[Nobody]

Both the AR-15 and the Mini-14 can put a .223 / 5.56mm round into the target of your choice, provided you do your part. When the light-barreled AR-15 is compared to the standard barreled Mini-14 with flash suppressor / muzzle brake, the two have about the same accuracy, assuming they both have the same barrel twist, about the same barrel length, and are shooting the same ammo. Now, what accessories you add onto them to help you do your part is entirely up to you.

 

[Nobody]

The high-dollar ARs are match-grade target rifles with heavy, free-floated, match-grade barrels and crisp triggers. Comparing these to a Mini is an apples-to-oranges comparison. I have a DS Arms SA58 with a 4.75 lb. trigger, a 24-inch heavy, free-floated barrel, and match sights that shoots 1/2 MOA. Would you compare it to a standard-grade FAL that shoots 3 to 4 MOA and costs 1/3 as much?

By the way, for home defense, I grab the Mini because it handles faster and has all the accuracy I need (2 MOA) to hit someone at 200 yards or less.