Mini-14 vs. AR-15

Name Taken · Jan 5, 2018

I'd like to get one because I think they are a neat and tiddy workable firearm.

If you were set on competition, hunting, LE/MIL work, or were going to buy only one rifle the AR is clearly the better platform dollar for dollar.

If the Mini's were in the 450-500 range they'd be much more attractive to me at least.

RJRjr · Jan 5, 2018

Rack&Roll said:
No, seriously, which Mini-14 are we talking about? You mean the one that has to have a metal bar strapped to the barrel to give it 1-Minute-of-Barnyard?

No, I'm not strapping anything to my mini. It'll never be a tackdriver. But it's fun to shoot. Totally.

danb · Jan 5, 2018

willtill said:
Mini 14 is the first gun that I've ever used grease on. It was very interesting and I think it was palpable with the felt difference of the action; as opposed to a regular gun lubricant.

It is interesting to step away from an AR platform for once, and try something different. My AR was a reluctant purchase right before Obama took the Presidency. I've had my fill of shooting AR's... but thought I'd never own one if I did not purchase it then.

.

Grease??

willtill · Jan 5, 2018

RJRjr said:
No, I'm not strapping anything to my mini. It'll never be a tackdriver. But it's fun to shoot. Totally.

And you can hit what your aiming at. Which is the whole point of shooting anything.

I saw those barrel stabilizers Rack was talking about. I would imagine that they were initially designed for the earlier serial numbered Mini's (pre 580 serial numbers), the post 580 serial numbered ones have tapered barrels which are supposedly to help with those barrel harmonics.

At any rate, these were my shot groups after I zero'ed mine in recently @ 50 yards. I'm satisfied with it. Next time it won't be so cold out and maybe they'll tighten up a bit...

willtill · Jan 5, 2018

danb said:
Grease??

Yep. Plain old SuperTech Multi-Tech High Performance automotive grease. Applied sparingly to all of the wear points (except the gas plug, and center of the bottom heat shield).

.

danb · Jan 5, 2018

huh, I will have to try that.

sgt23preston · Jan 5, 2018

The mini 14 is a good looking fun gun...

However IF you are an accurate shooter, don't get one...

IT WILL DRIVE YOU NUTS...

IF your are satisfied with a rifle that groups 4.5" at 100 yards get a Mini 14...

In my experience the Mini 14 functions well BUT has a terrible trigger...

IF you want a rifle that groups & is fully customize-able as well get an AR, an HBAR with a 20" barrel...

2112rws · Jan 5, 2018

Have a AR and love it. Had a mini 14 and sold it, sights were terrible. But that could just be me.

willtill · Jan 5, 2018

danb said:
huh, I will have to try that.

Use a Q-tip when greasing it. Easy to control the application and quantity being applied.

You don't need much.

.

willtill · Jan 5, 2018

2112rws said:
Have a AR and love it. Had a mini 14 and sold it, sights were terrible. But that could just be me.

The rear sight is not the best, for sure. I opted to scope mine using the proprietary Ruger Rings that came with it. My eyes are not as keen as they were when I was a young whippersnapper.

.

Threeband · Jan 5, 2018

I've usually used plain wheel bearing grease to lube my Garands. Also have some Lubriplate, which is a standard grease/lube for Garands and other pieces of manly machinery.

Google "Garand Grease Points" for information on ... Garand grease points.

Old saying, "If it slides, grease it. If it rotates, oil it."

As for the 80's calling, they can call me anytime. I'd go back like a shot.

But damn, that A Team was a stupid show!

RJRjr · Jan 5, 2018

Threeband said:
I've usually used plain wheel bearing grease to lube my Garands. Also have some Lubriplate, which is a standard grease/lube for Garands and other pieces of manly machinery.

Google "Garand Grease Points" for information on ... Garand grease points.

Old saying, "If it slides, grease it. If it rotates, oil it."

As for the 80's calling, they can call me anytime. I'd go back like a shot.

But damn, that A Team was a stupid show!

I use mobil 1 red grease. Yes I loved the 80's.

RJRjr · Jan 5, 2018

Thanks to this thread I'm getting my mini out tomorrow.

danb · Jan 5, 2018

I am getting my mini out when the temperature triples.

iH8DemLibz · Jan 5, 2018

And when you wake up in the morning, it'll still be eleven degrees below freezing.

Crazy cold.

Jimbob2.0 · Jan 5, 2018

Mini 14 is just style over function. That said I still want one

RJRjr · Jan 5, 2018

iH8DemLibz said:
And when you wake up in the morning, it'll still be eleven degrees below freezing.

Crazy cold.

I have mittens and heated socks.

rj1974 · Jan 5, 2018

Chop the barrel down to 10"-11" , no more barrel whip and groups tighten up significantly .

dreadpirate · Jan 5, 2018

In my opinion, an AR is more cost-effective and more accurate than a Mini 14. However, a Mini 14 has these things in it's favor:

1. It's very cool.
2. It's Fun to shoot.
3. It's less likely to get banned compared to the AR 15 which is sort of a lightning rod right now.

I may get a Mini 14 one day.

I would not recommend the Mini 30 based on what folks on this board have said.

DaemonAssassin · Jan 5, 2018

The Mini-14 can be fired with the stock folded.

Also the Mini-30 is awesome.

Mini-14 vs. AR-15

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Ultimate Member

Active Member

dont be a dumbass

The Dude Abides

The Dude Abides

dont be a dumbass

USMC LLA. NRA Life Member

Active Member

The Dude Abides

The Dude Abides

The M1 Does My Talking

Active Member

Active Member

dont be a dumbass

When All Else Fails.

Ultimate Member

Active Member

Ultimate Member

Attachments

Ultimate Member

Why should we Free BSD?

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics