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@westcoastplinkin6559, not really an AR or AK of equal quality costs the same. Now if you want a budget load out you aren't wrong a mini 14 is not the best to look at. But it's a great gun which is why it's a tad pricier
@@Digital_Photog1995 A lot of people seem to prefer the Mini over the AR. I like both but I enjoy shooting the Mini more, although for me the AR is a lot more modular and easier to do certain things with. With that said, I definitely enjoy shooting the Mini much more.
@@Digital_Photog1995 It’s all personal choice but I hate the sound of a buffer spring whanging in my ear. Compared to piston driven, direct impingement is a poor design.
I bought a Rugger Ranch Mini-14 chambered in .223 20yrs ago, it's a very good riffle. At first I went hard on it to see how reliable it was, after aprox 1,900 rounds I didn't had any trouble at all, no misfires or any trouble at all. I worked the wood and changed the springs with the intention of selling it but when I finished it I fell in love with it. I've always used the factory sights and don't have any issues with it. Now I enjoy cleaning it and maintaining it shooting 15 rounds every year just to see that the sights still in their place. I reach the target at 100 yards easily. I got no complaints. "A riffle is as good as the person shooting it". Good video!. Keep up the good work!.
I got my first Mini14 in 1973 and have owned a couple ever since. My most accurate model is a heavy barrel synthetic with barrel stabilizer. I own one AR and a couple dozen assorted Garands… Swedish Mausers, etc.. the Mini14 has its place.
i have one identical to yours, and i love it. it makes a perfect suburban shtf gun, because every shot will be within 50 yards, 100% of the time. you talk about the brass flinging out, you can (and should) tame that with an adjustable gas block from accuracy systems. it's cheap and easy to do, works great. try one, you'll be glad you did. it also saves wear on your gun.
Such cool rifles, but I can’t bring myself to spend the money on one. I think these would be more popular if they were in the entry level AR price range. Make them $600 and I might see a reason just for cool factor.
Well these butes are made in America still and taht is awsome but unfortunately you just can't manufacture them in this country for any less with sacrificing quality. I believe I paid $780 brand new back in 2016 and now they are closer to $1100. You get what you can I guess I just wouldn't ask Ruger to drop quality or move manufacturing overseas to save a few hundred bucks.
@@thelastminuteman7513Yep, you can “buy American” get quality and pay for it OR you get cheap crap from former-Soviet bloc countries. There is no free lunch.
@@henryrodgers1752 The Mini-14 is more expensive than a budget line, all American AR-15. From this perspective, one should get the cheaper and more accurate AR before the Mini-14.
@@ichimonjiguythey're also a piston operated rifle and have cold hammer forged barrels, so compared to your entry level AR they're higher quality. Not that budget ars can't be great but the chf barrel alone isn't cheap. Plus, anything Ruger is over built like a tank
I am 75 and not a gun person AT ALL. Plus, I don't think I have shot a gun three times in my entire life. That said, I really like this guy. He communicates an honest, straightforward respect and affection for this particular gun, and he almost makes me want to get one. Plus, he's funny (sniper rifle: takin' out prairie dogs at 600 yards). I like it. I subscribed.
Mini 14 good at 200 yard with a scope. I would trust it for close in combat. Here in California AR 15 types are illegal. 12 G semiautomatic shotgun for neighborhood defense. We have tough times coming.
@@jimcalifwin3760moved out of CA a couple years ago, miss Inn & Out burgers and our home church, CCCH w pastor Jack Hibbs. Our whole nation is headed for tough and perilous times but God is with us. This life is like a vapor it will be over soon
I had mini 14s and ar-15s . I tested them and sold the Ar-15s right away . My oldest mini -14, I have no idea how many years i have had it . It is used for deer and varmint hunting . My favorite min 14 has the 1 in 7 twist . My older ones are 1 in 10 twist . The mid 90s to now have the 1 in 9 twist .
Enjoyed the video , something I did to reduce brass from flying away{like 25 to 30 ft} when ejected was get a gas bushing kit from Accuracy Systems , if you can gap a set of ignition points{old school} you can replace your gas bushing , you just need a quality 9/64" allen wrench and a feeler gauge set , I ended using the .045" bushing going down in size from the factory's .085" bushing , make sure to match the height of the new bushing to the old or else it will be crushed into the block , also keep the gap even on both sides of the block when tightening back together by using feeler gauges {check instructions for torque specs} , the .045" bushing combined with setting the halves of the gas block even improved accuracy noticeably and now the rifle ejects casings 6 to 10 ft away without a massive ding in the brass , I use those blue 1911 Wilson Combat Shok Buffers too , 1 at the rear end of the operating rod , I also run 1 at the front end{gas block} but can not use .223 ammo when doing so as it will not eject properly with the buffer at the gas block. Shoot well , Dave K
Well said! I sold my older designed Mini 14 and got into the AR platform as well. Was bored very quickly. Learned that Ruger had improved the design where needed on the MIni and am now actively looking for another Mini 14. Good video!
