That's tempting. For a while I had contemplated a Mini-30 instead so I could potentially hunt with it someday (though I'll likely just use a 12 gauge still).
Anyway, not to cause a flame war or anything, but why would I NOT want a Mini-14? Note that the only rifles I own are 22LR.
I assume the clearance is simply Walmart caving to pressure and not intending to carry semi-auto rifles anymore. It may not be a scary black gun (though I guess there are tactical stock options for the 14), but that is my assumption.When an item goes on clearance there is a reason, the market has spoken. What advantage does the Mini-14 offer over an AR pattern rifle?
Hunting deer with a rifle seems like it would be too easy, which is why I figure I'll just stick to my 12 ga when I finally get to go.There are several comparison videos between the mini 14 and the ar 15. The accuracy issues have been (mostly) resolved, though I think 2-3 inches at 100 yds would be acceptable for most shooters.
I have a mini 30 in stainless. The gun is a blast to shoot; no recoil and you still get a decent sized projectile down range. It is also legal to hunt deer now, and hornady makes a nice deer bullet. Plus, It doesn't look like an 'assault weapon.' That matters to loony tunes these days.
I suppose this should be it's own thread (and I've seen at least one on "cheap" ARs a couple months back) but the nearly infinite combination of available parts makes it very difficult for someone not familiar with the AR world to know whether a particular rifle is "good" or not. I am also baffled by those offering ARs that have so few rounds (<500) through them, whether it is custom built or not. Maybe next ProTEQ day you and KJQ can school me on all this stuff.A good barrel and in spec bolt installed into the cheapest AR receivers you could find can be sub MOA.
Hunting deer with a rifle seems like it would be too easy, which is why I figure I'll just stick to my 12 ga when I finally get to go.
However, since I've been spoiled by highly accurate rifles, I wouldn't be happy with anything not capable of sub MOA with decent ammo and it sounds like I'd have to spend way more than I'd ever care to in order to achieve that even with an AR.
... What advantage does the Mini-14 offer over an AR pattern rifle?
Less expensive if you consider that an advantage. Otherwise - none.
I tried at least 4 of them some years ago - all purchased new - and they all sucked.
Inaccurate, unreliable, expensive mags (all comparatively).
I'd take one if I had no other choice, but that's about it.