Ruger Mini-14 or Kel-Tec SU-16 (A or CA model)? - Page 4

SammyIamToday · October 19th, 2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bri-Eye

If backpacking is on your agenda, I think the main advantage of the Kel-Tec is it's weight and folding stock design. For sturdiness and long term reliability, I would (and did) go with the Mini. The Kel-Tec just felt too flimsy/plastic for me. That built in forend bi-pod looks like a part destined to malfunction.

If you are not looking for a folder, I think the Mini's weight makes it more shootable, and for a truck gun it's a perfect size.

More for a light SHTF rifle. Backpacking will fall into that. I like the Keltec foldability, but its not really required as I'd be shuffling it around to get it out and into action.

I really want to get a pair of these so that I have one just like my old lady has. She likes the SKS, but not the AK. While they have the same ammo, I think its easier to just have one type of mags, etc. So, maybe the Mini-14/Keltec is the way to go.

I've read a lot of pros and cons for both the last few days searching and in this thread. It's a tough call.

S3ymour · November 8th, 2007, 03:49 PM

The newer mini-14 ranch rifles are great. I bought one last year, and I can consistently hit what I aim at. Now, that being said, currently for the factory 20 round mags you are looking between 40-50 dollars. I stand behind the fact that Ruger makes a great gun and have not had to have any replacement parts for it. I didn't get it for how it looked, but rather I got the gun because of the feel. It easily tucks into the shoulder, fires evenly with little to no recoil. The only thing I need is a flash suppressor to help dissapate the gas to reduce muzzle rise. Other than that I wouldn't trade the gun for the world. I bought mine brand new for $530, which at the time was much more affordable than my desired SA M1A.

ridurall · November 16th, 2007, 08:52 PM

25 years ago I owned a Mini-14 and never liked it. The gas system would on occasion screw up on me and the accuracy sucked. I sold it and picked up a Colt SP-1 AR-15. While it was more accurate I ended up selling it several years later for a Bushmaster Varminter. It shoots 5 times better then either one of the others and I can shoot .285" groups with it at 100 yards. As for the Kel-Tec, sorry don't know a thing about them.

SammyIamToday · November 26th, 2007, 06:27 PM

I actually let my old lady decide. She liked the weight of the SU16 over the Mini14. And the left over money can buy some ammo. Not a lot because .223 is insane now, but I reload anyway, so I don't see it as much as some.

I picked up a CA and got her a C (folding stock). Pretty happy with them so far, but want to put a few more hundred rounds into them before I start stocking parts (which are cheaper and easy to get from Kel-Tec). I like the look of the Mini-14, but Ruger has shot theirself in the proverbial foot with accessories for it.

Thanks everyone for their advice.

BigEFan · November 26th, 2007, 06:54 PM

I think you will be happy with the Kel-Tec. I love my CA Model and we have a lot of fun shooting it. If you decide to go the cheap route on ammo and get Wolf or Brown Bear, carry a .22 caliber cleaning rod because those cheap steel cases will break from time to time and it takes a cleaning rod to get them out.

Enjoy!

November 16th, 2007, 08:52 PM	#33
ridurall Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: SW Oklahoma Posts: 735	25 years ago I owned a Mini-14 and never liked it. The gas system would on occasion screw up on me and the accuracy sucked. I sold it and picked up a Colt SP-1 AR-15. While it was more accurate I ended up selling it several years later for a Bushmaster Varminter. It shoots 5 times better then either one of the others and I can shoot .285" groups with it at 100 yards. As for the Kel-Tec, sorry don't know a thing about them. __________________ Life member NRA since 1983 I normally carry a Sig Pro .40 in a Crossbreed IWB but when necessary will switch to: Baby Eagle .40 W/Kramer holster Bersa Thunder380 Kel-Tec P3AT Skyy 9mm

November 26th, 2007, 06:27 PM	#34
SammyIamToday VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 2,081	I actually let my old lady decide. She liked the weight of the SU16 over the Mini14. And the left over money can buy some ammo. Not a lot because .223 is insane now, but I reload anyway, so I don't see it as much as some. I picked up a CA and got her a C (folding stock). Pretty happy with them so far, but want to put a few more hundred rounds into them before I start stocking parts (which are cheaper and easy to get from Kel-Tec). I like the look of the Mini-14, but Ruger has shot theirself in the proverbial foot with accessories for it. Thanks everyone for their advice. __________________ ...He suggested that "every American citizen" should own a rifle and train with it on firing ranges "at every courthouse." -Chesty Puller

November 26th, 2007, 06:54 PM	#35
BigEFan VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Central California Posts: 2,036	I think you will be happy with the Kel-Tec. I love my CA Model and we have a lot of fun shooting it. If you decide to go the cheap route on ammo and get Wolf or Brown Bear, carry a .22 caliber cleaning rod because those cheap steel cases will break from time to time and it takes a cleaning rod to get them out. Enjoy! __________________ *Lex et Libertas — Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus, et Fidelis!* "Not only do the people who put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us deserve better, we all deserve better than to have our own security undermined by those who undermine law enforcement." -Thomas Sowell

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November 8th, 2007, 03:49 PM	#32
S3ymour Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 429	The newer mini-14 ranch rifles are great. I bought one last year, and I can consistently hit what I aim at. Now, that being said, currently for the factory 20 round mags you are looking between 40-50 dollars. I stand behind the fact that Ruger makes a great gun and have not had to have any replacement parts for it. I didn't get it for how it looked, but rather I got the gun because of the feel. It easily tucks into the shoulder, fires evenly with little to no recoil. The only thing I need is a flash suppressor to help dissapate the gas to reduce muzzle rise. Other than that I wouldn't trade the gun for the world. I bought mine brand new for $530, which at the time was much more affordable than my desired SA M1A.