I pondered the same question, went with the Mini-14 Tactical. And, yes, you can get ARs for about the same money, but not a gas piston driven AR. Ruger's gas piston action is beyond reliable.
AR, way more versatile. There are DPMS and S&W AR's at low end prices.
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.
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.
I have about $750 in this:
Had about $800 in this one:
I'm a fan of the accuracy and ergonomics of the AR-15. I'd like to get a Mini some day, but at the current prices, the AR is just more versatile IMO.
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