Mini 14 vs c93

[78spitfire0]

I am looking at a ruger mini14 and a century arms c93
I am sure there are good and bad to both . Which one should I go for?

 

[tradertator]

I'd go for the Mini. Century has a tendency to build pretty shoddy stuff vs Ruger is good to go. Any Mini should serve you well, but the newer ones tend to be more accurate. The older ones have the same pencil barrel profile throughout, where as the newer ones have a bit of a taper. The Tactical model is probably the most accurate without stepping into the Target model, and is an awesome rifle.

 

[geronimojoe85]

I will say that I looked at a century c39(?) that was pretty good quality though I didn't get to shoot it.
So they have gotten better over the years, but I'd still be careful:

 

[Fordtough25]

Mini 14 for sure. Handy rifle for sure!!0

 

[warriorbob]

Retracting my last statement. Lol I read that as c39 and not c93.

 

[Cerberus]

For even better .223 options get a quality AR.

 

[78spitfire0]

c93

 

[78spitfire0]

 

[wtfd661]

I have been very happy with my Mini 14, yes mags are expensive but I have never had an issue with them and they last forever.

 

[echoagain]

I like the mini (I also think the Century is pretty interesting), but AR's (and components for building them) are currently available at very reasonable prices. Unless you already own an AR or maybe just don't care for them, I'd also recommend going the AR route before either of the .223/5.56 rifles you are looking at.

 

[Disposable Heart]

Had both...

The C93 is a really fine rifle, PROVIDED, it doesn't do it's Century trick of collapsing headspace. If you get it, shoot it and measure the bolt gap. If it collapses, you can either send it back to Century (I'm not sure on that) or there is a guy who specializes in HK stuff online, but his name escapes me. Bear-something. He'll make it as good as a "REAL" HK, just be prepared to spend a few bucks.

I bought two, sold one and sent the other back to Century, who actually did okay on the repair. Before I sold it a few years ago, it shot well, was reliable, smooth feeling. Did about 1.5-2MOA with decent handloads and optic. Not great, but then again, the rifle HK series is known for it's reliability and durability, not it's accuracy. Magazines will be a problem. There is a fella online that sells glue on (yep, lol) adapters so you can run Pmags in the C93 or HK93. Mine worked okay, but the first magazine drop, it went to pieces. If that guy doesn't stay around, you are pretty much screwed on magazines.

The two Minis I've had, they were okay. Marginal accuracy, decently reliable with QUALITY magazines, mediocre ergonomics (control placement). I've actually spoken with a Louisiana corrections armorer and he hated them. Inaccuracy, parts breakage and parts sourcing were nightmarish. I tried to get replacement parts from Ruger and they would not send them, demanding I send in the rifle. Pass.

Both rifles are kind of dog's breakfast compared to the AR/AK series. After you spend the money, if needed, to get your C93 running CORRECTLY, you might have as well bought a real HK or an AR. The Mini offers nothing an AR can do and with the price folks are demanding from them currently, you can buy/build a decent AR for that and have better accuracy, parts, magazines, etc...

 

[Gordy]

Those are some great reviews. I've had a bunch of both rifles. Of 5 C93's, not one cycles properly. Mags are expensive even the used ones are about $35.. Overall, I don't think they are worth it. I've owned probably 20 mini 14 in different configurations and they are....eeehhh, ok. There is a lot you can do to upgrade them, but as much as I hate AR's, it's probably the best of 3 evils.

 

[Riflemen14]

I like the C93 any day. I have always been a roller lock rifle fan. AKA H&K fan boy. I have a C93 pistol, now sbr’d. I purchased the pistol knowing of the issues of Century builds. I sent mine to Jeff Walters of Parabellum Combat Sytems, HKPRO board name Ghillebear2000. (shameless plug)
The barrel was replaced becaused the Century builders ground down the barrel to make it easier to press into the trunion. This is the main reason of the shrinking bolt gap. Also had a paddle mag release installed, and the entire pistol refinished.
Now this sbr’d HK53 clone is a very reliable, eat any ammo type, short boom stick.
Including the $200 stamp I have $1650 invested. Way below a true HK53 price.
Yes, magazines are pricey, but I have had good luck with finding low priced mags at gunshows and internet.
I like these rifles so much, I have coming in a full size C93 I just purchased off Gunbroker and will be sending off to Mr. Walters for a paddle mag install, and refinish.

Some HK porn, my factory 93, with the 53 clone
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[Jump62]

The person who I know who does C-93 repairs is Ghilliebear View Profile: ghilliebear2000 - HKPRO Forums , think of the Century rifle as a potential weapon or as a parts kit project waiting to be made into a rifle. I own a Vector V-93 that is a gas to fire but is about twice the money of the C-93 Vector Arms V93 Rifle . Mags are $$$$ made of unicorn sweat and manufactured on Mars, The HK 40 rounders are in the $70-90 class and the 30 rounders are $60-80 class and a 25 rounder that if found can be crazy priced have not found any at my local shows in Delaware. Promag makes plastic 40,30 and 20 round mags for $17-11 at Midway but sometimes require some dremelFoo to make them lock up. Lots of HK parts can be added to the weapon and is a super simple weapon, spend some time over at HkPro. My brother had a Mini-14 and liked it but the rifle was an early 80s build.

 

[78spitfire0]

THANKS for all the responses and the info.

 

[engineerpower]

If you do limit yourself these two choices, also consider the resale factor. If you ever need to sell/trade a CAI gun, you will be met at every turn with scrutiny and doubt. Regardless of the condition and shape of your individual rifle, CAI has that reputation and you will pay for it, one way or another.

Mini-14's seem to keep their resale value pretty well if you maintain them.

Probably should shoot an example of both and see which you like better. At the very least, handle them and look them over closely. I had a really great C91 back in the day that I traded straight up for a R700 VSF in .308 because of difficulty in mounting a precision optic and how I HATED how difficult it was to clean the chamber area. Like, scraping carbon off with a fingernail hard.