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

zacii · October 12th, 2009, 08:13 PM

I've been doing a little research on these two weapons. The reason I'm comparing them is their price is within $50 of each other. Same caliber, two different platforms.

Mini 14 should be easier to maintain
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Sportical should be easier to accessorize
[IMG]

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I've read reports that their both comparable in accuracy at around 200 yards.

Alot is going to depend on it's uses according to the user. If you want a tack-drivin', prairie dog killin' @ 300 yds +, then I would think the nod would go to the Sportical...

If you're looking for a plinkin', coyote killin', zombie killin' low maintenance, then I'm thinking that the Mini might suffice.

Let the barrage begin....

Ram Rod · October 12th, 2009, 08:38 PM

Personally............(in my opinion) both have their pros and cons (of course), and you might beat the bushes on the internet for a while other than here. I would say you'd probably be better off with the DPMS and some MagPul magazines for it (since I've heard the factory mags are junk). I have nothing for or against either one since I've never had either. It's just what I've heard over the years that causes me to lean away from the Ruger 'Minis' for reasons I'm unable to completely explain. Some law enforcement agencies still employ the Mini 14 for special purposes, and that may seem like one of the good points. I think there are plenty of accessories available for either one actually. You'll just have to hunt around.

HotGuns · October 12th, 2009, 08:49 PM

Sportical will be easier to get parts for and they are cheaper. Parts can be had anywhere.

Mini magazines are had to get, expensive and are made by a very limited number of manufactureres. Everyone makes AR mags.

Sportical platform is more customizable, Mini is very limited.
You can change tophalfs on the Sportical, go from a SBR to a 24" barrel with a simple switch. Sportical can host several calibers,Mini...is just Mini.

Sportical will hold its value,and nearly anyone will buy it, the Mini only has a niche market.

The Mini has a limited ability for a scope, the Sportical is virtuall unlimited.

Rayman · October 13th, 2009, 01:48 AM

I'm not a big fan of the sportical. I owned one, I don't own it anymore. I am however a fan of AR-15s. I'd suggest spending $100 more and get an entry level AR.

But if not. I'd go with the mini.

jeep45238 · October 13th, 2009, 06:44 AM

I'd go with the DPMS. Have you ever tried to detail strip a Mini 14? Still want to call it easier to maintain?

jeephipwr · October 13th, 2009, 08:15 AM

I have both and I like them both. But the AR has more going for it in options, use, etc. But I like my mini too. choices, choices.....

10thmtn · October 13th, 2009, 10:45 PM

I used an AR rifle (M16) in the Army. I have a Mini 14 as a civilian.

Personally, I like the Mini better. I just hate the direct gas system on most AR rifles - blows hot dirty gases right into the action. This was done to reduce weight by eliminating the operating rod. Makes for baked-on crud that is hard to clean.

I also do not like all the little pieces the AR breaks down into for cleaning - especially the darn cotter pin. Very easy to lose in the field. The Mini breaks down much like an M14 into big pieces. I've never needed to break it down further than field stripping it.

The AR will likely be more accurate at longer range. It is more adaptable.

Since I do not envision "defending" myself from someone 200 yards away ("Yes officer, even though he was so far away I had no choice but to shoot him."

), and I like my rifles plain (no optics, lasers, flashlights, cup holders, etc

), those are not issues for me.

Hence, the Mini.

edr9x23super · October 13th, 2009, 11:14 PM

Every Mini-14 I have ever fired never compared in accuracy with any AR, even at 100 yards; people keep bashing the gas system on the AR, but like the 1911s, if you use the weapon within it's design envelope, it is every bit as reliable as any other gun; I prefer the AR because of its ergonomics. Stoner's genius was not in the fact that he designed a light, easy-to-fire weapon but in the fact that hands-down it is still the fastest assault rifle to reload and get back in the fight because of the orientation of the controls....

But take what I say with a grain of salt - go check it out for yourselves, go to a USPSA 3-gun match and see what the serious competitors are using. That bunch knows real well what works and what doesn't, and they are the ones solely responsible for the cottage industries that have grown up around the AR-15 and 1911 platforms......

retsupt99 · October 13th, 2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10thmtn

I used an AR rifle (M16) in the Army. I have a Mini 14 as a civilian.

Personally, I like the Mini better. I just hate the direct gas system on most AR rifles - blows hot dirty gases right into the action. This was done to reduce weight by eliminating the operating rod. Makes for baked-on crud that is hard to clean.

I also do not like all the little pieces the AR breaks down into for cleaning - especially the darn cotter pin. Very easy to lose in the field. The Mini breaks down much like an M14 into big pieces. I've never needed to break it down further than field stripping it.

The AR will likely be more accurate at longer range. It is more adaptable.

Since I do not envision "defending" myself from someone 200 yards away ("Yes officer, even though he was so far away I had no choice but to shoot him."

), and I like my rifles plain (no optics, lasers, flashlights, cup holders, etc

), those are not issues for me.

Hence, the Mini.

You make some excellent points here...thus why I sold my AR-15 and purchased two rifles: A Henry Rifle in .22 mag, and a Marlin 30-30... and plenty of ammo. (Bought both for the price of an AR.)
I'm happy...

10thmtn · October 14th, 2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edr9x23super

Every Mini-14 I have ever fired never compared in accuracy with any AR, even at 100 yards; people keep bashing the gas system on the AR, but like the 1911s, if you use the weapon within it's design envelope, it is every bit as reliable as any other gun; I prefer the AR because of its ergonomics. Stoner's genius was not in the fact that he designed a light, easy-to-fire weapon but in the fact that hands-down it is still the fastest assault rifle to reload and get back in the fight because of the orientation of the controls....

