Just looking for opinions regarding this weapon ...
good / bad / indifferent ETC!
Specifically the model 5819 .

Not the most accurate weapon but it serves a good perpose.

People tend to lump all Mini 14 into the "not so accurate" category. I have two, one will shoot pretty well the other has been shot too much to shoot well anymore. The new model Mini 14 have really improved in the accuracy department. So don't rule one out just because everyone tends to say they aren't very accurate.

Unless you just HAVE to have a Mini the AR is a better weapon as far as aftermarket support, modular interchangeability and for the most part, accuracy goes. Are all Mini 14's not accurate? No. I have had several in the past and have had a couple that would shoot 2-3" groups. The rest were minute of barn door with any ammo I tried. The only ones I have seen that were truly 1" or better were the old Accuracy Rifle Systems conversions. They were good, but the cost of the conversion plus the rifle cost put you over a grand, so at that point it's just easier ( and sometimes cheaper ) to go with an AR. There are going to be some that will swear by their Mini's, but it'll be far fewer than those that won't part with their AR.

They make a new Target Mini 14 that is supposed to fix the accuracy issue.

Obviously it costs more...

http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14TargetRifle/models.html

I like them. Very reliable weapons. I've owned one in the past.

I have owned minis for years, only got 3 right now, an older mini ranch rifle that shoots fair, a mini 30 that is so so and a new mini 14 tactical that shoots 1" groups with a Redfield 2x7x33 on it. I love it for hogs and coyotes, took it to the deer lease last week for quick shots on hogs. I also have an M1A, their big brother, guess I just love the Garand type actions.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder how well the new Mini 30 shoots.

how accurate can a 16" barrel really be?

a couple of my current minis, an old series 169 mini 30, a series 581 mini 14 tactical that like I said previously will shoot 1" groups and old reliable Springfield Armory M1A (their big brother) these are some of my favorite truck guns for hogs, cause my pastures are overrun with them. I think these 2 minis are accurate enough for what I need.

I like the Mini 30. It's a cool gun. Its probably not as accurate as an AR or any bolt gun, but it's good enough.

I believe these would be much more popular if they were priced different. I would pay 300.00 for one, but not 900.

These days building an AR is just a better route.

x2. I think I'd be willing to do $400 for one. Anything more than that and you might as well get an AR or AK.

A guy had one of those at the range one day and after talking to him for a lil while said after messing with it the best he ever got was 1.5 moa.

Good looking rifles.