Help me decide between two rifles

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mr.trooper

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Im looking at either that Ruger NRA edition mini-14 or the Marlin 336 XLR.

I will be buying local, and both rifles are $650.

I am looking for a utility rifle on which to mount my Millet Buck Gold 1-4x DMS scope. This would be for range shooting and varmint control mostly. Its also a fun toy. :) I already have a fair bit of 223 on hand from back when i had a 223 bolt gun.

I realy like the looks and handling features of BOTH rifles, but i don't have the cash to buy them both. :( Which rifle would be the most reliable, the longest lasting, and most accurate?
 
Buy the mini 14 nice little carbine for varmint control and you already have the ammo!!!
 
I hear lots of terrible things about minis never being able to finish any serious carbine courses... I do attend formal training facilities on occasion when finances allow, so reliability and longevity are top priorities.
 
The NRA Mini is more compact, and since you're already familiar with that caliber I'd recommend that route. I've got nothing bad to say about the 336, but I can't seem to keep one. I've had two and sold both of them.

jm
 
OK thats good. I didn't want to have to spend an extra $70 for 30mm Ruger rings, but its not so bad i guess. I would probably have to spend that in 30-30 ammunition anyway.

In all honesty, how accurate can i expect my NRA mini to be? I don't care if its a tack driver, but can i expect 2 MOA or better?

I would love to buy both of them, but that additional $650 is going towards the Vz 61 that i have my heart set on. :)
 
Mini 14 is a great ranch rifle, and just a very reliable semi auto rifle. I have never heard of anyone breaking one, damaging one, and I cant imagine how it would ever not make it through a shooting course, sounds to me like someone is pulling your leg. Like any good reliable rifle of any design it needs a bit of maintance, but not much at all.
They are not very accurate (compared to ARs), but if you are shooting mostly at distances of less than 100 meters you can hit anything you aim at consistantly.
Mine is stainless steel, and for that reason probably darn near indestructible when it comes to the elements, and wear from use. Ive had mine for many years and it still looks like new other than a few scratches in the wood stock (which I dont even use now).
 
I hear lots of terrible things about minis never being able to finish any serious carbine courses... I do attend formal training facilities on occasion when finances allow, so reliability and longevity are top priorities.
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I'm not sure if the Mini-14 was ever designed with those rigorous courses in mind. So, why even consider it, if that is your concern?:confused:
 
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