Ruger mini-14 prices and SW ar15 prices?

Well, if that's all you intend on actually shooting out to, then by all means, buy the cheaper rifle because anything that shoots a centerfire rifle bullet and isn't a third world tool-shed knockoff of an AK should be able to hit that with no problem. Semi-automatics firing .223/5.56 ammo don't fluctuate hardly at all at this range. The Mini-14 is very rugged, usually cheaper than the vast majority of ARs, and as long as you buy one in the normal hunting-style stock, you can avoid the silly "assault weapon" labels that the idiot left throws around every so often.

They're a bit more novice-friendly from a maintenance and take-down standpoint, but I personally would use an AR over it 99 times out of 100, and that 1 time would be if for some reason I knew the weapon was going to get damaged. Performance-wise, the shooter makes a big difference but a base mini-14 is not going to compete with a decent AR, especially in the long run. Now, as a disclaimer, I come from a military background so I've had significantly more experience on the AR and M4 platform than the mini-14, though the latter is the rifle I learned how to shoot with a long time back.

I am going to put my trust in the system I've put a hundred thousand rounds through over the one I haven't, and ultimately, shooter preference is the deciding factor.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.