The only thing 'wrong' with recent iterations of the Mini 14 is the price. I've never seen one that was picky and they will in fact feed ammo that will choke an AR. This 580 Ranch Rifle was a tack driver with loads it liked. In this case it was Sierra’s 65 grain BTSP ‘Gameking’ #1395 bullet over 25.0 grains of H4895, with Winchester Small Rifle primers and an OAL of 2.250”. The first three rounds of the 65 grain Sierra load made this 100 yard, 3/4” group. I was certainly glad to see it, but suspected it might be a fluke…
[Linked Image]

I cranked the scope down a couple of clicks and fired another...

[Linked Image]

Needless to say, I used that load on several coyotes, groudhogs and one button buck at about 170 yards. It killed everything I turned it on and a second shot was rarely needed. If you like the Mini and don't mind the tariff, by all means buy one. They are great utility guns that feel like an actual rifle when you sling and shoulder them. Unless you're one of these guy who thinks he needs six 40 round magazines to go to the mailbox, you'll be happy with it.

Direct Impingement is the Fart Joke of military rifle operating systems. ⓒ