Originally Posted by ghostrider

1) Cost You can buy a Mini 14 and 2000 rounds of ammo for what a reliable AR costs. Or rebarrel your Mini for the same price as an AR, which makes that one a wash. If Ruger would build a slightly heavier barrel, like they did with the 10/22, for $100 more, it would tilt the scales to the Ruger. Tie
2) Functionality 90% of self-loading weapon problems are due to magazines. There are reliable mags out there for both, and some real junk. The worst Mini 14 mags are about as reliable as the old aluminum 30 round Adventure Line M16 mags. Tie
3) Practicality If you ever plan to, or do anything other than carry a rifle to the range in a full-size pick-up, a folding stock is the handiest thing they ever put on a rifle. Fold it, sling it across your back, and you can drag a deer, climb a tree stand, work, anything, and your rifle is always there. TSHTF, sling it across your back, roll it in your sleeping bag, you'll have it long after the NO PD takes all the other guy's guns. Mini
4) Performance The AR has evolved to a heavier barrel design for the M855 cartridge. It actually gave away the 5.56 mm cartridge's lethality, the M193 bullet would yaw in the bad guy, and break in half at the cannelure. With a level playing field, a < $1000 AR, and ball ammo, most ARs will shoot in the 2 to 2.5" range at 100 meters, just like most Minis. Most $500 ARs will shoot just like the lighter barrel Minis. I know I'll get flamed for that, but the flamers just need to get some ball ammo and go to the range. I've seen about 3 or 400,000 rounds go down range out of those things. Tie
5) Reliability Bill Ruger worked as an engineer on the M1 Carbine at Springfield Armory during WWII. The self cleaning gas system with the piston in the handguards is infinitely more reliable then the Stoner column of gas that gums up your bolt carrier. Mini
6) Accessories The AR has evolved over the last 20 years to support Aimpoint, lasers, and flashlights. The AR has more junk that can be hung on it. AR
7) Factory vs. Modded Any AR has the two major design flaws, the buffer and spring in the stock, that precludes a folding stock, and the gas system. A heavy barrel Mini 14 in 6mm/.223 would mitigate all of the platform/ cartridge issues. MINI