AR 15 or Mini 14

[mc1960]

what are your thoughts pro and con on each, I don't know much about either. Thanks

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[OPFOR]

AR. No contest.

The ONLY thing the Mini has over the AR is that it doesn't "look scary." In every other appreciable way, the AR is superior. With the price of most Minis now, even cost isn't much of a determining factor...

[CheaperThanDirt]

AR-15 PRO:
- You can build one cheap
- Multiple brands and grades to fit any job or budget
- Easy to mount optics and sights
- Lightweight
- Adjustable stock
- Easily customized with a million parts
- Easy to fix since parts swap out and are cheap
- It's a proven, reliable platform


Mini-14 PRO:
- It's a gun?

[Hoganbeg]

I have to agree with OPFOR on this. AR is much more ergonomic. If I were buying today that's what I'd get. Accuracy is better also.

[HotGuns]

AR15 ... itty bitty groups at 100 yards.

Mini14...pie plate groups at 100 yards...maybe

[zacii]

AR-15 hands down.

Same as what everyone else said, plus extra magazines are cheaper.

And you can have a separate upper in a different caliber, like .22lr for example.

Sent from my Galaxy S2

[DrahtDog]

Ar, without a doubt. Im surprised anybody buys mini 14's anymore. Even the tacticool model.

[garwha]

While the new mini 14s have 5.56 chambers, they are not standard with chrome lined barrels, which effect durability, and shooting steel if you choose to. Magazines will also cost you a lot more for the Ruger. The only stock advantage that it offers is a piston type Garrand action, which can be had on an AR at a slightly higher price than bacis guns. The non piston guns are more accurate though, so a standard stock AR will out shoot a Mini. They are both good weapons, but you can do a lot more with an AR platform. I have an AR with a varmit upper, and a combat upper, so it is extreamly versitle.

[Xader]

IMHO, the best use for a Mini- is as a truck gun. And that's only if you already have one.

If you're choosing which to buy for the same money, I'd choose AR all day, every day.

[glockman10mm]

I will have to disagree somewhat. There is nothing wrong with the mini. Most people couldn't squeeze paper plate accuracy out of an AR. So, for what it's supposed to be, the mini is fine. It's price for what it is, is what is wrong.

For the money, I prefer the AR, but I like the feel of the mini better. Another plus of the mini is clearing a jam, the chamber is more easily accessed. And, with the ranch model and integral rings, mounting a scope is a snap.

[Rob99VMI04]

AR even RUGER agrees thats why they started building them.

[C hawk Glock]

I will have to disagree somewhat. There is nothing wrong with the mini. Most people couldn't squeeze paper plate accuracy out of an AR. So, for what it's supposed to be, the mini is fine. It's price for what it is, is what is wrong.For the money, I prefer the AR, but I like the feel of the mini better. Another plus of the mini is clearing a jam, the chamber is more easily accessed. And, with the ranch model and integral rings, mounting a scope is a snap.

Valid points as I agree that most folks can't shoot very well as I see it all the time. My thing is that those pie plates turn into beach balls when those same folks shoot a mini-14. AR is superior in almost every way if you have the funds. I sure would not feel under gunned with a mini though.

[glockman10mm]

Valid points as I agree that most folks can't shoot very well as I see it all the time. My thing is that those pie plates turn into beach balls when those same folks shoot a mini-14. AR is superior in almost every way if you have the funds. I sure would not feel under gunned with a mini though.

Well, since the OP asked for pros and cons of both, I opted to attempt to give an alternate view instead of allowing my personal thoughts jade my opinion.

Too many civilians are buying the AR platform for the cool factor and don't have a damn clue about it's operation. They just put a red dot on it, hang every gizmo made on it and declare themselves ready for war.

Also, there must be some pretty poor shots out there, because I haven't shot a mini that couldn't do 2.5 groups with Lake City ammo.

[C hawk Glock]

Well, since the OP asked for pros and cons of both, I opted to attempt to give an alternate view instead of allowing my personal thoughts jade my opinion.Too many civilians are buying the AR platform for the cool factor and don't have a damn clue about it's operation. They just put a red dot on it, hang every gizmo made on it and declare themselves ready for war. Also, there must be some pretty poor shots out there, because I haven't shot a mini that couldn't do 2.5 groups with Lake City ammo.

Totally agree with you, most would never need anything more. I also agree with your 2.5 inch groups as I have done it as well, but I don't think we qualify as the average joe either.

[Mike1956]

Well, since the OP asked for pros and cons of both, I opted to attempt to give an alternate view instead of allowing my personal thoughts jade my opinion.

Too many civilians are buying the AR platform for the cool factor and don't have a damn clue about it's operation. They just put a red dot on it, hang every gizmo made on it and declare themselves ready for war.

Also, there must be some pretty poor shots out there, because I haven't shot a mini that couldn't do 2.5 groups with Lake City ammo.

My 30-year-old CAR has never had anything attached to it, and still maintains pie pan accuracy out to 150 yards. Assembly and disassembly is a breeze, as is its operation. I never really considered it to be cool, merely utile and effective. I'm pretty sure the semi-auto only platforms were designed strictly for the civilian market.