I always liked the Deerfield 44mag carbines. I own a few of them. Only 5 rounds per mag but they handle more like an M1 carbine with a lot more punch per round and without paying the M1 carbine price.
Mini-14’s will always have a special place in my heart. Like you I have long wondered why Ruger isn’t more receptive to ideas from the general public (regarding these platforms). My only gripe with Ruger would be the cost. I’m not saying these platforms are not worth it but if I could change anything it would be the price. In 2013 these platforms (and oddly enough the SA revolvers) rapidly increased in price, year after year. Again, not saying they’re not worth it. I’ve spent my $1100 on a stainless variant some time ago. Just want them to be more competitive. However, with that said as I think about what’s on the used market and the insane prices some heaps are commanding…well… Q: I recall the older (possibly 1st gen civilian receivers ) 177-178 series(?) utilizing the longer receiver (possibly borrowing from the AC). I wonder if Ruger kept up with the AC receivers (tooling and what not) or if they discontinued them after having made all they felt necessary? You’ve sparked my curiosity about this. Guess it’s time to dust off the Mini-14 hat and do some homework.
Ruger stopped support for the ac556 series many years ago way before they should have. Many people, dealers, and police departments felt abandoned by Ruger. They could produce the GB model very easily today since it used the same receiver as the standard mini 14 as well as the sbr version and make small runs of ac556 parts
This is why you’re the man! I realize now that I had my series numbers (180, 181, etc.) totally goofed up. Thanks for informing me about the departments experiencing those issues. I had a similar experience when I picked an older model (can’t remember if it was a 180 or 181 series). I had already committed to it before doing my research to find that Ruger offered no support whatsoever on it. It was a fine rifle; I just always like to have backup parts. I’m with you in that I wish they would implement runs of the aforementioned models. Thanks for the response!
Bill Ruger is/was the problem with the mini-14! He didn't want the general public to own the rifle,just law-enforcement! Same for the magazines. To me it seemed that Ruger just wasn't interested in really putting this rifle out to the public or cops! ❤👍👍🤝✌️🫡🎯
Bill Ruger was very restrictive with both the mini 14 mags and the ac556 series. He and colt would both cut off permanently any class three dealer that sold mags or transferable ac556s or m16s to the general public. Both colt and Roger could have sold their class three weapons to the public but chose to support the anti gun agenda.
The old school cool, I grew up on A-team. So the mini-14 is always mint.
Nice!!!! Great info!
I always liked the Deerfield 44mag carbines. I own a few of them. Only 5 rounds per mag but they handle more like an M1 carbine with a lot more punch per round and without paying the M1 carbine price.
I agree these would be great for civilian sales, funny enough the GB is back, with a folding wood stock. Ruger model number 5895. New for this year.
Really good video. I’ve been wanting to find a nice mini 14.
I really like mini 14s. They remind me of the m1 carbines I shot when I was young, but with easy to find ammo. Take care and stay safe.
Mini-14’s will always have a special place in my heart. Like you I have long wondered why Ruger isn’t more receptive to ideas from the general public (regarding these platforms).
My only gripe with Ruger would be the cost. I’m not saying these platforms are not worth it but if I could change anything it would be the price. In 2013 these platforms (and oddly enough the SA revolvers) rapidly increased in price, year after year. Again, not saying they’re not worth it. I’ve spent my $1100 on a stainless variant some time ago. Just want them to be more competitive.
However, with that said as I think about what’s on the used market and the insane prices some heaps are commanding…well…
Q: I recall the older (possibly 1st gen civilian receivers ) 177-178 series(?) utilizing the longer receiver (possibly borrowing from the AC). I wonder if Ruger kept up with the AC receivers (tooling and what not) or if they discontinued them after having made all they felt necessary?
You’ve sparked my curiosity about this. Guess it’s time to dust off the Mini-14 hat and do some homework.
Pardon the long comment. Quite sure the is the first for me, lol. You just happened to remind me that I’ve forgotten more than I knew about these.
Ruger stopped support for the ac556 series many years ago way before they should have. Many people, dealers, and police departments felt abandoned by Ruger. They could produce the GB model very easily today since it used the same receiver as the standard mini 14 as well as the sbr version and make small runs of ac556 parts
This is why you’re the man! I realize now that I had my series numbers (180, 181, etc.) totally goofed up. Thanks for informing me about the departments experiencing those issues. I had a similar experience when I picked an older model (can’t remember if it was a 180 or 181 series). I had already committed to it before doing my research to find that Ruger offered no support whatsoever on it. It was a fine rifle; I just always like to have backup parts.
I’m with you in that I wish they would implement runs of the aforementioned models. Thanks for the response!
Bill Ruger is/was the problem with the mini-14! He didn't want the general public to own the rifle,just law-enforcement! Same for the magazines. To me it seemed that Ruger just wasn't interested in really putting this rifle out to the public or cops! ❤👍👍🤝✌️🫡🎯
Bill Ruger was very restrictive with both the mini 14 mags and the ac556 series. He and colt would both cut off permanently any class three dealer that sold mags or transferable ac556s or m16s to the general public. Both colt and Roger could have sold their class three weapons to the public but chose to support the anti gun agenda.