10 Reasons Why the Ruger Mini-14 SMASHES the AR15

[@mini14king76]

I couldn’t choose one , so I bought both 🤷‍♂️

[@jasonbarnes2636]

Ha Ha good one

[@edt8535]

I like how you think, friend

[@stevekundzala676]

HaHa! Better to be safe.

[@aaronzeiger216]

Smart man

[@scotmandel6699]

Great idea. Think I''ll do the same.

[@JonathanDeaux]

In 1993 I bought a mid 80's mini14 with synthetic stock and 5 30 rd mags for $50. Dude was selling it because is didn't cycle. The receiver was caked up and the gas tube was completely clogged. After a few deep cleans, it shot absolutely fine. Still have it to this day.

[@jguerrero0311]

Lucky bastard!!!!!! 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@BrainRotKills]

When I was a teenager I worked on a farm and the owner issued us used mini 14s to keep with us , he had crates of them, he was the best boss he gave his hands G19s for their 18th bday and they had just come out so it was awesome, he just recently passed away age 97. Best guy I ever worked for.

[@vaughnslavin9784]

What a great memory and experience!

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Sounds like some far right fascist nut.

[@micharris1761]

how old are you now, and how old were you then, this guy sounds awsome my kind of guy, my first experience with a weapon was me and my friend went with his dad to their camp, he gave me and him a bag of hand guns and another bag of ammo and said go have fun, only rule do not shoot anyone. otherwise do not point at a person, we were kids and had a blast,

[@SpiritOfLiberty-if7ei]

I've owned both. I sold my Mini14 & now own 4 ARs. The AR is far more accurate.

[@erichboykins6912]

Same here. The Mini 14 is a good firearm, however, it is no comparison to the AR / M4 platform.

[@SpiritOfLiberty-if7ei]

@erichboykins6912 When you consider I can get 2 good ARs from PSA for the price of 1 Mini14 I choose the AR. I built my 1st 2 ARs and spent as much as it would have cost to buy a Mini for each of them. Then found PSA, and built 2 more, just as good as the expensive ones for half the price.

[@Vmaxfodder]

The mini is so very loud

[@cheezyridr]

in a shtf scenario, you're almost never going to reach out more than 50 yards. accuracy at that point is the same.

[@gunnitreck]

I ve bought a tuned Mini 14 with bull barrel and optimised trigger that holds easy 2 Inch troops at 100 m whst makes it very useful, still love it

[@montebrodie4086]

LOL at neighbors calling cops when they see you with an AR. You can just put it in a case if you worry about that scenario.

[@chslaw]

Honestly, choose what is best for you. I purchased the Mini-14 for a number of the reason in this video, but I"m also in California and the Mini-14 is legal here without any modifications. The AR platform certainly has more options to modify and customize, but that isn't important to me. But criticizing someone for choosing a Mini-14 over an AR is like making fun of someone because they like vanilla ice cream better than chocolate.

[@WhydoIsuddenlyhaveahandle]

NYer here. Mini 14 for the same reason

[@scottkoerner4622]

Stayed armed, stay free

[@stanandstansfriend6019]

I personally went with Mini 14 for its reliability and simplicity, when SHTF I don't need to be dealing with more problems.😂

[@Klaus293]

In California? That’s very surprising and I’m glad you have this option. That state is nuts. I would likely embrace a Mini 14 if I lived in that place.

[@chslaw]

@@Klaus293 California’s definition of assault weapons includes specific models in addition to guns with "assaultive" as opposed to "defensive" features, including semiautomatic centerfire rifles with the capacity for a detachable magazine and either a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the gun, a thumbhole stock, a folding or telescoping stock, a grenade or flare launcher, a flash suppressor, or a forward pistol grip. A stock Mini-14 is "featureless" and thus fully legal in California.

[@snakemanmike]

I own both. If SHTF comes to pass, and I have to bug out on foot with only one rifle, I will grab my Mini 14 instead of the AR. I love both rifles, but the Mini 14 is utterly reliable all the time.

[@winstonsmiths2449]

Weak but your choice. ARs are reliable as hell.

[@ThaSilentOne420]

good luck if it breaks .

[@togoandmoss]

I recommend getting many copies of both

[@NegativeROG]

Many, MANY copies... And the fuel to keep them running, too.

[@Joncenalol235]

Magazines, lots of magazines.

