mini 14 as a starter varmint rifle

[gofastman]

Im looking to buy a 223, preferably an autoloader. I have shot a buddy's mini 14, I really like they way it shoots, but i have heard they have some accuracy issues, have these problems been resolved with the new ones?

Is this a decent hunting rifle for varmints and such, maybe small deer too?

I really don't want an AR, I'm just prejudice against them, don't ask why.
Is there something else out there that is in the same category i should look at?

EDIT:
DOH! i put this in the wrong section, mods would you please move to the appropriate place.

 

[Art Eatman]

For a hunter, the older Minis are as good as the newer ones. All of the four Minis I've had since they first came out did just fine on coyotes and jackrabbits. I installed a Weaver K4 on mine. Worked great.

The deal is that the first shot from a cold barrel reliably goes to the sight-in point of aim, today, just like it did last week or last month.

The bad-mouthing of the Minis has come from those who want to sit at a benchrest and get long strings of small groups. Nope, the Mini won't do that. For a hunter, however, group size from a benchrest is irrelevant to what a hunter does: One shot, one coyote.

 

[Naybor]

Art Eatman is right!

Deadly on the first few shots ~ after the barrel heats up, POA changes.
Some wants to treat them like a machine gun.

 

[TXiceman]

I have never seen much use for an auto loader rifle for hunting. It takes one bullet for one varmint.

The Mini 14 and AR style auto loaders I have seen at the range are not very impressive compared to what a good bolt action rifle will do. The ones I have shot were nice, but I was under impressed with the accuracy. Better accuracy and fewer problems in the field with a good bolt action.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Nothing wrong with the Mini as a varmint gun. I had both the Mini-14 and Mini-30 and either would have been fine for coyotes,etc.

 

[22-rimfire]

It depends on the size of the varmint you are shooting at as far as the Mini-14 goes.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

It depends on the size of the varmint you are shooting at as far as the Mini-14 goes.

What animal in the varmint classification is too large for a .223 Remington with well conrtucted bullets?

 

[jmr40]

I think that he means that if it it is too small it may be too hard to hit with the mini's lack of accuracy.

 

[Sunray]

"...heard they have some accuracy issues..." Yep. A Standard Mini-14 is far too inaccurate for the money asked. The Target Mini is reportedly much better. Considerably more money though.
If you're thinking of using a .223 for deer, use the right bullet. Most factory ammo uses a varmint bullet. Varmint bullets are not suitable for deer sized game.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I think that he means that if it it is too small it may be too hard to hit with the mini's lack of accuracy

The Mini isn't nearly as poor accuracy wise as it is reputed to be and the newer ones are even more accurate(according to reports). If you can't hit a coyote sized animal with a Mini,chances are you won't hit it with much else.

 

[Mentokk1]

Saiga makes an autoloading sporter rifle available in .223, 7.62x39, 5.45x39, and .308. From what ive heard they are a great gun for the money

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I got a mini 14 tactical series 581 (newer model) with a Redfield 2x7x33, I often see a group of 2 or 3 coyotes in an open pasture or a group of hogs under a feeder, with the autoloader, I can often kill at least 2 coyotes and get a decent shot at a 3rd or when it comes to hogs I have killed as many as 4 at one time. I have owned minis for years and I love em. my mini 30 with an ultradot on it is great for hogs at 100 yards too.

 

[TX expat]

As others have already said, the Mini would make a fine rifle for what you are looking for. I have a new 581 series as well and I'm very pleased with it.

 

[jmorris]

I agree with Art's assessment. I still have one adding weight to a safe but if you only get a shot or two every half an hour why do I need it to load itself?

The AR's that you shun or bolt actions are what I use currently.

A mini will work fine for most varmit uses as long as you don't have an afternoon of parie dogs in mind.

 

[unwise11]

A nice bolt action Howa M-1500 in .223, .243, or .308 would be a bit better, and cheaper.

 

[gofastman]

OK, can of worms here: Is the All Weather version worth the extra $100 or so?

