</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Ruger mini most likely goes for around $550 new.
AR15, any basic setup, most likely around $900 or so.
If you need an excuse to pick up a new long-gun, I'd spend a little more and get a basic M1-A. 20 rounds of 7.62 goes a little bit longer than 30 rounds of 5.56.
Although I have a scope on mine(M1-A), it has a quick release scope mount, hits out to 300 meters with open sights are not that big of a deal and with the wight of the gun, follow up shots are very easy.
Of course, follow up shots with an AR or Mini would be just as easy. )</font>
The Mini-14 was modeled after the M1-A, wasnt it? In a .30cal I dont know if you'd notice a difference... The M1 is a fine gun(from what I hear, never shot one myself) but I have shot a Mini and I'm a big fan of Ruger products overall.. They are nearly indestructable and reliable.. I'd probably go for the better deal here.. Just my thoughts though...