[Prepper Vince]

About a year ago I purchased a Mini 14 from my LGS because I always wanted one. New model by the way (583 SN)
I like it a lot, but don't get me wrong. It does have some big and small quirks.

My observations after a year with it.

Cons:
-Does not take AR mags.
This is a pretty big one for the obvious.
-Rock-in AK style mag change/load.
Not the worst thing in the world. Some training and practice will get you used to it.
-Hard to load a full magazine on a closed bolt.
This was pretty annoying until I figured it out. The gun seems like it doesn't want to accept it, but it will. For a long time I thought you could only load a full mag on a open bolt. One day I said "to hell with it," and I jammed the magazine in. It worked. It fits very snug and doesn't wobble around. I learned that the bolt pushes the rounds in the magazine down in order to accept it. So make sure you don't over load your mags and it will work.

Pros:
-Different from Common counter parts.
It's not an AR or an AK. Something to consider if you care about variety or if you just want something new.
-Not "scary."
Looks unassuming, Hunting rifle like. If you have the ranch rifle version and 20rnd mags or lower. Throw on a 3-9 or 1-4; you're set.
-Shoots common ammo.
Along with the common ammo. Mine has run Junk Russian cartridges nicely. A failure to feed once so far.

There's some Pros and Cons from me. Feel free to add yours. Thing's you've found out. Tips n Tricks, whatever.

 

[Denton]

I like the Mini-14 for the same reason I like the M1A. I like the ergonomics.

 

[Prepper Vince]

I like the Mini-14 for the same reason I like the M1A. I like the ergonomics.

Never shot an M1A. Would like to though.

 

[A Watchman]

Its a great truck/varmint/take a beating/ gun. I have owned an older Mini 14 and now own a newer model after they built up the barrels. You just need to be realistic as to what it is.

 

[Sasquatch]

I've always liked the Mini 14. Fun gun to shoot. I'd like to buy one but they are too expensive. Hoping to maybe find a used one someone needs to dump. It's fine to takeout shooting from the tailgate of your truck but I wouldn't want to lug one around if I were forced to bug out.

 

[MI.oldguy]

As far as the older rifles,There are ways to make the older Mini-14 as accurate as the newer models.cryo barrel,trigger work($$$),the older ones will benefit from a barrel strut and bedding the stock,(-$$$),ask me how I know!.accuracy systems can build a custom or send your own to tweak it over.the old minis will shoot very well with a tweak.some are inherently accurate,without a strut mine will shoot 1-3 inch groups for 6-8 rounds before the barrel gets whippy.with a strut same group for as many mags as you want to load.

Of course,there is the money issue.it aint cheap to have one modified.it is nice to have a Mini and an AR though.

As far as mag loading,some will dent the top round if you slam a mag home on a closed bolt.wont really hurt anything.I prefer an open bolt when I load a mag.

 

[BookWorm]

A friend of mine in CA owns one. I shot it once. It was ok, decent feel to it. He felt is wasn't as accurate as it should be. He also noted it through the brass a lot further away which made picking up brass a chore at times. For the money, I'd buy another AR, they seem to be getting cheaper and use common parts.

 

[paraquack]

I had 2, one for me, one for wife. I liked them, easy to care for. Cost of mags drove me to sell them and go with AR-15s to match the AR-10.

 

[bigwheel]

Had two over the years. Always liked the gun. Not overly accurate especially after the barrell heats up. From a rest at a hundred yards I could get significantly tighter groups with a long barrelled pistol than with the rifle. Was not at all finicky on the fodder. Ran a bunch of crappy home made reloads through it with nary a whimper. Thought I wanted another but they are way over priced when compared to ARs.

 

[Chipper]

Never really liked how the mags insert, always missed the tilt forward and hook part. Main reason went to the AR.

Was never impressed with accuracy of a mini 14. 3-4 moa doesn't cut it for me. May have just been my rifle but with the mag issue I moved on.

Same reason I got rid of my SR-762 308. 4 MOA, seriously Ruger.

 

[rice paddy daddy]

As someone who recieved a lot of training and field use, with an M14, the method of inserting a magazine into an M1A, Mini 14, or AKM is not a problem with me. In fact, I own one of each rifle.
As someone who recieved training and field use, rough field use, with an M16, today I refuse to spend money on an AR. Yeah, I suppose that after 50 years of research and development they may have got it right, but I still don't want one.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a Mini 14, in 2005 I picked up a 1999 Ranch Rifle for $400. It is my plinker, and barnyard defender. With the 5 round magazine it carries nicely in one hand when woods walking.
It has never had a malfunction of any kind, and I have fired a wide variety of ammo thru it.
At this moment it is where it always is - leaning up next to the head of my bed with a 20 round magazine inserted, chamber empty safety off. Since it is a barnyard defender the first few rounds are Hornady V-Max polymer tipped varmint rounds, followed by Winchester 55 grain JSP's.

For those who claim the Mini is wildly inaccurate, it may be so, if your main purpose with a rifle is to punch holes in paper from a bench rest. For an all-around farm/ranch/pickup truck it is just fine.

I'm an old timer, my rifles are blue or parkerized steel with wood stocks. Well, except for my NEF Handi Rifle in 22 Hornet - it has a synthetic stock.
If a person likes more modern rifles, that's fine, it's their money to spend.

 

[budgetprepp-n]

I would like to have one but I just bought a decent AR for about $330 including shipping and $20 background check
If I ever see one cheap I will own it.
I do like the looks of the mini would love to shoot one.