You've got 25 acres to protect, Mini 14, or M1Carbine?

[schromf]

I'll fall into the neither category.

For critter control why don't you look into a CZ527 in a 22 hornet? Perfect for the task and the bullet wont carry into the next county. If you want to shoot milsurp ammo get it chambered in the .223.

Ruger makes one also, but more dollars.

I know neither are very exciting but both will make a handly little ranch rifle that will get the job done.

If you want something newer look into the .204 or the 17 cal.

What are your pests? Skunks, yotes, and rodents? My mini-14 was never up to the task of varmit control, the gophers would need to be so fat they looked like basketballs. It was suitable for coyotes at 100 yds, beyond that forget it. Yes I sold it a long time ago.

 

[twoblink]

For me, I'm mentally prepared for Wiley as the biggest threat. I think a 30Carbine with softpoints will do Wiley @ 100 yards or so without problem.

I would however, like to be able to drop a perp @ 150yards effectively if need be..


Do they make jacketed hollow softpoints for the M1Carbine?

 

[MrPink]

I don't think anybody has mentioned this one:

How about a mini-30. All the power of an AK or 30-30. If you add an Ultimak rail, you can forward mount a scout scope for intermediate and longer distances or an Aimpoint/EOtech for close up.

 

[Cortland]

The AR180B is excellent in theory, so so in QA/QC.

The quality of my AR-180B is just fine, thank you. My AR-180B has the Armalite see-through mount with a red dot scope. Light, accurate, reliable, cheap ammo, cheap magazines -- If I had 25 acres, it's what I'd use to protect it!

 

[Waffen]

I would go with the Mini. I use one for my coon/fox gun when I go spotlighting and I am more than pleased with it. Last year I porbably took between 800-1000 varmits with it.

Accuracy is not going to be AR level, but its not suppose to be. The Mini-14 is a RANCH RIFLE, not a 500 yard powerlacking "battle rifle" like the AR. If all your shots are under 100 yards you should have no problem what so ever.

Many people consider the mini to be inaccurate, but what good is an sub MOA gun when you are shooting from a running truck, or shooting quick off-hand shots at varmit sized game??

In conculsion, get the Mini, find the ammo it likes, buy a couple of Ruger Factory 10rds or PMI 10,20,30, or 40rounds, get a bolt buffer and gas bushing, and you are way good to go.



Also, I have shot an M1 Carbine, and I love it. Infact it will be my next gun purchase, but the .30 carbine felt quite weak compaired to a .223. I would feel much more comfortable with the Mini in a varmit situation.

 

[Paniolo808]

For someone who protects 600 something acres, my trusty Ruger .44 is the perfect rifle. It will down any wild or loose dogs and also knock down any feral pigs that happen to be in the wrong place at the right time. My idea of a ranch rifle or truck gun means i wont be shooting at anything over 75 yards or so. My Ruger goes bang everytime and there is nothing like the slap that comes when you hit something with it. I think this gun is one of the most underrated truck or ranch guns around....



.02

Edit: BTW, im not a fan of the newer style from Ruger. A quick check on Gunbroker will get you a nice rifle for around 450 bucks...well worth it.

 

[NH AR Shooter]

One other reason I like the 30cal carbine, the 15 rd mags are such a handy size, you can put a 2 mag pouch on your belt, or on your carbines buttstock. One in the gun, two on your belt and your good to go with 45 rds.

Carbine mags also seem to fit better in pockets then most.

Back when I was kid, and was heading out to do some shooting, I used to just put a mag in each pocket, those were my pre-pouch days.

 

[adaman04]

I have a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle and so does my dad. We have had zero problems with either of them. Better than the .30 cal in my opinion. I would go for the Mini.

 

[twoblink]

If I went Mini..

Mini 14 or Mini 30?

 

[Solo]

GEt Both!

 

[Kevlarman]

Then he'd have a Mini-44!

 

[Duke of Lawnchair]

Then he'd have a Mini-44!

Or he'd have a Mini-22 (average of the two).

 

[Onmilo]

How about an M114 Mini Carbine?