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Posted: 9/9/2013 1:09:44 AM EDT
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Before I get flamed on this I will state the following. I have two of these rifles, an older 181 series (I think I got that right), and a newer ranch rifle purchased last year. I like the Mini-14, however, I got to thinking today at work. Outside of usage as an actual weapon, be it for defense or offense, or some maybe medium size game, what else can this rifle be used for? I'm left handed, and was looking at left handed bolt actions and just started thinking that something like a Mini-14/30 would be a better fit for me, then I got to thinking about caliber. .223 is a little small for deer and hogs, but overkill for whistle-pigs, rabbits, and the like. ARs clearly are easier to mod for accuracy, and parts are easier to find.
Not bashing the Mini, just kind of baffled as to it's place in the world. |
| 223 works great on pigs and deer down here unless you are taking really long shots. I'm not sure what the twist is on the mini but there are some excellent hunting bullets out there in 55 gr on up to 75 gr. I've got 70 gr Barnes TSX loads set aside for hunting season but I'll be using an AR with a 1:8 barrel. |
I own both an AR and a mini 14 and would have a hard time choosing between them. Both have their strong points, ar has better accuracy at longer ranges, the mini is more reliable and eats anything. I also think the mini is easier to break down and clean. Also, to me the mini is a bit handier and seems to find the target faster. Just my thoughts. 
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| The mini feels and looks like a "rifle". Sure there are not 40039587 companies that make parts for it, but everything you could want to do to it you can if you have the money. Its place in the world is simple, its a light weight carbine that can do everything a lightweight carbine should in an efficient manner. Small, light, handy, natural pointing, and good looking mostly. |
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