[Dane]

I figure it is an inexpensive way into .223 caliber. Price asking is $499. It is stainless steel and an older model as it doesn't have the newer sights or scope mounting.

Any thoughts on price, pros and cons, things to watch out for?

 

[Silicon Wolverine]

the mini is a good rifle if you dont care about tack driving accuracy. most if not al older minis strung shots as they warmed up.

SW

 

[Rhodes]

I have heard too much in the way of poor reports on the Ruger. Hes right it has some real issues. Look at the 223 Saiga if money is an issue right about 350.00 IIRC, more accurate and much more reliable than the Ruger.

 

[murphyreedus]

I've only shot a Mini once, and hated the factory sighting, but other than that seemed like a nice little rifle. Minis are going for 600 or more for a used one around here, so 500 seems like a good price if it's in good shape.

I have heard too much in the way of poor reports on the Ruger. Hes right it has some real issues. Look at the 223 Saiga if money is an issue right about 350.00 IIRC, more accurate and much more reliable than the Ruger.

I haven't heard bad things about the Mini-14, but I agree about the Saiga. It would definitely be a cheaper route into .223, if that's what you're looking for. Mine has NEVER had a jam, and while it's maybe not as much of a "tack driver" as an AR, it's still pretty damn accurate. If you can buy one for 400 (I don't see new ones much cheaper these days) you could spend that extra 100 bucks on ammo and extra mags 8)

Companies are also offering more aftermarket parts for the Saigas these days, though if you start adding pistol grips and hi-cap magazines you fall under 922(r) and have to change a few parts to make the rifle compliant, so it gets a little more expensive, but still in the realm of affordable.

 

[Rhodes]

Some of the poor reviews on the Mini-14 may be sour grapes about old man Ruger selling us out on gun control but I have heard about the barrel enough to be shy of them.
I just wouldn't consider it since a hundred bucks more gets into low end AR-15 range and its not too hard to pick up a Saiga for under 400 which gives you a ton of options on customizing the rifle.

 

[Dane]

Thanksfor the input guys. I haven't seen any Saigas in that price around me. All new. :cry2: They are higher than used SKSs even for that matter that I have seen. MaybeI can get them to drop the Mini to $299 ?

 

[Silicon Wolverine]

offer 350 and if he refuses walk away. thats all its worth.

SW

 

[Dane]

offer 350 and if he refuses walk away. thats all its worth.

SW

Stainless version make any difference?

 

[45Man]

offer 350 and if he refuses walk away. thats all its worth.

SW

Stainless version make any difference?

If it's going to live around saltwater.

 

[Rhodes]

New is exactly what you want but if you are set on it good luck with the Ruger I hope you wont regret the decision.

 

[Dane]

Walmart had a new Mini 14 in blue for $627 tonight when I dropped by to see what ammo they had. ^-^

 

[Silicon Wolverine]

offer 350 and if he refuses walk away. thats all its worth.

SW

Stainless version make any difference?

unless its accompanies by a plethora of factory ruger 20 round magazines, no.

SW

 

[wade]

There's something about a Mini-14 that reminds me of a .30 M1 Carbine when I look at the action, but it's probably just a passing resemblance. I've shot a few Mini-14s and a Mini-30. I can't say that I was super impressed, but I can't say I was disappointed either. Just meh. I really think that they have their own market niche... but as said before in this topic you can move up or down a few hundred dollars and get the same caliber in different rifles. But whatever tickles your pickle I guess.

 

[Dane]

No, it only has the 5 round with it. Local GS was showing the 20 and 30 rd Ruger mags fora decent price though.

 

[47_MasoN_47]

Personally I'd just go for an M4 or AR if you want a .223.

 

[Batjac]

I'm always in the minority when it comes to Mini-14s. I have a Ranch rifle, and that's what I bought it as. Not a tack driver. Not a trunk gun. Just a really reliable, tough gun with a sturdy feel and reliable action that I could take out into the field and not worry about it functioning in any field condition I might find myself in. I get 2.5" at 100 yards without doing any gunsmithing. Just some common sense tweaks that require no money outlay. True, if you shoot several shots rapidly, it does string. But, if you're in a situation where you HAVE to rapid fire, what's three or four inches? I don't see that I'll ever find myself in that situation. I love mine, and I recommend them. But, if I were going to get a second gun in .223, I'd also get a Saiga. I have one in 7.62x39, but only because I couldn't find a Mini-30 for anywhere near the price. I only paid $280 for the Saiga. I'm starting to think the Saiga line is perfect for back-up rifles in selected calibers. Such as a Savage or Remington in .308, with a Saiga back-up in .308 also.


So, I'd go for the Mini at that price if I didn't already have one. But that's just me.

 

[condition1]

I paid 550 for mine used with 3 factory 5rd and 4 very unreliable 30 rd mags. Do yourself a favor and only get the factory 20 rd mags, spendy but worth it.

 

[Dane]

I paid 550 for mine used with 3 factory 5rd and 4 very unreliable 30 rd mags. Do yourself a favor and only get the factory 20 rd mags, spendy but worth it.

Are the 30 rd Ruger mags?

 

[condition1]

no they weren't factory, not even a manufacturer marked on them. Lord knows I wouldn't have put my name on them, they functioned so poorly. got a max of 18 rds out of the best one.

They're for sale, btw!


that was a joke.

 

[liljon140]

Build you an AR for under $600. Get a Stripped lower for $90 at Spikes tactical. and a rifle kit from del-ton for $465. Much better rifle than the mini. Im a huge ruger fan I have more rugers than any other brand but the mini is not their best work.