Opinions needed. Found my new toy

[Dbodt]

Ok, I received a bonus from work and have 600 bucks burning a hole in my pocket. Considering a mini 14 just to goof around with. I know I may have to kick in a little more jack for a nice one, but just wanted some opinions from those who have experience with this type rifle. Will also take suggestions for other rifles in that price range. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to all.

updated- thanks for all the great advise I found my new toy today.
ruger mini ranch 14 tactical, yea baby I am happy.

 

[RamRoddoc]

The Ruger mini 14 and ranch rifles are real nice. If you are a wood and steel guy then you will be happy.

The AR-15 is the apple pie and Chevy truck of the American rifle world. Dang things are basically adult legos and you can go mild or wild with so many options you be like a woman in the world's largest shoe store. If you don't have one, now is the time to buy. Get the PSA fully built lower (MOE on sale now less than $200-see steals and deals for link) then pick the upper you want on sale if you can wait.

Great deals being offered on AR stuff now, that is until the next banic buying, it will come as history repeats itself.

MOE fully built lower $169.99 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/featured/complete-psa-ar15-lower-moe-edition-black.html

The basic fully built lower $149.99 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar15-days-of-christmas.html

Top it off with that PTAC $399.99 upper with the YHM rail and you are in it for $550 +shipping. Shipped to 4th Armory in Marietta for a free transfer you still have money left to buy a box of ammo and a magazine or two.

Free transfers: http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/threads/552371-Free-FFL-Transfers-for-ODT-members

Here is an upper with a rear sight for $424.99 http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/ar-15-05/complete-uppers/16/psa-16-m4-premium-upper-with-bcg-charging-handle-and-psa-aluminum-rear-flip-up-sight.html
Oops don't forget a set of BUS, that would put you over the $600 mark.

 

[givejunkfree]

I would buy a civi AR over a Mini. ARs shoot straight cold. Minis are hunting fodder and are not nearly as accurate. Stay away from stainless minis. Once you heat it up, accuracy goes down the tube.

 

[Dbodt]

Guys thanks for the quick input. I should have mentioned I am pretty well covered in the AR department. Mainly looking for a cool rifle that I could take to an outdoor range and kill some paper targets. Since i have the 5.56 caliber already in stock it kinda makes since to stay in that caliber with another rifle. Like the looks of the mini and the folding stocks. How dependable and how accurate are the mini distance wise? I imagine I would be plinking around 100 yards, surely they can do that?

 

[givejunkfree]

Blued minis are fine, but, as I said above, stay away from the stainless. Get the Ranch version, but don't expect it to out-preform your ARs. Why not save some $$ for ammo and get an SKS if you just want to bang paper? Something different anyhow. Ker-Pow!

 

[Dbodt]

I did not even think of an Sks. That would be cool also. Let me start researching. Thx

 

[JRS58]

I love my ranch rifle, but you might want to think twice about getting into one. The rifle only likes Ruger factory mags, and they are very expensive.

 

[Hasselhoss]

Have you considered a M1 Carbine or a Marlin Camp-9?

 

[alantukh]

If you wanna stay with 556 and just want something to sling lead, I recommend a kel tec su16. Its a very under rated gun, and you already have the mags! Ib my experience, they are good for me out to 200 yards. Though, I have seen people push it out further with the su16

 

[Dbodt]

Have you considered a M1 Carbine or a Marlin Camp-9?

I have never even heard of an marlin camp. Just googled that is pretty cool. I definitely want to put on a synthetic stock and tacticool it out. Thx