Hi guys,
For a while now, I've been on a quest to find the ultimate sub-200-yd. self-defense/hunting carbine. I'm a small-statured person with poor eyesight (so I require a scope), and I want a light, sub-200-yd. medium-powered carbine. I conceive it as a "one rifle does all" weapon.
Probably 100 yds will be my max hunting distance, but it would still be nice to have 2 - 3 inch accuracy at that range. While I was going to get a Win. Trapper 30/30, I just can't get over my love/hate affair with Ruger's lil' carbine.
My mini 14 Ranch (now gone) had a great trigger, was easily scoped, and fit my small stature to a tee. It was actually FUN to carry hunting. I wasn't even concerned about hi-caps, since "lightweight" and "30 rounds of ammo" are not a good marriage.
It was the shooting that sucked. I spent considerable time and effort on getting sub 5 inchers, but after about 5 rounds, the groups opened and the point of impact shifted ALL over the the place, to the point where maybe you'd be lucky to hit a "12 gong at 100. So I sold it. I really wouldn't have minded HONEST 3-4 inch groups, at the SAME DANGED POINT OF IMPACT.
But I still miss it.
It was perfect, except for the horrible accuracy.
So, while I wouldn't be caught dead with a .223 Mini again, is the Mini 30 any better?
Does it heat up and string groups everywhere too? While I wouldn't buy one, I might trade for one if it's better. Any owners out there?
Thanks guys!
For a while now, I've been on a quest to find the ultimate sub-200-yd. self-defense/hunting carbine. I'm a small-statured person with poor eyesight (so I require a scope), and I want a light, sub-200-yd. medium-powered carbine. I conceive it as a "one rifle does all" weapon.
Probably 100 yds will be my max hunting distance, but it would still be nice to have 2 - 3 inch accuracy at that range. While I was going to get a Win. Trapper 30/30, I just can't get over my love/hate affair with Ruger's lil' carbine.
My mini 14 Ranch (now gone) had a great trigger, was easily scoped, and fit my small stature to a tee. It was actually FUN to carry hunting. I wasn't even concerned about hi-caps, since "lightweight" and "30 rounds of ammo" are not a good marriage.
It was the shooting that sucked. I spent considerable time and effort on getting sub 5 inchers, but after about 5 rounds, the groups opened and the point of impact shifted ALL over the the place, to the point where maybe you'd be lucky to hit a "12 gong at 100. So I sold it. I really wouldn't have minded HONEST 3-4 inch groups, at the SAME DANGED POINT OF IMPACT.
But I still miss it.
It was perfect, except for the horrible accuracy.
So, while I wouldn't be caught dead with a .223 Mini again, is the Mini 30 any better?
Does it heat up and string groups everywhere too? While I wouldn't buy one, I might trade for one if it's better. Any owners out there?
Thanks guys!