I'd love for Ruger to come out with these rifles in .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. Call them the Mini-35 and Mini-45. I'd also want a 14 in .223, and a Mini-30 in 7.62x39. I absolutely love how they kept the Garand style safety on this rifle. In my opinion, it is one of the best designed safeties ever put on a rifle.
I agree. And yes, the Garand safety IS probably the best designed safeties ever designed. It doesn’t just block the trigger from moving, it also prevents the hammer firing. People who hate the design don’t understand it.
I bought a stainless steel Mini back in 77. I Love It!! lost count of how many rounds I put thru it, But I still have it I still love it. Great size and weight. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Love the Mini-14, bought one at Walmart 40yrs ago for $400. Thought that was expensive, now Walmart don't sell them or AR's. This Country has Regressed on firearm sales.
I don't own one but they've always been on my wish list just for fun . I have never really been an AR fan simply based on looks and style. I just like vintage stuff whether it's guns, cars or guitars . I like wood over synthetic and my favorite days at the range are with the lever and bolt rifles. Plus I have a 10/22 so there's a little overlap. Speaking of I'd been interested in a saddle for my 30-30 , I'll go check out your site!
I have both the AR, Mini 14 and AK. I have a Butler Creek folding stock and a 4X scope on my Mini14 and I use it for a truck gun. We are overrun with feral hogs and coyotes and it works great been using it for years and I have never had a problem with brass hitting my scope maybe others do but so far so good for me. Great video and keep up the good work.
I used my 582 series Mini 14 Tactical Carbine to take a 100 pound feral pig at about 90 yards. One shot, clean kill using hand loaded ammo with a 77gr boat tail hollow point projectile. My Mini 14 rifle is very accurate. That said, I owned three different Minis between 1974 and 1988. Each of them was very accurate on a cold bore, first shot but each of them would start stringing shots as they heated up. I like Mini 14s but gave up on them by 1990. Then, after reading that Ruger had made some changes in the mid 2000s, I bought mine in 2009 and I've been very happy with it. it's very accurate and holds a good group with repeated shots. I do own some AR 15s and other rifles and like and enjoy shooting them, as well.
I bought one about 8 yrs. ago. I did put a scope on it and have had no problems. As far as accuracy, I tried a various loads and manufacturers before settling on one that consistently achieved close to 2" groups (or less) at 100 yds. That is my recommendation. Some of the ammo I tried were closer to 4-5 in. groups at 100. The ammo makes all the difference in the world. Find the ammo that suits your particular rifle. But that's true with all firearms. As far as other desired qualities, I have found the Min-14 to be dependable. I have had no misfires or malfunctions at all in the 8 yrs. I have owned it.
Having experienced temporary “misplacements” of the selector detent spring pin and extractor retaining pin on an AR, I can appreciate the big parts ruggedness of the Mini.
I just ordered one.. they are on back order everywhere it sounds like.. I much much prefer the wood stock ssd's standard rifle look as opposed to the tactical look but that's on me.. I'll save this video and when it comes in I'll be sure to order the leather.. looks very good.. and a quick simple review..good job
Great rifle, and one that's more like a traditional style rifle than either an AR or AK. The main drawback to the Mini-14 vs. the AR or AK is the cost of magazines. I trust only Ruger factory mags and they're $25-45, as opposed to $8-15 for good AR or AK mags.
I bought my Ruger Mini 14 about ten years ago. I bought a couple of Ruger mags every year for about six years. i`m glad I did. now I have 10, 20 and 30 round mags.
I learned through my own, personal experience that after market magazines don't work well. I buy Ruger brand magazines only now. I also learned that foreign (especially Russian) ammo doesn't always feed well and keyholes sometimes. That said, I enjoy the reliability of the mini 14 and own several. I use them out to 150 yards for light skinned animals here in northern Alaska and have had much success. Excellent review! Thank you.
I disagree w/ the mag and ammo points... My Promags have been VERY RELIABLE and I have 1 tapco poly mag that runs well also... I buy the Pro mags since they're 1/2 the price and use them for range mags... The ONLY time I had problems w/ the Pro mags was with American Eagle 45 grain brass HP VARMIT Loads and it may have been w/ the Rugers as well... That's the ONLY ammo I used that my mini didn't MUTILATE... Even cheap Tula Steel groups well and feeds awesome... Some of it even got Rusty when I left my mags at my Ex's house with my stepson! In a SELF DEFENSE/FAMILY Farm scene I would have RUGER mags as well... In a bug out bag for MORE mags on REDY and for cheap range conveinance at a lower price... Even 1/2 - 1/3 price,,, Try some others. My Tapco cost $13 for 30 rounds.... There are poly Pro mags as well for CHEAP...
I have a Mini 14 in the Police GB configuration. It is one of the orginal models that required a B Square side mount for mounting a scope. About 40 years ago I handloaded Match grade target ammuntion for it, and found a combination it really liked. A friend and I shimed up the mount as needed and it would really shoot well, if you can hold it steady. The factory stocks like to slide around on your shoulder, especially vertically, so you need to really support the whole arrangement more so to its center mass. Off sand bags, it placed its best 3 shot group at a true half inch at 100 yards. My brother used it for years for varmint hunting in Indiana. Luckily, everything has remained tight and he/I always babiedt about in a big padded bag. Ruger barrells were never considered top rated steel or particuraly tight bores, but by chance this particular rifle's barrel is well bored. The GB model has a bayonet lug, an inward mounted front sight and a longer flash hider on it;s barrel. This structures, and their location on the barrel give it a good harmonic vibration not disturbing bullets shooting out the muzzle. There's many factors to calming semi automatic, and we seem to have given a good set of harmonics, plus, what we may have added or tamed.