I agree with you. Most civilians will never fire enough rounds in a defensive encounter for the direct gas system to become an issue.

However, that still does not change the fact that this is not an optimal design. It violates the "don't poop where you eat" rule, by "pooping" waste into the feeding/operating system of the rifle.

As far as accuracy, it's a moot issue, as most civilian defensive encounters will be at very close range. The difference between the AR and the Mini will likely not be a factor.

The ergonomics on the Mini are pretty good, IMHO. I like that you can see the bolt over the top of the carbine - you're better able to see when your bolt is locked open and you are out of ammo.

I will concede that the straight up magazine insertion of the AR is faster, versus the rock-it-in of the Mini (and AK, and M1A, and FAL, etc).

To each his own, but I do prefer the Mini.

October 12th, 2009, 08:13 PM	#1
zacii Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: arizona Posts: 317	Let's beat a dead horse. Mini 14 Tactical vs. DPMS Sportical I've been doing a little research on these two weapons. The reason I'm comparing them is their price is within $50 of each other. Same caliber, two different platforms. Mini 14 should be easier to maintain [IMG][/IMG] Sportical should be easier to accessorize [IMG][/IMG] I've read reports that their both comparable in accuracy at around 200 yards. Alot is going to depend on it's uses according to the user. If you want a tack-drivin', prairie dog killin' @ 300 yds +, then I would think the nod would go to the Sportical... If you're looking for a plinkin', coyote killin', zombie killin' low maintenance, then I'm thinking that the Mini might suffice. Let the barrage begin.... __________________ Trust in God and keep your powder dry Superduper Snubbie Thread Why 1911?

October 12th, 2009, 08:38 PM	#2
Ram Rod VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: crawford county, arkansas Posts: 8,807	Personally............(in my opinion) both have their pros and cons (of course), and you might beat the bushes on the internet for a while other than here. I would say you'd probably be better off with the DPMS and some MagPul magazines for it (since I've heard the factory mags are junk). I have nothing for or against either one since I've never had either. It's just what I've heard over the years that causes me to lean away from the Ruger 'Minis' for reasons I'm unable to completely explain. Some law enforcement agencies still employ the Mini 14 for special purposes, and that may seem like one of the good points. I think there are plenty of accessories available for either one actually. You'll just have to hunt around. __________________ RamRod-----sans remords live, eat, breathe, sleep Glock

October 12th, 2009, 08:49 PM	#3
HotGuns Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 7,585	Sportical will be easier to get parts for and they are cheaper. Parts can be had anywhere. Mini magazines are had to get, expensive and are made by a very limited number of manufactureres. Everyone makes AR mags. Sportical platform is more customizable, Mini is very limited. You can change tophalfs on the Sportical, go from a SBR to a 24" barrel with a simple switch. Sportical can host several calibers,Mini...is just Mini. Sportical will hold its value,and nearly anyone will buy it, the Mini only has a niche market. The Mini has a limited ability for a scope, the Sportical is virtuall unlimited. __________________ AR. CHL Instr. To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson

October 13th, 2009, 06:44 AM	#5
jeep45238 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 695	I'd go with the DPMS. Have you ever tried to detail strip a Mini 14? Still want to call it easier to maintain? __________________ ~Mike F. http://www.ConcealedCampus.com http://www.a-human-right.com/ "Quemadmoeum gladuis neminem occidit, occidentis telum est."

October 13th, 2009, 08:15 AM	#6
jeephipwr Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Little Rock Posts: 459	I have both and I like them both. But the AR has more going for it in options, use, etc. But I like my mini too. choices, choices..... __________________ "That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. it is our job to see that it stays there." George Orwell

October 13th, 2009, 01:48 AM	#4
Rayman Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: columbus Posts: 66	I'm not a big fan of the sportical. I owned one, I don't own it anymore. I am however a fan of AR-15s. I'd suggest spending $100 more and get an entry level AR. But if not. I'd go with the mini.

October 13th, 2009, 10:45 PM	#7
10thmtn Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 658	I used an AR rifle (M16) in the Army. I have a Mini 14 as a civilian. Personally, I like the Mini better. I just hate the direct gas system on most AR rifles - blows hot dirty gases right into the action. This was done to reduce weight by eliminating the operating rod. Makes for baked-on crud that is hard to clean. I also do not like all the little pieces the AR breaks down into for cleaning - especially the darn cotter pin. Very easy to lose in the field. The Mini breaks down much like an M14 into big pieces. I've never needed to break it down further than field stripping it. The AR will likely be more accurate at longer range. It is more adaptable. Since I do not envision "defending" myself from someone 200 yards away ("Yes officer, even though he was so far away I had no choice but to shoot him." ), and I like my rifles plain (no optics, lasers, flashlights, cup holders, etc), those are not issues for me. Hence, the Mini. __________________ 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 13th, 2009, 11:14 PM	#8
edr9x23super Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,734	Every Mini-14 I have ever fired never compared in accuracy with any AR, even at 100 yards; people keep bashing the gas system on the AR, but like the 1911s, if you use the weapon within it's design envelope, it is every bit as reliable as any other gun; I prefer the AR because of its ergonomics. Stoner's genius was not in the fact that he designed a light, easy-to-fire weapon but in the fact that hands-down it is still the fastest assault rifle to reload and get back in the fight because of the orientation of the controls.... But take what I say with a grain of salt - go check it out for yourselves, go to a USPSA 3-gun match and see what the serious competitors are using. That bunch knows real well what works and what doesn't, and they are the ones solely responsible for the cottage industries that have grown up around the AR-15 and 1911 platforms...... __________________ "Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined". - Patrick Henry

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