Let's beat a dead horse. Mini 14 Tactical vs. DPMS Sportical - Page 5

10thmtn · October 19th, 2009, 12:12 PM

Agree...good point on the offset sights on an AR. This was Stoner's design compromise to get the recoil directly into the shoulder, for less muzzle flip.

How many folks shooting an AR from behind cover see the target in their sights, pull the trigger...and shoot the cover right in front of them. A training issue, but easily forgotten under stress.

FHBrumb · October 23rd, 2009, 08:08 PM

My Mini 14T shoots great. I'd bet a buck, better then a comparably priced AR. I can consistently hit a 6 inch gong at 300 yards. That's far more precise than I think I'll ever need it to be. And it has NEVER failed to load or fire a single round. OK, except for the time someone convinced me I needed a buffer... That was a disaster... I take full responsibility for my stupidity...

Mini 14 Tactical, hammer forged with factory flash hider, ATI stock, and a 3 to 9 illuminated recticle scope, sighted in for 200 yards with factory 55 grain loads.

To scare away all of the Mall Ninjas, I also added a laser under the barrel. It's sighted in for about 25 feet.

I love my Mini.

NCM · October 24th, 2009, 07:26 PM

My first rifle was a Mini-14 I bought on impulse just before the 94 ban. I wasn't into guns at the time, and 500 bucks seemed a reasonable price. As of now I'm trying to sell it.

Mini-14's use to be notorious for poor accuracy; this has changed a bit with the newer models with a thicker barrel beyond the gas block, but any AR will still beat it with ease. This isn't to say newer mini-14's are inaccurate, just that they are still less accurate than a comparable AR-15; and when you are paying similar amounts of money, I'd say that is a mark against the Mini-14.

Today the biggest issue with Mini-14's are the outrageously expensive magazines. 40 to 50 dollars for factory magazines compared to ~11 dollar quality AR mags.

That alone is enough to go AR.

NRA Mini-14 = ~700 dollars
10 thirty round mags = 400 dollars
Total = 1100 dollars

Basic AR = CMMG Bargain bin = 600
Carry Handle sight = 75
10 mags = 120
Total Cost = 795

So about 800 bucks for a similar package, and AR has superior sights, spare parts availability and modularity.

If Mini-14's cost around 350-450, they would be great little alternatives, but the reliable factory mags are outrageously priced for what they are, the iron sights are still pretty bad (should have gone back to the Garand style sights with click adjustments) and their accuracy is still behind the AR.

If you really dislike the DI system, get a piston AR, ruger even makes one, or get a Robinson Arms XCR. Heck even Arsenal built AK's are down to about 500 bucks now at K-Var.

The concept of Mini-14 is ok, but the execution is lacking. Nothing wrong with a M1 Carbine system in 5.56mm, but it should take AR mags, have easily click adjustable sights for sighting in, and shoot a consistent 2.5 moa with bulk ammo. Kind of sounds like a Keltec SU-16.

October 19th, 2009, 12:12 PM	#41
10thmtn Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 664	Agree...good point on the offset sights on an AR. This was Stoner's design compromise to get the recoil directly into the shoulder, for less muzzle flip. How many folks shooting an AR from behind cover see the target in their sights, pull the trigger...and shoot the cover right in front of them. A training issue, but easily forgotten under stress. __________________ The People ARE the Militia, and have a DUTY (not just a right) to be both armed and proficient in the use of said arms. Ex-Army officer; Hurricane Andrew Relief, FL, 1992; Operation Restore Hope, Somalia, 1993 NRA Life Member; Range Safety Officer Glock 26, CT Laserguard, Smartcarry

October 23rd, 2009, 08:08 PM	#42
FHBrumb Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA, where else? Posts: 337	My Mini 14T shoots great. I'd bet a buck, better then a comparably priced AR. I can consistently hit a 6 inch gong at 300 yards. That's far more precise than I think I'll ever need it to be. And it has NEVER failed to load or fire a single round. OK, except for the time someone convinced me I needed a buffer... That was a disaster... I take full responsibility for my stupidity... Mini 14 Tactical, hammer forged with factory flash hider, ATI stock, and a 3 to 9 illuminated recticle scope, sighted in for 200 yards with factory 55 grain loads. To scare away all of the Mall Ninjas, I also added a laser under the barrel. It's sighted in for about 25 feet. I love my Mini. __________________ Amendment XIV Section 1. ...No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law...

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October 24th, 2009, 07:26 PM	#43
NCM New Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 9	My first rifle was a Mini-14 I bought on impulse just before the 94 ban. I wasn't into guns at the time, and 500 bucks seemed a reasonable price. As of now I'm trying to sell it. Mini-14's use to be notorious for poor accuracy; this has changed a bit with the newer models with a thicker barrel beyond the gas block, but any AR will still beat it with ease. This isn't to say newer mini-14's are inaccurate, just that they are still less accurate than a comparable AR-15; and when you are paying similar amounts of money, I'd say that is a mark against the Mini-14. Today the biggest issue with Mini-14's are the outrageously expensive magazines. 40 to 50 dollars for factory magazines compared to ~11 dollar quality AR mags. That alone is enough to go AR. NRA Mini-14 = ~700 dollars 10 thirty round mags = 400 dollars Total = 1100 dollars Basic AR = CMMG Bargain bin = 600 Carry Handle sight = 75 10 mags = 120 Total Cost = 795 So about 800 bucks for a similar package, and AR has superior sights, spare parts availability and modularity. If Mini-14's cost around 350-450, they would be great little alternatives, but the reliable factory mags are outrageously priced for what they are, the iron sights are still pretty bad (should have gone back to the Garand style sights with click adjustments) and their accuracy is still behind the AR. If you really dislike the DI system, get a piston AR, ruger even makes one, or get a Robinson Arms XCR. Heck even Arsenal built AK's are down to about 500 bucks now at K-Var. The concept of Mini-14 is ok, but the execution is lacking. Nothing wrong with a M1 Carbine system in 5.56mm, but it should take AR mags, have easily click adjustable sights for sighting in, and shoot a consistent 2.5 moa with bulk ammo. Kind of sounds like a Keltec SU-16.