Posted on 06/13/2017 8:35:33 AM PDT by CodeJockey
I almost bought a Ruger Mini-14 tactical last year. If your gun shop is offering a nice discount for both, grab them fast. And don’t look back.
This is true, plus the magazines are too expensive when you can buy AR mags for $7. Other than that they work fine.
Got one. Love it.
If you get one get it in 5.56. The old AR15’s .223/5.556mm feeding problem goes with the Mini14 too.
Mini-14 is cool, and the newer ones are supposedly more accurate. I like a conventional rifle a bit better than a space gun AR, though I’ve had little experience with the latter.
That said, my $79. Chinese SKS in 7.62 x 39 fills the ranch rifle role quite nicely. Put on a plastic stock and got a rear peep sight insert. I have a mil-type Yugo as a backup. I have a couple AK type rifles that are fun. My younger son gave me an AR he put together, but I need to shoot it a lot more.
The French ones tend to lose accuracy each time they’re dropped.
I have a Mini-30 Tactical (same as Mini-14, but 7.62X39) and I love it. Not only is it lighter and more compact as my ARs, it is just as effective at up to 250 yards and capable of putting down heavier game (I do handload), it is easily my ‘funnest’ firearm.
It is also less ‘scary looking’ than an AR, which in itself makes it more practical if you are going to ever expose it around any hoplophobes.
Lighten up and do some reading. It is not against federal law to gift your kid a gun, unless he is a prohibited person.
Nifty little rifle, horribly inaccurate, unless Ruger fixed what was wrong with them thirtly years ago.
Had one. Had to send it back to Ruger as the receiver was machined incorrectly. That matter was corrected at no charge but nothing was admitted to by Ruger.
Inaccurate and clunky. Hardly seen at the range as they frustratingly inaccurate. I sold mine as did two of my range buddies.
AR is the best choice IMHO. Standardization. Aftermarket accessories, etc. Like buying Chevy or a Ford compared to a Renault or Peugeot.
The cost of these is actually higher than an AR15. They won’t match even a budget AR15 in performance and accuracy. The Ruger factory mags are fairly spendy. There aren’t very good options for mounting a telescope on them, even if you choose the Ranch model. There’s no aftermarket support for the Mini-14 and how it comes from the box is the way it’ll stay.
If you are set on a Mini-14, the vintage ones from the 1970s are nicer than the newer models.
No. French ordnance has never had much to offer. That they chose Mini 14s for police weapons had to do with political correctness (no evil black rifles) and price, not superior performance.
I agree no where near as accurate as an AR.
It’s a looker with that wood stock. Too bad there’s no wood option for the AR...
Mini 14 proved I could Not hit Anything.
I Hate the Mini 14.
I'm sure you'll enjoy the Mini. Unlike earlier versions, you can attach a pic rail type optics mount to the factory scope ring mount locations. Take a look at Ruger's video introducing the .300 AAC Blackout model for a good view of that part.
The UltiMAK "scout" rail can be mounted in place of the upper handguard, too - great for reflex type optics and such.
Bass pro has DMPS oracle on sale for fathers day $400
Or he could go canoeing
In America you can have both. Ruger Mini in stainless for the boat, AR pattern for land use.
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The Ruger Ranch Rifle is excellent, especially for the price. (I have one).
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The mini 14 is more accurate than you can shoot!
(poor shooters always blame the gun)
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