[@WPSNewsToday]

This video really brings back a flood of memories for me. I spent two weeks in Houston just 24 hours after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on the city, working long 15-hour days and navigating some challenging interactions with the locals, including a few not-so-friendly law enforcement officers. On our way home, my friend Mark Maciel and I stopped at "Cheaper than Dirt," where I finally bought a Mini-30 (it chambers 7.62 X 39 eastern block ammo). It was something I had wanted for nearly a decade, and I was thrilled it was on sale back in 2008! Unfortunately, right after that, my wife asked for a divorce, and I ended up having to sell the Mini-30 just to cover gas and food expenses. I never even got the chance to take it to the range. Looking back, I think the Mini-14 would have been a better choice since the 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammo is so readily available.

[@ArmedAndIndigenous]

As much as I love the mini, M1 and M14 design. The mini is not better than AR15. Not even close. This video it's absolutely bias.

[@jameswest685]

No buffer tube. Think about it. If you can't, study more before your next reply.

[@ArmedAndIndigenous]

@jameswest685 why do you assume I don't know the difference. Did you learn something new and just automatically think everyone else was born yesterday? Think before your next attempted insult reply.

[@wixworks]

One gun writer wrote that near the end of his life, Bill Ruger said that one of his regrets was that they never got the Mini-14 as accurate as he wanted. I do not have the magazine article or any references any more.

[@ArmedAndIndigenous]

@@wixworks right and you need a 20" barrel or longer to get the most out of .223

[@coletrain3511]

I have both...I wouldn't say it's not even close...AR is more accurate with a lot less recoil...mini is a far less finicky mistress though. The later minis have a thicker barrel and I added an adjustable gas block (minis are notoriously over gassed) and barrel stabilizer to mine which helped accuracy....for leisure the ar is prolly better....if I had to "bug out" (which I don't believe I'll ever have to do) I'd take the mini. I have to have an optic on the ar to match ME PERSONALLY with the mini though....I really like peep sights and the longer sight radious is of the mini is a plus.

[@littleteethkeith]

The Ruger Mini 14 is way too expensive for what it is.

[@graycryptosporidium6974]

100% agree

[@akbychoice]

Didn’t use to be.

[@flyingled3176]

1980 I paid $225 at JC Penny

[@JohnSmith-yi2uj]

This. Not a bad rifle, but overpriced. For the same amount, you can get a battle-tested Zastava or KR. And the parts are interchangable.

[@tedwojtasik8781]

I bought one 3 years ago for $800. Stainless steel and black composite (no wood), folding stock and pistol grip. Came with two 30 round mags.

[@pillscottvt6628]

$220 1984 with tips from newspaper route,, still works good.

[@christopherhartline1863]

Epic

[@kcott4177]

Anyone else notice Mr T shut his eyes when he fired?

[@ItenerantMonk]

The bullets were flying and we know how he feels about flying.

[@sergiomarmol2009]

Yup, so that 😅

[@nodayatthebeach]

And winced.

[@the10xgroup23]

Mini 14s used to have a issue with the receivers cracking. They were dropped by the Virginia Department of Corrections for that reason.

[@awaren8375]

😂 nope,no mention of it ever being an issue before you.

[@annalorree]

I have owned both. The aftermarket magazine issue and standardisation made me go with the AR. That said, I got the Mini-14 to my dad, an old rancher, so that he had a carbine in a standard calibre that I knew was robust and would work when needed.

[@MadManReview]

It's reliable, durable, and highly customizable. The peep sights are a bit large for my preference, but to each their own. I’ve equipped mine with an EOTech in the scout position, making it incredibly practical for close-quarters use and effective up to 150 meters with quick sight acquisition. While the AR is slightly more accurate, the 5.56 cartridge isn’t ideal beyond 300 yards anyway. Also, I really appreciate the safety design on this one.

[@ericwright6672]

Well the whole time I was in service I never missed the 400 meter target so your theory is crap!

[@undefinedhuman7404]

"It's reliable, durable, and highly customizable." so is the ar15, lol

[@ItenerantMonk]

I love how this entire video can be summed up with, "The Mini 14 has the option of a folding stock."

[@mackbolan5126]

1:9 twist prevents accurate use of heavier bullets though.

[@coreymac5578]

i love my mini. i bought it from a friend and then bought the ATI Strikeforce stock for it, six position collapsible and side folding stock, super easy to assemble just need a screwdriver and torx driver. put a knockoff romeo5 red dot on it my uncle gave me, gonna throw a flashlight and vertical foregrip on it.

