Ruger Mini 14 - The Good, Bad & Ugly?

[Sgt. Lewis]

SBR Mini-14 --> http://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/threads/item-gone-fs-ft-ruger-mini-14-factory-folder.872351/




Some 581-series have them and all 582 and newer

wasn't an SBR don't think you can really go shorter and keep it looking good anyhow

 

[Bottoms polaris]

Ruger made these, and I disagree

Dang !! I need to do this to my factory folder.

 

[h2ohhh]

Old school design, shoots close enough to where its aimed, goes bang every time and is virtually indestructible. What's not to like? This one has an eotech on it now and I like it even more!

 

[EugenFJR]

What a rifle! Those ar-15 peopl3 just wasted their money. I have had 4 of these and they all were worthy of being military weapons. I went hunting once with my son and he forgot where he left it in the woods. We found it two years later on a deer hunting trip and when he picked it up it fired on the first pull of the trigger. If you get one the accustrut and a new gas bushing set just right will make it the best gun you ever owned. I can do 400 yards or just around the corner with this rifle so it does it all.

If you want a more traditional rifle in .223 then yea, its fine. Do the new models have a 5.56 chamber? If not I'd never buy one, w/ all of the 5.56 thats out there, thats mil-serp ammo, I would not feel comfortable shooting it in a mini-14. 2nd I dont see any one doing 3 gun, EIC, or the Presidents 100 matches w/ a mini-14... I simply dont think they are as accurate a the AR style rifle. I'll take the Pepsi challenge w/ a mini-14, against my Doublestar M4, I know my M4 will hold a 600 yard target with hits in the 8 ring or better, shooting iron sights. I dont have anything against the mini-14, I just dont think its in any way shape or form better than a AR rifle.

 

[SGTMAJMVJ]

Ruger Mini-14's have always been chambered to shoot .223 and 5.56mm going back to the 70's.

 

[Studiogene]

If you want a more traditional rifle in .223 then yea, its fine. Do the new models have a 5.56 chamber? If not I'd never buy one, w/ all of the 5.56 thats out there, thats mil-serp ammo, I would not feel comfortable shooting it in a mini-14. 2nd I dont see any one doing 3 gun, EIC, or the Presidents 100 matches w/ a mini-14... I simply dont think they are as accurate a the AR style rifle. I'll take the Pepsi challenge w/ a mini-14, against my Doublestar M4, I know my M4 will hold a 600 yard target with hits in the 8 ring or better, shooting iron sights. I dont have anything against the mini-14, I just dont think its in any way shape or form better than a AR rifle.

You could be right. However, this wouldn't be a 600 yard setup for me and, given my vision issues, shooting that distance with iron sights would be a huge challenge anyway. I already have a nice Remington 700 setup for distance shooting, so the Mini 14 would be something I'd be ringing gongs with and knocking down silhouette targets at 200-300 yards or less.

 

[SGTMAJMVJ]

If I was given two choices of either an AR-15 or Mini-14 and told I was going to be dropped off into the Amazon with no rifle cleaning gear and never to see civilization again
I would choose a stainless Mini-14 and some polymer Tapco Gen 2 magazines. I would not choose an AR. AR-15s need more love than a Mini-14. Mini-14's are like an old dog. As long as you feed them they will bark. AR-15's require a visit to the poodle salon to keep running. I own both types.

 

[EugenFJR]

Ruger Mini-14's have always been chambered to shoot .223 and 5.56mm going back to the 70's.

The 5.56 chamber is "bigger" than the .223 chamber, and mil-spec ammo dose not have to be loaded to SAMMI .223 spec. Its rare but there are times when a 5.56 round will be dangerous in a .233 chamber. I would be esp. leary of shooting new 5.56 ammo out of a 1970's mini-14...

 

[SGTMAJMVJ]

Nope. No concerns. Call Ruger yourself. I have a 1976 180 series. Original owner. I shoot 5.56mm with no problem. Owners manual says 5.56mm.
Only the Mini-14 target model is specifically chambered only for .223. All other models can shoot both .223 and 5.56 . Ruger chambered Mini-14s for both 5.56 and .223 Remington. The AC-556 shoots 5.56mm and it has the same receiver and barrel as 180 series Mini-14.

 

[hamhock]

I have had several, both the older 183 series, then the BNIB (4mos ago) version with the
M1 carbine style front site, which is outstanding.......but I now chose an unfired 187 series Ranch Rifle
made in 1987.....the integral scope mounts for me are a must, which this unit has. My 183 side scope mount was
just awkward, cracked and came apart. I guess I could have bought a more expensive one, but I never liked
the configuration.

I like wood and blue steel, so this 87 old school unit is awesome for me. I dont shoot enough to heat up
the barrel and affect long term accuracy, so my mini is everything I need.

Black rifles have no soul.
h