I've always found the mini-14 to be attractive, light and compact, but like Col. Whelen I find only accurate rifles to be interesting. I know the early versions generally could not be expected to do better than 3 moa on their best days. I don't demand sub-moa but do want 2 moa or better, day in and day out.
I've heard the new target version is a pretty good shooter but the weight kinda defeats the "light and compact" idea. Could I be satisfied with a new Ranch Rifle?
I also like the idea of the mini-30 but I've heard they tend to be even less accurate.