I am looking to get a .223 mainly for shooting fun. I might also use it for hunting whitetails and predators. I may have it on standby for defense purposes if the situation justifies it over my glock. Obviously the AR looks cooler, and is more expensive. I don't mind paying more for the AR if it has more to offer than the mini other than looks. As far as functionality, reliability, accuracy go which is better?
mini-14 vs. AR - 15
- Thread starter bdog
- Start date
I currently have 2 SS Mini-14 (actually they are Ranch Rifle models) and a preban Colt Ar-15 (shorty and HBAR uppers) and I find I like shooting my Mini-14s more. My Mini's are just as functional and maybe more reliable but the AR is more accurate but at 100 yds or less they don't make much difference (1.5-2" vs 3-3.5" at 100 yds). My home defense rifle is a Mini with factory folding stock and 30 round factory mag I (loaded with 25 rounds). As you can see I really like my Mini's but then I love my M1 and M1A too which has similar egonomics. To me the AR feels... a little un-natural in my hand. I have to say it is much easier and cheaper to get good quality hi-cap mags for AR than Mini's. In the end, I have to say they are both good rifles.
Here we go again! Do a search on the subject and you find a wealth of heated discussions.
I have both. The Mini is more reliable than the AR with quality mags. Factory mags are the best but are prohibatively expensive. PMI makes the best aftermarket mags. They run about $30 a mag.
If you are an accuracy buff get the AR. It will usually shoot rings around the Mini. Minis are generally good for about 4 moa. Accuracy suffers due to the thin barrel getting hot. As a fun gun/ home defense weapon and short range hunting gun the Mini should serve you well and for considerably less than the AR.
The AR is very reliable when properly maintained. Mags are cheaper and more plentiful and as I said, it is more accurate. It is a modular system and there are tons of accessories available to tailor the rifle to your needs.
If price is not a consideration I would recommend purchasing the AR.
I have both. The Mini is more reliable than the AR with quality mags. Factory mags are the best but are prohibatively expensive. PMI makes the best aftermarket mags. They run about $30 a mag.
If you are an accuracy buff get the AR. It will usually shoot rings around the Mini. Minis are generally good for about 4 moa. Accuracy suffers due to the thin barrel getting hot. As a fun gun/ home defense weapon and short range hunting gun the Mini should serve you well and for considerably less than the AR.
The AR is very reliable when properly maintained. Mags are cheaper and more plentiful and as I said, it is more accurate. It is a modular system and there are tons of accessories available to tailor the rifle to your needs.
If price is not a consideration I would recommend purchasing the AR.
I've found that the key to the Mini is not to let that barrel heat up for once it does, it's spaghetti. Easier said than done at the range since the temptation for sustained fire is soooo strong. The heavier barrel of the AR is superior in that it will take longer to heat up and thus holds its groups better.
Hey taco, Congratulations on having one of those rare factory folders. I put a piece of shrink wrap on mine. In cold weather, it is certainly more comfortable (and keeps your face from sticking).
Hey taco, Congratulations on having one of those rare factory folders. I put a piece of shrink wrap on mine. In cold weather, it is certainly more comfortable (and keeps your face from sticking).
I'd recommend an AR for the reasons above plus it has better ergonomics (easier to manipulate the safety and bolt release, change mags, etc.) and I have personally witnessed the entire trigger group fall out of 2 minis at a carbine class. A quality AR that is cleaned and lubed regularly is very reliable and infinitely configurable.
Well, since you mention predator hunting, I'd go with the AR. Shots at predators can be several hundred yards sometimes, and the kill zone of animals such as foxes is about the size of the palm of your hand. A Mini 14 is not capable of this type precision shooting. The AR is much more versatile in general as well. You will pay about 40% more for an AR, but it's money well spent.
As Col. Whelen said, "Only accurate rifles are interesting". I don't find the Mini 14 interesting at all.
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Just one of the Good Guys
As Col. Whelen said, "Only accurate rifles are interesting". I don't find the Mini 14 interesting at all.
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Just one of the Good Guys
Badger Arms
New member
Mini's are much cheaper, the AR-15 moderately more accurate and more versatile. If you ain't gonna shoot targets, you might be better off buying the Mini and spending the extra $500 on ammo!!!
