I need opinions bushmaster ar-15 or new ruger mini-14 target?

Question

I'm upgrading and I've decided on a .223 the local shop has a new in box ruger ranch rifle the target model with bull barrel and harmonic dampener/ the other a used bushmaster ar with shorter barrel flash hider and carry handle (A2 receiver I believe) and 4 way adjustable stock. I like to target shoot and this will be my predator gun. the bushmasters really light which I like but I've always been of the opinion light guns aren't accurate they both are the same price and I'm going to be trading my old saiga and a muzzleloader for them. so, I'm looking to weigh out pros and cons. accuracy is important. and I want to reiterate this is the new ranch rifle with thumbhole stock not the old version. please make up my mind.

duly noted I forgot to mention I was going for semi auto i'm trying to find that happy medium of semi and accuracy. I have a bolt action, I want something for the coyotes and bobcats.

Answer 1

I have a Ruger Mini14 Ranch w/1" Bull Barrel 21" w/a1/10 twist, 380 flash hider and a .950 gas block and other goodies. It's better than an AR-15 NOW.

Out of the box the AR might be slightly more accurate, but for the price I think that the MIni would be a sound purchase. Tapco sells adj. pistol grip stocks for the mini and the quick detach system lets you switch out rifle scopes with repeatability!

People might gripe about the operating rod in a mini - how it might affect accuracy. I assure you that with a heavy barrel, any "harmonic" destabilization by the op. rod will be reduced.

I want to go prarie dog hunting....BAD

Currently using Remington 45gr. JHP and Hornady V-Max 55gr. Ballistic Boat-tail.

Coyote, Fox, P. Dogs.

Just my 2cents.

Answer 2

I hunted and I got a very high opinion of Ruger Arms. But I don't like the caliber you are choosing. .223 are fast and likely to deflect on hitting a twig.

Your old muzzleloader never had that problem. Its bullet is old and slow. It will plow through brush and twigs and find the target. You see it isn't just the gun you want. The caliber of the shell is totally wrong. The .223 was a combat cartridge poorly designed to allow a soldier lots of shots. It is not a hunting cartridge and never got that good.

The .223 caliber is a high velocity cartridge with a light impact. Like I said despite the fancy name I wouldn't go with this gun in Bush.

Your wolfs and coyotes and whatevers will be moving fast will be hiding behind something and you want a rifle that will fire and that bullet can hit a twig and stay on target.

For the type of gun you want I would go with the Savage Featherweight Lever and if you want to go to a lighter cartridge I'd go with the .308 Nato class cartridge.

The .308 is a remarkably stable bullet at ordinary charges. You can also reload .308 cheaply and easily even with a simple kit.

Why the Savage. Well its a comprimise gun. I would have suggested that you junk the rest and go back to the Winchester Arms 1894 lever action 30-30 but I think you want clout and accuracy in the bullet onto the predator.

You also want a gun that can take it. Ranching is not the ideal situation for staying squeaky clean. Things get dusty and dirty and AR-15's are not good with dirt. Nor is any other semi auto from the saddle. But I think you use a pickup or a jeep not a horse.

You want a gun that is short. You want a gun that is easily handled. You also want a gun that is relatively cheap to shoot with lots of choices in load and bullets.

So the combo you are looking for is a lever action. You cant argue with a hundred and fifty years of experience. The best weapon for you is the Savage Featherweight Lever .308.

You won't go wrong with that choice.

Answer 3

Both rifles will shoot 1-2 inch groups out of the box. Both will mount scopes well, if your mini-14 is the ranch model.

I think the AR-15 is much more versatile. Many companies make a great number of accessories such as barrels, stocks, grips, brakes and scope mounts for the AR-15. You can put different uppers/barrels on it, many different calibers from 17 Remington up to 50 AE. An AR15 can be made much more accurate than a Ruger mini-14, but it will cost more than the original purchase price. If you are just going to plink with 223 rem, then buy whatever rifle feels best in your hands.

Ranb

Answer 4

I'd take the Mini-14 over any Bushmaster, but for target shooting and hunting I would prefer a bolt action because they are more accurate than semis. I have 2 Mini-14s and 3 Ruger 77s (bolt action) in .223, .308, and .300 Win. Mag.. my Ruger 77 in .223 is amazingly accurate. It shoots 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards with my reloads. To me a semi is mainly for fun and self-defense if things get rough. For the best long range accuracy get a bolt action.

Answer 5

ar-15 are good quality guns but they require alot of maintenence. the ranch rifle however doesnt have the adjustable stock but comes with a shim kit. you also might try reconsidering a different caliber. ,223 ammo is getting harder and more expensive to find due to increased military use. a box of 20 is about 12 dollars about .60 cents a round. a.243 would do the trick. less expensive and has a flater trajectory which would give you more accuracy and a harder hitting round into your target. use soft points that way the bullet wont go straight on through. the s-point would also knock your target on its a s s. all in all its your call . one more thing , if you want accuracey no matter what caliber get a bolt action rifle.

Answer 6

I have the Mini 14 and I use it for crows and coyotes and everything in-between.
I shoot from 100 to 300 yards with out any problem on crows.
If I decide I wont to shoot long distance I then use my bolt actions.
Point blank, I’m not a fan of the other.



D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 7

In all reality if you want something for coyotes and bobcats you should get a Romanian AK-47 and shoot 7.62x39. It is a better rifle all around, will stand up to rough country use, very accurate and reliable, won't wound some poor animal, and the ammo is not very expensive. I bought several of them and right out of the box they tear the bull out at a hundred yards with open sights. They have a paper test target in the box they come in showing their test fire pattern; and they are simple to clean and maintain.

Answer 8

I'd opt for the ruger myself. I have an AR, it has it's place, but the ruger will stand up to dirt and grunge of throwing it in the pickup cab, dropping it in the mud one hell of a lot better then the Bushy.

Weight does play a part but generally in my neck of the woods when hunting coyotes I am rarely more then 30 yards from the vehicle or am sitting in a blind.

Answer 9

The Bushmaster AR15 is a continuation of the original Stoner design.

The Mini 14 is a continuation of the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M14 design.

The original Stoner design lost to the M14 design.

Figure it out for yourself.

Answer 10

If you need the accuracy and not the lightweight firepower, then definitely go with the ruger.

I have a DPMS AR-15, I would never go hunting with it. The groupings aren't bad but not the kind of accuracy that you need.