I'm guessing that nobody has plugged the Mini-14 because it has an overly complicated and outdated action (a mod'ed M14). It's a handy little rifle, though its not very accurate, is a bitch to take down (I think you need a screwdriver-not good if you need to clean it in the field), and the rifle is very limited in what you can do to customize it. IIRC, it doesn't take the universal AR mags which requires you to use factory Ruger stuff.
Are you looking for a semi-auto or a bolt gun?
If you're looking for a semi-auto, IMO you really cant beat the AR platform. It's cheap to shoot, and easy to operate/disassemble/clean. The entire US military likes it for exactly those reasons. On top of that, there are literally thousands of custom parts makers out there who specialize in the AR. This gives a shooter infinite possibilities to tweak a rifle for his/her given needs.
As a bonus, the AR platform is like the Transformers of rifles in that its completely modular. Lets say you're in to the tactical shooting scene. Just throw on an upper receiver with holographic sights, a short barrel and a gangster grip and you're good to go. If you want to do some longer range shooting, just pull two retaining pins to remove the short upper and throw on one that has a longer barrel and a good scope. The sights never leave the receiver so there is no need to re-zero your rifle every time you swap out uppers.
AK's are work horses and can usually be found for less $ than an AR but they aren't near as accurate, they need (a structurally questionable) specialized mount for optics and don't allow the user to swap out barrels/upper receivers. Also....b/c of shitty machining tolerances I don't think you can pull the bolt from one rifle and put it in another, making repairs a bitch. Guys?
If you're looking for a bolt gun, the guys before me have it covered. I'm a Rem 700 guy but thats just personal preference. Savage, Marlin, Ruger and Stevens all make handy little packages that will shoot surprisingly well.
Whatever you decide on, I'd stay away from anything chambered in a Magnum cartridge. They're hella expensive and will give you about 1/10th of the barrel life you would get from a standard caliber.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Dunedan
Be sure to break the barrel in properly, though, or else you'll be stuck with an FN PBR-level shooter, and the SPS Tactical is capable of MUCH better. $600-$750
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How to Break-in a Barrel