[@ravenblack7552]

Had a mini-14 ss/composite stock years ago and got tired of the difficulty in finding components for it and then attaching them. The plethora of aftermarket products and the ease of attaching them to the rifle had me jumping onto the Ar bandwagon. The lack of quality aftermarket mags for the mini is also a huge issue bc buying a sufficient amount of factory mags from Ruger is just untenable.

[@Hornet_Legion]

garand action is designed to run dirty without the need for frequent cleaning. Its ancestor the M1 carbine was claimed to have been the first autoloader that was supposed to be free of maintenance when in the combat zone. The only thing possibly required might be to lube the points of contact on the bolt with the receiver. The M1 garand required cleaning due to 30-06 corrosive ammo. .30 carbine ammo was always non-corrosive.

[@wallheadkdir]

Before the big hype over AR15s was the Ranch style mini 14 what a gun

[@TheJmp1987]

Wanted to believe this. Got the mini 14 tac w the atn furniture as my first “rifle” about 17 yrs ago. After failure to extract and back and forth with ruger they finally replaced the rifle with one of their ar15s. Sold that and got a di gun and haven’t looked back since. Although this new Samson furniture makes me wanna get a silver one

[@cheezyridr]

i have a newer model i bought several years ago with the tapered barrel. i put an adjustable gas block (necessary if you don't want to fling brass into the next county) on it and a laminate thumbhole stock. it's now a beautiful, reliable, accurate rifle that is the most fun at the range.

[@fuzzresponder2225]

I have both and for me the Mini is my go for SHTF!

[@Motoguzzi2231]

In the 80's the Mini-14 was around 1/2 the price of a Colt AR, with Colt being the only real source for ARs. Today they are about the same with some AR platforms ciming in well below the Mini.

[@drstrangelove7272]

The mini 14 likes to throw brass into the next state when ejecting. Plus it also puts a dent in the neck. If you are not planning to reload, then this is a fine Rifle.

[@KrunchKing]

You are absolutely right. It will also beat the hell out of a windage knob, so use a scope with covered adjusters.

[@robertthomas5906]

Wonder what's causing that. My mini-14 doesn't do that.

[@docmason9677]

I've own the stainless one since the 1990's. I had to buy the Ruger magazines in 20 and 30 rd that were only available to law enforcement back then at a gun show. It functiontions flawlessly. I also own the Garand and M1 Springfield and love that design.

[@vegaswould]

I got both. The AR-15 was more reliable with aftermarket mags and has a better scope mount. The mini-14 was a childhood dream of mine since i watched The A-Team on TV. The scope mount is HORRIBLE. even with lock tight on the adjustment screws, they will rattle loose after 1 mag. All after market mags that i found at the Las Vegas gun shows are crap. The rugar 5 rounders were the most reliable. Haven't used the mini-14 in about 15 years now. Been using the AR-15 ever since. I still look at it for the memories and joy of first getting it though.

[@mikenodine6713]

Recoil, Recoil, and Recoil. Accuracy is important, but time and accuracy of follow up shots is even more important.

[@johnslugger]

*One problem is Ruger does not sell firing pins. If your Ruger firing pin breaks your whole rifle needs to go back to the factory to get fixed.*

[@SFX95901]

While I have built and build on a regular basis ~a dozen or so VERY scary black AR black pew pews in several different calibers, my single favorite go to SHTF rifle will always be my Ruger Mini 14 in .223/.556 NATO; Anytime I have to maintain/ service it vs. it anything based on the AR platform I NEVER have to worry about detent springs or pins flying across the room (or way off into the boonies) - and while as an EXTREMELY experienced firearms builder, I am always prepared to catch those pins or springs ready to go flying 20-50 ft across the room… WTF- should you EVER have to??? With the Mini14 - I NEVER EVER have to deal with ANY of that 💩💩 - yet, I am always able to pick up my rifle and make it do it EXACTLY do what I NEED it to do. I am always and forever willing to discuss my choices with anyone who wants to do so - I’m here, look me up. I’m just sharing what has influenced me & worked for me - you do you, I do me. Have a blessed life

[@bwerd6572]

If you haven’t learned how to not lose your detent springs, you can’t be a very experienced firearm builder. The AR vs the Mini as a go to or shtf platform isn’t even an honest debate. It’s not a competition. The AR wins. Dominates. It’s not close. Glad you enjoy your mini, it’s just not a legitimate competition. It’s like a prime Mike Tyson vs the toughest kid in high school. It’s not a serious argument.