FireForged
New member
MINI 14 PRO'S
1. Cost Less
2. Super Reliable
3. More forgiving with ammo type
MINI 14 CON'S
1. Not as accurate (only a couple of inches)
2. Accuracy suffers with sustained fire (Heat)
3. Few aftermarket mag that work. (PMI Mags are BEST)
AR 15 PRO's
1. Very Accurate
2. designed for sustained fire
3. Reliable with quality ammo
4. Many aftermarket Military Type mags available
AR 15 CON's
1. 800-1200 bucks for a good one
2. picky with ammo type
The Mini 14 is a Great rifle for moderate range varmet shooting when under 30 rounds of sustained fire is called for. Its also a good target rifle up too 100yards(open sites) when barrel is not super-heated from lots of rounds.
1. Cost Less
2. Super Reliable
3. More forgiving with ammo type
MINI 14 CON'S
1. Not as accurate (only a couple of inches)
2. Accuracy suffers with sustained fire (Heat)
3. Few aftermarket mag that work. (PMI Mags are BEST)
AR 15 PRO's
1. Very Accurate
2. designed for sustained fire
3. Reliable with quality ammo
4. Many aftermarket Military Type mags available
AR 15 CON's
1. 800-1200 bucks for a good one
2. picky with ammo type
The Mini 14 is a Great rifle for moderate range varmet shooting when under 30 rounds of sustained fire is called for. Its also a good target rifle up too 100yards(open sites) when barrel is not super-heated from lots of rounds.
4V50 Gary:
Here in South Florida I don't have to worry about cold stock
I got the folding stock and 2 factory 20 round and 3 factory 30 round mags about 2 years befor I got my first Mini-14 just because it was cheap ($100 for everything) and I knew I would get a Mini-14 sooner or later.
Do you have a blued or SS factory folder? I have a SS one and I was told these are pretty rare as there were many more blued ones. Recently I was offered $300 for the stock and $80 for each factory mags but I had to refuse.
Here in South Florida I don't have to worry about cold stock
I got the folding stock and 2 factory 20 round and 3 factory 30 round mags about 2 years befor I got my first Mini-14 just because it was cheap ($100 for everything) and I knew I would get a Mini-14 sooner or later. Do you have a blued or SS factory folder? I have a SS one and I was told these are pretty rare as there were many more blued ones. Recently I was offered $300 for the stock and $80 for each factory mags but I had to refuse.
WalterGAII
Moderator
Bushy's are $719 hereabouts. Where can you get a Mini for $219? Not that I'd buy one, even if for $119, but I'm just curious as to the $500 difference.
My Bushy shoots 1/2" to 3/4" groups off the sandbags, with precision handloads. That's more than "just a little more accurate" than a Mini.
I understand that there have been some improvements on the newer Mini's, however...they offer better attachment points for the anchor line.
My Bushy shoots 1/2" to 3/4" groups off the sandbags, with precision handloads. That's more than "just a little more accurate" than a Mini.
I understand that there have been some improvements on the newer Mini's, however...they offer better attachment points for the anchor line.
FireForged, WHat are you talking about? Picky with ammo? I have never had an AR that was picky. Mine have fired everything from UMC, to Russian steel cased, to reloads of dubious origin and it has not onece given me any trouble. As for reliablilty I have put 1500 rounds through the gun in short order. Gone home then taken it out the next day and put another ~750 through it without any trouble. No cleaning inbetween. THis thing about the Mini being More reliable has no basis in reality. Please don't take this as a flame. Just wondering what gave you this Idea?
The AR got a bad name in Vietnam because of inproper maintenance, and dirty powder. I think it is time to stop beating that dead horse.
Bdog Forget that the Mini14 even exists. Spend the extra money and get an AR for the folloing reasons.
*Reliable as can be. (Althought the Mini is also)
*Acurrate out to 400-500 yards (Mini 14 can not come close. You will get better groups at 300 with an AR than you will with a Mini at 100)
*Easy to maintain (mini is not har ewither thoug)
*Mags are cheap and availible. (Mini 14 mags will cost you an arm and a leg IF you can find them)
*AR15 can be made into any number of configurations by swaping the upper. You can go from a Tactical Carbine to a 500Yard Tack Draver in about a minute.
Just my NSHO
The AR got a bad name in Vietnam because of inproper maintenance, and dirty powder. I think it is time to stop beating that dead horse.
