Mini-14 vs. S&W AR

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timfromohio

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Up front - don't want to engage in a Mini-14 bashing thread. The purpose of the rifle is home defense, casual plinking, and is one that I want my wife to be able to use. I don't care about 1.5 MOA at 100 yards. I care about minute of pie plate at 100 yards.

I've never shot a Mini-14 and have shot an AR only once.

Here's how I see it based on lots of reading on this forum:

Mini-14 - new versions (580) are vastly improved over older versions, far less picky with ammo, "cleaner" action due to the design. Flip side is they are less common, mags are more expensive, and the "cleanliness" aspect seems to be overstated.

AR - much better out of the box accuracy?, more common platform, cheaper mags. On the flip side, more expensive, can't shoot cheap (Wolf) ammo.

My costs are based on prices from the CDNN catalogue - Mini-14 tactical can be had for $589.99 with free shipping. S&W M&P AR can be had for $799 but comes with five extra mags.

I'm looking for constructive thoughts, pros/cons of either to help me in my decision - not a "bashing" thread of either rifle.

Thanks for any thoughts, especially from those of you out there that have experience with both rifles!
 
My only experience with the Minis was with the earliest versions. Four of them, over some fifteen or so years. Somewhere around 3,000 rounds through them.

Great for reliability. Factory ammo, GI ammo, a couple of thousand gunshow reloads from a guy I knew.

First three shots from a benchrest were always around 1.5 MOA with a Weaver K4 on top. First-shot POI was always reliable, to the detriment of a few coyotes and jackrabbits.

Hunting, plinking and self-defense? The Mini is just as good as any other .223.

And, FWIW, I'm on my fifth AR, right now, with an iron-sight upper and a scoped flat-top upper. It's probably just as good as the Mini for hunting, plinking and self-defense. :D My first AR was from when Colt first came out with the A2 configuration, whenever that was. Late 1970s? Disremember...
 
I have only shot an AR once a long time ago. It was fun. it didn't make me want one though.

I did buy a couple of mini-14s when the 580 series came out. They are excellent guns and will do just what you say you want them for. I prefer the more standard stock over the pistol grip style. Mine have never bobbled or failed in any way.

I have one ruger factory 20 round mag. I also have 9 of the steel 20 round Pro-Mags. The Pro-Mags I bought from Academy for $20 each. They look so close to ruger mags I thought that they might make mags for ruger. I found out they don't. These have worked perfectly for me. No complaints at all with them.
 
I included the information that I have zero experience with the Mini and next to no experience with the AR to convey that I don't have any established preferences. I've read a lot of posts where guys are looking at different platforms and have developed a preference based on comfort and familiarity due to military service, past experiences, etc. I'm starting with a totally clean slate and looking for honest opinions based on my needs and budgetary contraints.
 
There are a couple of things you said that I think steer you towards the AR.

I am in a position where I train a lot of petite females for rifle shooting. I wouldn't trade the M-4 for any other platform. It's more ergonomic, and the easiest rifle for the most body sizes and shapes.

The other is versatility. There is a VAST array of options available for an AR. The only way to come close with a mini is to spend a lot more than you are suggesting.

There really isn't any reason you can't use Wolf in an AR.

And yeah, why block the thread?
 
I really think you should take your wife to a local gun shop and have her hold both rifles and ask her which one she likes best. It's fine to give your opinion, but ultimately she will probably be happier if you let her decide.
 
Tim,
The Ar v Mini horse has been beat to death a hundred times over. Some peoples heads tend to explode at the mere mention of the subject, don't take it personal. I own a mini and have shot many AR pattern rifles and if all you are looking for is a decent shooting, field accurate firearm then the Mini will not let you down. The AR is the Lego set of the firearms world. If you can think of it, it can be hung off the rifle. I love my Mini, but I would love to have an AR as well. You hit the nail on the head. AR rifles have an aftermarket following that can not be beat. But they are more money to get into. AR is easier to scope, Mini not so much. So I guess it really just depends on how much you really want to spend.
 
Good question. For your purpose, either could do very well. I have owend several of both and don't have much to add.

