m14 or mini

moses25

i have always liked the m14 and because of this i was almost set on buying a mini 14. i figured that the smaller .223 ammo would be both cheaper and more fun for just target shooting. however, can anyone attest to the quality of the m14's that are in the $500-900 range? given a choice between the two which would you purchase?
thank you for your help...how much should i look to spend on a used m1a1 or should i just save my money and get a new one?

Edited by - moses25 on 07/22/2002 00:13:34

royc38

I happen to have both. The Ruger mini 14 is ok and you are right, the ammo is a bit cheaper. But if I read your post right you sound like you are trying to settle for "something else". You cannot compare the two. If you want a M14/M1a, then get the real thing. If I were you, save your money and get the M14/m1a. I bought mine in 1990 and if it jams today it will be the first time. Better yet if you have any friends that have one or the other, try them out. You will see. I am not bad mouthing the mini 14. It is a fine weapon and can be made accurate and has lots of goodies that are made for them. Its just my preference. Good luck.

E.Williams

Get the real deal the M-14.Hands down my favorite rifle of all time so Im a little partial but you will not be disapointed.M-14 all the way.

Eric S. Williams

cwinn

Moses25-

I currently own an M14, and my father owns a mini-14. The mini is less expensive to shoot (but not by much) and easier on the shoulder and ears, but for an all purpose rifle the m14 is tough to beat: hits hard, accurate, reliable, battle proven, etc, etc. i love both rifles but i would reccomend, along with the others, go with the m14, youll be glad you did. good luck

nmyers

I think that we need to be more specific.

First, the US M14 rifle is a full-auto rifle generally not in civilian hands. What I think that you are referring to is an "M14 clone".

Secondly, the most widely sold M14 clone is made by Springfield Armory Inc, and they have a patent on the name "M1A" to describe it; those currently being made are pretty good (although not great), but are covered by a lifetime warranty. There are a few smaller US makers, and the quality of the completed rifle varies, depending upon who assembled it, but they are usually good. Chinese-made clones such as Polytech, Norinco, and Fed Ord are usually not well made and prone to failure; many owners spend $500-700 in order to upgrade them to usable condition.

Any of these guns may be found in the price range you mentioned, although it includes only the bottom end of the SA Inc range.

Choose wisely.

Neal

bama55

I suggest the Springfield M1A. Great firearm.

Don't send flowers when I die. Send money now, I can buy more ammo.

leeblackman

Yup, I have to agree with every one. If you don't already have one, get the M14. You can always get a mini14 later, but it just doesn't compare.

And with the gross of surplus .308 that just hit the market, unless your counting cheap russian ammo, its just at cheap to shoot the .308.

If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

seamus

I agree with the above, except you should understand that you're trying to compare an apple with an orange. I was issued the M14 in the Marine Corps (early 60s) and believed then, as I do today, that it's one of the finest weapons of its type ever made. The operative words, however, are "of its type." The M14 is what the military calls (or called) a 'main battle' rifle, for the primary reason that is fires the Nato 7.62mm round (.308 cal.) Subsequent military thinking evolved to where the standard issue rifle is a smaller caliber, generally NATO 5.56mm (for NATO armies and most western allies) and 7.62x39 for armies of the Russian Federation and most former Soviet Union Republics. (The new Russian assault weapon, I believe its called the AK 74, fires a .223 or slightly larger caliber, but I've not seen one personally.) Rifles firing the smaller rounds are correctly called 'assault rifles.' (Please do not comfuse what the U.S. Congress calls an ASSAULT WEAPON with the correct military term 'assault rifle.' Politicians don't know their elbows from hot rocks). In military terms, the M14 is not an assault rifle. The M14 is generaly considered unstable in full auto fire, and that is the main reason for the transition to the assault rifle. The other is the weight of the ammo. Assault rifles are also lighter, faster handling, and because of the smaller size of the cartridges fired, provide much better stability in full auto mode. The Warsaw Pact (now defunct) transitioned to the assault rifle design long before NATO. In my opinion, the Mini 14 is an excellent compromise if you want an M14 type weapon in an assault rifle configeration (ie., a light, fast handling carbine). And the Garand-like action of the Mini 14 is very good, if you are one of those shooters like myself who love that design. But the Mini 14 will not equal the M14 (or M1A or other good clone) with respect to out-of-the-box accuracy, effective combat range and fire power. However, the M14 does not have the 'fire control' of a carbine (Mini 14) or other assault rifle, with respect to fast handling/target acquisition and rapid second or subsequent follow ups shots. What capabilities do you want? If you require all of the above, get both. (I've been retired since 1997 as a 'direct hire' with the USG, so my info may be dated. Where I'm wrong, I would appreciate hearing from others better informed).

Nighthawk

I like the Mini-14 our department uses the Mini-14 as our in car non swat carbine.I also own a couple of my on.The Mini is a fun gun that if well maintained should last you a life time.As for the M 14 I want one myself and there are some good ones in that price range,Im no expert on the M 14 but I am passing along information Bull Elk shared with me.You are probably not going to be sorry on either Purchase,just do a little Home work on the availiable M 14s.


Best!!

Rugster

leeblackman

Wow Rugster, do ya'll get the Govt. carbines with the flash hider and bayo lugs?

One of the officers down here has a Mini-14 selective fire with a folding stock. He was getting a divorce and offered it to me at a steel. I was all ready to start the transfer process, but some unexpected expenses arose, and I had to pass it up. For some reason my shoe print is still on my rear end.

If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

E.Williams

Leeblackman dont you hate when that happens!Im still kicking myself for not having the money to but a Thompson 1911 Tommy Gun from my neighbor for $200.00!!!!!!!!!!!!He was in a divorce as well.

Eric S. Williams

Edited by - E.Williams on 07/22/2002 14:28:01