Mini 14 vs SU-16

[CarbineKid]

I recently sold my SKS and Im looking for a new rifle. I have owned AKs and ARs and I liked them, but I perfer the traditional rifle set up.(no pistol grips). SO I guess my two choices for a detachable hi cap mag rifle in .233 comes down to the Mini or SU. So in you humble opinion which one would you buy and why?

 

[Jackal]

Kel tec. I hear they are more accurate, and can use standard AR mags, unlike the Mini's crappy aftermarket mags.

 

[MachIVshooter]

While I don't own an SU-16, I do have a PLR-16 (same reciever) and a Mini-14. I love both, but I suspect the robust, all-metal construction of the Ruger will prove more durable over thousands of rounds. But this is only speculation, as polymers have made leaps and bounds the last few years.
As of yet, neither gun has had any problems.

As mentioned, the SU's compatibbility with AR magazines is a major selling point. Quality Mini hi-caps are reliable (at least mine have been), but harder to find and more expensive than AR mags. If you do go with the Mini, I would steer clear of the 40 round mags. USA brand 20 and 30 rounders are what I have.

 

[browningguy]

I made the same decision a couple of years ago and got the Keltec "A" model. If I had to do it over again today I'd get a "CA" model. There are people that love their Rugers, but for me they were less accurate, heavier, and took Ruger only mags. I only tried two Rugers before I bought, that's a small sample but consistent with what others say regarding accuracy, > 2.5".

I was happy with my Keltec even when it was only a 2.5" gun at 100 yards, but a few weeks ago I tried some 52 gr. Moly Black Hills ammo and they turned it into a <1.5" gun, best group so far 1.2", worst 1.8".

But the two main points for me were the light weight and standard AR mags. I have had zero failures with mine, no FTF's, no FTE's in probably 1000 rounds or so. I regularly shoot the cheap Winchester and Remington ammo through it, but mostly now it's Black Hills, I don't know how it would do with the really cheap ammo.

 

[Srigs]

Kel-tec SU16 B or C model is my next rifle!

 

[10-Ring]

I really like the SU16. It's a nice little utility rifle. I haven't had a chance to shoot the new mini 14, but from I'm hearing, it is suppose to be a nice set up...w/o comparing the 2, I don't know which way I'd go. Compared to the old mini 14 & the SU 16, I'd go w/ the Kel Tec

 

[roscoe]

Maybe this will be the new AR vs. AK debate for future generations of gunboard surfers.

PS - My .223 Saiga is better and less expensive than either choice!!

 

[B yond]

I have an su-16a and am very happy with it. Shot an older Mini-14 and like it too. The reason I went with the Kel-Tec is the light weight. It also felt like there was less recoil. Plus, the integrated bipod is nice to have when you need it, and the foldability makes it easy to throw in a backpack for a hike. It's nice having an extra mag stored on-board too. For me the Kel-Tec was just more practical for more applications.

 

[MarkL]

My SU-16CA is a blast on our local tin can range. I put a red dot on it for easy aiming. I can pop bottle and jugs all day with it. Love to make them dance. I can recommend highly the SU-16CA.