Some thoughts:

Curious to hear what reliability problems you are having with AR. I have well over 2500 rds through my Bushmaster (1000 at a time without cleaning in 4 days to see if it would take it and to prove Colt brainwashed instructor wrong) and about 500 through my 99% Colt build with no problems. My PD has several Colt and DPMS ARs as patrol rifles and I have not seen any trouble.

My only problem with the Mini 14 is finding reliable and economical magazines. the new ghost rings actually seem better to me.

I didn't like that compenastor or the fact that it took shorter parts on the Socom. I bought a M1A Scout instead. 44mag.com was selling government contract 20 rd mags for the M1A at good prices if anyone is interested.(I bought 10.)