MINI-14 V.S. MINI-30

[catblaster.375]

What do you guys feel would be the best most versatile choice the .223 or the 7.62x39 for just a compact open sighted ranch gun for just plinkin and shootin varmints and coyotes out to a little past 100 yards? I am not lookin for extrem acuracy but just somethon that will get the job done quick. thanks

[targshooter]

I never had very good luck with obtaining even reasonable accuracy from the Mini-14s I owned, one just capable of about 3-4 MOA, the other about 5-6 MOA. On the other hand, the Mini-30 I own has been capable of consistent 2-3 MOA. I must add that this shooting is all with the Ruger peeps furnished on the rifles. Additionally, the Mini-30 is almost through 5,000 rounds with one minor breakage (a tab on the forestock liner) that Ruger took care of free.  The few varmints I've shot with the Wolf hollow points have rapidly expired. In fact, it appears this bullet is fairly frangible, definitely not a big game round.

[glock fan]

I wish I could say I had good luck with the two Rugers ($475 ea.) I owned but I didn't.  Owned a mini 30 & mini 14.  I sold both.  I just about broke even on both so that was good news.  Neither was very accurate, especially for the $$.  In fact I bought Chicom SKSs ($150 ea.) as replacements that were much more accurate & reliable not to mention much cheaper.  When the barrels on the minis got hot the shots started to wander all over.  Also, the mags were hard to seat and I had alot of jamming as well.  Sorry to be so negative but that about sums up my personal experience.  Maybe I just got bad ones and others will have something more positive to relate.  Good luck!

[jimmyp50]

Mini-14's can be made accurate if you are willing to spend the money, and some do. I once had a pretty decent 3 MOA or so Mini14 in 1978, but like a fool I sold it. I have owned 2 others.  The concept is neat but the execution is poor.  The current gun is worth about $200.00 new in my opinion.  They are for the crowd that likes to make noise, but not necessarily are too interested in actually hitting anything beyond 25 yards.