Why no love for the Ruger Mini-14
- Thread starter cornman
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Cornman, run a search on this topic. There are 234 billion threads about it. 
I like my mini.
I like my mini.
As has been said in the other threads, the older minis often had issues with accuracy being bad to terrible. Some shot ok, a decent group of them shot good for the first couple shots before the barrel got hot, and others couldn't hit a barn from the inside.
Newer minis seem to have sorted out a bit of the accuracy issue. Some still don't shoot, but most mass produced rifles have a few that won't shoot, regardless of brand.
The biggest problem I have with them is their price. I know this again is an issue that has been beat to death. To me, I really like the AR platform. Due to that if prices are close I would probably splurge and buy the AR. Locally and in general the cost of a Mini has crept closer and closer to that of a budget AR. Still cheaper for the most part, and certainly cheaper when you look at non base model ARs. To me I still would rather build the exact AR I want even if a bit more pricey than pick up a new mini. When the current production minis hit the used market a bit harder I will be looking to pick one up. I think they have come a long way since the older options and once I can pick one up for the prices the older minis are selling for I really do think I will get into one. Until then I'll stick with a new upper for the AR.
Nothing wrong with the mini. I just would use it for the same purposes an AR would be used for, in which case at the new prices of both I will stick with the AR. For how long the design has lasted they must have made a few customers happy over the years.
Newer minis seem to have sorted out a bit of the accuracy issue. Some still don't shoot, but most mass produced rifles have a few that won't shoot, regardless of brand.
The biggest problem I have with them is their price. I know this again is an issue that has been beat to death. To me, I really like the AR platform. Due to that if prices are close I would probably splurge and buy the AR. Locally and in general the cost of a Mini has crept closer and closer to that of a budget AR. Still cheaper for the most part, and certainly cheaper when you look at non base model ARs. To me I still would rather build the exact AR I want even if a bit more pricey than pick up a new mini. When the current production minis hit the used market a bit harder I will be looking to pick one up. I think they have come a long way since the older options and once I can pick one up for the prices the older minis are selling for I really do think I will get into one. Until then I'll stick with a new upper for the AR.
Nothing wrong with the mini. I just would use it for the same purposes an AR would be used for, in which case at the new prices of both I will stick with the AR. For how long the design has lasted they must have made a few customers happy over the years.
MatthewVanitas
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paintballdude902
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search much?
I have 3 of them and never shoot 'em because I cannot stand a rifle that will not shoot a group...I also hate ak's for the same reason. You might as well use a pistol if you cannot reliable hit a 10 in target at 200 yds with a rifle. I am glad to here the price is up I am taking them in to get another rra 308 which shoots 3/4 inch groups without even trying. BTW, I wanted to like the mini14 they do not like me. Ha.
Shadow Man
Member
I'll take you up on that bet. So lets go stand 300 yards apart, and I'll aim at you and you can just shoot in my general direction and see who gets hit first...
LeontheProfessional
Member
I like them. I also like Ak and AR's and everything in between. The mini, AK, AR, SKS, etc. All have their purpose.
christcorp
Member
There's no hate for the Mini-14 here. My only problem is in my opinion; it's not worth the $700-$800 (or more) for a new one. Simply not worth it. Use to be where a mini-14 was a way to get into the .223 semi-auto without going broke buying an AR-15. At today's prices, the average AR-15 is between $900-$1000. I'd spend the extra $100-$200 on the AR. Or spend $300-$400 less, and get a Saiga in .223. Rugers are nice, but they've raised their prices and think their name can carry it. It can't.
dougw47
Member
Mini 14's
3 bad ones...
3 bad ones...
leadcounsel
member
No value for the price, and why didn't they design it around a currently produced magazine like the AR15 mags and the AK mags??? There are much better rifles in that price point, below it, and slightly above it.
W.E.G.
Member
Because of the lack of "evil features" like "the thing that goes up," the "Mini" still has a niche in states that have state-law "Assault Weapon Bans." Otherwise, it is simply a design that fell short of its objective, and is further overshadowed by firearms developments of the last 20 years.
MatthewVanitas
Member
For example: it's the tactical-est light "assault rifle" you can legally own in Washington DC.
TexasPatriot.308
Member
if you have owned a mini 14 you have an idea of what you got, years ago innacurate as could be but still fun to shoot, nowadays my mini 14 tactical is a great shooter, I love my minis and my mini 30. it is an American made rifle with the Garand look and maybe that is why people love them. one of mine stays by my bed at nite and I own AKs, ARs but my mini has a spot in my heart and I trust it.
Fun to shoot, but many of my revolvers (and my Sigs) group better than my Mini at 25 yards...some even at 50 yards. lol
I always considered them "knock around" guns that work in a pinch. That being said, there is no longer anything "knock-around" about a $700 gun that shoots 4" groups.
I always considered them "knock around" guns that work in a pinch. That being said, there is no longer anything "knock-around" about a $700 gun that shoots 4" groups.
timfromohio
Member
CDNN Sports has mini's on sale for $589 plus free shipping. To me, this seems like a good deal. That said, I have never shot a mini, but do like what I read about (1) the action being less likely to foul up as quickly as an AR and (2) the mini being less finicky about ammo. Again, those are things I've read on this forum, no direct experience.
Benelli Shooter
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- 115
The Mini-14 is my home defense shotgun.
I strongly agree with this statement..
"I'll take you up on that bet. So lets go stand 300 yards apart, and I'll aim at you and you can just shoot in my general direction and see who gets hit first..." Of course in the literal sense.
Ive been a long time mini14 owner and its a simple explanation, they are built for a purpose, as an inexpensive ranch rifle, too bad Ruger hasnt gotten the idea that inexpensive means price.
I own both ARs and a mini, there is no comparison between them. The AR can do the same job, and in many ways much better, but at one time the AR was more than twice the minis price, and rightfully so.
"I'll take you up on that bet. So lets go stand 300 yards apart, and I'll aim at you and you can just shoot in my general direction and see who gets hit first..." Of course in the literal sense.
Ive been a long time mini14 owner and its a simple explanation, they are built for a purpose, as an inexpensive ranch rifle, too bad Ruger hasnt gotten the idea that inexpensive means price.
I own both ARs and a mini, there is no comparison between them. The AR can do the same job, and in many ways much better, but at one time the AR was more than twice the minis price, and rightfully so.
TexasPatriot.308
Member
I paid $600 for a brand new mini 14 tactical a few months ago, not a bad deal.
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