New Ruger Ranch Rifle or New Low End AR? Which to buy?

[MoBoost]

http://www.ar15.com/content/swat/200203-AR-15_vs_Mini-14.pdf

P.S. The cheapest of the cheap AR, polymer lower and all - will shoot circles around Ruger. AR is just a superior platform. If you want a Ruger - well, you get a Ruger, there is nothing "wrong" with it - there is also nothing "logical" about it.

 

[jduff8505]

Ruger also stands behind their product like no other I've seen. That is something you can't put a price on.

 

[been]

for the same money you could get a high end AK. Get one of them vepr rifles instead. If you dont want a vepr, then id get the Mini-14

 

[gun001guns]

If money is an option then I would go with the mini 14 they have been around forever, durable and reliable and will eat anything. You can get into a mini used like new for around $500. I like the AR better myself, but a decent AR is going to run you around $800 give or take so if you can spare that get the AR if not go with the mini14 or mini 30. Lots of good AKs out there for the same money as well. Just my opinion mind you.

 

[bigchuck83]

Ruger Ranch Rifle or Low End AR?

Money is an object here.

i'm having to make the same decision myself and if the S&W M&P 15 sport were easier to find i might go with it. otherwise likely to be the mini 14. I'd sure hate to part with one of my pistols

 

[okav8tor]

Mini 14 Ranch ....

 

[Trashboat]

AR no questions. I have both and the mini 14s won't hold a pattern.

 

[Sam Shoun]

Barsoom, would you mind adding some specifics? Why do you want a rifle? What do you plan to do with it? Is competition in your future? Carbine classes? Hunting? Ever plan to mount optics, lights, or other accessories? Will the rifle serve a home defense role? Any desire for other calibers in the future?

 

[henschman]

You know, with the current state of the market, there are actually some very high quality AR's that are in the same price range as the low end ones. Putting together your own lower and buying a complete upper from Palmetto State Armory will get you an all mil-spec rifle for a little over $600. Another very solid option in the $600 range is the S&W M&P 15 Sport. That is the one I would suggest if you want an out-of-the-box rifle, without having to put together a lower.

If you are wanting some even cheaper options, look at the Saiga rifles. I would get one of those before I would get a Ruger.

 

[ripnbst]

Mossberg's new MVP would be worthy of mention here.