Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Are AR-15's really that much more accurate than the Mini - 14?

Not really from what I've read. That's according to Gun Tests magazine over the years.
They've tested lots of AR-15's. As in 13 of them since 2007, as well as 2012, 2013 and 2014. Retail prices ran from $845 to $1995. Most of them in the $1000-$1200 range.
How did they shoot ? Better than the two tests for the Mini 14, one of which was a 7.62X39, but not the 1 MOA vs. 4 MOA as some always post.
Using the same Hornady TAP 60-62 gr. ammo, the $1150 Stag Arms 15L shot 1.7 inches at 50 yds. w/ iron sights for five rds. The $1054 DPMS RFA2-AP4A Patrol did 2.2 inches. The $1534 Bushmaster Patrolman's Carbine shot 1.5 inches and the $1554 S&W M&P 15T shot 1.4 inches.
The $894 Ruger KMini 14/5 shot 1.8 inches. Again, all were shot with iron sights at 50 yds. multiple times.
Moving up to the varmit style AR-15's, and using a scope, and match quality ammo, the AR's did do better. But none did under MOA. The $1639, 10.5 lb. Rock River Arms LAR-15 Varmit A4 shot right at a 1.1 inch average with Black Hills 77 gr. Sierra Matchking HP's. But with Federal 223 62 gr. FMJ ammo, it shot 2.4 iches. With TulAmmo 223 Rem 55 gr. ammo, it shot 2.2 inches. And this with a Bushnell 4-16X50 Elite 4200 scope.
BTW, when they tested a $966, Ruger K-Mini Thirty-P/20, the found it shot a good bit better than 4 MOA. They got an average group size of 1.26 inches with WW USA 123 FMJ ammo, .85 inches with American Eagle 124 gr. FMJ ammo, and .75 inches with Wolf 122 gr. HP's. Again, these are averages of five shot groups at 50 yds. with iron sights.
Ah, yes. E

a 1.8 inch group at 50 yards, TFF. I have a cheap POS colt6720 that will shoot 5 Sierra 65's into less than an inch at 100 and not 50 yards. I cannot recollect many that I have owned in the AR mold that would not shoot an inch or better with decent ammunition....wait I did have a MP10 that was 1.5-2 inches but I sold it. Get the Mini 14, I am sure you will love it! Post us some 50 yard groups! Everyone in this world should own a Volvo, a 454 Chevy motor, a jet boat and a Mini 14 at some time in his life.

First of all, a Colt 6720 is not a "cheap POS" rifle. They are the gold standard AR-15's. Second, you are talking about handloads, not standard, good quality factory ammo. You also didn't say if you used a scope or iron sights on your Colt.
Anybody with much time at a loading bench knows that handloads can make a big difference. E

Wait, while I make some popcorn.

How can you get your point across if you don't exaggerate?

Oh darn, I forgot to do that. E

I had a Mini-14. have two ARs now. I would buy another Mini-14. I like 'em for what they are, but yea, my ARs are more accurate.

6720 is a utility rifle with a chrome lined barrel. Made for work not accuracy.

About 20 years ago I started fiddlin with a mini-14. I was a true believer. After this and that and the other thing I tried, I just gave up. It is what it is. And I never did like the way the magazines wobble and lock up; just don't like it.

If Ruger would make it take an AR magazine, if they put a heavy barrel and gas block designed for the heavy barrel, I am sure it would become an honest 2moa or better. Ruger really failed with the mini-14. That little carbine had a LOT of potential. I know they keep making money with it, so in that sense they did not fail, but I always thought that little carbine could have been a REAL rifle.

WAY more accurate comparing apples to apples.

That mini 30 must have been the most accurate one to ever come off the line.

No way in hell a mini platform beats an ar platform any day across the board.

This

Can't play tinker toys with a Mini-14.

I would shoot the posted factory load in an AR15 against your mini 14 without worry.

Hornady TAP 60-62 gr. ammo,

but hey I love that you want to buy a mini 14 and actively encourage others to buy the little marvel as well. I also complement guys that shoot 4 inch 25 yard groups...good job!
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don't get me wrong! I actively encourage you and everyone else to purchase a Mini 14, they are GREAT guns.

anyone is welcome to buy one, I think they are neat. But I actually quit my desire after using a couple. And then got to shoot an M14 and a few M1As and bought M1As instead and have been MUCH happier to have them, my wife and I, rather than an expensive innaccurate wanna be. Expensive meaning lots of cash for no accuracy.

This place is always good for chuckle... and I didn't even have to visit the Humor forum tonight. Well done.

This.

kwg

I'll put my Les Baer AR-15 Super Varmint up against ANY Ruger Mini 14 in the country. Never seen a Mini 14 that would put all 5 bullets in one ragged hole at 100 yards. Doubt I ever will.

I've owned several Mini 14's since High School. Never owned one that would shoot less than a 2" group with Factory Ammo OR Handloads. Most of the old ones I've owned were lucky to shoot a 5" gathering at 100 yards. I know the new Mini 14's are now supposed to be more accurate. And that's fine if that's what you like to shoot. For me, though, only accurate guns are worth owning. JMO, though

The secret to a really accurate mini14 is to get the barrel as hot as you can. Shoot say 400 to 500 round as fast as possible, then right before the stock catches fire throw it in a barrel of water. This will stress relief the barrel and help tighten the groups up. Plus groups should be twenty rounds at five paces for the best possible chance to get five on target.

Better than or as good as any AR I have seen ran over by a truck. LOL LOL oh GOD LOL.

Same distance, same shooter, same ammo, both with factory stock rifles with iron sights guess which one came from the AR?


Mike