Mini-14... for deer?
:banghead:
No, please don't...
If you HAVE to go the Ruger ranch rifle route, get the Mini-30. The Russian SKS would be a much better value, but if you are set on the Rugers, get the 30 for deer hunting. You will be much better off, and will take deer much more humanely. I don't care whose cousin killed a deer with a .223 or which state's laws allow it, .223 is a poor choice for deer. Yes, you can get heavier loadings, yes it's about shot selection, etc., etc., but if you haven't put the money down for it, then get something better suited for the task. The Mini-30 is the same price as the Mini-14 and is much better suited with the larger chambering. 7.62x39 is cheap, too. You will be able to do alot of cheap plinking with the rifle. The ballistics for 7.62x39 are only slightly less impressive than .30-30, which is a proven deer killer. It also has light recoil. Get what you want, but I am standing firm that .223 is not the wisest choice of caliber for deer, and I am begging you to reconsider the situation before you spend your money.
Jason