less relibility than anything
Unless you're talking about problems with aftermarket magazines, or a particular gun that was broken, this has no basis in fact.
specifically has no warranty
Now I think you've never owned a Ruger. Clearly, you've never called them. Ruger's no warranty beats most company warranties hands-down. At least that's been my experience.
This is my experience with Ruger's "no warranty":
"Sturm, Ruger and Company, may I help you?"
"Hi. The X on my Y broke."
"No problem. Can you give me the serial number?"
"12345-67890."
"What's your mailing address?
"Blah blah blah."
"We're sending you one right now."
"Do you want me to send the broken one to you?"
"Nah. Just throw it away."
I'll second whoever said to get the stainless/xytel Ranch Rifle. I prefer the package to the AR-15. It's more compact, mounts real fast like a little shotgun, shoots very reliably, and readily tolerates bad cleaning habits. Doesn't mean I haven't bought an AR, but honestly, it's only because of the recent opportunity to do so legally here in CA. I really didn't even want one; I just couldn't turn down a chance to thumb my nose at the primate in the Attorney General's office. I haven't even put it together yet.
What I don't prefer is the Mini's accuracy. It's a carbine made to fill the same niche as the lever gun has for more than a century, not to compete with bolt actions. The AR can compete with bolt actions. And often does. Actually, a customized Mini can also, but it ain't cheap. And the trigger on a Mini is a basic field trigger, not even a good service trigger. So, for paper punching, a Mini-14 just isn't much fun. But for plinking or as a truck gun, it's great.
For me, that's good enough. Punching paper with a rifle -- especially a semiauto -- is the lowest thing on my list of fun shooting activities. Actually, I don't even enjoy it. Last few times I've done it was just to sight in a new hunting rifle.
And the Mini field-strips easily, too. So does the AR, of course.
