The New Huntmastersbbs!: Accuracy Rifle Systems

This is topic Accuracy Rifle Systems in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi-bin/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000051

Posted by dzrtram (Member # 217) on July 08, 2003, 10:25 AM:

I am new to this site and to varminting. I must make it abundantly clear that I don't know what I'm talking about. [Wink]

The only .223 rifle I have is a Mini 14 that I paid $198 for. It is in almost pristine condition. I picked up a couple of varminting and rifle magazines to begin learning about varminting. In every gun mag I've ever seen ACCURACY RIFLE SYSTEMS has an ad about making the mini a tack driver, or whatever. Out of curiosity I emailed them and got the info. Has anyone ever had them do any work on a mini? Is this advisable. Seems to me it would cost me about $1000 to do all I would like, but I don't know for sure. Any advise, especially from the experienced, would be greatly appreciated, even if it's negative.
Thank you for your help. [Smile]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 08, 2003, 04:22 PM:

Okay, I'll sugarcoat it for you. Worthless. Dump in an additional $1000, and it's an expensive plinker.

I really have no use whatsoever for a Mini 14.
It's not a predator rifle, or a "varmint" rifle.

In that catagory, the SKS takes the cake, for a lot less money.

You asked!

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on July 08, 2003, 05:28 PM:

I would suggest seeing how it groups first?,or maybe you've all ready done that? I know minis have a horrible rep, but on the other hand, Ive had more than one that was a pretty fair shooter. One to two inch gun is really not that bad for a calling rifle, considering most shots are relatively close. See how it shoots first before dumping any loot into it, you might all ready have a decent shooter.

~Az-Hunter~

---------------------------

" If you want to shoot tight groups, fire one shot"

Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on July 09, 2003, 08:47 AM:

I'm with Leonard,DUMP IT...GOOD HUNTING CO

Posted by yotecaller (Member # 179) on July 09, 2003, 01:44 PM:

If I had some money to invest in a Varmint Rifle.I would go buy a Savage in .223 and put a nice scope on it.

Posted by BillfMO (Member # 192) on July 09, 2003, 04:07 PM:

I will have to agree with AZ-Hunter if the mini will shoot 1-2 inch groups go hunting and have fun for awhile. If if shoots like most mini's I have been around and the groups are in the 5-6 inch or more range, then spend your 1000 bucks on something that will give better accuracy out of the box.

You say that the mini is the only 223 you have, if you have other rifles any will work on coyotes. Only thing is some will make a larger hole than others but the animal is dead just the same.

Myself I like the AR other hate the things. JUST MY 2 CENTS.

Bill from MO

Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on July 09, 2003, 04:26 PM:

A guy I work with sent off his mini to ARS. It was't accurate enough to hit ground squirrels at a hundred yards is the reason he decided to send it off. I asked him the just other day about it and how the mini shot now. He said it groups between 1.5-2" now. He was a little vague about the cost but I think he spent between $800-1000 for them to work their magic on it and then spent several hundred more on a scope.

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 09, 2003, 05:11 PM:

To define where I am coming from; I do not like semi autos, in any configuration, as a hunting gun. That's my personal opinion, and I respect those that like assault rifles, but they are not for me.

Now, there are semi-autos, and other semi-autos. The mini 14 is the worst handling POS I have ever fired, the way it cycles is very distracting, and those groups are usually pityful. If you happen to have one that groups okay, that's great, but it still doesn't make it a hunting rifle....in my opinion.

On the other hand, AR15 type guns are much better in almost every important catagory. And, of course, they cost more. But, I don't like them as a hunting gun either. Flinging my brass all over the rocks aggrivates the hell out of me, and that's just one reason. I don't wish to offend anybody, but that's my opinion, and it will never change.

Bottom line, it's what you like, not what I like, that is important. [Smile]

Good hunting. LB

Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on July 09, 2003, 07:56 PM:

Leonard,

I swear I like you more and more every time I bump into you.

Nothing makes my skin crawl more than to hear of a guy with a semi-auto .223 who wants to start coyote calling.

I've seen too many AR-15's turn good shots into lousy shooters instantly.

A second shot should be saved for a second coyote. Make the first shot count.

You ever get the chance to hunt down this way, be sure to let me know. Maybe I can even get your picture taken with the local legend.

Now That would be something to hang on your den wall!

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 09, 2003, 08:01 PM:

(that's funny!)

Posted by BillfMO (Member # 192) on July 10, 2003, 05:08 AM:

Guess I will have to stand up and defend the semi-auto 223 AR. Just like the gun is not the problem when someone shoots another person. It is not the gun's fault with the hunter who is only throwing lead at the coyote. If I just wanted to throw lead a Mini 14 would work great, but I do like to hit what I shoot at and hope to do it with 1 shot 1 kill. The reason I use the AR is because it is the best out of box semi-auto 223 I have found. If the gun makers would make a good semi-auto 223 that looked more like a hunting rifle I would buy one just for the PR reasons. The AR is getting a bad rap because of all the crap out there with the anti's. If someone doesn't have finger control just because their rifle can hold 20-30 round clips, they need to work on far more than just their group size.

They need to work on MIND CONTROL!!!!

The reason I don't like the bolt action rifle is that I take the rifle away from my shoulder to work the bolt causing me to lose any sight picture I had with the first shot. The automatic second shot is not so I can throw lead at the first target but so I am ready for number 2 and 3 coyote as they are coming in. One shot ONE KILL....3 shots 3 dead coyotes laying on the ground ready....WHO HAS A SHARP KNIVE???

I guess the main thing I am saying here is that the rifle one carries don't not make one a hunter. But that it is the HUNTER that makes the rifle a great hunting gun.

Bill from MO

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on July 10, 2003, 09:40 AM:

Bill, don't take this wrong, we're just jerking your chain a bit. The AR has plenty of defenders, and you listed three more reasons why I don't like them for coyote hunting. [Smile]

Then there is the total dependence on a safety. "Quietly" inserting a magazine, and chambering a round is impossible, and dumping your ammo into the mud, as you are ready to go somewhere else.

Unacquiring, and re-acquiring a sight picture, as you work the bolt is a desirable feature, seems to me? Expands your horizons.

However, I admire a person willing to work with so many handicaps.... [Smile]

Good hunting. LB

Posted by BillfMO (Member # 192) on July 10, 2003, 10:36 AM:

Hey Leonard Iam cool on this end.

As to;

quote:
However, I admire a person willing to work with so many handicaps....

I must say I agree, as I too admire those who are willing to use what I feel is no better than my Knight MK. ONE SHOT ONE KILL per stand!!!! [Big Grin]

BillfMO

Posted by Ernest Sandoval (Member # 156) on July 13, 2003, 02:02 AM:

I used to use a mini-14, now I use a AR, my mini could shoot 3" groups a 100yds., but all my shooting was close range, under 25yds., in mesquite dunes, I loved it, it had a 1.5x4.5 scope. coyo[url= http://"http://www.hunt101.com/?p=1803&c=500&z=1"]

[/url]tes never knew what hit them.

Posted by dzrtram (Member # 217) on July 13, 2003, 07:28 AM:

"DITCH THE MINI" is pretty much the message I get everywhere. I won't "ditch" it, but I won't put any money into it either. Thanks for all the input, everyone!! [Smile]

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.0