Ruger Mini-14

[Thunder71]

I'm considering the Ruger Mini-14, anyone here have one or know anything about them? I've watched videos and done some reading, but if you have anything in particular for or against them feel free to share, or what to look for, etc.

Thanks

[Ramoel]

I bought one way back when they first came out. It was a pretty good gun and reasonably accurate. Ruger recalled mine for a heat treating issue. They removed the barrel and re-heat treated the receiver and put it back together again. When I got it back it was never as accurate again and I eventually traded it in for something else.

A few years ago I bought a Mini-30 which is basically the same gun in a larger caliber. I still have it. It would never group better than about 4 inches at 100 yards. I replaced the wood stock with a Hogue overmolded stock and it tightened the groups to around 2 inches.

I shoot mostly steel cased Russian ammo and it works quite well. I did have a problem igniting the hard primers once in awhile. As I understand it, they use hard primers to prevent slam fire in an AK. I installed a heavier hammer spring in the Ruger and have had no ignition problems since.

If I had to do it over again I'd still get the Mini-30 over the Mini-14. I've killed a few deer with it and it worked good. Comparable to a 30-30 for killing power.

[Thunder71]

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it... glad you mentioned the 30 as well, they're actually less expensive from what I'm seeing.

[PHATSPEED7x]

The Mini-14 isn't as popular as it use to be due to the flood of entry level AR-15 rifles...

[Thunder71]

Yeah, I suppose that's preferred by more people.

I had one, might consider one again but thought I'd try something different this time around. Maybe I'll swing by Fleet Farm and see what they have.



Tapatalk - Helping people post from bathrooms since 2009.

[AFTERMATH]

I'd like to get one to use as a training rifle for my m-14... But other than that I don't see any reason I'd grab one before just about anything else in it's class.

[Countryfried Frank]

Mrs. C. bought me a Ranch Rifle for Christmas. I put an AIT stock on it and it is great fun for close in (<100yd) blasting. The accuracy issues were fixed by the heavier barrel (look for a barrel that is tapered just forward of the gas block) but it is not as customizable as an AR. Factory Magazines are expensive but the Gen II Tapco Mini mags are decent (14 @ FF) just make sure it is a Gen II which has a steel reinforcement on the front where it meets the lug. The trigger out of the box is pretty crunchy but with a little work can be made to be downright decent. The only issues I've had with mine have been ammo related and my fault.

[RangerTim]

In my opinion they are not as good a value for the money as a cheap AR. They are a fun little carbine, but they aren't known for great accuracy, mags are not as easy to find as an AR, and personally I don't find the feel of the rifle to be anything special. My Mini14 had issues with Russian ammo, which was one of the reasons I had purchased one, I wanted a carbine with affordable ammo.
I suppose the question is what exactly are you looking for? If you simply want a handy little ranch rifle, the Mini14 and Mini30 are pretty good choices in terms of reliability. Having said that, I would stick with an SKS, or upgrade to an entry level AR (for nearly the same cost).

[Holland&Holland]

Solid, handy little gun. Great truck gun. Have one in 6.8, groups well at 100, not a tack driver but less than a 2 inch group so a good mid range deer gun/utility rifle.

[speedy396]

I bought a used older mini 14 as an alternative to a more expensive AR. It isn't as accurate as an AR, but if you shop around, an older mini can be had for under $500. I think when buying new, the AR is a better bang for the buck. Sportsman Guide used to sell a 3pack of 20 round mags for $35 that work well. I haven't checked recently.

[2in2out]

I have a Mini-14 "Target", which is supposed to be capable of 1 moa groups. I would say that's about right, although I don't shoot consistently well to adjust the harmonic dampener (and thus get the most out of the rifle's potential).

As far as reliability, it's been flawless using brass ammo. Using cheap Wolf crap, the coating on the steel casings seems to be just enough to get caught and prevent extraction. After like 5 out of the first 10 shots with that junk, I was "over" Wolf and now I shoot brass exclusively.

The -14 Target model is .223-only, and maybe that has something to do with my issues with Wolf Ammo. All other models will shoot 5.56 (except, of course, the 6.8 and 7.62 chambered rifles).

Overall, it's a good gun and I like Ruger as a company. Getting a newer Ranch model gives a gun owner traditional styling and a reliable firearm. Spending extra money on the Target model gives you something distinct and unique, but I could've probably got a Ranch Rifle, had just as much fun and saved a few hundred dollars.

The older -14's were hit or miss for accuracy, and I've heard that's because the tooling was getting old. But, Ruger redesigned the gun when they replaced their tooling in 2006 and the accuracy of all models has gone up significantly. I've heard good things about the 6.8 cartridge, but don't know how that compares to a regular 5.56-chambered Mini.

[2in2out]

I checked the Ruger Forum, and found an interesting post:
http://rugerforum.net/ruger-semi-auto/60970-mini-14-accuracy.html

They have a link to one of Hickock45's videos on the Mini. That guy's back yard is just plain cool.

[Shipyard]

i had one for a bunch of years - solid, awesome little truck gun. yeah - it was no sniper rifle, but for an urban/zombie gun it was the tops. it ate ANYTHING i put in it. even some boxes of the old "schellacked" brown bear garbage i never had an issue with ammo. silver bear, wolf, brown bear, any of the eastern steel/zinc/brass cases ammo worked.

only reason i got rid of it was i started piling up AR platforms and i was tired of two different style mags getting mixed up in my bag.

if i could only have ONE assaualt rifleplatform i think that i would actually choose the mini over an AR based on my experiences with them. but since i don't have to, and get to have SEVER rifles with different uppers and lowers to mix and match like a high school girl's shoe closet, i guess i'll have to live the a safe full of black rifles

[Thunder71]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the input.

Over the weekend I drove over 4 hours and looked at several different models at different locations, even filled out the paperwork on one but my gut told me to walk, something just wasn't right.

I did handle an AR in the process and I must have picked up BRD from it because Sunday I bought this with 0 hesitation:


&quot;Evil Black Rifle&quot; by N0YZE Photo, on Flickr

[LumberZach]

I'd like to get one to use as a training rifle for my m-14... But other than that I don't see any reason I'd grab one before just about anything else in it's class.

Yeah, that is pretty much how I feel. AR's are more accurate and more better in most ways. If you want more power you can get an AR in just about any caliber now. Minin 14's are nice during bans, but right now you pay too much for too little rifle.
Congrats on the new rifle!