Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Ruger Mini 14???????

This rifle has always intrigued me. I would like to pick one up but all the horror stories of frustrating inaccuracy scare me.

Is there a model or year of production that is better or worse? Is there a difference between the mini 14 and ranch rifle? Is there a "mini 14 lovers" website I can checkout somewhere?

Just make sure you buy one with a serial # that begins with 580-XXXXX. These are the new 580 series rifles built on the re-tooled line. They have tighter tolerences and seem to be better all around rifles than the old model. I have one of the LEO models and when scoped I can shoot 1 1/2"-2" 3 shot groups with it at 100yds with the occasional MOA. IMO that's fantastic for a semi-auto rifle. I'm sure there are a lot of AR-15's that'll out shoot it but there are also a lot that won't (I own one of'um :().

I've owned two of these rifles. The 1st one was about as accurate as a cheap AK-47. I think I could throw rock's better than it shot, but this new one is the real deal.

Terry

As above. The new production is supposed to be more accurate.
A fun rifle, however, and one that doesn't scream 'Tactical' if you have it with you. AR's are usually more accurate and can be made much more accurate than the mini.
There is a 'Rugerforum' website.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/

The Ranch rifle has receiver cuts for mounting the Ruger scope rings (I believe all new production is this way).
I think it is preferable to the standard mini.

If you buy one you will probably enjoy it as a plinker if nothing else and it would be very good around the house or a farm. HTH.

The new target mini14 is supposed to be quite accurate, other then that the 2 that I have messed with were spaying bullets at 100 yds.

As I understand it the MINI was designed for reliable operation under less than ideal operating conditions and maintainance practices. Clearances are not as tight as they could be. I have one of the older ones that has never had a jam or malfunction, it has lived a very hard life behind the seat of the old Cornbinder at the ranch. For a plinker or fun gun I really like it, but for accuracy there are better choices.

Gosh, I had 3 of them I think. What a wonderful concept, such a handy little rifle. I don't think I would get another in .223 as it sure is not a varment gun and the black rifle platform works so much better. The 7.62 x 39 with a 4X scope on it would be of interest if you could get one that would shoot 3 bullets into 2 inches. I have never had one that would do that. My favorite was a blue mini where the op rod rusted to the piston.

Yes! They will be able to help you get the most out of your Mini.
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/

Get a brand new one. Starting in late 07 Ruger used a thicker barrel in the standard Minis, bout time. They are thicker for the whole length but are especially thick right after the gas block, that's how to spot them. From what I've read on the Perfect Union forum these shoot MOA or thereabouts.

Nice link. Thanks!

Great info (as usual!).

Thanks a ton guys.

From what I saw, they can use a little tweaking. Glass bedding for one, and trigger work for another.
I suspect that ammo that is partially full lenth sized for their chamber would help. As would ammo that the gun liked. I've played with lots of light barreled guns. The big trick, is to find ammo they like. E

The new Mini-14's are supposed to be accurate, I can't say, never tried one, went to the AR platform long ago. Still have an old Mini-14 around. Most of the old Mini 14's didn't have any ammo they liked. In my experience, however, they were about the most dead-nuts reliable autoloader you could imagine. I don't think I've ever had one choke with any factory or handload. If the headstamp said .223 or 5.56 the Mini-14's would just keep spitting them out.

I am a big fan of the Mini-14. Mine shoots where I point it and I have shot big and small game with it. I have PMI mags and Ruger mags and it is completely reliable.

I think people get too caught up in "It shoots ? at 100 yards."