The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Hide > The Art of the Rifle: Semi-automatics

View Poll Results: Does Mini 14 makes its way into your collection if you are limited to only 10 rifles?
Yes 137 58.30%
No 98 41.70%
Voters: 235. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old April 22, 2010, 03:04 PM   #1
Firepower!
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 3, 2008
Posts: 2,109
Does Ruger Mini 14 make the cut?

Hi
This is just for recreational purpose to assess the opinion of TFL members. I want to know whether Ruger Mini 14 makes its way into a collection if one can chonse only 10 rifles? Please discuss your answer as to why it would make the to cut, or why it wont. Thanks and lets have some fun.
Firepower! is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 03:10 PM   #2
Lavid2002
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 6, 2007
Posts: 2,568
Its a fun rifle but it wouldnt make the cut for me for a few reasons


*I can only have 10 rifles apparently
*Too small of a caliber
*Too inaccurate if I can only have 10 rifles


Things it has in its favor
*Relatively cheap....
*Popular caliber
*A lot of fun
__________________
Math>Grammar
Lavid2002 is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 03:12 PM   #3
pumpyouup
Junior Member
 
Join Date: April 21, 2010
Posts: 9
It may not be a tack driver, it might not have the best trigger, and it might not look as cool as my AR or AK, but it's lightweight, reliable and it's fun to shoot. Mine digests just about anything I feed it, and relatively speaking, it's not that expensive for a .223 semiauto.
pumpyouup is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 03:15 PM   #4
Norrick
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 1, 2008
Posts: 577
I made a list and it was really close, but no it did not make it. And if you are one of the types of guys who like having the same rifle in different calibers its going to be even harder.

I had 4 bolt actions, 2 lever actions, and 3 semi autos and the mini 14 does not make it to my top 3 semi automatic rifles.

My top 3 semi autos would be:
1) M1A
2) Robinson XCR (and many other AR style carbines are modular too, so kind of a two-fer)
3) My third pick I am not sure of yet, but because the XCR shoots 223 like the mini 14 and the mini is just based off of my #1 pick, there would be no reason for me to own this rifle.

But this is all hypothetical, I only own 3 rifles and I live in california, so REALISITICALLY, it would probably be on MY list.
Norrick is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 03:20 PM   #5
shadowfalcon
Junior Member
 
Join Date: April 13, 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 11
Had my Mini-14 ranch rifle for over 15 years. It has done everything I asked and never failed me. Admittedly, I'm not the greatest shot, but it has always been as good as I need it to be. It's fun to shoot and has lots of upgrades out there. Going to put an ATI Strikeforce stock on it soon.

And, also, I don't have 10 rifles either. Yet.
shadowfalcon is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 03:39 PM   #6
ThomasT
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 22, 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,746
I voted yes for the mini-14. It would be near the top of my list of rifles to have. I just can't make myself like the AR rifles. I have over 70 firearms and the mini is a definite favorite.

If I had only one centerfire rifle it would be my marlin 30-30 or the marlin 18984 in 357 mag. Unlike a lot of posters here I don't see myself getting into these great gun battles with swarms of attackers and holding them off with my trusty AR and 200 loaded 30 round mags. I guess I need to watch more Rambo movies.

Also my new 580 series gun will stay in the 2-3" range at a hundred yards with open sights. Thats good enough for what I want it for. And no, it doesn't string shots when it gets hot.
ThomasT is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 03:46 PM   #7
TSR80
Member
 
Join Date: February 18, 2010
Posts: 65
Mini-14? No. Mini-Thirty? Yes.
__________________
TSR80 - Firmly seated in reality.

Basing conclusions on emotions is like wiping before you poop, it doesn't make any damn sense.
TSR80 is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 04:20 PM   #8
Skans
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 20, 2008
Posts: 11,132
Only 10 rifles??? Lets See:

1. I need a good quality 30-06 bolt action rifle - Make it a custom Remington
2. For one of my "Black" .223's, I'd probably choose a Sig 556
3. Gotta have at least 3 .308's: FN FAL
4. M1A
5. PTR-91
6. Can't not have an AK-47
7. Have to have at least one machinegun - AC556 (does that count as a Mini-14?)
8. Yep, I would like to have an all stainless Mini-14 with an upgraded laminated stock, heavy fluted barrel and gas block. Much classier than the everyone-has-one AR-15's!

So, I guess my answer is "yes" I would like to have a Mini-14, but it's a little down the list.
Skans is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 04:22 PM   #9
uncyboo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: November 7, 2008
Location: Shelby, MT
Posts: 1,013
Quote:
Mini-14? No. Mini-Thirty? Yes.
I voted yes, but this is the reality. For me anyway.
uncyboo is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 05:04 PM   #10
Nowhere Man
Senior Member
 
Join Date: July 5, 2009
Location: North Port, FL
Posts: 172
Yes it does.

I have less than 10 rifles and the Mini-14 is one of them.


