what to get?

With the current situation of not knowing where we are headed, I would get the standard barrel with no attachments if you can find one. Check Midway for factory 20 round mags.

I would take either and it may not make any difference with the way they are talking. I would like the rails of the tactical model for the option of mounting a dot scope.

Why the thumbs down

The Mini 14 doesn't "look" like an "assault weapon", but it shoots the same ammo. Don't know if that might be trouble if there was a ban put in place.
Would they ban "assault weapon" ammo - and target .223 simply because the AR-15 uses it? Ignoring all the other guns that use it?
It's our crazy politicians and they have done far dumber things before.

Colby said:

The Mini 14 doesn't "look" like an "assault weapon", but it shoots the same ammo. Don't know if that might be trouble if there was a ban put in place.
Would they ban "assault weapon" ammo - and target .223 simply because the AR-15 uses it? Ignoring all the other guns that use it?
It's our crazy politicians and they have done far dumber things before.

Click to expand...

Seriously? Looks just about like a M-14 I was issued

I prefer my tactical model with a Hogue stock (not one of the folding options with adjustable stock, etc.). It's slightly more compact than the standard Mini and comes in the box with a 20-round magazine.

Both are fine rifles and I love mine. You might consider the Mini 30 also as ammo may be easier to come by. Either way they're fine guns. Mine shoots any ammo I put in it. Steel, brass, lacquer coated, reloads, .223 and 5.56. You name it, she eats it. Try and stick with the later models if you can though (581 and 582 prefixes). They have the thicker barrels.

I have the tactical with a synthetic stock And love it but I'm about to put on a tapco and am enthused to see how that turns out but I would recommend the tactical to Anyone

deadworm said:

looking at a new mini 14. like to know what is the real dif between the std.
mini and the "tactical" version. I can see the the tactical has a flash hider but otherwise? not a lot of dollar dif between the 2 versions so would like a bit of advice/info on this.
thanks
deadworm

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You nailed it. Only difference is barrel length and the flash hider on the Tactical.

IMO, if you're going to be shooting a lot of surplus/"tactical" 5.56 loads, the flash hider could be a worthwhile addition.

My Ranch Rifle w/o flash hider throws a 2 foot fireball in broad daylight with Federal or American Eagle XM193...

well, I kinda got an education here and and talking to a local dealer. "wish I had 100 of em,
could sell them all today!" that was my introduction to finding a good mini to buy, regardless
of model. and the prices....some twice the new price, and getting it! finally found 4 mo. old
581 tactical for $950 and glad to get it. did get 300+ rds of federal ammo with it so that softened the blow.
now I am a part of the mini 14 brotherhood owners I'm pleased to say.

deadworm said:

well, I kinda got an education here and and talking to a local dealer. "wish I had 100 of em,
could sell them all today!" that was my introduction to finding a good mini to buy, regardless
of model. and the prices....some twice the new price, and getting it! finally found 4 mo. old
581 tactical for $950 and glad to get it. did get 300+ rds of federal ammo with it so that softened the blow.
now I am a part of the mini 14 brotherhood owners I'm pleased to say.

Click to expand...

Sounds like you got a good deal. I just sold my Mini 14 581 Tactical a few days ago for $1200. It had a $129 Redfield scope on it and 3 20-round Ruger mags. Judging by the lack of ammo out there (specifically .223 and 5.56), you got a hell of a deal. Enjoy your Mini!

IMO opinion, considering the craziness of things right now, you got a good deal....basically paid retail for it with an added bonus. I attended a big gun show last week and the lowest priced mini I saw was a $1600 197 series that was beat to crap.