[@Klaus293]

I can’t imagine what you are doing but there is no reason for a detent or any other spring to be a casualty when servicing or maintaining an AR. And, nothing should be a surprise when doing a build or a significant disassembly if you understand the layout. But, enjoy what you enjoy.

[@grammarpolice4003]

Howd these clowns miss that you said you are always ready to catch those?

[@jasonbrown467]

ar platform has way more rail options, this alone seals the deal for me

[@MaxEPR]

I was a US Army M-14 Infantryman from 1967 to 1970. I was never issued an M-16. I loved the 14. We qualified out to 500 yards. I liked that we could patrol with our fingers on the trigger and only have to use the trigger finger to change from safe to fire. Less thinking in a stressful situation. Downside was the heavier ammunition and longer barrel, both of which is why they went to the M-16 in Vietnam. Fast forward to 1982, and I was looking for a carbine for backpacking. I went to B&B guns in North Hollywood (famous for providing the AR-15s to the LAPD in the '97 North Hollywood shootout) and they had a blued, folding stock, Mini-14 on sale for $282. I bought it on the spot. I was working swing shift at LAX at the time and had never seen The A Team. Years later, when the series was in re-runs, I saw that they carried stainless, folding stock, Mini-14s. That was why the gun I bought was on sale at B&B. I have an AR-15 rifle and an AR-15 carbine. I prefer my Mini-14 for the reasons mentioned in this video. But, so does my wife, so I set it up for her. The downside of the Ruger is the cost of the magazines! I have dozens of mags for the ARs, but only 6 for the Ruger. At the time, I could buy 3 AR SS AR mags for the cost on one Ruger mag. Four if I bought aluminum.

[@jseden]

I've actually had great luck with promags in mine. The ones with the plastic baseplate suck but the ones with the steel one have worked flawlessly when it comes to cycling. I have 6 total promags in varying capacties. only the 10rd ones have the plastic baseplate. The only issue is they don't usually hold the action open after the last round. The plastic tab that is supposed to facilitate this will usually get hung up somewhere. However you can purchase oem ruger followers and swap them out. Been meaning to order some.

[@johnunderwood-hp8rj]

If you want a higher caliber Ruger also makes the mini 30 chambered in .308. Looks just like the mini 14.

[@coletrain3511]

​@@johnunderwood-hp8rj I'm fairly certain....though could be wrong...that the mini 30 is chambered is 300 blackout...it's 30 caliber like a .308....but the brass is a necked up .223/.556....so not as powerful as .308

[@ToxicMasculinity-t5q]

I always thought it was miraculous that the A-Team would fire all those rounds and no one ever got killed.

[@Sherman62]

No, as a former Mini owner, that's about right.

[@philherman8633]

Members of the A-Team were descendants of Stormtroopers🤔😂

[@RenoAK82]

I have both. Love both.

[@SigmaSheepdog]

In the mid 70's, when I got into shooting, Mini-14's were the most common semi-auto rifle available, and you could find them in most gun stores around the Pittsburgh area. AR-15's were very uncommon, and when you did fine one, they were $150.00 to $200.00 more than a Mini. It wasn't until about 1984 that the availability of AR's increased. It's interesting that the tables have turned in current times, making the Mini less common and more expensive than the AR. I'm an AR guy, mainly due to extensive use and training that I received with the AR/M16 platform, however, I really like the Mini 14/30 rifles and I have three different variation in my collection with plans on purchasing at least two more variations. I do like the more subtle appearance of the Mini, and I feel that a blue steel, wood stock version, without a flash suppressor, would be the best at not drawing as much attention. God forbid there be any civil breakdown, but that variation of Mini is what I would probably choose if it happens.

[@josephrogers8213]

Shtf ammo matters not looks shoot first

[@SigmaSheepdog]

@@josephrogers8213 I understand what you are saying, however, the unobtrusive characteristics of a Mini 14 verses an AR-15 could have some benefits in my opinion.

[@josephrogers8213]

@SigmaSheepdog if the powers won't let you carry a scary thing they won't let you carry a friendly thing

[@SigmaSheepdog]

@josephrogers8213 You're just not getting it, but that's ok.

[@daleupthegrove6396]

The Mini-14 also had a select fire full auto version, the AC-556.

