SU16 vs. "New" Ranch Rifle

[Stiletto Null]

So apparently the updated Mini-14 doesn't suck anymore...barrel's a bit heavier, better stocked, etc. etc., so now the thing will actually group ~2MOA from the factory. I hear that the barrels are still light enough that they'll start scattering bullets pretty quickly due to heating.

Now, the SU16 has been established as a decent ~2MOA gun, is also generally reliable (I hear they're finicky about certain hollowpoints?), and apparently holds up decently to rapid fire.

Lowest Mini-14 MSRP I see (blued, hardwood version) is $750, versus $640 for pretty much any of the SU16 family.

Thoughts?

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

Well, assuming both rifles are equally reliable and one isn't more subject to parts failure than the other - the differences I see are aesthetics, price and availability of normal capacity magazines.

 

[browningguy]

I haven't seen one of the new Mini-14's so this may not mean much. My SU16A model is indeed a 2moa gun (it wears a 1.5-4.5 scope) with the 52 gr. Blackhills reloads, I've had absolutely no feed problems with any or the 10-15 different loads I've tried in it. But with some of them the groups open up to 4-5". If I had my 'druthers I'd go with a C or CA model by the way, but they only had the A when I bought mine a couple of years ago.

While the SU does not feel that solid, mine has been shot a lot, and folded/unfolded many times with absolutely no problems at all. I really don't use the built in bipod so can't comment on how long it will last.

The main thing I like about it is the weight, it's exactly what a .223 should be. And did I mention it uses standard, cheap AR mags? And it folds up to store very compactly in a briefcase.

 

[Ironballs]

SU16 offers
-folding, a cool touch
-Cheaper/easier to find mags (and more reliable mags)
-AR chamber+gas piston (latest technology, proven recently, where Ruger is known to be more finiky)
-Cheaper buy, and easier resale (many people are sitting on their rugers trying to sell).
-Lighter weight/added speed of handleing

I have an SU16B (lightest weight version)...
If accuracy is your fav. quality, get the CA prolly (but the C fires when folded, can be handy for truck gun etc)

 

[mrmeval]

Does Ruger offer high capacity magazines for the Mini YET?

 

[DMK]

I'd choose the SU-16 almost purely on the fact that it accepts AR15/M16 mags.

 

[Srigs]

I would still choose a SU16.

 

[beerslurpy]

SU16 and AR mags for the win.

Screw Ruger, they took like 20 years to realize their gun was an expensive pile of suck before bringing it above AK levels of performance.

The SU-16 is made by a company with a well deserved reputation for awesome customer service and great products. The SU-16 was a winner from day one.

 

[KaceCoyote]

My SU is now well north of 2k rounds, and its still a 100% rifle. 100% accurate as I am, and 100% reliable.


No problems with hollowpoints.

 

[Mike_in_OC]

I would get the SU based on the fact that the SU uses AR/M-4 mags

 

[whm1974]

Lowest Mini-14 MSRP I see (blued, hardwood version) is $750, versus $640 for pretty much any of the SU16 family.

I could get a AR-15 for little more then what a mini-14 cost. And I much rather have the AR-15.

Does Ruger offer high capacity magazines for the Mini YET?

They have made 20 and 30 rounds mags ever since they made the mini-14. However offically dealers are only suppose to sell to LE or military.

Considering that the mini-14 cost just as much as an AR-15, hi-cap mags are hard to find, and cost an arm and leg. Why even buy a mini-14?

-Bill

 

[DMK]

Screw Ruger, they took like 20 years to realize their gun was an expensive pile of suck before bringing it above AK levels of performance.

The SU-16 is made by a company with a well deserved reputation for awesome customer service and great products. The SU-16 was a winner from day one.

That, Mr. Beerslurpy, is a very good point. Along with the Keltec vs. Ruger stance on the AWB.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Throw my lot in with the SU-16 crowd.
I haven't yet seen a predominance of evidence that the new Minis are better than the old ones (they should be, but I'll wait until I see more than magazine reviews say so), and it's complete BS that Ruger won't sell 30 round magazines (or design the darn thing to use AR mags to begin with) to civilians in free states.

I especially like the neweer SU-16 models with real sights.

 

[grimjaw]

(or design the darn thing to use AR mags to begin with), referring to the Mini14.

Let's run with that assumption for a minute. If Ruger did redesign the Mini14 to use AR mags, but changed nothing else, would you be more inclined to pick it over the SU16 still?

jmm

 

[stolivar]

Get a Saiga

I have one of the Saiga's in 223 and it only cost me $277.45 out the door tax and all. It will do 1.5 inches at 100 yards easily. (new not used)



steve

 

[CarbineKid]

Let's run with that assumption for a minute. If Ruger did redesign the Mini14 to use AR mags, but changed nothing else, would you be more inclined to pick it over the SU16 still?


I would. I like Rugers firearms, and I perfer a rifle made with a wooden stock.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

(or design the darn thing to use AR mags to begin with), referring to the Mini14.

Let's run with that assumption for a minute. If Ruger did redesign the Mini14 to use AR mags, but changed nothing else, would you be more inclined to pick it over the SU16 still?

jmm

If it also shot well, yes.

 

[Dr.Rob]

To me the SU 16 is sort of like an AR-7 in .223... a survival rifle with a lot of plastic parts. I'm sort of dubious of the long term life of the rifle but it works.

The Mini is a hunting rifle, NOT a military grade weapon designed for shooting thousands of rounds a day. Sure they heat up, as do MOST rifles, even bolt guns when firing multiple shots in a short time.

Ruger made oodles of 20 rd mags, though they are harder to find. PMI makes great hi-cap mags.

I don't think I've had a jam shooting my dad's older model (not a ranch) mini... but I haven't shot it near as much as he has.

If 'rapid fire' is what you want, go with the SU16 and GI hi-caps. If want a rifle that will last 30+ years, get the Ruger.