jblomenberg16
Grandmaster
If you have an AR that shoots 2-3 MOA with good ammo, you need to check your barrel nut, because something is seriously wrong with it.
I have an SDMR 20" AR that will do MOA just fine with my hand loads, and factory match ammo. My others will do < 2MOA with my reloads, and good factory ammo as well.
My point was that right out of the box, shooting surplus military ball ammo, or other commercial "non-match" ammunition, a typical 16" AR is going to be capable of 2-3MOA, which is about the expected capability of typical M193 or M855 ammo.
To the OP's question, I've built my cheapest for about $670. That does not include magazines, sling etc., but does include a basic M4 "Clone" 16" upper, standard lower parts, and standard grip and stock, + carry handle rear sight.
My most expensive are well north of $1k, with a suppressed SBR at the $2k mark (including suppressor, and $400 worth of tax stamps).
The AR is going to cost you more just about anyway you cut it. The mini-14 is a perfectly good rifle, but for the money, I think you get more value out of the AR platform in terms of accuracy, capability, customization-ability(not a word, but go with it), and at least for the near future - resale value.