I have two, a stainless Ranch from about 1985, and an older blued standard from the late 70's. They are superbly reliable rifles, only way they won't function is with a total dud round of ammo. But target rifle accuracy? No, not really. Typical groups with most ammo is 3 inches or so at 100 yards, some better, some worse, but they're still "minute of coyote". And yes, they can be made to shoot much better, but usually at considerable expense. I read somewhere that the best way to make a Mini-14 more accurate is to sell it, and buy an AR-15. Not far wrong, but I'll keep my Mini's, I just like them.