SBHylander

Hello,

I've been considering purchasing my first tactical rifle, and I've been exploring other brand AR-15s, the SR-556, and the Mini-14. The pros and cons for my personal decision really does come down to buy now, Mini-14, or keep saving pennies and get the SR-556. I'd really like to stick with Ruger although I could easily do some serious monetary damage for a custom build.

I see there are some new Mini-14 Tacticals on Gunbroker.com for about $665 - $700. I could probably swing this now without the result being my wife using it on me. The same could not be true if I spent $1,400 or so on the SR-556 right now.

I guess what I'm asking is if anyone with experience with either, or preferably both, could give any suggestions on whether I should go with the Mini now, or wait 3 or 4 months and get the SR-556. Is there a huge difference, and if so - what characteristics are they.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Hello everyone.

I just wanted to follow up and say that I decided to go with the Mini-14 and purchased one this evening off from GunBroker.com for $665.





Thanks once again for all the suggestions and advise, I did appreciate it!

The SR-556 is still on the agenda, it will just have to wait for a bit longer.

MZ5

Could you elaborate on what you want from the rifle, please? "Tactical" means absolutely zip apart from possibly a general appearance. If you're looking for a high-precision machine, the Mini isn't what you're after, _possibly_ excepting the Target model.

An AR-15 and an M1 Carbine/Mini-14 have a very different 'feel' to them. Their stocks are a completely different shape, materials are different... they just feel like _completely_ different guns, which they are.

Help us help you?

SoCalTacticalShooter

I'd say if u want a tactical rifle go with an AR. You can just do so many diffrent things with them. And they are the essence of "tactical". On the other hand Mini 14's are great too, and I love mine, the the mini is best at being a rugged, reliable woods rifle. Both great guns but totally diffrent. It depends on what you're going to use it for. I'd say look at both at a gun shop and see which appeals to you more. Hope I helped, and good luck.

Brewster

Check out the m&p sport ar15. One can be had for under 650.00 and it's got crazy good reviews. I sure love mine.

SBHylander

I'm looking for a reliable .223 (5.56) that is fairly accurate (I'm not shooting competitions with it) with some ability of customization, and yes - a little fun with the "tactical" appearance, although that is certainly not a high priority. I'd also like something that isn't too horribly complex in regards to maintenance and cleaning.

Thanks once again.

Brewster

Once again S&W M&P Sport ar15 The only drawback to it from your above post is that you COULD shoot competition with it. The rifle is crazy accurate.

Check this out...



And


 Gun Review: Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport | The Truth About Guns

Benemorte

The SR556 is at the high-end of the AR market, and for your stated needs, is overkill. However, I would warn you that it is quite common for people who get a "budget" version of an AR to end up spending a lot of money doing aftermarket upgrades once they get the "AR BUG", and often find themselves wishing they had bought a higher quality AR from the start.
For this reason, there are a TON of "frankenstein" type AR's on the market, being sold to fund new builds, or step up to the high-end products such as the SR556, Daniel Defense, and so on.
You should be able to pick up one of these "franken" type AR's on the cheap with some looking around at your states internet based classified gun sites.

Used Mini's can also be found if you are willing to go pre-owned, but generally they are priced about the same as new. Either of these platforms will suit your needs considering your your stated intended use.

SBHylander

This is one concern as I know myself well enough to realize that if I buy a 'base', I'm eventually going to go overboard on accessories and upgrades. I'm a gadget/tech guy, so I know this very well about myself. It's one reason I was leaning towards the SR-556 versus the other builds, because if I bought that, most likely my upgrades would be limited to optics for the most part, perhaps a trigger. I had never really considered the mini until recently when I've read some pretty interesting articles by people who love them.

Benemorte

If this is the case, I would go with the SR556 then. We put ACOG's on ours, added Magpul sling accessories, and I am in the process of changing out the flash suppressor to a combo suppressor/compensator. Other than this, there are no aftermarket parts or upgrades I felt necessary. It is good to start out with a top end platform if you are going to end up there anyways.

SBHylander

Is the 'E' a 'value', or does it just end up being just as, or more, expensive after your done with it? Other than the chrome barrel, there isn't any difference is there? Regular or 'C' barrel?

DAJ

Do like I did and get them both

P89Guy

+1

i own this rifle as well as an older 196 mini-14

they're both great rifles but for the money, it's hard to beat the sport

P89Guy

it doesn't really matter what AR15 you get.

You WILL buy accessories, and you WILL buy more AR15s.

So if you are worried about getting a money pit, don't buy an AR.

SoCalTacticalShooter

+1

moondog911

Greetings,

I had an AR-15 many years ago, and swapped it for a Colt Python. Both are cool guns! Last year, I purchased the stainless mini-14 ranch rifle, and it is great. The mini is not my only rifle, but got it for the worst possible situation to come up. I also got one while it was still legal to own such a rifle. By the way, the new mini's are much more accurate than the older models.

moondog911