I consider the 'it has no accuracy' predjudice the same as the M9 Beretta's "it breaks when you shoot it" story. Both were once true and both were addressed and are not an issue anymore, but old opinions die hard and many people without direct experience with the weapons are quick to propagate the stories to others just because they have "read it somewhere"
For some reason, the AR folks feel it necessary to compare their platform to the Mini 14 even though they are only comparable via the round they fire. Maybe they just feel the need to justify all the $$$ they spend to add the toys and latest gizmos to them.
The AR was designed for combat, the mini is styled after a combat weapon and has similar functionality as the M1 but was not built as a combat weapon (even though some countries do use it in LEO and MP usage). As such it should not be compared head to head to the AR in a combat catagory.
I guess it would be a better comparison for the AR to Mini to have both weapons thrown in the back of a pickup, dragged around in the mud awhile, shot continusly with little maintainence, and generally used by folks who don't pamper their weapons. Then after about a week of this 'field test' compare the continued performance and reliability of both platforms and perhaps the merits of the mini will become obvious due to it's simplicity, dependablity and ease of use.
I have made only a couple mods to mine (580 series with tapered barrel) being a socom strut and a tech sights rear sight. It shoots as good as I do.
I can see a difference between my friends target version with the bull barrel and harmonic balancer in regards to accuracy when compared to my Ranch version, but I can stll do pretty good groups with my Ranch - certinaly good enough to use for plinking and varmit hunting or if need be, defense.
Just my .02
I used to do better with pistols. I see I am going to have to practice a lot more and then move out to 50 yards and so on. I like my rifles to be as accurate as possible to minimize my bad shooting. If a rifle shoots 4" groups and I am off 4" that is an 8" miss. Of course it might go the other way and be in the bull.
So far I am finding heavy crosshairs at 3X seems to work well and the red dot does OK. Fine crosshairs are harder to keep lined up. I am thinking a post would work really well but dont have one to try. The heavier rifles also work better. I can hold my Mini a lot steadier than the light 22. The weight of the folded bipod might also help.
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