Looking for a range gun. Mini -14?

American said:
They're definitely more expensive than I was hoping for. Time to start saving up I guess.
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Should be able to get a decent used one for $500. I avoid them only because finding pre-ban mags is too hard. Also based on my research they can't hit anything but if you shoot in the general direction of the bad guys their jeeps will drive off the road and flip (don't worry, everyone will be ok).

There are plenty of more politically correct American made semi autos you may want to consider including:
M1 Garand
M1 Carbine (post war civilian models are cheaper)
M1A (pricey)

You may also consider a 9mm carbine if want something cheap to buy and feed.

For the record, I have no idea what the laws are in Boston.
 
Wadcutter said:
Should be able to get a decent used one for $500. I avoid them only because finding pre-ban mags is too hard. Also based on my research they can't hit anything but if you shoot in the general direction of the bad guys their jeeps will drive off the road and flip (don't worry, everyone will be ok).

There are plenty of more politically correct American made semi autos you may want to consider including:
M1 Garand
M1 Carbine (post war civilian models are cheaper)
M1A (pricey)

You may also consider a 9mm carbine if want something cheap to buy and feed.

For the record, I have no idea what the laws are in Boston.
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Not to concerned about pre-bans, since I'm not "allowed" to have them in Boston and when I leave Boston I plan on buying an AR. And Yes I was thinking about getting a 9mm carbine as well when my bank account will allow it. Thanks.
 
bfm said:
I LOVE it when a plan comes together.
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You been watching the A Team too much. There was a series on TV a few years back, called "Life on Mars". Great show, but in the last episode, the main character is sneaking onto a boat in a marina, carrying a Mini14, when he steps off the boat..he has an AK47 in his hands!
 
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 .
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You can make hits at 600 yards with a mini14?

Sent from my phone.
 
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.
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This.

I own a stainless model and take it to the range about once a month. Its light and easy to shoot. Granted it won't shoot a ragged hole at 100 yards, but its accurate enough to do what it was meant to.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I think I'm going to get a mini-14 when I save up enough. Don't want to run into the issue of trying to make rent this month but having a nice shiny new gun in the safe. On the other hand...
 
You can make hits at 600 yards with a mini?
absolutely....with 5.56 ammo I shot 600 yards at a range in Florida....the targets were the size of a small house! buy hey it works There are no ranges that big here in mass (that i know of?)
i shoot 100 yards at my range, no problem the mini 14 laughs at me,wants to excercise her legs, wants me to find a 600 yard range so i ca really test her
 
mrmike7189 said:
You can make hits at 600 yards with a mini?
absolutely....with 5.56 ammo I shot 600 yards at a range in Florida....the targets were the size of a small house! buy hey it works There are no ranges that big here in mass (that i know of?)
i shoot 100 yards at my range, no problem the mini 14 laughs at me,wants to excercise her legs, wants me to find a 600 yard range so i ca really test her
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Reading rifle has 600 yards, maybe see if they have any service rifle matches left and ask if you can get on the line with your mini ? I think after 200 and 300 yards you should or range officer will determine if the mini can go to the 600 line ?
I only had one mini 14 back in the 90s, was sorry I ever bought it happy when i sold it....YMMV
 
Boats and mini14s. Only two good days......

-Proud to be dad every day, a licensed plumber most days, and wish I was a shoemaker on others.
 
Ill agree that there are many other good choices besides a mini 14. 100-200 yards? get a bolt gun in 223.
 
I've never had an issue hitting 200+ yard steel with my Mini at the New Bedford range using Russian steel cased cheap ammo and I still don't understand the comments from people regarding the rifle and its performance. I think if people knew a thing or two about how to actually shoot, they'd be able to effectively shoot a Mini 14 at long range.
 
SKS Ray said:
I've never had an issue hitting 200+ yard steel with my Mini at the New Bedford range using Russian steel cased cheap ammo and I still don't understand the comments from people regarding the rifle and its performance. I think if people knew a thing or two about how to actually shoot, they'd be able to effectively shoot a Mini 14 at long range.
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To tell you the truth I love mine. Nice looking, reliable shooter.
 
As far as being an all around great rifle to shoot (acceptable accuracy and tons of fun) I will put this up against anything.
I own 4 ARs, 2 FALs, a M1919 and lets just say an adequate selection of AK47s & 74s plus a few other rifles. So I am never at a loss for things to shoot. My mini probably makes more range trips than any of the others.
 

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Wadcutter said:
...I avoid them only because finding pre-ban mags is too hard. Also based on my research they can't hit anything...
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This is exactly how internet lore perpetuates itself.

"Well I've never fired one, but I've read that they are no good"

It would be a wonderful thing if only people with first hand knowledge of the firearm in question would respond, but nowadays everybody feels the need to put in their .02
 
SKS Ray said:
I've never had an issue hitting 200+ yard steel with my Mini at the New Bedford range using Russian steel cased cheap ammo and I still don't understand the comments from people regarding the rifle and its performance. I think if people knew a thing or two about how to actually shoot, they'd be able to effectively shoot a Mini 14 at long range.
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+1. I bought a new mini 14 this summer and it shoots great. I'm very happy with it and it's a blast to shoot.

Op, what did you end up buying?
 
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Last I saw, the SKS was banned in Boston. Otherwise, a great alternative. I have a mini14 in boston also. I have an an older model ranch rifle with an accustrut installed. Very fun shooter and as accurate as I need it to be.

Carefull about the mini30. It does not shoot surplus ammo. Otherwise shoots as well as anything in its class.


Be careful the letter of the city ordinance also makes magazines >10 rounds illegal.
 
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