MP15 Sport or Ruger Mini-14

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1sailor

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I had been planning on buying a new Mini-14 as soon as I got a couple of bills paid off (getting very close). However, I see now where the MP Sports are available again and I can get one for about the same price as an entry level Mini-14 Ranch rifle. So now I'm not sure which way I want to go. I actually like the fact that the Ranch Rifle just looks like a little carbine and, with the 5 round magazine could be mistaken for a .22. The newest series have some needed improvements over the earlier models. On the other hand the MP Sport would give me an economical opportunity to try a different rifle system then what I'm used to and, it is a Smith and Wesson (as opposed to several companies I have never heard of before). There is no sense though in considering a Sport unless it is at least as dependable as the Mini's have proven to be. For those of you who own one, what has your experience been. Are they finicky about the types of ammo they will feed? The Mini's are capable of about a 2" to 3" grouping at 100 yards. I would hope that the MP would at least be similar. Any observations from guys who have owned both. Any issues with chronic parts failures? What about parts availability. I know that the Sport is not a mil-spec rifle which doesn't mean much (hey, neither is the Mini) to me as long as parts aren't going to suddenly dry up. Will they use a standard AR15 magazine?
 
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Had access to a Mini14 growing up as a kid. Fun rifle, killed many milk jugs with it.

With that said, I would go with the M&P 15 Sport. The Sport has proven to be an accurate rifle. Uses all standard AR parts. The Sport is not mil-spec, but that does not mean it is bad. It just isn't built to military specs. Where the Sport doesn't meet mil-spec is mostly in the barrel. Mil-spec calls for 4150 steel, chrome lined, 1:7 twist barrel. The Sport is 4140, melonited, 1:8 twist with 5r rifling. And of course it doesn't come with forward assist or a dust cover.

I have only put 80 rounds through mine so far, just to sight it in and see how it functions. I shot Silver Bear, 62 grain hollow points. Cheap steel cased ammo made in Russia.

If you are interested in the AR platform and want to get a inexpensive, quality rifle, the Sport is a good one.
 
Apples or oranges?

Other than they are both fruit that shoot .223 by the bucket there isn't much about them that's the same.

Both will last a short stretch of forever if you take care of them, either will be a blast at the range, and either one can be found for a reasonable price. The only tip of my hat to the AR comes from the massive pile of parts and stuff you can find for them. The Mini has options but not like the AR has them. But either one has junk that you have to sort through that may seem like fun options and the reality is it was just more thrown into the money pit.
 
Well, sadly I guess my question was answered for me. I just realized that the model Bud's has in stock is the PRC compliant models with the bullet button. I should have paid more attention. The USA model is still "out of stock".
 
Where you located? Academy Sports carries them. Walmart may have them, or have the ability to order one for you.
 
Has anyone ever ordered one through Walmart? That's where I was going to get my Mini-14. I live in a small town on the Oregon Coast which is not the end of the world but you can see it from here.
 
I'm not sure how you found that listing for walmart. When I search the only AR style rifle it lists is a Bushmaster. In fact, when I type in either of the walmart numbers your link lists it comes back as a non-existant number.
 
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Scotts outdoor sports on gunsamerica has one. 669 shipped.
Id call and make sure it's current inventory.
 
Wallyworld won't allow you to order guns on line as far as I know. Bud's was attractive because I have one of their cards.
 
Well $669 isn't a bad price but by the time I pay my FFL and everything it ends up being about $100 more than I can get a Mini-14 for. I thought Bud's had them for $599 but they turned out to be the PCR models.
 
Buds has great prices, however I see lots of posts about long lead times.
I bought mine last month from a vendor on gunsamerica, I ordered it over the phone after confirming it was in stock. That was from onlinegundeals, currently out of stock though.
 
One thing you should know is that the sport has a progressive gain twist barrel, My sport is way more accurate than my Dad's mini14. Personal observation at our range at 100 yrds and most definately at 200 yards. With me pulling the trigger on both!!

Also when I type in the WallyWorld link, it comes up as the sport!!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Smith-Wesson-M-P-15-Sport-Rifle/19237914
 
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I googled S&W M&P 15 Sport Walmart and I got that page. Your local store may not have them in stock, but if they sell firearms, they should be able to order one for you. Not sure what the price will be though. MSRP is $709. I'm guessing WM would have them at around $650.
 
Sailor are you in a state that has serious gun restrictions? That could be why WallyWorld wont show up. When we lived outside of Aspen they weren't allowed to sell firearms because of some Law. Maybe it is the same where you are!
 
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