Dave
Nowhere Man is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 05:40 PM   #11
jhenry
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 27, 2006
Location: Ozarks
Posts: 1,840
Nope, not even close if I am limited to 10 rifles. That being said I do like their most current model, but if limited to 10 rifles, a AR will beat for me.
__________________
"A Liberal is someone who doesn't care what you do, as long as it's mandatory". - Charles Krauthammer
jhenry is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 06:25 PM   #12
teeroux
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 12, 2006
Posts: 1,512
Quote:
6. Can't not have an AK-47

Have myself a mini-30. Mini 14 rifle with 47 punch I have one rifle instead of two IMO.
teeroux is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 06:57 PM   #13
sonrider657
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 1, 2010
Posts: 100
I really don't understand why anyone would buy a Mini-14 when you can get an AR for the same or less money. A Mini-14 would not make my list of Top 100 rifles.
sonrider657 is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 07:05 PM   #14
TSR80
Member
 
Join Date: February 18, 2010
Posts: 65
Quote:
I really don't understand why anyone would buy a Mini-14 when you can get an AR for the same or less money. A Mini-14 would not make my list of Top 100 rifles.
Some folks don't like the mall ninja stigma that often is accompanied with owning an AR rifle.

This isn't a judgment if that view is right or wrong, just a statement that some people do hold to it.
__________________
TSR80 - Firmly seated in reality.

Basing conclusions on emotions is like wiping before you poop, it doesn't make any damn sense.
TSR80 is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 07:13 PM   #15
hoytinak
Senior Member
 
Join Date: July 5, 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 5,721
Quote:
I really don't understand why anyone would buy a Mini-14 when you can get an AR for the same or less money. A Mini-14 would not make my list of Top 100 rifles.
While own both I much prefer shooting my Mini. It's a very reliable, good shooter that's accurate enough for what it's desinged to be....a ranch rifle. I only own 7 rifles and other than my 10/22 the Mini gets shot the most. The Mini makes my top 10 list.
hoytinak is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 07:54 PM   #16
HuntAndFish
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 2, 2006
Location: Kansas City, MO.
Posts: 580
No, but if I can have 20 the Mini makes it.
__________________
NRA Benefactor
MSSA Life Member
HuntAndFish is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 08:51 PM   #17
salvadore
Junior member
 
Join Date: January 1, 2007
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,282
I sold an AR and bought the tactical mini. Shot promotional ammo into 4" but shot my handloads into 1.5". I have a CZ527 223, an old mauser, a m-1 carbine a trapdoor and a buncha .22s. I like the mini now that I know it can be made to shoot.
salvadore is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 08:52 PM   #18
44 AMP
Staff
 
Join Date: March 11, 2006
Location: Upper US
Posts: 28,675
Why on earth would you be limited to only 10 rifles?

But, if for some arcane reason you are willing to only have 10, then consider the purposes of those 10.
You should have,
a .22lr. Any action style you like, but you should have one.

Centerfire varmint caliber. This can be anything from a .22 Hornet up to a .25-06, depending on your personal preference and how versatile you need. Bolt guns are the preferred action, but a good single shot is entirely acceptable.

Light caliber high capacity semi auto. What the anti's call an "assault weapon", for cover fire in a SHTF situation. Today, that means a .223. The Mini-14 does this. So does the AR, and the AK. The M1 carbine also fills this niche, but has less range. Has to be at least minute of man accurate at intended max range. If its better than that, fine.

Deer rifle. Any caliber/action style you like, provided its deer capable. Elk capable is nice, but only if you live where the elk do.

Battle rifle. semi auto .308 preferred, but anything from an M1 Garand to a .303 British (or other milsurp) will do in a pinch.

Heavy rifle. Your choice, but something bigger than a .308, either in bullet mass, or case volume. Magnums in 7mm and up, or big bores like .45-70. Your individual area plays a role in which would suit you better.

Now, we are up to 6, and the Mini 14 could be on the list.

Beyond these basics, you can consider a pistol caliber carbine, to compliment one (or more) of your handguns. And you still have 3 options to come up with before hitting your self imposed limit of 10. Maybe a brush gun? or something else?

Obivously, there is a lot of overlap possible, dpepending on your specific choices. I have way more than 20 rifles, currently, and do have a mini-14. I also don't have an AR, or an AK. Personal preference. My Mini14 does everything I need a .223 to do. I have other (and better) rifles for other things.

