Minis and ARs are not really an either/or for me. I'd take a nice, wood stocked stainless Mini 14 any day of the week over just about any AR15. Yes, I too bought several Minis years ago for much less. But everything has gone up in price with inflation, legislation, production costs and time. I really have no issues spending a grand on the rifle I want. I have no problem swapping out the barrel etc to make it more accurate. In the end I have something I like to shoot and look at. Something special in my mind. Thankfully, our State (CT) still allows us peasants to own Minis, owing, no doubt, to the not-too-scary looks. However, much to my disappointment, they draw the line at folding stock versions. Folders are "A-Team" level scary apparently.