Both my 184 and 187, as modified in my prior post, shoot 1.5 MOA with 55 gr Hornady FMJs.
But I hear you. It's annoying to have to spend a few hundred dollars to get one to shoot the way it should have from the factory.
On the other hand, my 180 series shot 2.5 MOA out of the box and 2 MOA with a $50 flash hider. Jeff Cooper gave it positive reviews and based on my experience with my 180 series it was justified. It's too bad Ruger didn't just leave the 180 series alone. I also didn't have to spend $50 to find out, as if a slip on flash hider like this one improves the accuracy, the more expensive and more attractive Choate will as well:
That said, back in the day, when the only AR-15s available were made by Colt, the Mini-14 was significantly less expensive, and unless accuracy was a primary criteria it was a valid choice.
It was also intended more or less as a modern alternative to the M1 carbine, and it fills that role very well. In fact the short stroke gas tapped gas system and slide have a lot in common with the M1 Carbine, more so than the M1 Garand or M14.
The good news is that up until the current firearm shortage, the poor reputation for accuracy mean you could find a very good Mini-14 for under $400. And, after investing another $200, it would shoot the same 1.5 MOA groups with the same M193 ammo as a Colt era AR-15.
Its only major downsides are the lack of Lego like aftermarket product modularity common to the AR-15 and the lack of a gazzilion companies making clones at various quality and price point levels.
However it still has a great deal of appeal, particularly for wood and blued steel fans, or for folks who still like the Garand, M14/M1A and M1 carbine.
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