Bdog Forget that the Mini14 even exists. Spend the extra money and get an AR for the folloing reasons.
*Reliable as can be. (Althought the Mini is also)
*Acurrate out to 400-500 yards (Mini 14 can not come close. You will get better groups at 300 with an AR than you will with a Mini at 100)
*Easy to maintain (mini is not har ewither thoug)
*Mags are cheap and availible. (Mini 14 mags will cost you an arm and a leg IF you can find them)
*AR15 can be made into any number of configurations by swaping the upper. You can go from a Tactical Carbine to a 500Yard Tack Draver in about a minute.
Just my NSHO
AR vs. the Mini? The AR is more accurate (MUCH more). The AR has more adequate mags on the market, at better prices than the mini. Spare parts for AR's are everywhere. The AR is a modular weapon system, so you can use several different uppers for different purposes (16" carbine, 20" rifle, 7.62x39 rifle, .300 Fireball/Whisper upper, bull-barrel 24" flattop target upper, pistol calibers, .50BMG uppers, etc...). Not to mention all the gee-wiz add on stuff and accessories availible for the AR.
Not to mention the fact that Bill Ruger has done more to hurt the gunowners of this country than any anti could hope to do, by spearheading the "high capacity" mag ban to eliminate competition in the industry.
As for cost, the Mini costs what, $400+? One of my ARs, the first one I put together, cost less than $500, shot around 1MOA with good factory ammo, and never jammed on anything I ran through it (russian steel case, PMC, IMI, etc...). It was an Olympic PCR lower and a J&T Surplus kit. I downloaded the military technical manual, grabbed a punch set at the ACE hardware, and put it together in under an hour. Now, J&Ts prices have gone up a little, but M&A parts still has kits for $400.
[This message has been edited by BB (edited August 02, 2000).]
Not to mention the fact that Bill Ruger has done more to hurt the gunowners of this country than any anti could hope to do, by spearheading the "high capacity" mag ban to eliminate competition in the industry.
As for cost, the Mini costs what, $400+? One of my ARs, the first one I put together, cost less than $500, shot around 1MOA with good factory ammo, and never jammed on anything I ran through it (russian steel case, PMC, IMI, etc...). It was an Olympic PCR lower and a J&T Surplus kit. I downloaded the military technical manual, grabbed a punch set at the ACE hardware, and put it together in under an hour. Now, J&Ts prices have gone up a little, but M&A parts still has kits for $400.
[This message has been edited by BB (edited August 02, 2000).]
Thanks again for all your help. BB, I think I am going to go the route you suggested. I read your post here and at AR15 and that seems like the best way for me to go. I enjoy taking all my guns apart and cleaning them so I think building this will be a good fun learning experience for me. I am still a little confused about what exactly I need though. I looked at the JT website and they have a 20' A2 kit for $442. Does this sound good? Then the only other thing I need is the Olympic lower? What about a scope mount?
bdog-
The kit and the lower is all you need. Everything is included. If you want to mount a scope, you'll need a carry handle scope mount unless you get the flat top upper reciever, which only requires your rings. Now, if you go the flat top route, there are 2 kinds to consider: the standard "A3" flattop, and the "raised" flattop.
The raised flat top is exactly that- raised so the scope mounts directly to the receiver and puts the scope at the right height.
The A3 flat top needs either really high rings or a flat-top scope mount.
scope mounts- carry handle (top) flat top (bottom)
The high-rise also has no dust cover or forward assist.
The flat top upper is a no-cost upgrade at M&A parts, and I'm sure J&T will also make it a flat top at no cost if you call and ask. I've had good experiences with both J&T and M&A.
The kit and the lower is all you need. Everything is included. If you want to mount a scope, you'll need a carry handle scope mount unless you get the flat top upper reciever, which only requires your rings. Now, if you go the flat top route, there are 2 kinds to consider: the standard "A3" flattop, and the "raised" flattop.
The raised flat top is exactly that- raised so the scope mounts directly to the receiver and puts the scope at the right height.
The A3 flat top needs either really high rings or a flat-top scope mount.
scope mounts- carry handle (top) flat top (bottom)
The high-rise also has no dust cover or forward assist.
The flat top upper is a no-cost upgrade at M&A parts, and I'm sure J&T will also make it a flat top at no cost if you call and ask. I've had good experiences with both J&T and M&A.