Mini 14 versus everything else

[Roadkill]

Like most others here, I've been reading with detatched interest the competition comments about Mini 14s versus AR15s, AKs, SKSs, AR180s,M1s, M1 carbines, M1As, FALs, ect. For a little background, I'm retired Army, 12B and have been looking down the barrel of something or the other since I was
about fourteen. I used a M14 in basic and AIT, used a M14 and M16 two tours in Vietnam, have fired more AKs, SKSs, and all the rest an indecent amount of times. Anyway, last week an pal dropped by and said he had a friend with a gun he wanted to send down the line. It was a Mini14. What the hell, price was good, condition was excellent, I got it. Took it down to the toy room and immediately realized why folks are not pleased with it. Its NOT a military gun. It is a civilian copy of a military rifle. It would never stand up to the abuse that would be the minimal accepted standard for a military rifle. The stock is too light weight, the barrel too slender, the hardware too cheap, the magazines too thin, sights too flimsy, the action not sturdy enough, I could go on and on. It is however a very excellent lightweight varmit gun. Which was what it was designed to be. No more, no less. So constantly comparing it to a military gun is a waste of time. It is not one. It will never be one. I think the most problems folks have is they want it to be as good as an AR and that's not going to happen.

rk

 

[1 old 0311]

BINGO. +1

Kevin

 

[esldude]

Good honest assessement. Puts things in their place both ways.

 

[MechAg94]

Can't disagree there. I wouldn't mind seeing a good Mini14 vs SU-16 side by side comparrson, but that is a comparrison of civilian rifles only.

 

[colt.45]

you got it. it is a civilian rifle for getting rid of cyotes or other vermin. i think it would do fine in combat with a heavier barrel, but thats just my opinion and ive never seen combat.

 

[magsnubby]

Hmm....i think you just summed up the Mini 30 as well.

 

[Vic]

I agree...

I had a GB folder in SS. I cannot say I was all that impressed, so I dumped it. It is NOT a M14/M1A, AR15/M16, M1 Garand. It says right on the reciever ".223 CAL". It is not 5.56MM although it is stout enough to digest 5.56. As far as being accurate, I could never pull a 1 hole group at 50yds with any Mini-14. I can do it all day with either of my AR15's using standard GI 55gr ball ammo. I read someplace that if you zero the M16 at 50yds, point of impact is zero at 250 meters (I might catch a little flame here). There is NO compairson between the two as they are NOT the same gun at all. Not only that...try to get parts for the bugger...H/S. A very good thread to close this topic once and for all!

 

[KINGMAX]

It's either a military grade or it's not.

It's either up to the standards of a military weapon or it's just a gun/rifle. A military weapon must be able to withstand the rigers of battle and survive to fight another day. Look at the AK47, M-14, M-16, Lee Enfield, YUGO SKS, Spanish CETME in .308. Look at one of those, it say's: 'give me what you got - I can take it'

Think about that when you purchase any pistol or long gun. What do I intend to do w/ it? Shoot birds or shoot bull ?? Targets or Terrorists ??
Protection or Entertainment. Alot to think about when it comes down to a decision when you are spending your hard earned $$$$.

PRAY FOR PEACE