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Mini 14, mini 30 or M1 carbine

djh860
I like this style of gun. I may plink or hunt. I'm not hardcore about either. Home defense is another consideration but not a big one. I don't want anything that looks like an assault weapon. Accuracy, some power and low cost ammo are considerations.

Could you vote on the above 3 and offer any other guns I should look into? Someone said Winchester 100 in 308.

Thank you in advance
DJH
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • countryfarmer
    I have both a Mini 14 and a M1 carbine. I don't have the numbers in front of me but the Mini 14 has more knockdown and ammo is easier to find. The M1 carbine is dependable, should gain value,and is just plain cool to own.

    Muzzle energy approx 30 carbine 960# .223 1280#
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  • ElMuertoMonkey
    If you can, try all three out and see which one you like best.
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  • golferboy426
    mini 30, because of the caliber and you don't ruin a valuable 30 carbine plus parts are readily along with great service
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  • quickmajik
    Try all three, but the mini-14 or mini 30 would be the best for hunting deer or hogs..
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by djh860
    I like this style of gun. I may plink or hunt. I'm not hardcore about either. Home defense is another consideration but not a big one. I don't want anything that looks like an assault weapon. Accuracy, some power and low cost ammo are considerations.

    Could you vote on the above 3 and offer any other guns I should look into? Someone said Winchester 100 in 308.

    Thank you in advance
    DJH



    I don't know what the AW or hi cap mag situation is in MA, if there's such a thing as preban that can still be bought & sold re hi caps. If so, that may be a plus for the M1 carbine since there are so many mags out there. I don't know if you're allowed to bring back hi caps if bought from out of state, such as Rileys in Hooksett or Kittery Trading Post.

    The Mini 14 is to my mind just a modern version of the M1 carbine. I would not buy an older Mini 14 with the pencil thin barrel, accuracy is lousy. Accuracy on the newer ones with the heavier 16" bbl is pretty good. I'd stick with 223 caliber because, although I like the X39 better mags for the Mini can be a problem.

    If you get an M1 carbine I would buy a GI original. I've really not seen a civilian version that's worked well. I have an early Inland made one and it is reliable as heck. But if you want to scope your rifle I'd say the M1 is out. PITA to mount a scope on.

    You could also consider the KelTec in the "CA legal" version, no pistol grip. It uses AR magazines. Then there's versions of the M1A in 308, none of which are AWs, but they cost about $1,500.00 and up used.

    I suppose all in all, I'd go for the new Mini 14 in 223.
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  • timhill100
    i have a m1 carbine loads of fun acurate low recoil 30rd mag, i put a sporter stock on mine and a scope pretty cool ill post a pic when i get a chance, but i love mine, never tried the other 2 metioned
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  • 11b6r
    Ref: Win Mdl 100- I have 2- a .308 and a .243. Accuracy is not great- hunting grade at medium range- some attribute it to barrel harmonics, because barrel has dovetail cut for rear right AND dovetail cut for gas system block. I DO know that parts are getting harder to get, and the gas system MUST be cleaned after shooting, or gun gets stuck with bolt forward. If you cannot pull bolt back, you cannot remove action from stock (to get to gas system to clean it) .308 ammo is not cheap (I reload) and not really suited for home defense (Unless home is in the Gaza Strip?) If you get one, check to be sure firing pin recall has been performed. Unexpected full auto problem. PS- I shoot larger calibers, but the .308 in this rifle puts tears in my eyes- I think it is stock design.
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  • 5mmgunguy
    I have owned all three...I think I would pick the Mini 14 or the Mini 30.
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  • givette
    If I 'read' you properly, you just want a bangstick. (Said in good humor, of course). Now,

    I like the M1 Carbine only because I'm shooting history!

    With your casual stance on just what to get, I'd opt for the mini-30. Cheapest to feed. Good hunting round W/I reasonable range, too!

    Best, Joe
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  • golferboy426
    the nicest mini 30-s are the treebark camo ones as shown here

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=154361180
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  • dcs shooters
    For what you want, the Mini 30 would be best. You can plink with cheap ammo, and get hunting ammo for it.
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  • redman.com1
    to begin with, the mini 14 and 30 are going to look more like an assult weapon. mini 30 mags are hard to find, more expensive and aftermarket one are not very reliable. carbines are really cool guns. and if got a girl, freind or daughter, or a son, they will also enjoy them more. a 100 is in a different field completely. and are a more of a collector piece. id go for the carbine first, and then the mini-14.
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