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.
This does not mirror my experience in any way. The Mini is not, and never has been, adequate. It has been trash from the beginning. I have yet to see a single one, regardless of age or model, exhibit anything resembling accuracy or reliability.
We used to see one or two every time we did a patrol rifle class or refresher, and I never saw one make it without failure. When they did run, they often had accuracy issues making it difficult to even post qualifying scores. Luckily, we havent seen one in years, so hopefully they are no longer being fielded in any real numbers. Even the most worn out, A1 LESO M16 is a far better weapon that any Mini 14 on the planet.
