AR 15 or Mini 14

[SwampWolf]

The Mini-14/30 action isn't based on the M14/Garand design, it's based on the M1 Carbine.

The M14,M1 carbine, and Mini 14 can all trace there roots back to the M1 Garand. One quick look at the bolt assembly will surely tell you that. Yes the gas returns are different and the M14, Carbine, and mini take a Magazine instead of the Clip but there is no mistaking it's linage to the Garand.

The Mini-14, the M-14 and the M1 Garand have much in common in terms of their action designs; the M1 Carbine not so much. Yes, the Mini-14 and the M1 Carbine share the same general configuration and some would say purpose-but the M1 Carbine differs in significant ways from the others in its action design.

 

[Ash]

The M1 Carbine has a rotating bolt and a slide that is not that different really from the Mini 14 (but very different than the Garand, other than location). The stock mounting and trigger groups (with safety) are completely, utterly, different. The M1 Carbine magazine is more related to the AR15 than it is to the Mini.

 

[mljdeckard]

I grew up with old ranchers who mostly kept minis in their trucks for the odd coyote. I would be interested to see how many of them still do.