cslinger
Member
Mini 14s are reasonbly decent rifles but for the price I think there are better options.
You talk about adding $200 to build your Mini into what you want and you are up to what the $700 area. There are quite a few very nice options in that neighborhood.
Mini's are reliable, accurate enough for general work and would make a decent truck/pest gun. The problem I have is there cost has gotten to a point where other options are just more attractive.
I really think a nice lever action trapper length carbine in .30.30 is about the best all around utility rifle on the planet/shotguns not-withstanding.
Heck even a .357 magnum lever gun loaded with heavy bullets approaches .30 .30 territory and gives you more rounds.
From a price/performance/practicality point it is very hard to beat a solid Marlin or Winny lever gun. Not to mention you can pretty much find .30.30 and .357/.38 anyplace in the country from the city to podunk gulch nowhere.
My two cents. I am not a mini basher. I have never said they suck or they have no use etc. They are a reliable little ranch rifle in a decent caliber. I just think their bang for the buck value equation not quite as good as other options.
P.S. Mace's Mini is about the baddest mini I have ever seen and I am sure it is a hoot to shoot and if you are willing to spend the money on something like that then you will have a very unique, cool, awesome performing rifle. If you just want a utility gun get a good lever and be forget about everything else.
Chris
You talk about adding $200 to build your Mini into what you want and you are up to what the $700 area. There are quite a few very nice options in that neighborhood.
Mini's are reliable, accurate enough for general work and would make a decent truck/pest gun. The problem I have is there cost has gotten to a point where other options are just more attractive.
I really think a nice lever action trapper length carbine in .30.30 is about the best all around utility rifle on the planet/shotguns not-withstanding.
Heck even a .357 magnum lever gun loaded with heavy bullets approaches .30 .30 territory and gives you more rounds.
From a price/performance/practicality point it is very hard to beat a solid Marlin or Winny lever gun. Not to mention you can pretty much find .30.30 and .357/.38 anyplace in the country from the city to podunk gulch nowhere.
My two cents. I am not a mini basher. I have never said they suck or they have no use etc. They are a reliable little ranch rifle in a decent caliber. I just think their bang for the buck value equation not quite as good as other options.
P.S. Mace's Mini is about the baddest mini I have ever seen and I am sure it is a hoot to shoot and if you are willing to spend the money on something like that then you will have a very unique, cool, awesome performing rifle. If you just want a utility gun get a good lever and be forget about everything else.
Chris