Ruger carbine: Mini-14 or 77/357?

[Quoheleth]

I'm looking for a lighter-recoiling, do-it-all rifle. For me, that means a range plinker and scout rifle/go-gun should that need ever arise. I do not hunt; I do not do three-gun, shoot silhouette or other run-n-gun games. In my battery, I have a Garand and a Marlin 336 in .30-30. I don't want to replace these two, but supplement them and if I had to grab one rifle, this one would be it.

What I am looking for is a relatively light and compact gun. I like the idea of sights on the rifle, just in case, and easy-to-mount optics.

My wife hates guns and black guns in particular. I cleaned a friend's AR and AK and she had a cow, calf and a whole herd of pigs thinking those were mine. But less threatening and tactical-appearing guns she can tolerate. I don't want an SKS or M1 Carbine. I've narrowed my list to the Mini14 or a 77/357.

The Mini-14 is my first option. Semi-auto, .223/5.56 is available all over the place, it runs well with brass or steel cases, high cap mags are now available, the Garand-style action is dead-nuts reliable and the newer models are more accurate than the previous generations. I do not reload for this round and don't plan to.

The 77/357 is my second option. Bolt action, it is also nuts-reliable and stout enough to handle hot .357 mag stuff (if it can handle .44 Mag, it can handle .357). Magazine capacity is limited (5+1) and extra mags are expensive, I gather. I do reload for .357 and that makes this a very inexpensive shooter - especially with cast lead bullets.

Both guns seem to be in the $600 price bracket.

What do y'all think? Semi auto or bolt action? True rifle caliber or pistol caliber in a carbine?

Would love to hear your opinions of both rifles and which way to go.

Thanks
Q

 

[Lateck]

I own a Mini-14 and a Marlin 1894 in .357. Love them both.
If I had to own only one...... It would be the Mini-14...
The .357 is very good (I am sure the Ruger 77/357 is!) but having a Semi-Auto is the sticker... And for the most part I can find ammo in .223 that is cheaper then the .357 Magnum (around here).
BUT, you can't go wrong eather way.....

Good Luck, (Buy both in the end )

Lateck,

 

[GunnerShotz]

Well crap, now I want a Mini-14 instead of (or in addition to) the 77/357 ... and/or a .357 lever :banghead:

 

[8830]

I wouldn't grab either the Mini14 or 77/357 over a Garand but if I had to I would rather grab a Mini 14 over a 357 bolt.

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

I have both the mini and 77-357, but regretably not a Garand. Like them both. Would like a 77 in 327 Federal magnum. Great all around plinkers and varmint rifles.
Forgot to add that the 77-357 does not like flat nose bullets. They will not feed.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I've got the same two guns Latek said.
The Mini14 for multi purpose; 357 b/c it is my fav round.
Just given what you said I go with the crowd on the 223.
Get the wooden stock one and your wife won't have another herd. That being said: get some good advice on how to make it more accurate and you'll have a real nice collection of guns.
Now all you need is an 870.

Edit: The Teacher ought to be able to teach his wife about the benefits of guns...

 

[shappa357]

The mini-14 has a huge aftermarket parts availability....accuracy is not that great.
The 77-357 can also handle 38 special to lower the shooting costs. The pistol cal limits shooting distance to around 100 yds.

Both can be bought in stainless....thus avioding the dreaded black gun aspect.

Since you reload the .357 I'd say that is the tipping point....go with the 77-357.

 

[Quoheleth]

Thanks for the comments, fellas.

Oldfourtyfiveauto:
Will it feel cast lead semi-wadcutters like these http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=41&category=5&secondary=10&keywords=

That bullet profile is my favorite for both my .38 and .357 loads.

Q

 

[Skyshot]

If you can get one the new mini-14's you will not be disappointed.

 

[chicharrones]

I'd pick the Mini 14 out of those two, but since you brought up a bolt gun maybe this would do nicely.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/32400

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_63_971/products_id/34009

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-527-carbine/

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

I've not tried any cast in my 77-357, but flat nose jacketed do not feed well.

 

[trstafford]

Have you considered

Have you considered a CZ 527 Carbine in either 7.62x39 or .223 I love mine in 7.62

 

[SabbathWolf]

Sounds to me that your "biggest" problem is the serious need for you to train your wife a little better, not which gun to get.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

my 581 series mini 14 tactical with a 2x7x33 Redfield shoots 1 1/2" groups and I regularly kill coyotes at 200 yards, no problem, beautiful little rifle too.

 

[Micha2u]

For what it's worth, I picked up a 582 series mini 14 tactical about a month ago an dittos on the rifle's accuracy as I've shot some pretty nice groups.

I'm convinced that any accuracy issues are more because of factors with me, the iron sights and factory trigger than any inherent accuracy issues with the rifle.

 

[tryshoot]

run 336, mini-14 next

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Based on what you already own, I think the mini-14 is the better of the two. Given your wife's reaction, I'd get a wood stock for the mini. Also, I'd try to get one without the flash hider - again it will help with domestic peace. The NRAILA version they had several years ago was pretty good.

 

[marksg]

I got the 581 series Mini 14 w/wood stock(valentine present from my wife) and love it. The new tooling Ruger did seemed to take care of the older models accuracy issues.

Haven't shot the 77/357, but if i were to get a rifle in .357 it would be a lever action not in bolt action. (it is on my to get list though)

 

[wriggly]

I was going to buy a new AR15. The one I wanted was just about $1200. So I figured I would get a 77/357 and a Mini14 instead. Why buy one gun if you can buy two instead.

I already have the 77/357 and plan on snagging the Mini14 in the next few weeks.