1250

If I put $1250 into an AR, I’d expect a hell of a lot better than 1.3” groups. There’s just no ignoring the value gap in precision return on investment.
 
Heroin is pretty popular too. Doesn’t mean it’s a good product.

The AR is 100 times more popular than a Mini. Has to be or there wouldn't be 100 different AR builders. So by your logic AR's may not be a good product either. But I know there are some good ones out there. My shooting buddy has one.:D
 
AK accuracy is reasonable to about 250ish yards. However they're harder to run well due to the poor ergonomics, harder to shoot at distance because of the bullet drop, and, in my experience, will tend to string rounds vertically something fierce when they get hot.

The fan base for the rifle world over tends to be child soldiers in sub-Saharan Africa, illiterate conscripts in former Eastern Bloc nations, Middle Eastern terrorists, and communist revolutionaries whose conception of good shot placement involves point-blank application to the backs of the heads of targets kneeling in front of hastily dug trenches.
And they probably don't know what MOA means. :D

The AR is 100 times more popular than a Mini. Has to be or there wouldn't be 100 different AR builders. So by your logic AR's may not be a good product either. But I know there are some good ones out there. My shooting buddy has one.:D
Must be that darn patent Ruger has...
 
Regarding Mini 14 accuracy - I read a lot about the inaccuracy of the AK-47, yet everyone seems to want one and it's the arm of choice for every rabble rousing rebel on the planet.

I like the AR15, but sometimes I'd like something handier and more basic. It's like a Glock vs. a Ruger GP100, both are good. Buy what makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I fought against the guys carrying AK47s, I had a M16A2. At the end of the day I had ammo leftover and an AK47 that someone no longer had use for.
But back on topic. Most everyone that has posted in this topic has fired one or two Mini 14s. Most of us that have fired them with agree that they are great guns and fun to shoot. But those of us that like the Mini 14 will also agree that a standard AR15 is more accurate then your standard Mini 14. We will agree that the AR is much easier to work on.
Wasn't trying to sell it to you, just showing you that in fact Ruger did make them that way. Seems like these forums struggle with facts, especially when it comes to the Mini 14
I think that most of us know that Ruger put out a target version of the Mini 14. We also know that it has never been a good seller due to the price.
 
$850-900 rifle
$250 Shilen barrel
$100 contour, chamber, install
Total: $1200-1250

If I put $1250 into an AR, I’d expect a hell of a lot better than 1.3” groups. There’s just no ignoring the value gap in precision return on investment.

And there ya go, you have no facts to back that number you just made up, because the fact is I said it was an old 188 series. That means it was made in 1995, so ask yourself if you think a Mini 14 cost that much over 20 years ago when I bought the rifle. Making stuff up and lying is no way to get your point across. Plus if you knew how to shoot, you can tell by my target it is no more than bad trigger pull on the one stray bullet... $1200 my eye, You sir have truly insulted me
 
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I think that most of us know that Ruger put out a target version of the Mini 14. We also know that it has never been a good seller due to the price.

Apparently Someguy didn't. And I will agree, the target model was expensive and it was something not everyone was looking for, but it doesn't mean it didnt work. Those target models were pretty darn accurate.
 
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And there ya go, you have no facts to back that number you just made up, because the fact is I said it was an old 188 series. That means it was made in 1995, so ask yourself if you think a Mini 14 cost that much over 20 years ago when I bought the rifle. Making stuff up and lying is no way to get your point across. Plus if you knew how to shoot you can tell by my target it is no more than bad trigger pull on the one stray bullet... $1200 my eye, You sir have truly insulted me

Apparently Someguy didn't. And I will agree, the target model was expensive and it was something not everyone was looking for, but it doesn't mean it didnt work. Those target models where pretty darn accurate.

Wasn't trying to sell it to you, just showing you that in fact Ruger did make them that way. Seems like these forums struggle with facts, especially when it comes to the Mini 14

You are incorrect. I’m well aware they made those, and I also know they were an affront to the term “target rifle”. What I want is yours with the Shilen barrel, and that ain’t it. (Actually what I really want is one with a lighter contour and 20” 1:8 barrel) I know I can have one built but I also want a 67 camaro and an original colt SAA, but won’t buy those either because they cost more today than I have value for them. I do not care at all what you paid for it in 1995 because I don’t have a time machine. The AR15 I have now that I built is more accurate than your mini and cost half what it would cost me to replicate your mini. I know you love it and that’s fine, I’m not going to pay the price of admission though. When you can sell me a mini 14 with a 1:8 twist and accurate enough that I can make headshots on yotes at 400 yards for about $600 I’ll be here waiting. Until then I’ll keep my AR. That’s what I want it for, if it’s counter to your uses I don’t care either.
 
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My target model Mini, with 50gr American Eagle varmints tips, would easily and regularly outshoot my LaRue barreled AR. Target Mini is a VERY accurate rifle, once you find a load and barrel weight position it likes.
 
