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Mini 14 or AR15?

ZeroArcane
For a while now I've been sure that my next weapon purchase would be a Ruger mini 14, but recently I attended the NRA gun show in Phoenix and had a good look at a whole lot of AR15, and other variety of assault rifles. It really got me thinking as to what direction to go. I primarily have two questions after seeing a mass quantity of these types of guns at the NRA show.

First, while looking for a semi-auto assault rifle type weapon, which would be better for overall quality, durability, and reliability - the ruger mini 14, or an AR15?

Second, if the AR15, or some variation of that type of assault rifle is the way to go, which ones are most recommended? I literally saw 100's of different assault rifles at the NRA gun show. Far more than 10 plus manufacturers, as said 100's and 100's of different assault rifles between them. What are some of the top makes and models to go with? I'm looking to spend under $2500.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • Nwcid
    Well first off I have lots of AR's and had a mini-14 and none of them ever assaulted anything.

    Next to decide what it is you want your rifle to do. Do you want a target rifle, compact "CQB", good all around, ect.

    As for you price tag you can come in under that real easy.

    While the Mini-14 is not a bad gun the AR far out shadows the Mini in accuracy and aftermarket parts.
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  • BaseJumper
    quote:While the Mini-14 is not a bad gun the AR far out shadows the Mini in accuracy and aftermarket parts.
    Agreed.

    Lot's of different AR manufacturer's: DPMS, Colt, Stag Arms, and on and on. Try these for info as well:

    www.ar15.com

    www.ar15armory.com

    Decide if you want the shorter barrel or longer for more accuracy, choose the caliber you want (you don't have to stick with .223 / 5.56) decide on accessories then check the GB listings for pricing compare with the local gunshop guns and do your part to stimulate the economy. I have a couple Stag Arms that I am more than happy with. Good quality and good pricing.
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  • quickmajik
    None of the weapones ou saw (except class three pre may 86 registered machine guns) are assualt weapones. They are called sporting rifles or utility rifles.

    The term "Assualt rifle" is used by gun banners to scare old ladies and the clueless by demonizing firearms they deem a threat, for whatever reason...



    There are many rifles Within your price range.

    I'd recomend a carbine chambered for 5.56 or 6.8 from LWRC.
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  • fordsix
    the AR15 has more possibilitys and accys..one reciever hundereds of top uppers..mags are cheap
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  • NRA1
    Both are nice. Mini 14 is cheaper. AR-15 has more options of switching out parts and getting replacement parts depending on what you want to use it for. That's why I personally like the versatility of the AR-15.

    But for under $2000, heck, you could buy both, and upgrade later.

    BTW - A true "Assault Rifle" is a select fire military weapon. By calling a semi-auto Ruger, Colt, Bushmaster, etc. an Assault Weapon, you're really only fanning the flames of the gun-control movement. No offense, that's just the way it is.

    Good Luck.
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  • gandj arms
    hi; i have 2 minis; and several ar-15; no comparsion; i got a police mini; and one of my ar-15; wanted to check function of each; i was really surpised how hot the mini got after 1 20 round mag. the ar i5 was new also; and was a joy to shoot; for a truck gun or limited use i beleive the mini would be fine; if u r going to burn some ammo; ar by all means.
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  • ZeroArcane
    I'm looking for a rifle that I can go out and fire off a lot of rounds with, and do a bit of target shooting aswell.

    I have now heard multiple times that the mini 14 gets quite hot after firing off a decent amount of rounds. With that said, I assume that if the AR is also more accurate, it would be a clear winner pertaining to what I am looking for.
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  • Boomerang
    Dang, Ruger now sales AR-15 type rifles![:0] About time.
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  • quickmajik
    quote:Originally posted by ZeroArcane
    I'm looking for a rifle that I can go out and fire off a lot of rounds with, and do a bit of target shooting aswell.

    I have now heard multiple times that the mini 14 gets quite hot after firing off a decent amount of rounds. With that said, I assume that if the AR is also more accurate, it would be a clear winner pertaining to what I am looking for.


    A high quality Ar is far more accurate then the average mini, but some folks dont like the AR-15s mode of operation. It basically pukes where it eats.. If you want to shoot alot An AR-15 style rifle with some type of gas piston system would be a good choice. As stated above a rifle from LWRC or the HK-416 would be good choices to look at. They both offer a good mix of quality, accuracy and reliability.

    If you would rather have a traditional DI AR-15 this is two of the best companies to buy from. Direct impingement rifles are usually slightly more accurate then piston rifles.

    Noveske
    http://www.noveskerifleworks.com/

    Larue
    http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Categories.bok?category=Stealth+Products


    EDIT

    "HK416" is the designation for full auto variants. The lower of AR-15/M-16 variants house the fire control group. look up the MR-556, I think that is the civilian models designation.
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  • Mossbergboogie
    In your case yes the AR will be the best choice, but I will never own on unless it is a piston platform meaning either a LWRC POF or I guess now buschmaster and Ruger make a piston variant.
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  • ZeroArcane
    After doing a little research on the HK-416 I'm a bit confused. I see that it is not for sale to civilians. Yet then I see you can buy the 416 upper to put on an AR15. I'm not too educated on these types of rifles so I don't quite understand that process. How do you go about getting an HK 416?
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