I own Mini's, AR's and AK's. The newer 580 and up Tactical series mini's with the tapered barrel and factory flash hider will give the ENTRY level lower AR's a run for accuracy. They are a great gun for the non AR type and with the additions of a Accu Strut and some glass bedding will be more accurate than most shooters. Mine will shoot 1" groups at 100 yds using a bag, 1-4x24 Burris scope and 55grn PMC ammo. Mine has been 100% reliable. Is it as accurate as my Spikes AR?? No but it was not meant to be a target rifle.
If money is truly tight then look at a AK in the WASR variety. For $400 you can find these all day long. Reliable, fairly accurate to 75yds, and ammo is cheap. You can always add a few parts for upgrades as money allows.
I do like the Mini. I feel it is a great gun. For a HD, Varmint and plinker the newer models are plenty accurate.