Bermuda used to field the mini, but no longer. I believe some French PD/swat types use or used to use them. Some US prisons and Tex rangers used them over the years. Let's nit forget the A-team, Jeff Cooper wrote an article praising the then new mini as a handy little gun to keep behind the ranch door, poodle shooting caliber aside.
As has been stated, a mini comes to the shoulde like a traditional rifle. If you grew up with that, it just feels right. They are generally not as reliable as an AR, but they are close. They are no where near as accurate, cost more, and Ruger mags cost more than AR stuff, but they can still do most nods that need doing and are fun to shoot.
So, they are kind of like driving a vintage pickup. It isn't as fast, comfortable, or capable as a newer one, but it can still get most jobs done and it appeals to guys that like the style.
