You should compare the Ruger AR 556 vs the Ruger Mini-14 in price. I have a Mini-14 and was looking hard at a Ruger AR 556. About 6 months ago you could get a AR 556 base for under $500, even $450, while the Mini-14 is still around $900. Recently the Ruger AR 556 has jumped on the street price due to demand, so it would be difficult to find one under about $625 . I still am looking for a AR 556 myself as a basic home-defense weapon- it is probably the least expensive AR-15 of any of the major manufacturers. You can get better guns for far more money, and probably cheaper guns where the quality stinks, but it seems the Ruger AR 556 is an overall great value.