With the mini it is much easier to see into the (open top) action when checking the chamber or if you have to clear a malfunction. Although I can't remember ever having a malfunction with a Mini. It is also easy to see and understand how the bolt lock operates.

However the Mini may be harder for a normally-non-shooting novice to load due to the rock-in magazine. Not as big an issue though if the gun would be securely stored with the mag already in place.

A wood stock may look a little less intimidating to the wife (?). But a telescoping a stock on a AR carbine may allow for a better length of pull for either of you.

The significantly longer sight radius of the Mini is a substantial benefit when shooting with iron sights.

It was me, I would get the AR if it was going to be for me, and probably the Mini if it was going to be the wife's gun, provided the length of pull of the Mini fit her reasonably well.

BTW - If you get a Mini, I would pop for OEM Ruger magazines.
 
I'd love to try shooting both (which we did with handguns before purchasing), but that's not so easy. Have to know somebody. I do have a friend with an AR - maybe we'll wait until warmer weather and I'll have my wife try it out. My sense of urgency is driven by the sale at CDNN - don't want to miss out on the deal.
 
"the gun you want your wife to be able to use"

OK. Then which gun does SHE like best? Buy that one.

Mike
 
Have you looked at the Saiga in 223cal IZ-114

This model can be had on GB for approx $355.00 delivered to your FFL. Mine has been ultra reliable and is approx 4moa with any ammo. I find the sights give a good picture.

DSC00703.jpg
 
I considered Saiga in 7.62x39, but I'd like to have the capability of running high capacity mags without having to convert the Saiga or purchasing one pre-converted - jacks up the price.

I've read nothing but positive things about them however, in all calibers available.
 
lesgeaux, that is a sharp Kalashnikov.

Anyways, I would go with the S&W AR, I put wolf down the pipe of my AR's all the time and have yet to have a problem.

That being said, I am pondering a Mini 14 buy cause I tink a miniature M-14 would be a neat rifle... but I already have 2 AR-15s....
 
Quote:
The purpose of the rifle is home defense, casual plinking, and is one that I want my wife to be able to use.

I think that has Mini-14 written all over it,IMO.

And with indelible ink.
 
Oh man, where to start on this coversation.........?

If you are like most guys, you will probably be able to shoot both rifles relatively easily. So I think that having your wife see what she likes best is a great idea. If my wife likes the look of the gun and had input on it, she is way more likely to enjoy having it & shooting it.
So get your wife's input on which platform, or at least get her input on blued vs stainless and wood vs synthetic (even the colored options).

Contrary to what one person said, the mini 14 is easier to scope - it even comes with 1" rings. A 2-7x32mm scope is great choice. With an AR, you will have to buy the rings and maybe even some kind of base or mount. Although, the AR might be a better choice if you know that you want to use a 30mm red dot sight.

If you do get a mini 14, get the new version. It is definitely more accurate than the old version.

Other random stuff to consider:
The AR will almost definitely be more accurate
The mini 14 will be easier to maintain
If you get factory mags, the mini 14 will also be more reliable when dirty
 
I considered Saiga in 7.62x39, but I'd like to have the capability of running high capacity mags without having to convert the Saiga or purchasing one pre-converted - jacks up the price.
Click to expand...

Converting a Saiga would still be cheaper than either a Mini or an AR.

Also, you most certainly can run Wolf in an AR15.
 
I own both an AR and a Mini-14 ( the new series).
They are both good rifles and shoot about the same accuracy-wise.
The AR is more of a weapon system than just a rifle, whereas the Mini is definitely a rifle.
For the price, ease of use and 5 -seconds needed to train, I'd go for the Mini-14.
Buy FACTORY mags and a nice 4X scope.
Good enough for 99% of all eventualities.
 
Either would be fine; I'd definitely go with your wife's preference.

The AR is more accurate; the mini is a little easier for a beginner to chamber-check. Both are reliable. Even a 2 to 4 MOA mini is plenty accurate for defensive distances or anything inside 100-200 yards, so the AR's superior accuracy may not be a huge factor.
 
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