LightningJoe
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Which is better? And why?
Kel-Tec SU-16 or Ruger Mini-14?
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bhk
Member
I have a new Stainless 580 series Mini (and previously owned an older one). The newer minis are more accurate than the much cussed older ones. The minis are rugged and neither of mine have ever jammed with any mags or any ammo. Makes a good truck/farm/security gun for me.
My buddy has an SU-16. Granted, it is the only Keltec SU-16 I have shot, but it really didn't do much for me. It jams a lot, even with different ammo and mag types (I think others have had more luck with reliability, and Keltec does have good customer service). I believe it is more accurate than the Ruger, but I can shoot the Ruger better due to the stability its increased weight provides. My buddies SU is the C model which has a stock that makes it almost impossible (for me) to shoot off the bench using my normal bench techniques. If you were going to carry the rifles extensively in the field, though, the Keltec sure is nice. My buddies straps his on his back (with stock folded) while he checks his trap line in case an incidental coyote appears.
Neither are good bench/target rifles due to Ruger's lack-luster basic accuracy and the Keltecs extreme lightness. Both are fun to shoot. Both make a good addition to a basic small-bore collection, as long as you have another accurate rifle for real target/long range varmint work.
I really would suggest finding a way to try each out before buying either.
My buddy has an SU-16. Granted, it is the only Keltec SU-16 I have shot, but it really didn't do much for me. It jams a lot, even with different ammo and mag types (I think others have had more luck with reliability, and Keltec does have good customer service). I believe it is more accurate than the Ruger, but I can shoot the Ruger better due to the stability its increased weight provides. My buddies SU is the C model which has a stock that makes it almost impossible (for me) to shoot off the bench using my normal bench techniques. If you were going to carry the rifles extensively in the field, though, the Keltec sure is nice. My buddies straps his on his back (with stock folded) while he checks his trap line in case an incidental coyote appears.
Neither are good bench/target rifles due to Ruger's lack-luster basic accuracy and the Keltecs extreme lightness. Both are fun to shoot. Both make a good addition to a basic small-bore collection, as long as you have another accurate rifle for real target/long range varmint work.
I really would suggest finding a way to try each out before buying either.
The Deer Hunter
Member
well, for one the Mini 14 isnt ugly as hell
only1asterisk
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They are both banned by name in the current house bill. I've never used either, but I'm all for anybody buying guns that the grabbers don't want us to have. Good luck with your choice.
David
David
silverlance
Member
The Kel-Tec's extraction problems in the C, CA (california legal), and D (SBR) can be fixed easily and effectively by replacing the extractor with a DPMS AR-015 extractor. Once I did so my SU16 CA became as accurate at medium ranges as any AR.
The Mini14 is nice but make sure you get the ghost ring 2006 or 2007 version. Also, make sure that you get 20 round ruger LE magazines if you can.
Which brings me to another question - were any high capcity magazines made for the Mini14 in the aftermarket prior to 1999, and where can I find some?
kev
The Mini14 is nice but make sure you get the ghost ring 2006 or 2007 version. Also, make sure that you get 20 round ruger LE magazines if you can.
Which brings me to another question - were any high capcity magazines made for the Mini14 in the aftermarket prior to 1999, and where can I find some?
kev
Essex County
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Here's a vote for the latest Mini, although I feel they are overpriced. Essex
MISFIRE
Member
Mini or SU 16
I sold my SU 16 and am buying a Mini, Keltec is too much like a toy.
Bill
I sold my SU 16 and am buying a Mini, Keltec is too much like a toy.
Bill
Drakejake
Member
I keep reconsidering the SU-16C but each time I conclude that I am happier with my Mini 14 in Butler Creek folder. I like more steel and less plastic in a rifle. I have not fired the Kel-Tec but have seen several at gun shows. I have a number of Kel-Tec handguns. I believe that the Mini is going to be more durable and reliable over the long term. I solved any accuracy problems some time ago with a home-made barrel strut.
Side question: I am getting a .223 suppressor. Can the Mini 14 or SU-16 take one? (I plan to use the can on my DPMS AR-15.)
Drakejake
Side question: I am getting a .223 suppressor. Can the Mini 14 or SU-16 take one? (I plan to use the can on my DPMS AR-15.)
Drakejake
10-Ring
Member
I was not a fan of the older minis & have not had a chance to try one of the newer versions. I've shot a couple Kel Tecs and in my limited experience, they've been nice shooters.
There are some suppressors that are made to fit over a standard M16 flash hider. Not sure if those are on the 14 or will fit on the SU-16, but at least one model of the KT has a removable muzzle cap. You could get a suppressor with the right threads to fit it, though I don't know if the threads are long enough for support...?
bestseller92
Member
I have a 2005 Mini 14 and can highly recommend it.
Given your 2 choices
I think I might go with the Saiga. No, I don't even own one yet. The Rugers are overpriced in my opinion but, I have not shot one of the newer ones. I only say they are overpiced because they have never been very accurate. I have always liked their looks especially with the factory folder in stainless. The Kel-Tec is a neat idea and I like the way you can carry mags in the butt-stock but, it is not legal for me to carry them that way in my state so it offers me no advantage. If you don't want an AR for whatever reason I would seriously consider the Saiga. It is the least expensive, fairly accurate if not better, by all accounts and, it is a proven design.
I think I might go with the Saiga. No, I don't even own one yet. The Rugers are overpriced in my opinion but, I have not shot one of the newer ones. I only say they are overpiced because they have never been very accurate. I have always liked their looks especially with the factory folder in stainless. The Kel-Tec is a neat idea and I like the way you can carry mags in the butt-stock but, it is not legal for me to carry them that way in my state so it offers me no advantage. If you don't want an AR for whatever reason I would seriously consider the Saiga. It is the least expensive, fairly accurate if not better, by all accounts and, it is a proven design.
sorensen440
member
I like my keltec su16 bravo
put a few thousand rounds thru it and havnt had any jams since I threw my cheapo mags in the trash
put a few thousand rounds thru it and havnt had any jams since I threw my cheapo mags in the trash
I vote for the mini-14. It's a great rifle. Can be dressed up in a number of different ways with just about everything you can have on any AR.
The New mini's 14's & 30's serial #'s 580 & 581 respectively, are much more accurate than the older ones and have much heavier barrels.
Also now that they've made the AWB maybe they'll get a little more respect.
The New mini's 14's & 30's serial #'s 580 & 581 respectively, are much more accurate than the older ones and have much heavier barrels.
Also now that they've made the AWB maybe they'll get a little more respect.
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