[Jeff Higgins]

One caveat on Mini-14's - the older ones are notoriously inaccurate. The ones produced in the last several years have been markedly improved. So, if you like the Mini-14, buy a new one. Used ones are suspect as being dumped by someone who couldn't get it to shoot.

That said, even with the new ones, "good" Mini-14 accuracy is considered anything less than 2" - 2 1/2" groups at 100 yards from a bench. Good Ar-15's will better than halve that. The big question, though, is "does that really matter". The answer is "probably not". It all depends on what you expect out of it. For rolling coyotes at the ranges you describe, either will work wonderfully. Either one is a great plinker. Either one will give great service, and outlast you, if taken care of.

Unless you buy a cheap AR-15. The good, worthwhile ones run at least double, triple, or more above the cost of a basic Mini-14. They have become fashionable. With that, prices have climbed drastically, (IMHO) far oustripping the actual value of the rifle. Remember, these were designed to be produced in large quantities very cheaply; designed to a price, if you will. Unfortunately, that philosophy is no longer reflected in their price.

I guess what I'm getting at is that the Mini-14 is a far better value. Don't let its lower price fool you - it is simply priced where the AR-15's should be priced. It's a fantastic little rifle.