Can't Decide On Second Mini-14

[QB]

I want a second Mini-14 "just because". Also my friends also shoot with me at the range and I normally provide the guns. I'd like to keep one at my house and one at my mother's house. Can't think of any other "excuses" to buy another Mini but I'm sure I'll think of something. :D

I definitely want a stainless and a 16 1/8" barrel. I got a great deal on my first Mini-14 model #5819 but can't find another one at the same price.

Question: I can get a model #5819 for $755 (out the door) or a model #5820 which is the same but with no flash suppressor for $685 (out the door). Unfortunately both prices are more than I paid for my first model 5819.

Is is worth the extra $70 to get the flash suppressor? These rifles are used as range guns mainly but would be used in a pinch for home protection. I like short barrels and know that the flash suppressor makes the #5819 overall length greater. Will the rifle without the flash suppressor shoot noticeably different? Do most people want a Mini with a flash suppressor or without (thinking of resale if that should ever happen).

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. I don't want an AR15 or other .223/5.56 because I want to be able to use the same magazines which I have plently of (20 and 30 round factory mags). I don't want a different caliber because I don't want to have to stock yet another caliber. So it boils down to whether or not I should spend the extra $70. I know it's a personal decision but would like to hear pros and cons.

Thanks

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Why not get one of each, decide which one you like best for a shooter and leave the other one at home? Then put the $70 into ammo or more mags.

 

[QB]

I'm leaning in that direction, saving $70 since I already have one with a flash hider. In fact, I just sent an email to the seller of the one without the flash hider to see if he'll sell it any cheaper without mags (I have plenty....if that's possible :o ). If he'll do that, it will probably put me over the edge and I'll buy the rifle without the flash hider.

Another thought is that if I get the one without the flash hider I may some day have the barrel cut and a permanent flash hider added to where the TOTAL length is 16 1/8" (or whatever the required length is). That would make it shorted than the Model #5819 which I would like.

Thanks for your comment.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

That's what I did.

 

[blume357]

that's what I think is the best choice... get the 'other' one so you have both types... but then I think the part about leaving one at home is kind of silly and unrealistic.... You then need to take both of them with you to the range.

 

[QB]

Ok, just bought the model 5820 LE without flash hider. I'm out of town so won't get it for a few weeks. I'll post pictures and a range report.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

that's what I think is the best choice... get the 'other' one so you have both types... but then I think the part about leaving one at home is kind of silly and unrealistic.... You then need to take both of them with you to the range.

That's a given but QB stated that one was to be left at his mothers house.

 

[Al James]

QB I love your 5819! I am looking for one also. Just an FYI, if you aren't aware ruger introduced the 5850 which is the same as the 5819 except it comes with rings. So if you are wanting the same configuration for less dough WITH rings check there too. BTW, your are competition in my search for one, but if I come across one and cant personally move on it I will PM you the deal.

 

[FotoTomas]

I prefer the flash hider for the short barrel. My latest Mini has one along with the ATI stock. The non flash hider models I had in the past were annoying on the range. I ended up cutting down one barrel to 16 inches and putting a Choate front sight/flash hider on the front. Made me happy and biased me to that style for the future.