 

[308win]

I used a Mini Ranch for a couple of years for groundhogs with a 4x9 variable power scope and it did just fine out to 200 or so yards. Most of the shots I missed were probably my fault and not the rifle's. The nice thing about it is that it is light and reliable. Go to Perfect Union and you will find a wealth of knowledge about the Mini and getting the most out of it.

As for the all weather version my experience was that if it was raining the groundhogs were usually staying dry so why spend the extra money?

As for deer, I have never had the chance to hunt deer with a rifle so I have no experience with the .223/5.56 as a deer caliber but with the right type/weight of bullet it would do the job within its limitations.

 

[rodregier]

I sold a stainless Mini-14 many years ago to help pay for an AR15-pattern rifle. Other than the subsequent legal status of Mini-14 vs AR15 pattern rifles in Canada, never regretted the decision. My usage is on the range, used it in all kinds of weather.

My perceived advantages of the AR15 over the Mini-14:

- Easier to clean from the breach (and other parts)
- Better accuracy
- Better aftermarket options availability
- Better spare parts availability

There's a reason why all sorts of companies are adding AR15 pattern rifles to their product line...

If the appearance of the AR15 pattern rifles bothers you, keep in mind you can get wood furniture for it too

 

[X-Rap]

Your varminting career will be much longer and enjoyable if you start with an accurate rifle be it bolt or auto. The mini doesn't fit that need.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I "varmint" as a necessity, not as a sport. I need to kill pests that are a threat to my livestock, coyotes and hogs are a daily opportunity to shoot. my "varmint career" has lasted over 40 years and the mini 14 has been around for most of that. it may not be a "got to be bolt action" but it continues to do the job. I got a couple of safes full of arms, some really good varmint calibers but the mini affords me 2 or 3 quick shots and I make them count. I grew up shooting and the military helped me some too.

 

[X-Rap]

You are obviously a fan of the mini, I am obviously not. I'll take an AR over a mini any day.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I carried a Colt M-16 during the early 70s, in my safe is a Colt AR15 bought in about '76, also a rock river CAR15, a Bushmaster BAR10, Armalite AR10A2. yup I love ARs too, just the mini is so much handier in a pickup for me.

 

[Art Eatman]

X-Rap, just how many shots do you need for a varmint?

Sure, the Mini would not be a good choice at a prairie dog town, but group size isn't the issue for something like a coyote where it's the first shot that does the deed.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Im looking to buy a 223, preferably an autoloader. I have shot a buddy's mini 14, I really like they way it shoots, but i have heard they have some accuracy issues, have these problems been resolved with the new ones?

Minis are great rifles. Mine is much like Art's; a late 70s Mini 14 with a Weaver K4. Dead nuts reliable and accurate enough to put ten shots into Wile's chest at 200 yards.

If you want a Mini 14, get one. They are a barrel of fun, and a great truck gun. No reason to need a purpose for a new rifle. If you want one and can afford it, get it.

But for a starter varmint rifle, I would look at a Savage 110 in .223 with some decent glass (not necessarily expensive), or, if for little varmints like prairie dogs, a .17 HMR.

For deer, I can't help you there. In Colorado, the minimum big game caliber(including pronghorns) is .243.

 

[PT1911]

I have very little to add to this thread but I do have a question... There is a Mini-14 on consignment in a friend's shop. This particular rifle has some sort of "tuner" on the muzzle. What purpose does it serve?

My problem with the mini is that for similar money one can get a more accurate bolt rifle or a "better" all around semi-auto such as an AR. I know that everyone is not in the market for an AR, that is not the point. IMO, there is nothing that a mini can do that others cannot do as well or better for the same money or less. That said, if the mini's were 3-400 dollars, I would be very interested in one, but for 600+ I would opt for a CZ 527 in my caliber of choice or, if my heart was set on a semi-auto, I would probably spend a bit more and get a heavy barrel DPMS A-15....