[@TDUB-o3g]

In 1991 I had a chance to buy one, legally of course. $1400.00. My leg is always tired from STILL kicking my own ass.... Same with the barrels of M-1 Garands and M-1 carbines, $129.00 and $99.00 respectively. Woolworths. Wheaton Plaza, Wheaton MD of all places. Circa 1982ish.

[@gunbuilder69]

And water is wet.

[@jeffkendel1570]

They're only $14,000 now. Basically the same price.

[@stevendelcarlo3294]

I love it when a good plan comes together

[@harryburge9803]

My only complaint about the Mini-14 is the magazine’s that Ruger offers are overpriced!!

[@JasonON]

Finally, a comment on here that makes sense.

[@MeatHarmonica]

Fudd lore is amazing. I had a mini-30 and hated it

[@frankedgar6694]

Maybe when you grow up life will be easier for you. Lift weights. Build up your body and put the fork down and push back from the table. lol

[@gunbuilder69]

@@frankedgar6694 I found it to lacking as well, not worth the purchase. I've tested more weapons than men have hair, in Aberdeen PG and Natick RC..

[@Mark-sy6xq]

Your momma is amazing.

[@jettsquirel9636]

You never mentioned one critical category. Accuracy. This is where the mini 14 fails compared to the AR-15.

[@molonlabe6352]

Love the mini, but you're off your rocker. The mini is heavier by 1/2 a pound, and in my experience with both is less reliable. The mini is far less modular, it's more expensive, less choices for reliable magazines. I can completely disassemble an ar15 with a few tools, including pretty easily changing calibers. I have several ar15's with a CHF barrel, so that's not unique to a mini. Again, I'm a fan of the mini-14, but it's not even close, ar-15 wins.

[@ChrisHenderson-r9f]

I can’t decide, already have several AR-15s but I think I’m gonna buy the mini 14 too

[@JonahPedersen-tz3uk]

This reminds me I need to zero my mini this year. I don’t want an AR but other folks do and that’s fine. We don’t have to like the same things.

[@raymundo5044]

I don't think so, it's a non contest. Show me a 1/4 in shot group with a mini 14 @ a hundred yards and maybe I'll believe you. I've owned both you do well if you can make a 3 in. Shot group @a100 yards. The AR is better 😮😮😮 now please don't get me wrong . To me the mini 14 reminds me of the M-14 and if anything is gorgeous ly sexy but can still be improvement in accuracy and design. And no ! Eugene Stoner didn't pay me to say that 😮😮😮

[@LEGGZLUTHER]

Agreed

[@MrVillabolo]

The Mini 14s made after 2008 are more accurate than the previous ones. It won't be able to hunt butterflies at a hundred yards but 2 inch groups should suffice unless you want a sniper rifle.

[@codyjames1952]

I have 3 AR15 and 3 Mini14 i like the Mini14 better. i like the Ruger folding stock to i now have 2 Ruger Mini 14 1 5.56 & 1Rem. 6.8 SPC so yes i like the Ruger more .

[@ettube8686]

6.8 spc mini is the stuff dreams are made of wish they would bring that gun back

[@notsosilentmajority1]

The AR is much more modular, is generally less expensive and it has tons of readily available accessories. The Mini is very reliable, it's readily available in different calibers, it's much more fun to shoot, there's usually no issue in the communist states and they look great, especially in stainless with an ATM stock. The AR is more cost effective but the Mini is the MINI, it's just a reliable, fun, cool rifle.

[@RevLarry]

Both are fully functional firearms. This video oversells the mini. The facts presented are not totally accurate! Accuracy has always plaged the mini. AR's caliber choice is amazing, from 22LR to 458 and 500. The AR has such a versatile platform. Almost anyone can buy parts and configure their AR to their wants. I don't mean to sound like im trashing the mini it is a fun and capable rifle. Buy the one that fits your wants. I've owned both and enjoyed both. I'm happily we have choices.

[@VBMichael_D]

I've been fond of the Mini 14 ever since I saw it used by Col Hannibal and crew on the A Team. LOL However, the 1:9 barrel twist is not optimal for using the heavier 75/77 grain rounds (you can still use it but 1:7 is designed for the MK262). 1:9 is for the 55 and 62gr rounds. This is what kept me from buying my cousin's 14, especially since I already have an MK12 SPR clone. As well, Mini 14 mags are not AR compatible so you'll have to buy mags for it as well (if you already have an AR).

[@cyriaquecharles]

I had one several years ago. I never could get it to hold a zero. It is also VERY loud.

