Yes here it is for a slow night to quicken the pace. I am thinking about a NIB Ruger Mini 14 as my next purchase. I am not looking for a target rifle but I do want to hit the side of the barn. Yes I have already done a search and read all the past posts but I thirst for more! If you have ever shot one I am interested in your thoughts! Thanks.
The Age Old Mini 14 Question!
- Thread starter Tom B
- Start date
It'll shoot OK, but it's no tackdriver. I managed to hit clay pigeons at 100 yards with my GB, but I let the barrel cool off. Rapid fire makes that thin barrel whip around like a noodle and why Ruger hasn't produced a heavier barrel version escapes me.
OK, they're selling well enough and Ruger figures why up the costs for a heavier barrel? They actually took some heavier Mini-30 barrels and bored them for the .223. Unfortunately, they didn't shoot any better than the normal Mini14 & Ruger never marketed these suckers and to my knowledge they're still at the factory.
OK, they're selling well enough and Ruger figures why up the costs for a heavier barrel? They actually took some heavier Mini-30 barrels and bored them for the .223. Unfortunately, they didn't shoot any better than the normal Mini14 & Ruger never marketed these suckers and to my knowledge they're still at the factory.
Point Blank
New member
Tom,i have a newer ranch model with synthetic stock.I like the ranch as you can throw a scope on it when you want or easily take it off and flip up the peep sights.I was out at Charles Ellioit (your neck of the woods) this morning shooting it, and with a Tasco World Class 3x9x40 sitting on it i am more than happy.I think the stainless/synthetic looks better than the wood models also.Even after the barrel heats up,hitting a paperplate at 100 yards blindfolded(kiddin)is no problem.In my opinion it is worth the money.Get a fresh one(new stock)whatever you choose though.
P
PreserveFreedom
Guest
It's a fine rifle. The price is very reasonable. I have one for my primary defense rifle.
Glock_Racer
New member
freeride21a
New member
http://www.iea.com/~fgrig/gun/mini14.htm
go there for an explanation of the slight inaccuracy due to design of the mini-14. good gun, but it can experiance small fliers in the group.
go there for an explanation of the slight inaccuracy due to design of the mini-14. good gun, but it can experiance small fliers in the group.
I have two mini 14s, one ranch and one standard. Ranch model throws brass over 20 feet, brass is also spinning rapidly and goes in all directions when it hits the ground. Brass recovery rate for my ranch model is about 50%. Standard model ejects the brass within 10 feet. This is with identical loads.
Accuracy is OK, 4-5" 100 yard off hand 5 shot groups with iron sights, not much better with a scope. Reliability is very good, much less sensitive to cleanliness than my remington auto (7400), I don't own an AR so I can't really compare.
Because of the rifles lack of accuracy (compared to bolt), the ranch model's fragile rear sight and the brass ejection, I would recommend the standard model if your eyes are good.
I have heard complaints about the aftermarket mags. I don't know the mfg of my mags, I traded into a bunch of 20 and 30 rounders several years ago, they all function fine once you learn the tilt/insert/rock drill.
Accuracy is OK, 4-5" 100 yard off hand 5 shot groups with iron sights, not much better with a scope. Reliability is very good, much less sensitive to cleanliness than my remington auto (7400), I don't own an AR so I can't really compare.
Because of the rifles lack of accuracy (compared to bolt), the ranch model's fragile rear sight and the brass ejection, I would recommend the standard model if your eyes are good.
I have heard complaints about the aftermarket mags. I don't know the mfg of my mags, I traded into a bunch of 20 and 30 rounders several years ago, they all function fine once you learn the tilt/insert/rock drill.
Point Blank
New member
Previous poster mentioned the "tilt,insert,rock" drill...how true!!!That is one thing i hate about the mini.I have got better at this but i still stumble occasionally.I really would like a mini 30 also, but i dont know if PMI makes 20/30/40 round mags.Tapco does have Victor mags for the 14 and 30 at a very resonable price.They will tell you that you might have to fidgit with them to make them reliable, but will gladly swap them or return your money if you are not happy within 90 days...might be worth a shot.Mine does eject the shells 15-30 feet,but i dont reload .223, and 500 shots of Wolf ammo at 54.99+tax(Tapco)makes her holler!!!!
Poodleshooter
New member
May I suggest an alternative? Any of the SAR series of AK copies. SAR-1 as a replacement for the mini-30 and the SAR-3 as a substitute for the Mini-14. They are cheaper than the minis, just as or even more reliable, similar accuracy, chrome bores for easier cleaning, extremely inexpensive magazines, and they can utilize the crappiest ammo and still function well. Also, parts and repairs are not too expensive either. Plus their cool factor exceeds the mini's by quite a bit 
Oh, almost forgot, I've spent plenty of time behind a friend's mini-14 ranch rifle. I bought a SAR instead.
Oh, almost forgot, I've spent plenty of time behind a friend's mini-14 ranch rifle. I bought a SAR instead.