And there ya go, you have no facts to back that number you just made up, because the fact is I said it was an old 188 series. That means it was made in 1995, so ask yourself if you think a Mini 14 cost that much over 20 years ago when I bought the rifle. Making stuff up and lying is no way to get your point across. Plus if you knew how to shoot, you can tell by my target it is no more than bad trigger pull on the one stray bullet... $1200 my eye, You sir have truly insulted me

The price you paid for a rifle two decades ago isn't going to be a terribly helpful indicator in a thread where the OP is asking whether he should consider buying one in the present.
 
My target model Mini, with 50gr American Eagle varmints tips, would easily and regularly outshoot my LaRue barreled AR. Target Mini is a VERY accurate rifle, once you find a load and barrel weight position it likes.

Were you shooting the same, or similar lightweight bullets out of the LaRue?

For some reason, some of their barrels simply will not group light bullets at all, but will put heavier bullets like 68 or 77 gr ones through the same hole.
 
You are incorrect. I’m well aware they made those, and I also know they were an affront to the term “target rifle”. What I want is yours with the Shilen barrel, and that ain’t it. I know I can have one built but I also want a 67 camaro and an original colt SAA, but won’t buy those either because they cost more today than I have value for them. I do not care at all what you paid for it in 1995 because I don’t have a time machine. The AR15 I have now that I built is more accurate than your mini and cost half what it would cost me to replicate your mini. I know you love it and that’s fine, I’m not going to pay the price of admission though. When you can sell me a mini 14 with a 1:8 twist and accurate enough that I can make headshots on yotes at 400 yards for about $600 I’ll be here waiting. Until then I’ll keep my AR. That’s what I want it for, if it’s counter to your uses I don’t care either.

Sorry, it was just hard to tell if you knew what an actual target model Mini 14 is. In another thread you said your brother had a target model back in 2003 2004ish, when they were actually developed in 2007. Then the statement that you wish Ruger made one like it, I didnt think you were talking about my rifle in particular. Thats great you limit yourself to price and not at something you might actually want, but I like all firearms, and price is not an issue with me since all my rifles pay me back. My Mini 14 in particular has paid me back in bacon 100times fold.
 
The price you paid for a rifle two decades ago isn't going to be a terribly helpful indicator in a thread where the OP is asking whether he should consider buying one in the present.

You can still find a old used one in the $400 area and rebuild it. I paid $400 new in 95' and I found this little jewel a couple of years ago for $450

20170516_054150.jpg
 
And there ya go, you have no facts to back that number you just made up, because the fact is I said it was an old 188 series. That means it was made in 1995, so ask yourself if you think a Mini 14 cost that much over 20 years ago when I bought the rifle. Making stuff up and lying is no way to get your point across. Plus if you knew how to shoot, you can tell by my target it is no more than bad trigger pull on the one stray bullet... $1200 my eye, You sir have truly insulted me

Replicate it today...

And in fairness, recall, a $400 MSRP 20yrs ago is $650 today. The $100 for the barrel work is really cheap, but not unheard of in current prices. $250 for a Shilen barrel is still a fair number. So $1100 if you figure the inflated cost (and I was building AR’s at that time under $300 my cost, selling at $350-400). Those are facts just as much as yours. And again. If I spent $1000 today on an AR, I would be spitting mad if it only delivered 1.3”.
 
You bought a new Mini 2 years ago for $450?

You really like putting words in my mouth, reminds me of something a liberal would do. Didnt say it was new, even posted a picture of it, you can clearly tell it is not new, but it damn sure wasn't wore out. The SOB will last longer than me. And why would I rebuild a new rifle? Besides, those shilen aftermarket barrels only fit with pre580 components. You really need to do your research buddy.
 
Sorry, it was just hard to tell if you knew what an actual target model Mini 14 is. In another thread you said your brother had a target model back in 2003 2004ish, when they were actually developed in 2007. Then the statement that you wish Ruger made one like it, I didnt think you were talking about my rifle in particular. Thats great you limit yourself to price and not at something you might actually want, but I like all firearms, and price is not an issue with me since all my rifles pay me back. My Mini 14 in particular has paid me back in bacon 100times fold.

I don’t recall exactly what he had. I shot it once, and he sold it shortly after. I recall it having a black composite stock, stainless steel with a heavy profile and no iron sights. I don’t recall it having the muzzle tuner but mabey it did. He called it a mini 14 target, but it could have been a custom deal. Him and my dad did a lot of prairie dogging from about 2000 to 2010 and that is what he bought it for, and it didn’t work out.

I have 3 other hobbies competing for my money and a family with two little kids, so yes I’m pretty frugal with my firearms purchases.
 
Just helping you explain your own card-stacking. Talking about 1.3” groups from a set up which would take $1200 to replicate new, neglecting the detail of used purchases against new prices for AR’s.

I’ll admit, I’d also love to find a smith in 2018 who will chamber and profile a barrel for $100. 20yrs ago, that was going rate, paid about the same for my first accurized Mini. But those days are over.
 
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