I dunno, the Mini-14 has a reputation for pretty lackluster accuracy. I've handled and sold lots of them and I personally wouldn't buy one.

It looks like it would be uncomfortable to shoulder

When I was researching before I bought mine. Most of the complaints about the accuracy came from users that had the older models with thinner barrels. An AR15 vs newer Mini-14 in a bench-rest, the better accuracy will go to the AR. But in just regular shooting, I don't think there will be much of a difference.

I think they improved the sights also. But I didn't look at older ones enough to tell a difference.

How does it look uncomfortable to shoulder to you? It looks like any other basic rifle.

Last time I fooled with one the buttplate was shaped in a way that looked uncomfortable

Ah, OK, I didn't want to offend you, just wanted to make sure you'd received your permanent residence status already so that you didn't try to do anything that would get you in trouble. ;)