[wmille01]

I was at walmart and saw a ruger mini 14 with military sights I checked my local gun dealer they have it for about the same price. Wood stock, small mag. I don't know jack squat about these guns any info I'm wanting to hunt mostly coyote and some muskrat would this be a good gun?

[Gatoragn]

Mini 14's are dependable, and will deliver the goods on coyotes (assuming .223 caliber) and varmints. However they are not going to perform like a bolt gun at longer distances. My opinion would be 200 yards or less, ok for the critters mentioned. Over 200 yards a bolt gun would be more appropriate. Only my opinion, I sold my mini in the late 80's when I needed some cash and have not reacquired one. But it would shoot every time I pulled trigger.

[stalkingbear]

If you're wanting decent accuracy out of the box consider building a AR. If you just want to buy 1 just go to Keene's and buy a DPMS bull barrel model AR. I'd definitely scope it if the main use is coyotes. You'll have to do some modifications to a Mini 14 to get it to shoot like a AR. Out of box the Minis are marginal in the accuracy department. I used to not be crazy about ARs but they have grown on me.

[lonewolf101]

why not TRAP the muskrats? 110 connabear

[wmille01]

sorry I didn't have internet at the job site, I really don't want a AR, I love the M14 got one for work and got one for fun. The area I hunt the longest shot I made was at 150- 160 yards with a 30-30 took three shots but I got him. Also the reason I don't trap swamp rabbits I don't really care to, I usually take my wife out we sit near the pond we see one we shoot it.

Not to mention I just love the look of a M14.

[Sniper03]

Wmille1,

If you are wanting a serious varmint or predator rifle I would go with an AR in the predator models or heavy barrel 18-20 " Barrel. Or a good bolt action like the Savage Rifles with accutrigger, Howa, Remingtons for example. The minis are great guns but not known for precision accuracy.

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