Ruger MIni 14 Thread



This is my Mini 14 Target model, a little heavy with the laminate stock but I love it and its very accurate. I have also owned a ranch model, not quite as accurate but still a blast to shoot.
 
This thread has nothing to do with trucks GatorFarmer. The last brand new Mini I bought was in 1993. I have reloaded for and shot a target version and a 6.8 in the last three years.

Here is my son's Mini 30 and my CZ 527 7.62x39mm carbine. These are practically the same weight and length.

ruger_cz.jpg
 
This thread has nothing to do with trucks GatorFarmer. The last brand new Mini I bought was in 1993. I have reloaded for and shot a target version and a 6.8 in the last three years.

A standard model Mini made today is going to be substantially different than a 1993 model. The target models came out around the time the line started to change. Most should be decent rifles. Or so I have heard. I never owned one. It is certainly possible that some bad ones were made.

Any current production Mini 14 in .223, particularly with the shorter barrel and flash hider, should not have the past issues often experienced related to stringing/ shooting shotgun like patterns. The sights are also improved as is the ability to scope one.
 
Thank you for your interesting opinions. I will not be buying a Mini-14 before an M1A, but it sounds like an interesting rifle.
 
The M1 carbine isn't a target rifle either. I think Ruger was attempting to bring something new to the market along the same line as the M1 carbine, since they are so popular and becoming difficult to find at a reasonable price. I have one of each, and they have their place. Shooting ity-bity groups at the range is neither's forte.
 
The Ranch rifle I own was purchased used in 1985. It is picky about the ammunition it will shoot accurately. It seems to like 55 gr. Winchester loads. I have been able to group 1 inch at 100 yards with it. It will not shoot military 5.56 ammunition at all or heavier bullets with any acceptable accuracy. 3 to 4 inch groups were what it shot with the heavier bullets. Like most firearms you have to try different loads until you find the one the firearm will shoot accurately. I have an 1948 Remington 721 in .270 that is lazer beam accurate with 130 gr. but not with lighter or heavier weight bullets i.e. the 115 or 140 gr. bullets.

I have fired a Mini 14 worked on by Accuracy Systems of Colorado. It was as advertised at 1/4 inch group at 100 yards but it cost a pretty penny to get it that accurate. I don't shoot enough these days to require that level of accuracy nor do I want to spend that kind of money on any firearm.
 
A Mini is not a MOA firearm by any means.

Baloney! (Yes, I know I spelled it wrong.) I have a 581 series Ranch Rifle that, with a couple of very cheap mods will shoot sub MOA at 100 yards all day long. Those mods being 1) .040 gas bushing and, 2) a 1911 recoil buffer.

NIB, Ruger mini's are WAY over gassed. The major indicator of this is that your brass will land in the next ZIP code. Reducing the gas bushing to a .040 or even .038 will tame the beast. Secondly, when cycling, the bolt will contact the rear of the receiver. A simple 1911 recoil buffer will eliminate this.

Do these two very simple, and very cheap, things and the Mini becomes a VERY good and accurate predator rifle.

As for ammo, I shoot 62 grain Remington CoreLockt almost exclusively.

Below is a picture of my Mini Rancher and a target I shot at 200 years using a sand bag on a bench. Two shots to zero and then the rest.

Bob
 

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In the late 90'sI owned a mini-14 that shot the typical 4"-6" groups. Fast forward to today, I have a 583 series mini-14 RR that I bought for just over $600.00. With the standard gas port the ejection of a spent casing is, well, "enthusiastic". A .040 gas port from ASI tamed it down for little money. The accuracy is 2"-3" at 100 yards, well within my needs. Yes I have experienced the AR. Carried an M-16 for 20 years and was the first officer in my department authorized to carry an AR. I just prefer the handling of the mini-14.
 
Had my Mini 14 since the 80's. Is it as accurate as my AR? No. Can I engage targets with it? Yes.
 
I had reason to stop in at a Walmart nearby that sells firearms. The guy said the announcement of their demise may be premature!

He had a nice wood Rancher for $637, a wood 10/22 for $199, and a few nice Rem 700 bolt actions for $377 (syn stock). IF they have what you want, it's a great place to buy IMO.
 
Might I suggest you also search for a used M1A? A lot of people buy them and find that they prefer an AR style

The M1A (or equivalent) is my next rifle.

I am also interested in the Mini-14 (as well as a shooter Mauser 98K and a shooter Springfield 1903A with proper bayonets and slings). I once wanted an Israeli Mauser, but I despaired of ever finding one that did not look like broken driftwood. Apparently the Isreali's used them. Thank you.
 
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