Ruger Mini 14 or Springfield M1A

[3MTA3]

What is the purpose for the rifle and how will it be used? Once you know that it will be easier to choose.

If you go Mini-14 take a good look at Samson's Hannibal rail and they also make a good folding stock.

 

[Dozer99]

It's the difference between a vet and a vett (chevet and corvette).

 

[JedB]

Had both. Currently have neither. Apples vs. Zebras, as they are not similar.

A-Team version Mini-14. Fun to shoot, not super stable on the shoulder piece (compared to a traditional stock Mini). Had a good scope, I did my part, still a 3-5 MOA at 100yds(at best). The POI did change as the barrel got warm. These guys make an excellent strut to minimise that (Accu-Strut)
Overall, a fun/show piece, not a shooter (just how it ended up for me.)

Springfield M1-A. Good rifle. Shot straight & probably had more capability than I do. It was heavy, comparative cost to shoot was high and if I'm shooting .308, would rather do so with my savage or ruger precision (6mm creedmore). Mine didn't get shot as much, and I didn't have the affinity some do from time used in the service. Kinda "meh" experience, so I sold it and moved on.

 

[titsonritz]

If you're gonna blow money on an M1A, take a serious look at things other than Springfield Armory Inc. Like James River Armory, Bula Defense, et al. These will cost more than an SAI but you are less likely to have issues with their product. SAI is the most famous maker of M14 clones, but they've made more than a few duds.

^^^This right here.

The Ruger Mini-14 has improved over the years and is a better firearm today than the 180 series models I use to have. (one which the first gun I bought when I turned 18). By contrast, the Springfield Armory M1a is no longer built as well as the older ones and they are no longer using milspec components they use and as result suck by comparison.

If I were to buy a new gun today between the two I think I'd lean towards the Mini, but I'd much rather have an older M1a than either. The are better M14 options out than today's M1a.

 

[Mark W.]

This last Saturday my son and I dropped by the gun club and made sure our deer rifles were sighted in. His a M1A scoped shot two 1.25" 3 round groups the first to figure out what correction was needed the second after the correction. This was with factory ammo. My Ruger M77R I have hunted with since 1982 did about the same though made no corrections I shot 150gr Round nose and Spire points both shot 1.5" high on either side of the centerline. But then I'm old.

 

[quneur]

Buy both.

 

[CountryGent]

Buy both.

 

[Linoww]

I have two M1A's and three Mini 14/30's
The minis get shot more. I have a soft spot for them because of being a 1970's-1980's kid before the tactical stuff took over.There wasn't many options then as there are now so the Mini was a top choice.
They are accurate enough for the purpose but not match rifles at all.But most don't need .5 MOA to have fun.I shoot and run benchrest matches but my fun guns are just that..fun.Not every gun I own needs to be a tack driver. Sometimes the "feel" of a certain gun is enough for happiness.

 

[Knobgoblin]

I have two M1A's and three Mini 14/30's
The minis get shot more. I have a soft spot for them because of being a 1970's-1980's kid before the tactical stuff took over.There wasn't many options then as there are now so the Mini was a top choice.
They are accurate enough for the purpose but not match rifles at all.But most don't need .5 MOA to have fun.I shoot and run benchrest matches but my fun guns are just that..fun.Not every gun I own needs to be a tack driver. Sometimes the "feel" of a certain gun is enough for happiness.

I do love the way my minis send empties all the way up to the cheap seats.

 

[Linoww]

Ya if I ever had to shoot someone I'd lay it sideways and let the brass slowly dent them into submission.

 

[GWS]

I do love the way my minis send empties all the way up to the cheap seats.

Yep. I had a buddy who had a Mini 14 Ranch model and we always made shoot from the far right side of the rest of us.

 

[titsonritz]

I have two M1A's and three Mini 14/30's
The minis get shot more. I have a soft spot for them because of being a 1970's-1980's kid before the tactical stuff took over.There wasn't many options then as there are now so the Mini was a top choice.

I'm also a child of the 70s-80s, not sure where you grew up but I grew up with this photo…



…and I remember coming home from school to stacks of PolyTech AKs from floor to ceiling in the living room.

 

[NeoBlackdog]

Don't be foolish and choose one over the other! Buy both!

 

[Spitpatch]

Don't be foolish and choose one over the other! Buy both!

Buy both.

What is it the precious metals barkers say?


"Avoid disappointment and future regret!!"

 

[Medic!]

Titsonritz was correct with HK91.

 

[Lazyfaire]

It really depends on what you want to use them for.
cost ------ about the same
distance ----- the M1A
weight ------- Mini 14
portability --- Mini 14
Ammo carry - Mini 14 ( smaller cartridges/ carry more)
post buy parts availability -- Mini 14
other calibers - Mini 14 (5.56, 308, 300 BO)

Have had both, but if to buy again it would be a min 14 or a mini 30

 

[Juniper9mm]

I've had both. For straight utility, home defense, hunting, plinking at the range, the mini is the way to go. Later down the road when you have learned to appreciate the simplicity of the gas operated, rotating bolt design with minimal maintenance requirements, and are wanting to dig deeper on this platform, then you can sink the bigger bucks into the larger brother, or decide to see what it is like to play with another style action platform that intrigues. The newer ones are supposed to give better accuracy than the older versions, but the newer ones just look cheap to me, like a lot of the recent Ruger stuff. I would look for an older one that someone is looking to pass on, perhaps a pawn shop, or GB.

 

[Lazyfaire]

Considering picking up a Mini 14 or a M1A, curious to hear some opinions and experiences. The Ruger is half the price so.. there is that.

This 50th Anniversary model of the Mini 14 is now available

https://twitter.com/x/status/1971174880168259763

View: https://x.com/TwoRulesOfWar/status/1971174880168259763

 

[Knobgoblin]

This 50th Anniversary model of the Mini 14 is now available

https://twitter.com/x/status/1971174880168259763

View: https://x.com/TwoRulesOfWar/status/1971174880168259763

That's the one.

The GB is the only way to justify that new Samson repop folder.

 

[Wickedwing]

I own both, and love both.

The Mini14 is a lot lighter, and better as a ranch/brush gun accordingly.
The M1A ( I own a Socom 16 in the Vltor mod stock) is a lot heavier, but is a very nice all aorund rifle.

It really depends on your wants/needs.
Lighter and durable, but limited on range, or heavier and pricier but more versatile.

Get both IMO .