Mini-14/Ranch Rifle good for self defense?

[1000-points-of-fright]

Check this site for penetration tests.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/index.htm

and this video http://www.militaryvideos.net/videos.php?videonum=43

 

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[JimInNY]

I like the mini-14 as an all around rifle. Its small profile means its easy to cart around. Its not a SBR (scary black rifle) thatll make the neighbors get crazy, the ammo is relatively cheap compared to .308, and its plenty accurate for varmint hunting.

Its not what I would prefer for a total 'shit hits the fan' scenario, but I certainly wouldn't hesitate to grab a mini to deal with coyotes, and still feel comfortable that I had adequate firepower (so long as I have plenty of ammo for follow up) if presented with bigger problems.

I will 2nd this comment. I have one, and I have accurized it with some tips I found online, and it is a nice all purpose utility rifle.

I can put a 5 round mag in it and walk around with it without raising any eyebrows around here. It looks like a .22.

I do have some 30 round mags for it, the cheap, bad feeding US Mags, but, I found the secret to making them work.

I rebuilt them using AR15 USGI parts. I simply modified the green USGI follower to fit in the Mini 14 mag and used new USGI springs. They feed like a charm. The only drawback is no bolt hold open when empty, but I don't really consider that a problem.

 

[GoDrNo]

For the price of a mini-14 you can get an AK, loads of extra mags, and a crap load of ammo.

or

You could get an AK and a Mossberg 500 series pump action shotgun.

or

You could get and AK and a nice Stevens (Savage Arms) .308 bolt-action.

The Ruger is a nice gun, but its expensive and .223 ammo is going through the roof because of the war and the cost of brass.

AK ammo is dirt cheap because it usually comes steel cased and there's tons of it floating around to be bought.

Just as an example today I was fartin around on an online gunstore and for $960 + cost of transfer to FFL dealer I could purchase an AK, mossberg 500, and a Stevens model 200 .308 bolt action rifle.

 

[Time for Change]

The benefit of a shotgun is the sound.
That distinctive BOOM is an attention getter.
They typical group of thugs will fall back (run) more quickly due to the booming sound of a shotgun over a rifle because they are NOT familiar with that high pitched rifle sound.
It is not as intimidating IMO.

Think about it, you are trying to change the group's mind about screwing with you.

Did that make sense?

 

[pcosmar]

The benefit of a shotgun is the sound.
That distinctive BOOM is an attention getter.
They typical group of thugs will fall back (run) more quickly due to the booming sound of a shotgun over a rifle because they are NOT familiar with that high pitched rifle sound.
It is not as intimidating IMO.

Think about it, you are trying to change the group's mind about screwing with you.

Did that make sense?

NO.
The whole point of a weapon in self defense is to stop the attack by effectively incapacitating the attacker.
Not trying to scare them. To eliminate the threat.

. I "racked" the shotgun several times during the tests, and no bystanders lost control of their bowels.
Conclusion: Racking a shotgun will not make the bad guy faint.
from; Box O Truth

 

[Time for Change]

NO.
The whole point of a weapon in self defense is to stop the attack by effectively incapacitating the attacker.
Not trying to scare them. To eliminate the threat.

You are absolutely correct. I am not contesting that in any way.

My intent was to imply a situation where one is confronted by several threats. Take down one with a 12 ga the others will think twice due to the projection of sound that is translated psychologically into big power.

BTW, who is going to unload their gun attempting to scare somebody?
I believe that the darwin theory applies there

 

[pcosmar]

You are absolutely correct. I am not contesting that in any way.

My intent was to imply a situation where one is confronted by several threats. Take down one with a 12 ga the others will think twice due to the projection of sound that is translated psychologically into big power.

BTW, who is going to unload their gun attempting to scare somebody?
I believe that the darwin theory applies there

OK, personally I would rather have a quiet 308 and drop 4 or 5 of them before they get away.

But then I am an old tank hunter, I like loud noise and am not easily intimidated.

 

[the_bee]

I pretty much agree

I've been using a Mini14 since about 1984. Good solid rifle with decent accuracy. The action can handle dirt and grime well. 5.56 ammo is readily available. I have abused the mini14 a lot and it keeps working. I personally prefer my Bushmaster (ar-15 SBR) as it is much more accurate and parts and accessories are readily available. I prefer 7.62 to 5.56 but the cost difference in ammo is huge. I keep my basic 4 weapons ready to go all the time. My handgun is my every day carry and always with me, shotgun with 00 1st choice for home defense (I have a 12 gauge and wife has a 20), then the Bushmaster for all around "I could only grab one gun for everything from protection to food procurement" and then a 7.62 bolt action with the 3x9 scope for the long range and/or big stuff. 7.62 is an awesome caliber but for home defense in populated areas over penetration of walls etc becomes a real issue.

My BOB (bug out bag) consists of a Bushmaster and a shotgun with a lot of ammo for both. My geography puts me straight into the woods if something happens and with both a rifle and shotgun I anticipate being able to provide food and protection for my family for a good long time if the SHTF.

I pretty much agree

Except I think the likely hood of available ammo, although I like the 7.62 especially the ak47 for Defense I also like the good old reliable Winchester 30-30 carbine it hits hard, arguably one of the best bush rifles in history easy to find ammo for. I have never seen one break, on the other hand I also like a 30-0-6 for all the same reasons except it has much better range.

 

[Time for Change]

OK, personally I would rather have a quiet 308 and drop 4 or 5 of them before they get away.

But then I am an old tank hunter, I like loud noise and am not easily intimidated.

We could go back and forth all day...lol...
It really depends on the situation, surroundings and weapon that is close by.
Part of my poorly delivered point is that outsmarting or psyching any opponent is the majority of the battle.

 

[Conservative Christian]

Is this a good all 'round home-defense rifle? What are the pros and cons? I'd like to find a simple, light, reliable weapon for both home defense and perhaps the occasional emergency hunting expedition. Ammo prevalence is also important. I'd like to purchase two of whatever rifle I end up choosing, one for myself and one for the wife. If anyone can suggest better alternatives, I'm all ears.

I'd recommend you buy two DIFFERENT rifles.

Buy the .223 Mini-14 for your wife, and a Springfield Armory .308 M1A Scout Squad for yourself: