Ruger mini 14

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Some attribute part of the accuracy problem to the thin whippy barrel.

I made a muzzle break for mine threaded the end of the barrel for the brake, then made a sleeve that slipped over the end of the barrel and butted up to the clamped on piece at the end of the forearm that holds the gas port. I made it to a length where the brake tightened against it and put the end or the barrel under tension. Improved my groups. Still not a target gun, but I can hit a coyote with it at 200 yards and have done so. I have several bull barreled guns if I want groups.

Not meant to be a target gun. Meant to hit a coyote at 200 yards

 

[jsfricks]

Ruger, like many gunmakers, still have copies of the owners manuals online. This copy is from the 181 series, 1978-2004. See page 10.

The RUGER® MINI-14® RIFLES are chambered for the .223 Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.

https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/mini14-181-186.pdf

 

[robertrwalsh]

I used to work for the Cal DOC and worked often as an armorer and rangemaster. The Mini-14 was, and still is, a primary duty weapon. We put a couple of gazillion rounds of .223 and 5.56 thru them interchangeably with zero problems, including the early models. As noted above, download a manual if it will make you feel better. You probably should have one in any case.

 

[LVSteve]

One word of caution. The 77gr 5.56 round probably wasn't a thing when they wrote the Ruger 1978-2004 manual.

 

[loc n load]

I have a 180 and a 181 that I bought new and have fired thousands of LC and WCC ball as well as a Norinco and IMI ball through them over the decades. Still got them and still shoot them.

 

[crsides]

Thanks to everyone for the info.