[@paulhart9102]

I remember back when the Ruger first came out. The gun magazines said not to WASTE money on it, buy the AR 15.

[@TheNothing00000]

Real. Still true to this day.

[@bobwatenabe9751]

Going to look at Mini now, thanks for video

[@chemtrailseventysix8952]

Great Video!

[@stevenmerlock9971]

#1 reason I won’t own anything Ruger is their support of the AWB. Why I would pick an AR pattern assuming Ruger paid me or gave me a case of Mini-14: 1) Spare magazines 2) Cost, 3) Mil-Surp Parts, 4) Accuracy problems. 5) 3rd Party accessories.

[@kirtflesher1603]

Dude that was thirty years ago. Bill is dead. Move on.

[@Mark-sy6xq]

@@kirtflesher1603Exactly !

[@kenfong6373]

Wondered about that too ?? Its dead long gone

[@stevenmerlock9971]

It’s the principle guys. Take a stand show resolve = let them change the name an issue apologizes to consumers that were betrayed. That takes character and it appears that is in fact what is long dead.

[@FyrFytr998]

Mini 14 is a great rifle, but Is now overpriced. I can build a better AR for half that price.

[@kelleymanning1137]

Mini 14 is heavier...ask anybody with experience with both rifles.

[@Mortius86-1]

the advantage of the mini 14 is ut diesnt look like an assault rifle. Thats it. The days of an ar-15 being a jam-o-matic are mostly over by using a nitride bolt, enhanced extractors, proper buffer spring and decent barrel. The ar has been improved for 70yrs. The mini 14 has had minor improvements. Plus a decent ar is cheaper.

[@rafaelontiveros7450]

Hours cleaning? Get the AR-15. The worlds military and police have chosen the AR-15 style rifles, not the Mini-14. Now make 25+ reasons why the AR smashes the Mini-14.

[@brlwa6354]

Owned two Mini-30's, great guns shooting once cheap foreign steel cased ammo with hard primers that voids the factory warranty. Break a firing pin on an AR-15 and drop in a $10 replacement pin. Break a firing pin on a Mini and it goes back to the factory.

[@AmbGun]

I purchased a Mini to produce a series in shorts on the rifle. Intended to sell it after the video project. It now has a permanent home over the fireplace.

[@stefan5757]

This gun looks so much better with the large A-Team magazines. Are those still available / legal in the USA nowadays?

[@robertthomas5906]

Some states have limits thought the SCOTUS has said they are unconstitutional. I think it's still being worked out. Check with your local gun shop or better yet a 2A lawyer for where you are.

[@charlesvan13]

Legal in some but illegal in others. But in many cases, you can buy a magazine in a state that doesn't have a limit. It's just a metal/plastic box.

[@ewilliams865150]

AR for the win. I took fighting rifle with James Yeager several years ago. He didn't take a Mini-14 seriously as a combat firearm. He said that over the years he'd seen too many failures. I've owned both. The Mini got traded.

[@DavidBrown-wo9ip]

So two things, 1.) A buddy of mine from way back liked his Mini -14, but he would be the first to tell you that it had "beer can accuracy." Now in fairness that was in the mid 90's. I don't think Ruger has improved the accuracy in the barrels, since then, as a lot of people are not interested in a greater than 4 MOA gun at 100 yards from the bench. Now that said It's 2025, and even 30 years ago, I was aware of companies that offered accurizied heavy barrels for Mini -14's. If I was to buy one that is the way I'd go. 2.) I agree with the whole non threatening/tactical look. My closest friend moved from outside of Dallas to outside of Seattle back in 2010. He kind of became a bit of a prepper for a while. Anyway he wanted an AK-47 style rifle, but his soon to be ex wife was like NO. Not a problem. I was able to find him a Mini - 30 Tactical in 7.62x39. I was able to switch out the the black factory stock, for a wooden factory stock, and came across a stash of several factory 20 round magazines, going for less than 30 dollar$ a piece. Long story short, with the flush factory mag that the gun came with, his soon to be ex was good to go, (she never saw any of the 20 rounders).😎✌️

[@ericcharpentier01]

When a woman tell you no 20 rounders, its time for an upgrade.

[@DavidBrown-wo9ip]

@ oh it took a few years, but upgrade he did.😎✌️

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

A Mini-14 under $1000 ? I'm guessing you're not from California........

[@J.Huff76]

not everyone is from that shit hole

[@jasonwirth9079]

Dude, two gallons of gasoline cost $1000 in California.