In my neck of the woods, used Mini14s still run cheaper than used ARs, although, there are some folks who are selling ARs cheap, cause they need the cash more than the rifle. For cost alone, I choose the Mini. I don't need match accuracy from a .223, I have other guns for that. What I want from a .223 is magazine capacity, light recoil, reliability, and reasonable accuracy, because in a SHTF situation, I'm probably going to be handing the .223 to a trusted friend/relative, while I carry something else. Like my M1A.
__________________
All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.
44 AMP is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 09:58 PM   #19
Bamashooter
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 12, 2010
Posts: 1,860
My 580 Series with a few modifications will shoot 1.5-2in. groups @ 100yrds. All my mods cost a total of 110 bucks. I paid 599+tax for the rifle brand new. Its very reliable and accurate and still cheaper than a cheap AR that might shoot 3in. groups. Yes, it is in my top 10.
Bamashooter is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 11:36 PM   #20
gak
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 28, 2005
Location: Aridzona
Posts: 2,767
In no particular order, but starting with the subject gun to get it out of the way:
- Mini 14 - .223 (Ammo availability/cost independent= 6.8) - HD, close-to-midrange fending off hordes
- Win 94 Pre 64 20" carbine - 30-30 (brush deer and "just because")
- Browning 92 - .44 Mag brush popper - deer, cats, bear BUG, HD BUG
- Browning 86 SRC - .45-70 - (bear country camp gun and "just because." Laminated stainless Marlin a more serious (right brain) choice here if actually going on Alaska excursion)
- Ruger 10/22 (fun pest and plinker, HD BUG2BUG2BUG)
- Winchester 69A .22 bolt - accurate, classic field .22, survival (Win is sentimental fave but could also easily be CZ, Kimber, etc., of course).
- M1 Carbine, GI - (HD close (100 yd peri) in and "just because")
- Win 70 Pre 64 .300 Win Mag (large deer thru elk). Yes, could be an '06 but with luxury, am bracketing.
- Win 70 Featherweight Classic 7mm-08 (mountain rifle/deer)
- M1A SOCOM (mid-long range HD/SD/fending off pirate boats/general survival)


Tears of apologies to 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th choices:
- Beloved Win 70 (CRF) .270 (ultimate all around deer and sheep, but in a 10 gun list, covered by two bolts above)
- Browning 92 - .357 (all 'round close in game, HD/SD BUG)
- Rem custom shop .22-250
(long range varminter/tack driver)
- Pre 64 Win 70 .375 H&H ("just because")


OP didn't ask, but:
1 gun
If Auto
- M1A (non SOCOM?)
Honorable mention:
Ruger Mini 30
If Non-auto
- Win 94 AE .30-30 circa 1983/4 (sentimental choice goes to Pre 64 however)


1 Gun: Honorable mention-to- honorable mention. (I.e., if all were right with the world of ammo):
Auto
- M4 or Mini 14 6.8, (former if SalreadyHTF, latter if not)
Non-Auto
- Pre lock Win 94 AE 7-30 Waters 22-24"


1 gun if limited to antique (C&R) and esp Pre WWII (just trying to keep it interesting :-))
- Win 1894 .30-30 round barrel 24" ca 1900-1941

Last edited by gak; April 23, 2010 at 02:13 AM.
gak is offline  
Old April 22, 2010, 11:49 PM   #21
NWCP
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 24, 2006
Posts: 1,903
I prefer the AR platform to the mini 14. Just my personal preference.
NWCP is offline  
Old April 23, 2010, 12:17 AM   #22
zombieslayer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 11, 2009
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,198
I love my 580 series mini 14. Of course, I did grow up watching the A-Team! Its plenty accurate for its use, and its been 100% reliable out of the box. Its a $599 base model and I did have a "tactical" model, which was cool. Sold it to a friend and when I saw this one I had to have it. It even has a really nice wood stock. I have an AR15 and I love it, but my mini 14 gives me warmer, fuzzier feelings. Just my 2cents...
__________________
"An angry prophet, denouncing the hypocrisies of our time"
zombieslayer is offline  
Old April 23, 2010, 12:46 AM   #23
STEINER
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 24, 2008
Posts: 168
Haha!!
10 rifles?
It made my list with only three.
Meat and Potatoes man.
STEINER is offline  
Old April 23, 2010, 04:59 AM   #24
Firepower!
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 3, 2008
Posts: 2,109
For me it did not make the cut into top 10. The reason for that: availability of select fire in 5.56. When I made my top ten list it had a few select fire in 5.56 that when I though about bolt or semi, .223 was definately out. I recently bought a Ruger Mini14 in SS. Its a ranch rifle. When I looked at it, I thought to myself whether I would still have it if I was limited to 10? Even though its a nice looking weapon, it could not make its way in the top ten.
Firepower! is offline  
Old April 23, 2010, 05:20 AM   #25
SmokyBaer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: March 23, 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 272
Over the years I've had a couple Mini-14s and they just didn't perform accurately for me or fit my build the way other rifles have. Reliability with the smaller mags was okay but the 30 rounders made a jam-o-matic about 10 rounds in. Easily talked out of both of them in trades. Never tried a Mini-30 though. Maybe that would have magic...
SmokyBaer is offline  
Reply

Tags
.223 , 5.56x45 , ar vs mini , ranch rifle , ruger mini 14 , ruger mini 30

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:13 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.12214 seconds with 11 queries