What new rifle to buy?

B

bowtekhunter

New member
Lately I have been looking into buying a mini 14, or somthing similar. I want somthing cheap to shoot (.223) but dont even know what to start looking at. I have always wanted a mini, but would it be a good choice for coyote and other varmints at long range? Any advice appreciated .. :confused:
 
Semi-auto, .223 and long range...

Of all the rifles in my gunsafe, I'd pass by the Mini-14 and go for the AR-15 with 24" varmint upper with a Leupold 6.5-20x50. I'd feed it 77 gr SMKs which stay supersonic out to 900 yds.
 
I love my Mini14 and all I use it for is Coyotes when the local farmers call and tell me they have a problem. The thing can drive nails at any range my Leupold can get set on.

The AR15 is a good rifle no doubt and you can put anything you want on them, scope, laser, fore grip, asphalt spreader, snow cone machine, etc. etc. but I think you would be more than happy using a Mini for dropping dogs.
 
Stick with a bolt gun if you want longer range accuracy Rem 700 Varminter and Weatherby Vanguard Sub MOA has .223 rifles that fit the bill.

But if you really want a semi, then go the AR15 route (most manufacturers can give you 1 MOA). Mini 14 were designed to give you 3 MOA (unless you get the Target model).
 
I have always wanted a mini
Click to expand...

I was like you in that regard. Two years ago I finally got a Ranch Rifle and I haven't regretted it for one second. I mounted a Burris 2-7x28 Timberline scope on it and it's a real good shooter.

There seem to be lots of Mini bashers on this forum. Maybe the early models are as bad as they claim. I just know that my 2009 edition works like a charm.
 
Bowtek-
If you already have the itch for the Mini- then that's the one to go for. If not, you may always have it in the back of your mind, "What if I had bought what I wanted in the first place?". Like Skoro said- go for one of the later models that's had the accuracy issues worked out of it. You can tell by where the bbl comes out of the gas block- the older ones do not have a bbl shoulder butting up against the block.

And yeah, the 55gr-64gr softpoint of ballistic tips will do a number quite well on just about any kinda varmint you come across.

Just one thought... If you're looking for a truck gun, meaning you take shots from inside your vehicle while on private land and at depredating critters- the Mini might not be the absolute best. The brass comes out in an awful hurry and will put all sorts of dings on your interior. For this, I also recommend a bolt (CZ 527 my favorite) or a AR with a brass catcher mounted.
 
Bolt action VS. AR...

I have a Remington 700 LVSF and a Bushmaster Stainless Varmint, both chambered in .223. The Bushmaster has the edge for accuracy (1/2 MOA). Both are great rifles. In the Remington's defense, it is a light weight rifle with a thin barrel. It still manages a sub MOA group.
 
like the other posters above....if you want long range id be looking more at the bolt actions or the ar. But hey if youve always had the itch for the mini, scratch it......if youre like 90% of the gun owners on here, youre going to buy another gun in the future so if the mini doesnt do the job the next gun will.
 
Blaser R8 in .223. It will outshoot every production rifle out there. Eat the intial $3200 cost by reminding yourself that you can buy a new barrel/head combo every year for about $1200.

Wildiamworkingonbuyingathirdbarrelformyblaserlrs2Alaska ™©2002-2011
 
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