Ruger Mini 14 vs AR 15

[Wisconsinprotect822]

Hey All

Im shopping around to buy a tactical rifle. I have been wanting to buy a Smith and Wesson MP AR15 but in my searches came across a Ruger Mini 14 (tactical rifle).

Has anyone had any feedback on either of these weapons.

Thanks
CHC

[RONIN]

get the ar15.. most "toys" available for them.. lights, scopes, mags, foreends, sights, pistol grips etc..

[CCW TRAINER]

As always, it really depends on what you are going to use it for....

I really like the mini 14, but I have to say that S&W is making an excellent AR, and the price is right. Very light, well made and workable for CQB or Tactical mid-range shooting.

I'd go with the S&W....

[kevbarand]

I own both and am a Deputy Sheriff in California. For tactical use I would definitely get the AR. For hunting or sport the mini will treat you right for half the price.

If I could elaborate on the type of AR I own a piston driven Bushmaster M4A3. The piston driven is much cleaner and cooler running compared to the regular gas impingement system used in most AR variants making it more reliable and durable but beware of the sticker shock. The S&W is still a great weapon although it has older but proven AR technology.

[kevbarand]

WI822 I just read your intro. As LE I am sure I don't need to tell you there is also the politics involved in deploying a military style rifle on city streets. I don't know how sensitive your region is to that idea although it has been proven necessary time and time again. If they are sensitive you will catch less flak (citizen complaints) deploying a mini 14 with the same firepower just based on the less intimidating look.

(When I read interim Chief I just thought I would throw that out there.)

[Lone Wolf]

I have had the opportunity to to utilize both types of weapons. I must say that both personally and professionally I prefer the AR-15.

[Local Talent]

[...]I am sure I don't need to tell you there is also the politics involved in deploying a military style rifle on city streets. I don't know how sensitive your region is to that idea although it has been proven necessary time and time again. If they are sensitive you will catch less flak (citizen complaints) deploying a mini 14 with the same firepower just based on the less intimidating look.[...]
That's a great point that I thought of bringing up a few times while discussing hardware here. I think civvies should give even more thought to the potential public perception of their gear and weaponry. Our irons are often concealed and we may think it's a moot point, but the issues with a weapon with an "aggressive" (military or tricked out) look can come up if we have to face a jury or go through a simple weapons check by LE.

I've mentioned the word "sleeper" in another thread, and my personal take on this is: for a given performance level, I pick the most "innocuous-looking" equipment. That often means lower pressure rounds, commonly used calibers, wood furniture, and a general absence of tactical goodies. That would be the Mini 14 in that race (in fact, my toy would probably be an M-14).

A cocked & locked 1911 is another thing that can be a hard sell in PC environments.

I unfortunately don't think that this helps Wisconsinprotect822 as much as some of us EP guys in litigious and gun-hating CA. Figured I'd throw this in there as food for thought for them and I apologize for the slight OT aside.

[black knife]

I have used both the AR and the Mini-14 on duty and to me they are the same.......one has a pistol grip and the other does not. A lot of guys want the AR for the cool looks and spend all kinds of money tricking them out as if they are with a SWAT team but end up never using them on duty.

Also I have seen cops that own AR's and can't even shoot them effectively on the range, usually the Non-Military types. I would go with the Mini-14...it is not considered an assault rifle in California so anyone could own one and it shoots the same round.

Remember you can own any weapon in the world but if you can't shoot worth of shit it does not matter what you own.

[Lone Wolf]

I have used both the AR and the Mini-14 on duty and to me they are the same.......one has a pistol grip and the other does not. A lot of guys want the AR for the cool looks and spend all kinds of money tricking them out as if they are with a SWAT team but end up never using them on duty.

Also I have seen cops that own AR's and can't even shoot them effectively on the range, usually the Non-Military types. I would go with the Mini-14...it is not considered an assault rifle in California so anyone could own one and it shoots the same round.

Remember you can own any weapon in the world but if you can't shoot worth of shit it does not matter what you own.



I have to agree here.. Whats the point of having a weapon like this if you cant effectively shoot it??? On the other side of that coin.. Working hurricane details the way I do.. (when we have them) an AR is generally permitted to be carried in states like Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama and shotguns in Texas and Florida.. The AR was a very trusted weapon in NEW ORLEANS (Katrina) where security personnel actually took fire from local thugs and bad guys... SO... The tactical approach in that way was very effective... Just the mere presence of it was often enough to make people rethink their actions prior to doing them...

[Local Talent]

SO... The tactical approach in that way was very effective... Just the mere presence of it was often enough to make people rethink their actions prior to doing them...
Good point. At times, hardening the look is the goal. That was also SOP during those robbery-suppression gigs I did last year, although toned down because of the urban environment. Still, we were operating in the "ghetto" and the message had to be clear.

I'm sure that the OP was looking for more of a side-by-side comparison of the two platforms in tactical (LE) use, however. I know I'm not qualified to discuss that and will defer to the rifle experts and LEOs here.

[Lone Wolf]

Good point. At times, hardening the look is the goal. That was also SOP during those robbery-suppression gigs I did last year, although toned down because of the urban environment. Still, we were operating in the "ghetto" and the message had to be clear.

I'm sure that the OP was looking for more of a side-by-side comparison of the two platforms in tactical (LE) use, however. I know I'm not qualified to discuss that and will defer to the rifle experts and LEOs here.

Both weapons utilize the same round both have the same efficiency, the bottom line is do you want the HARD LINE look or the more Casual??? Do people cower when they see an AR? YES.. A Mini 14 not so much... One has to (unfortunately anticipate) the perceived view of the general public..

[RONIN]

Both weapons utilize the same round both have the same efficiency, the bottom line is do you want the HARD LINE look or the more Casual??? Do people cower when they see an AR? YES.. A Mini 14 not so much... One has to (unfortunately anticipate) the perceived view of the general public..

well put, people see a ar and think military weapon.. they see a mini14 and think oh its just a rifle.. they both can do the same job, but the ar has the intimidation factor of looking like a military weapon..

now as stated in a post earlier.. there is no use for having either if you don't know how to run them.

[Local Talent]

Sorry to steer this thread further away from the OP's intention, but I just want to refer some of you here (I've saved this in my "favorites" and forgot about it): http://www.astcweb.org/public/publication/article.cfm/1/21/5/Weapons-Issues-and-the-Fears-of-the-Legally-Armed-Citizen

Since we've already brought up this periperal issue, I thought you might want to read up on it. It's not just some silly paranoia to think that a gun's "look" can hurt us in court.

[apamburn]

I cant really speak for the applications of either but...I own an M1 garand, the granddaddy of the Mini 14. I personally really like the design of that weapon, though it's usefulness in CQB applications is naturally quite limited ;) I would just say shoot what you know. If you're familiar with the design and function of the AR then use it.