[jokerswild]

I was thinking about getting one as something to play with for me and hopefully something my daughter can shoot. Was woundering if any of you have one or had an dealings with one so I could get input on if they are any good or if I realy just need to spend the extra money an find an AR??

Thanks
Nick

 

[nhstk02]

I have had good luck with the mini 14, and would recomend it to anyone wanting a recreational semi-auto .223.

 

[captain-03]

The AR heads down!! I have owned 2 mini-14s (still have one) and neither were/are worth a darn ... 4 shots into a 1" group and the 5th shot goes who knows where ... I have heard they have made improvements (post 580 series) to the pencil thin barrel usually used ... If they have, I MIGHT consider another --- You will not have this type problem with the AR .. Look around this site for awhile before you decide on the Mini -- see what others are having to do to get them things to shoot a decent group ...

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=86

 

[Stonewall]

Get neither, go with the 5.45 AK! :thumbup:

 

[msredneck]

Mini-14... notorious for being inaccurate.... barrel harmonics suck.

Get the AR platform...lots of ways to make it tac-ti-cool....

6.8 SPC smokes .223 Remington

 

[jbpmidas]

AR here also. I had a Mini-30, never got it to work very well.

 

[SilentHitz]

I vote AR also. I had a Mini 14 Ranch, it was fun to shoot, but no where near as accurate as any of the ARs I've owned.

 

[jokerswild]

Ok seems like everyone is saying the same thing here an everywhere I have looked. Now the fun part. Anyone happen to know where to find a good used AR for a good price???

Thanks

 

[nhstk02]

The mini 14 is a recreational .223. If you want to play with. If you want a weapon then the AR platform is the only way to go.

 

[sidroski]

Gunbroker's but watch out for fella's like JPMidas that can build their own. He built his to keep so it's out of good parts but some of these guys throw together the cheapest parts they can find and put it on a name brand lower. Look for NIB if I were you. All your name brand are good, just make sure you get what you want. Buying add on parts can run a bunch.
Glad to see a Dad take his daughter to the range. Let her watch you clean it a few times and them hand her the cleaning kit.

 

[captain-03]

Get neither, go with the 5.45 AK! :thumbup:

I will agree with this -- just limited my response to AR-v-Mini ..... If I were to buy today, it probably be the 5.45 ..

 

[jbpmidas]

Agree with Sid! "Build" your own! It's simple enough and I am sure you live near a member or two that would be glad to help if you run into trouble.

 

[swede62]

All the above including the 5.45 AK. If your aim (pun intended) is to shoot little groups AR hands down. Just for fun The AK in 5.45 will give you more bang for your buck. Mini's with factory mags will be reliable but not as accurate as the AR. All will be fun to shoot regardless.

 

[Magnum man]

AR all the way! I had a Ruger Mini-30 in 7.62x39. I could throw rocks more accurate than it would shoot. My AR will shoot 1.5" @ 200 yards.

 

[Richard]

Don't overlook the Saiga. Mississippi Auto Arms. At around $375 for the .223 very well worth the bucks

 

[righttoown]

Don't overlook the Saiga. Mississippi Auto Arms. At around $375 for the .223 very well worth the bucks

Saiga a good platform to build on.

 

[Doug Bowser]

I have a Rock River AR15A2 NM and it could not be better. I have owned 3 Mini 14 rifles and all of them walked badly when fired rapidly.

Doug

 

[jhud]

Both are great firearms. Each has its own perks, but that is my opinion. Others may vary.