[@evilmonkeyspeaks7801]

@jasonwirth9079 Don't forget what the rent costs here in the Golden State........

[@ParaVetGifford]

I went the route of owing both also, both have been very good to me!

[@JW-fq1pp]

I have an early model 581 series with the pencil barrel. Never saw any accuracy issues with it but decided to try a barrel strut to see if it made a difference. Can't tell if it does or not, but left the strut on anyway.

[@TCPv2002]

My first rifle was a Mini 14 and it was fantastic. I wish I'd kept it. AR's are ubiquitous and don't feel as robust as a 14.

[@equalopportunityoffender6732]

The Mini 14 is the definition of Work Horse and I’m a rancher .

[@roryderbyshire4630]

Loved my Min i 14 right up until the Australian gov forced people to hand in there semi auto guns . I was not happy .It only had one problem it would jam a bit .Fixed it found out the gas piston would come lose a bit of lock tight and it never jammed again. Cheers Rory

[@oddrocket2743]

The Mini 14 and the M14 have 3 killer flaws that AR15s don't have: 1) Rapid fire will eventually cause swelling of the barrel and under barrel bolt portion seizing the action. Mini 14s will not function until they cool down. 2) Shooting while holding the magazine for rapid fire control could cause the trigger group to fall out. 3) Barrels string diagonally when heating up. Hit Dog style target past 300 yards with a hot barrel is difficult; AR-15 hit lower as it heats up and you can just aim a little higher. The Mini-14 is a great ranch rifle to kill predators. It can eat dirt in the back of a truck and still shoot, but being low maintenance does not make it a tactical rifle or even reliable in higher volume situations.

[@gunbuilder69]

Truer words have NOT been spoken on this matter.

[@roxanaalexandra8483]

While the AR 15 is the better gun I like the Mini 14 looks better

[@Jorge-q9p8t]

It looks more 'civilian'

[@claudelamoreux8543]

If I remember correctly, the A-Team could not hit the broad side of a barn.

[@grantbartholomew2057]

Not true, they hit everything they aimed at. They were just aiming at the ground, to scare the bad guys away. Thats why they are the A Team and not the Kill Team lol

[@davesmith1682]

Always wanted one. Time to go shopping!

[@sammcbride2464]

I have both, but I converted one to .300 blackout. I like both. The AR platform is fun to play with. In California, the ruger is easier.

[@PWoods-cd6tk]

I'm in California, so a mini-14 makes sense so you don't have to mess around with modifications, but for price and accuracy, something like an m&p sport 2 with all the ca legal crap on it, makes more sense. It's about $600 versus $1,200. I wanted a 5.56 just to have a 5.56, so I managed to buy a used Kel-Tec SU-16 for $250 - the accuracy is probably close to a mini-14.

[@BushidoPhoto]

I like both rifles. Being former military I prefer the AR-15, but the A-Team was also cool. I need to buy a mini 14 now.

[@Bohica-tq3ps]

Probably 5 or 6 years ago I bought a new Mini-14. Had it about a year and it consistantly had failures to feed. I decided I couldn't trust a gun that doesn't go bang every time and traded it, telling the guy about it's problems. Don't get me wrong, I like Rugers, I have several pistols and have no complaints, but there were other things I didn't like about the Mini. AR's are just more adaptable, they are an excersize in simplicity, easy to clean, easy to maintain. Really like the modularity, swap lowers or uppers, no problem. Just my 2 cents, for what that's worth. In the end shoot what works for you.

[@kizunadragon9]

the Mini 14 is the only thing I can own in the Peoples Republic of NY. Nevermind that it fires the same exact round as the AR-15, NY has to ban the scary black rifle. I live upstate on a farm and police response to my house is 20 mins on a good day. So i need a rifle for not only critter control but defense. still limited to a 10 round mag though... oh and can't have a flash suppressor, or a pistol grip or suddenly and magically my Semi automatic rifle becomes an "Assault weapon" and always remember in regards to magazines, "compatible" does not mean "comparable"

[@dalehamelin9538]

Had the mini 14 & did a full sniper style swap out on it. Loved that rifle But being Canadian do I need to say anymore.

[@hakimcameldriver]

IF THEY FIXED THE ACCURACY PROBLEMS OF THE MINI 14 THEY MIGHT EQUAL A BUDGET AR-15 IN PERFORMANCE..

