ruger .223 accuracy

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rabbitrandy

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Wow, this is a busy forum.

I'll keep it simple, I have searched as much as I could on this subject so need to slam me for not getting my answer.

Is it acceptable for a Mini 14 manufactored in 1986, to only be able to group 2 to 3 inches at 50 yards? Shooting factory ammo and my reloads with different powder charges, 55 grain bullet.

I can not get this gun to hit the same place twice. What do you think about this. No need to question my shooting abilities. thanks randy
 
It's not TOO far off the normal standard. The newer ones have heavier barrels and are a bit better. Also, try shooting a different weight bullet.
 
Mini-14s aren't known as tack-drivers! :rolleyes:

Try some 62-gr or 75-gr bullets to see if that helps. Sometimes a barrel will "like" a certain bullet weight.
 
I might be throwing my self under the buss here but...my buddy just bought a new mini 14 (2010) and its pretty dam accurate, 1.5-2" max groups. If I was on the market for such a rifle it would be my first choice.
 
I'm going just slightly off topic to mention that I own a Ruger MK II 223 SS in the skeleton stock variety and am pleased to say that it shoots darn near same hole with factory 55 gr. It was better than I expected it to be and I expected it to be darn good. Pleasantly surprised and plan on keeping it, (if my son does not hit me up for it!) From what I have seen personally with the skeleton stocked versions I own in 243 and 7mm,,,THEY ARE ALL great shooters and a good value in my mind:D
 
Like EdInk said, newer models shoot better, heavier barrel.Go Figure!

Maybe that's how a 1986 model shoots compared to a newer model. I'll try a heavier bullet. thanks randy
 
I used to own a Mini-30. What I did to improve it's accuracy was to use the NRA Gunsmithing book and follow the directions in it's article on bedding the M1A/M14 stock. I used Brownells Acraglas (or gel, can't recall). It worked fairly well, IMO.

Without rebarreling, this is about all you can do.

Good luck.
 
You can try an accustrut. They really help with shot stringing and it should tighten up your groups some. I can shoot near moa with mine after the strut installation and a couple other inexpensive mods.
 
I used to own a Mini-30. What I did to improve it's accuracy was to use the NRA Gunsmithing book and follow the directions in it's article on bedding the M1A/M14 stock. I used Brownells Acraglas (or gel, can't recall). It worked fairly well, IMO.

Without rebarreling, this is about all you can do.

Good luck.
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He also might want to try an Accu-Strut. That's supposed to be a good, affordable way to improve your accuracy.
 
One thing I did right off the bat was retorque the gas block bolts and put 1911 recoil buffers in it and it quit ejecting brass 30ft. It stopped the brass from being dented when ejected. There are alot of little things you can do to accurize the mini. Im not sure what twist rate yours had, but some of the older mini's had a 1/7 twist. Mine is a 1/9 and it really shoots 60 and 65gr bullets well.
 
You can try an accustrut. They really help with shot stringing and it should tighten up your groups some. I can shoot near moa with mine after the strut installation and a couple other inexpensive mods.
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+1 and a flash hider for the muzzle end.

Both alter barrel harmonics and help with stringing.
 
flash hider for the muzzle end.

Both alter barrel harmonics and help with stringing
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Reeeallly. I put an Eagle HK style front sight/ flash hider on my folding Mini-14 and it improved considerably. I thought it was a good sight, I hadn't thought about the change in barrel harmonics.

Either way, it improved the accuracy potential of my rifle.
What is an accustrut, and where does one get one of them?
 
Cant figure out how to grab a "QUOTE"

Anyway I have a flash suppressor

Not sure what an Accustrut is

"retorque the gas block bolts", what's the torque specs?

probably could use some new buffer. My brass does come out dinged sometimes.
 
So I'm picking up my new mini tomorrow, I'm expecting 2" groups as that seems to be the norm from everything I've read. There's a lot that can be done to accurize them, the forum over at perfectunion had an accurizing section although that seems to be temporarily out of service. Hopefully it will be back up soon because it's loaded with tips. From what I've read, the biggest things are re-torquing the gas block screws, bedding the action, trigger job, and a barrel strut (either buy it or make your own). I expect to have to tinker with mine that's actually part of the reason I ordered it, it'll give me something to do. Good luck with yours.

Stu
 
I'm not sure about Ruger Mini 14s now, but I do have experience with Mini 14s of the 80s, in my opinion, they sucked.

When we first started our SWAT (we called them CRT) I was elected to do the rifle training. APD decided to go with Mini 14s (only because the AK State Troopers were using M16s).

I wanted to get them to qualify out to 300 yards. They couldn't. It wasn't the shooters because when I gave them NG M16s they did OK. I had to reduced the range to 200 yards and it was iffy. I took them to the Military 300 meter pop up range and that didn't pan out either.

I thought it silly, back then PDs could get M16A1s from the Miltary Free via grant.

I bought one to see if I could get it to shoot, NOPE, I barrow a couple from some shooting buddies, NO Luck.

It's my contention that a rifle carried by a cop should be able to make head shots out to 200 yards. I couldn't find one back then that would.

Like I said, I haven't played with them since, they may be different now.

Lots of PDs use M16/M4s, but I don't know of any cop or department that uses Mini 14s except Gibbs on NCIS. (and he's suppose to be a sniper, TVs geessss.
 
retorqe specs are 30-36in/lbs. I would start at 30 and shoot then adjust if needed. I paid around $100 for my strut. Not sure of the price now. I know for a fact my rifle will make a head shot at 200yrds. Not sure about the older mini's. My opinion is they are better rifles now, plus the option of upgrades that wasnt available back in the day.

Go to perfectunion and look in the mini-14 section. There is a ton of good info there.
 
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