Looking for a range gun. Mini -14?

American

American

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So, I'm doing some research for a gun to have some fun at the range with. Not ready to buy yet, so just gathering info. Since I can't possess an AR where I am (Boston), I am considering the mini-14. Everywhere I've read that the newer models are much better than they used to be. Is there any confirmation of this? I'm just looking for something that I can shoot at longer (100, 200+ yards) distances and is relatively cheap to feed (I already own a 10/22).

Also, is there any advantage to the mini-30 over the 14? Besides the larger diameter bullet.
Thanks.
 
American said:
So, I'm doing some research for a gun to have some fun at the range with. Not ready to buy yet, so just gathering info. Since I can't possess an AR where I am (Boston), I am considering the mini-14. Everywhere I've read that the newer models are much better than they used to be. Is there any confirmation of this? I'm just looking for something that I can shoot at longer (100, 200+ yards) distances and is relatively cheap to feed (I already own a 10/22).

Also, is there any advantage to the mini-30 over the 14? Besides the larger diameter bullet.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

I know there are a few people in Boston with ARs, though I think they cannot have preban mags.

The new Mini is better than the old one. Many of the complaints have been addressed if not fixed.
That said, for the price I would still get an AR if I could.
 
bfm said:
I know there are a few people in Boston with ARs, though I think they cannot have preban mags.

The new Mini is better than the old one. Many of the complaints have been addressed if not fixed.
That said, for the price I would still get an AR if I could.
Click to expand...

I would love to buy an AR, but there's a Boston City law/ordinance that says you cannot possess one within the city and I don't have an alternate place to store it.

How much are the mini-14's going for these days?
 
for what the Mini cost I would gather you would have more fun shooting at 200 yards with a savage bolt gun in 223...just me. You could buy several fun guns that should out shoot the mini 14 while still being as cheap to shoot.
SKS
There are several bolt guns that will perform nicely at 200 yards
Depending on the price tag you want to spend the ruger target MSRP is 1200ish right AND from ruger website * Mini-14 Target Rifles ONLY accept .223 Rem. ammunition. 5.56 NATO can not be used in this model. So that puts out any 5.56 surplus ammo to dunp through it.
so much to think about.....get a sks 1st ammo is cheap and they are grat little guns

I have seen remington 7400 for very good prices, other than the 30-06 one my dad had I have not seen many others. my dads was flawless and was minute of deer out to 200(my dads max range he would take a shot)
 
American said:
So, I'm doing some research for a gun to have some fun at the range with. Not ready to buy yet, so just gathering info. Since I can't possess an AR where I am (Boston), I am considering the mini-14. Everywhere I've read that the newer models are much better than they used to be. Is there any confirmation of this? I'm just looking for something that I can shoot at longer (100, 200+ yards) distances and is relatively cheap to feed (I already own a 10/22).

Also, is there any advantage to the mini-30 over the 14? Besides the larger diameter bullet.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

What is your expectation for this firearm?
 
ColdDayInHell said:
While ammo isn't cheap and it's a bolt, Ruger American is a great rifle.

Mosin ?

100/200 yd for a Mini is a "long shot" [wink]
Click to expand...

I was looking for semi-auto, but I haven't ruled out a bolt action. I'll have to look into it.

I've heard that the mini14 has accuracy issues, but apparently the new ones with the heavy barrels are capable of 2 MOA or less (probably not in my hands).
 
As Mac1911 says, the Target version uses only 223, but the newer Tactical and Ranch Rifle are 223 or 5.56 capable according to their site. Not sure when that changed though.
 
Your asking a loaded question because there are so many haters. Yes, you will be able to have a blast with a mini-14 and Yes, the new ones are better than the old ones.
 
ColdDayInHell said:
While ammo isn't cheap and it's a bolt, Ruger American is a great rifle.

Mosin ?

100/200 yd for a Mini is a "long shot" [wink]
Click to expand...
I shoot 100 yards all day long with my mini(5801 series yr 2012)The mini will shoot up to around 600 yards if you use a scope(factory sights are too hard to sight at distance)I 've found it to be quite accurate for my needs as a target rifle...and half the price of an AR .
 
mrmike7189 said:
I shoot 100 yards all day long with my mini(5801 series yr 2012)The mini will shoot up to around 600 yards if you use a scope(factory sights are too hard to sight at distance)I 've found it to be quite accurate for my needs as a target rifle...and half the price of an AR .
Click to expand...

What type of groups are you getting at 600?
 
Also look at the Russian Saiga "hunting/sporting" rifle in 7.62x39. I've seen them going for under 600 recently but will have to buy out of state and shipped to MA ffl.

Shoots a cheaper round than .223/556 and you can convert it later on to AK style when you move.
You can see the evolution here:
dinzagarms

I was looking at Mini-14 but the availability and high price at the time didn't make sense over an AR
 
We have a few of these in stock for $579.95 (these are pretty cool as they take standard AR-15 magazines):

mossmvp01big.png

Mossberg, MVP, Bolt Action Rifle, 5.56mm


We also have this Ruger Mini-14 for $849.99

Ruger_Mini14_lg.jpg
 
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I have a mossy MVP though not like what is pictured above (standard style stock, shorter fluted barrel) and it's pretty tight. There's just something that delights me about having a bolt gun with a 30rd mag sticking out of it [grin]
 
While by no means a tack driver, the mini-14 has acceptable accuracy for anything short of bench rest type shooting. Besides that, it is a fun rifle to shoot.
I'll put it to you this way. I have two safes full of rifles, including several ARs, giving me lots of choices of what to bring to the range. I only own one mini (stainless GB model) but more often than not, it makes the trip.
 
7.62x39 said:
While by no means a tack driver, the mini-14 has acceptable accuracy for anything short of bench rest type shooting. Besides that, it is a fun rifle to shoot.
I'll put it to you this way. I have two safes full of rifles, including several ARs, giving me lots of choices of what to bring to the range. I only own one mini (stainless GB model) but more often than not, it makes the trip.
Click to expand...

This is what's most important. Buying something that gets shot a lot. That is value...
 
If you want to shoot a 5.56 rifle, and not an AR15, I would suggest a Kel Tec SU16CA. I have had the AR15, Mini-14, Sig 556, and Keltec. I sold the Mini-14 soon after I got it. The Kel Tec takes AR15 magazines, has a standard picatinny rail for optics, it folds up for storage, holds two ten round mags in the buttstock, only weighs about five pounds, and is just kind of fun.
 

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