[@TheRealCheckmate]

I had a Mini 14 with a stainless steel barrel a long time ago. After you've emptied the first mag, the barrel would warp and accuracy went to hell. Other than that, it was a great gun. I don't know if the regular steel barrels had that problem. I know that California Corrections Officers use them in their towers.

[@mikedowd8852]

I got a mini 14, it's got a few mods. Great gun.

[@TheSatanel]

Team Mini-14.

[@mrgoodcat8661]

It is all what you prefer and you like to use both weapons are excellent

[@OleDirtyMacSanchez]

Mini 14 and Mini 30, but also Walther 9mm Semi Auto Pistol and Ruger Carbine in 10MM. I have heard there is an Aftermarket Mag Plate for the Mini 14 to be able use AR Mags instead of Ruger Mags, same thing for the Mini 30.

[@HiTechCentralPage]

The AR15 for sure

[@mikes8948]

Sounds like an attorney representing a guilty client or a parent explaining that "he's really a good kid." P.S. My opinion isn't subjective, it's based on use and maintenance. I like both. If my life depends on it, AR.

[@331SVTCobra]

John buys an AR-15 for $1000 and is happy Fred buys a Mini-14 for $1000 and is happy They both decide they want to add 300 blackout to their repertoire.. John buys an assembled upper for $400, pops it on his AR-15 lower, and heads out to the range. Fred needs to find more money.

[@moappleseider1699]

John and Fred decide to shoot each other. Whoever shoots first and more accurately wins. 331SVTCobra's entire argument falls apart. 331SVTCobra feels shame.

[@Doug-c4g]

The Mini-14 looks so so much better than the AR-15.

[@westonbaccus4449]

All the issues with the AR result from poor tuning, a properly tuned AR is the most reliable firearm on the market

[@poormansgunz8032]

I have both. Mini is underrated. Love AR style. Easier to find parts for AR. The mini 14 has a smoother recoil.

[@jtothefx]

Canada misses the Ruger mini 14

[@dannyo6699]

I think the issue with the magazine reliability stems from the older pre 580 series rifles. Personally I own a 581 series and recently bought a 584, but haven't shot that one yet. My experience is all with the 581 and reliability on the 581 ie pretty good using the aftermarket magazines. Pro-Mag in particular, I own a bunch of them. When Ruger came out with the 580, they had reworked their factory and built new machines to produce them. They had been using the same factory and machines to make the Mini's that they originally made the Mini with. So the new machines had much tighter better tolerances. Outward wise, the factory Ruger steel magazines, and the aftermarket steel Pro-Mags, look identical except for the base plates. One says Ruger and one says Pro-Mag. Otherwise, if you're in a dark room and were given one in each hand, you probably wouldn't know the difference. My 581 doesn't know the difference either. Both are quite reliable in it. I know Ruger knows about the reliability issue, and either 1 of 2 things happened to make them reliable in the 580's and newer. 1. Ruger corrected reliability issues with the upgrades they did to the newer rifles. 2. One of the upgrades they made to the newer rifles "accidentally" fixed the reliability issues.

[@RealKull]

The A-Team could never ever be wrong

[@brentpieczynski]

I plan to vanish into DoD R&D when certain critical thresholds are reached. With the KISS category being a preference, people scream when eye candy is rejected. Have a happy flame storm, everyone.

[@carlthetruthwilliams9447]

Well stated. The Truth.

[@KC51-y7r]

Another platform that doesn’t get the attention it deserves is the Kel-Tec SU16. There’s a reason why everyone that owns one raves about them and owners rarely let them go. Lightweight, durable, accurate enough regarding practical accuracy, reliable, and takes AR mags. And they aren’t “scary looking”. I’ve owned mine for about 10 years and never had any issues. It’s been downright reliable. And it runs on an AK style piston system which aids In reliability. It boggles my mind how the SU16 hasn’t gained more traction. The biggest issues for me regarding the Mini-14 is the proprietary mags that are not only hard to reliably find, but expensive. If Ruger would’ve made the Mini-14 to accept AR mags they’d be way more popular!

[@robertashley2714]

I think the Mini 14 is grossy underrated and unfairly maligned. The Mini has a few advantages, but the AR is the better rifle overall. The Mini is worth having in your safe even if you are an AR guy. Its smaller profile and conventional looks are certainly useful. If you live in a state that restricts AR's, the Mini is a fantastic option.

[@deputydillhole]

I don't think it's better than the AR-15 but it certainly looks cooler in my opinion.