Ruger Ranch Tactical .223
Is this a wannabe AR15? Would you consider one over an AR15 if price was the only thing keeping you from an AR15? or would you keep saving?
How is the reliability and accuracy out to 100 yards for target shooting and some hunting?
How is the reliability and accuracy out to 100 yards for target shooting and some hunting?
0
-
If it is on the Mini-14 chassis, it is a Mini-14, not an AR-15 wannabe. No I would not consider one, if the price was the onlything keeping me from an AR. The prices on them are about twice what they are worth, and therefor, about as much as an AR-15.
The reliability is decent, and the accuracy should keep you on a 5 inch circle at 100 yards. Don't expect it to be an AR-15, because it is NOT.
Best0 -
quote:Originally posted by BowGunHunter
Is this a wannabe AR15?
The action is a simplified version of the M14/M1 Garand action (hence the name "mini-14"). It uses a fairly reliable op-rod system instead of the "dirty" direct gas impingement system of the AR-15.
Is it a "wannabe" AR-15? Well, in terms of pure APPEARANCE, yes, I'd say it is.
quote: Would you consider one over an AR15 if price was the only thing keeping you from an AR15? or would you keep saving?
Well, biggest knock on the mini-14s is that the platform really isn't that accurate. There have been a number of threads on this recently. You can expect maybe 3-5 MOA from one of these out of the box, depending on the gun in question and the load.
Its hard to answer your question without knowing why you wanted the gun. I think a mini-14 is perfectly fine for its intended use of shooting human sized targets out to 150 yards or so. AR-15 will do anything a mini-14 will do, but should deliver more accuracy and give you a lot more options in terms of flexibility (changing calibers, accessories, cheaper mags, etc).
To me the biggest issue with mini-14s is that they cost nearly as much as the AR-15s, but don't deliver the same sort of performance. "Tactical" mini-14 currently runs about $650, and you can get a good entry level AR-15 for $750.
Meanwhile, if you're after a reliable and durable combat type rifle but don't care about pinpoint accuracy, a Kalashnikov pattern gun (including a Saiga) will basically do what the mini-14 does but for $500 or less, leaving with you plenty of money left over for customizations. No detachable magazine on an SKS, but its probably more accurate than the Ruger, just as reliable, and can be had for $300.
I'd be perfectly willing to buy a mini-14. . .but only if it cost quite a bit less than the retail price.
quote:
How is the reliability and accuracy out to 100 yards for target shooting and some hunting?
See above for accuracy. Its adequate for hunting, so long as
a. You stick to things that are appropriate for the CALIBER, and
b. You keep the range short. . .100 yards should be fine.
Some of these can be finicky out of the box and can use some break-in-time, but they're generally reliable.0 -
quote:Originally posted by BowGunHunter
Is this a wannabe AR15? Would you consider one over an AR15 if price was the only thing keeping you from an AR15? or would you keep saving?
How is the reliability and accuracy out to 100 yards for target shooting and some hunting?
I have a few AR 15s and a few Mini 14s. They are very different guns, if someone buys a Mini 14 when their heart's desire is an AR I'd say they are in for disappointment. Not saying the Mini isn't a good gun, but it's very different than an AR.
If a person wanted an M1A but said "ammo's too expensive and so's the M1A - I'll get a Mini" that may work, but the AR is just very different than the Mini.
Mini 14s are almost always reliable, accuracy can go from horrible to OK. My current favorite is a Ranch Rifle that was accurized by Accuracy Works - and that points out a difference between the two platforms. To make the Mini shoot much better took about $600.00 and a gunsmith, the AR (which shoots better as is anyway) could probably be done at home by the owner.
If you want an AR, get the AR - then get a Mini later .... [;)]0 -
I wouldn't pick any Mini 14 over any AR. Yes they are very different guns but before I'd buy any Mini 14 I'd buy a bolt action .223 first.
Has nothing to do with looks it's all about the accuracy.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
4 comments