socuban

as a defensive rifle? I was originally thinking of an AR 15, but I'd like to be able to bring my gun on the boat for long weekends. The rust factor concerns me with the AR 15s.

The stainless Ruger mini 14 looks like a good home and boat rifle. Here are some pics from the ATI web site with folding stock;

Sky Pilot

Looks like a good choice to me!

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MitchellCT

Good luck on finding factory mags for a reasonable price.

Last time I bought mags I paid $55 each.

You are better off spending more for the AR-15 and having cheaper mags available.

BAC

Hm. For a new stainless-steel ("all-weather") Mini-14 you're looking at $800 and up. Factor in the cost of mags (steel 20-rounders are $50 from J&G Gun Sales), and recognizing that you'd end up with a gun that won't win any accuracy contests and is rarely as, much less often more, accurate than an AR, and I have to wonder why one would look into a Mini-14 as a defensive rifle. It's not a fighting rifle.

If it were a lower price than I'd say go for it; you're already running into AR-territory, and will get into nicer AR territory if you plan on getting any number of magazines for it.

Just keep in mind that stainless steel is not stainfree steel. My Leatherman Wave taught me that lesson very quickly on a diving weekend.

I strongly suggest getting a Mossberg 500 Mariner, for a couple big reasons. First, it's purpose built. It'll handle salt water fine, if you wash it. Second, it's cheap: $385 at Able Ammo. I think that's better suited to your needs than a rifle would be, and if you needed longer shots you can easily get a longer barrel for slugs Maricoted as well. The only reason I'm suggesting the Mossberg over the Remington is price; Mossberg is simply a better "budget" gun.

If you want a rifle, specifically, than get a rifle. For the price you're already looking at, I suggest an ADS M4 from G&R Tactical. Grant's a good guy and can customize orders if you want. But if you just want to be armed with something better than a handgun, and don't want to break the bank doing it, I suggest the Mossy.

SIXTO

Buy an AR, get it refinished in something a little tougher if thats your concern.

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takurpic

I like the looks and feel of the Mini-14. I used to own one prior to getting my 1st AR-15.

The mini had some accuracy issues that weren't an issue in the AR.

goawayfarm

I have an older stainless Mini-14 & the only reason I still have it is that it is a rare original with factory folding stock (pre-ban). The reason i don't shoot it is it's accuracy sucks! My ARs are a lot more accurate & reliable.

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mike28w

A number of years ago, I bought a new stainless /synthetic stocked Mini 14. I really liked the look and feel. Unfortunately, I could throw rocks more accurately. ( 10-12" groups at 25 yards --- pitiful !)

Sent it back to Ruger. They sent it back with little improvement. At 25 yards , I was still more accurate with a handgun. I was beginning to think that I had developed a flinch or something. Traded the Mini for a Bushmaster --- Guess what , I could now shoot those 10" groups at 150 yards (standing -off hand-open sights).

I still like the looks and feel of the Mini, but I own one of those "ugly" Bushmasters..... Pretty is as pretty does.... mike

Rob72

I would suggest the AR, too. For $30 you can buy a DIY bake-on teflon finish that goes on nicely over park.

If you happen to decide on the Mini, avoid the "cool" ATI stock; it won't help an already accuracy-challenged weapon. Choate is much more solid, and easily bedded.

ghost tracker

Seems to be an idea floating (pardon the pun) around here that standard finish AR rifles are excessively proned to rust. Are we talking about fresh or salt-water boating weekends here?

I agree that the Stainless Mini 14 is likely less sensitive than the AR to neglect (they're found lashed to the seat of a LOT of Alaskan outback snowmobiles). But a well-maintained M4 isn't a fragile weapon either. If rust was at all an issue...somebody in the Black Rifle World would be marketing a model expressive configured to address the problem (there's only several zillion varities already available!).

Nope, I don't think you're gaining a single advantage (except maybe a few bucks of original purchase price) by going with the Mini. I've owned several models of both rifles...and I sold my last Mini last year.

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