SammyIamToday

I'm looking into buying one or two new carbines in .223/5.56. I've narrowed it down to the two in the thread title.

I've weighed some of the pros-cons of both, but I'm at a stopping point and can't really make up my mind. Perhaps you guys have some insight that I'm not thinking about.

So, price is about the same. Ruger is around 100 more or so depending upon the Kel-Tec Model. For my intents and purposes, its close enough.

Both shoot the .223. Magazines for both are cheap. Edge to Kel-Tec because it uses AR mags.

Are availability of spare parts the same?

The Kel-Tec is slightly lighter. However, I've read that gets hot with a quickness, whereas, I'm assuming the Ruger will stand up to sustained shooting better.

Accuracy of both is going to be acceptable. I'm not looking for a MOA rifle here.

Any thoughts?

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OPFOR

The Ruger heats up very quickly, as well... Not that that really answers your question...

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SammyIamToday

No, but it takes that out of the equation. Thanks for the info!

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...He suggested that "every American citizen" should own a rifle and train with it on firing ranges "at every courthouse." -Chesty Puller

SIXTO

That is a tough choice... I think I'd take a leap of faith and go with the Keltec. I dont know much about them, but the AR mag factor is not to be ignored. Mini 14 mags are getting harder and harder to find, an a lot of the ones on the market now are junk. Plus, if there is another ban, AR mags will be far easier to get than mini 14 mags.

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MitchellCT

Factory 20 round mags are NOT cheap.

In fact, they are going for $40 at the lowest to over $70 for a 20 round mag.

After market mags are supposedly something to beware of.

Scot Van

Why? Are there just so many AR mags out there that it will still be relatively easy to find old ones?

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Scot Van

you can put our new collapsible, sidefolding stock on it!

shipped for $109.00! (and LE / Military folks get dealer discount direct!)

Attached Images

ATImini.jpg (39.9 KB, 53 views)

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MitchellCT

You can't throw a cat without hitting a stack of AR mags.

The AR/M-16 system is a system used by the military as a standard weapon and most of LE uses it to in some capacity, in addition to regular people unaffiliated with either.

"Everyone" uses it, and as a result magazines and parts are common.

If back in the 1960-70 Bill Ruger got his Mini-14 into the hands of the right people sooner they military may has decided "How cool is this?!?! It's just like the M-14 that worked so well for us in service, but its smaller and lighter with the same manual of arms!! Holy Shi+ we need us some of these...Oh, and that M-16 thing...yeah. Its nice...but no thanks..." then this conversation would be very different.

BigEFan

Sammy, I have both guns, so I offer my opinion for what it is worth. Hands down, if I could only keep one, I would keep the Kel-Tec CA Model.

Here is why:

1) You already stated it, it takes the M16/AR Mags which are really in abundance. Besides, if you live where you are not a criminal for owning guns then your goal should be to eventually have a nice AR and you will benefit from not having to have two different types of mags.

2) The gun is very light and a joy to carry when going for a hike, camping or trail riding. The fact that the gun folds very nicely allows you to carry it in a backpack very discreetly.

3)I stated the CA model because I don't like the C model stock (although it has its benefits) and the C model is illegal in my communist state. The CA Model has the sights closer to the end of the stock instead of the end of the barrel and it is a steel sight at that. While you may get a better sight picture I have found that having the sight sit back protects it from being beaten up. If you are using this as a utility rifle it will be prone to getting beat up and better protected and more durable sight will save you headaches down the road. Also, you wont have to remove the sights on the C/CA model if you decide to add a tactical scope (I highly recommend).

4) I have some really nice rugers in my collection and Ruger makes a very durable, reliable, cost effective weapon but I have never gotten over their stance on hi cap mags and I would not have bought the Mini had I not gotten at a basement price (around $150).

The Mini is a nice gun, don't get me wrong. I just don't think it has the versatility or the features the Kel-Tec does.

If you decide to get the Ruger, you will be happy, but take my word, ONLY BUY RUGER BRAND MAGS. I have yet to find any other brand that works reliably in my 181 series mini.

Good luck and feel free to PM if you have any specific questions.

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SammyIamToday

BigEFan, thanks for all of the advice. I'll keep it all in mind. Although, I'm not eventually going to the AR. Bigger fan of the AK platform, but starting to really like the idea of a light .223 beater type rifle. That and I don't really care for pistol grips on a rifle. (use a Saiga AK)

Google Fu failed me. I just saw mags that looked cheap. This is another strike against the Ruger.

That stock makes it look like a space rifle. Cool, but not a big fan of the pistol grip.

__________________
...He suggested that "every American citizen" should own a rifle and train with it on firing ranges "at every courthouse." -Chesty Puller