Age is a factor. I'm significantly pre internet.Before I joined the forum, I didn't have much in the way of rifles either. A 788 bolt action and a 10/22
Thinking about a rifle purchase
- Thread starter Dougw1515
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Ha. Yeah, there's that too.
I've only purchased 4, I think, since I've been here.
I owned several prior (still have) , and not really in to shooting long guns anymore.
OP, for the record, I'll agree with some previous postings - an AR-15 platform in 5.56 will not be a mistake. I love AK's too, but you give up some modularity, optics options, and accuracy (none of which are critical for defensive engagements under 100 yards). Get an AR and learn to operate it in the dark. Beware the man with only one rifle, he probably knows how to use it.
I’ll offer up some contrary advice: if you can’t figure out a need for a long gun, don’t buy one. Put your money into really good training, accessories, gear, and ammunition for your primary weapon. Join a competitive discipline and master it.
AU CONTRAIRE! Proud owner of a Winchester Model 61 - That hasn't been fired in over 50 years. There are reasons "why" and they're personal so you'll likely never know. But if you delve into my previous post the answer is there for you!
I am not a fan of the mini series of rifles, expensive, and broken parts mean your gun has to go back to ruger for repair, and my experience with ruger firearms has not exactly been good
For the price l am a huge fan of LaRue's ultimate upper kits. For about 800 you get everything but the stripped lower, your choice of caliber and barrel length
For the price l am a huge fan of LaRue's ultimate upper kits. For about 800 you get everything but the stripped lower, your choice of caliber and barrel length
Axxe55
Retiretgtshit stirrer
Actually, the Mini 14 and the Mini 30 are pretty solid rifles, and well made. But the AR is going to offer lighter weight, and much more versatility in being able to configure it for various purposes. Plus with the AR, you can easily switch to different calibers with just a different upper.
The Ruger Mini-14’s svck arse.
You might hit the ground with one if you drop it.
They are way overpriced for what you get.
Just about any AR15 will outshoot a Mini.
The SKS is a better deal but even they have reached nosebleed prices.
You might hit the ground with one if you drop it.
They are way overpriced for what you get.
Just about any AR15 will outshoot a Mini.
The SKS is a better deal but even they have reached nosebleed prices.
seeker_two
My posts don't count....
Even after joining here, all my rifles are bolt-action. Been meaning to get a 10-22, but I keep putting it off for trivial things like groceries and auto maintenance.....Before I joined the forum, I didn't have much in the way of rifles either. A 788 bolt action and a 10/22
I'm going against the grain here....but, I recommend a bolt-action or lever-action rifle for a first rifle. The rifles and ammo can be easier to find than most AR & AK calibers these days. And, for the OP's stated purposes, a lever-action .30-30 or .35 Remington will check the boxes. I've even seen a few bolt-action rifles in .350 Legend with plenty of ammo on the next shelf. If you want smaller, a lever-action rifle in .22 Magnum is hard to beat. Also, if the political winds blow foul, these guns will attract less attention in the short term than the semiauto rifles....a sad thing that must be considered.
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Moon, no one has ever supported an aftermarket mag that works well. Yup, oem mags are too much. I only ran brass ammo and oem mags. I know...I know.
Accuracy was alright as long as I didn’t shoot too fast. My first mini dispatched a lot of pest.
Accuracy was alright as long as I didn’t shoot too fast. My first mini dispatched a lot of pest.
I've been hit and miss with the Mini 14. Owned 3. Well one was actually a mini-30 and it was picky with Steel case ammo, but was accurate. My SKS and AK are not not picky at all and probably more accurate IMO. I had a older 70's model mini 14 and it was pretty awful in grouping. Then I bought a GB series Mini-14 and it shot great, but my friend has it now and is still shooting pigs with it. No more minis for me. No matter how much I tried to like them there are just many better options in that price range.
Axxe55
Retiretgtshit stirrer
From my understanding, much of the accuracy, or lack thereof, is attributed to what series of Mini they are. And some as Moonpie said, you couldn't hit the ground if you dropped it. But most were what I term, "minute of man" accurate!
The magazine issue has been long standing with the Mini. Factory mags are the best to use with them.
Oh absolutely. The one I have now simply brings me lots of memories. I’d still hunt pig or pest with it. Indeed there’s better now. Been better for a long time.
It still has a place when my sks and ak’s weigh more.
The two issues with mini accuracy is partly due to the thin early barrels, and the lack of consistent tourqe on the gas system. The M1 style of stock lockup is also working against you.
Even then, you aren't any better than a cheaper AR
Even then, you aren't any better than a cheaper AR
Axxe55
Retiretgtshit stirrer
True. There are quite a few doodads one can buy, and tricks to make the Mini decently accurate, and if a person really is into and likes the Mini, that might be the route to go to get it accurate.
But out of the box, AR's seem to have much better reputation for being decently accurate, without having to do anything to it.