Hi. 1984, a friend of mine wanted to sell his Mini 14 stainless steel rifle to buy an AR. I gave him $150.00 for his rifle, ten magazines and 200 rds of .223 Remington. About a year later he asked me if I would like to sell it back to him. I didn’t ask what the problem with his AR was or even if there was a problem because I wanted to keep my Mini 14. I got an AR in 2000 but sold it a few years later. I wasn’t interested in customizing it or shooting more than 100 - 150 yards at targets, plinking or varmints. I still shoot my Mini 14 for plinking and varmints. If I’ll need to shoot farther while hunting, I have scoped rifles to use. I have your sling, loop wrap and cartridge cuff for my Marlin 1895 45-70 Government. I'll be looking at your Mini 14 magazine cuff.
You are correct on installing a scope. The first time at the range, my scope almost fell off after 20 rounds. this happened 2 more times. Eventually, I had to safety wire the scope mounting screws. It's Frankenstein AF. Another problem I had, every 2 or 3 rounds, I had a stove pipe. It turns out, the gas bushing was the wrong size. Brownell's sells a multi-pack of Mini 14 gas bushings. Original GB could slide around and cover the gas port, leading to a stove pipe. The bigger GB can't cover the gas port.
I have the 30 and 14, love them both I put a scope on my mini 14 I left the mini 30 with irons. I can hit a 10" gong all day at 300 yards with the 14 and a torso gong at the same distance with the 30. Thanks for the videos.
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather Sure do enjoy your video. Beautiful rifle. I'm considering buying either a Mini 14 or Mini 30.... possibly both at some point. Can you please tell me what is the length of these two rifles? Are they the same length? Also, do they use the same ammo. lol..... just one more question. What is the largest caliber for a Mini? So sorry for all the questions. Thanks, Tom🙂
The Royal Bermuda Regiment was the user of the Mini 14. I believe they have replaced them now with surplus SA80's. The French Gendarmerie's GIGN special forces unit also used it as one of their rifles in the AC-556 version in the past.
When I was younger I wanted one mainly because I’m a fan of Ruger in general and it wasn’t an AR. I was fortunate enough to receive one with the ATI tactical furniture for my 18th birthday from my parents. After not shooting it much for years I recently put the Samson AT-M stock and Hannibal rail on it. I was able to directly mount a Holosun red dot to the Hannibal rail and the whole package looks absolutely awesome now. I plan on using it for general purpose use out to 100 yards or so. I think they are great rifles as long as you realize they probably won’t be as accurate as even a more affordable AR. And I have come to appreciate AR’s over the years.
Thank you for a realistic and honest review. Can’t stand people who take a absolute crap on the Mini14, M14, and Garand. People shouldn’t expect so much from an older design like this. These have their place, but of course, no surprise they aren’t pin point shooters because the Garand’s action design is from the 1930’s!
Actually, both the Garrand and the M-14 are very accurate (I have shot both many times). The Mini is nowhere as accurate as either of those fine rifles. Plus the action is similar to the rotating bolt of Garrand, but not the same, Ruger made it different to save money in production. Good ole Bill Ruger (the ultimate Fudd) almost always went for the cheapest way to produce a a gun.
@@risby1930 I agree but I consistently hear the accuracy is primarily the barrels and possibly being overgassed. M1 was always praised as being accurate. Cheapest way? I have a #1 single shot. Doesn't seem cheap to me. Yes investment cast but the way Ruger does it doesn't seem to give up much to machining.
I found a Mini 14 at my local shop and being in CA with lots of restrictions I prefer this so I put it down on layaway and recently found your website and purchased a few things for it while I slowly pay it off. It’ll look nice.
Ergonomics and manual of arms wise the Mini is much like the M14. As far as the operating system, they're more like a miniaturized magazine fed Garand. I had one of the stainless GB models with the side folder(cue the A-Team theme music) when I was a kid. They're fun plinkers and nearly as capable in most defensive situations as an AR. The Mini 30 in 7.62 would be a perfectly adequate deer or hog rifle with the right ammo.
Scope and good ammo mine will do 2 moa. I installed an Ultimak forward rail on mine. Works good with red dot and scout scope. Keeps them low and the action clear. Currently have a shotgun scope in Ruger rings. I have not noticed brass hitting the scope.
Nice 1 take video. I have a nice 89 stainless mini and a couple ARs. Both ARs are a bit more accurate, but I wouldnt say more reliable. But when I want accurate I grab my rem and tikka bolt guns. Other than that, I like EVERY feature about the mini better. Gas system, bolt hold open, safety location, balance and especially appearance. I'm a baby boomer, so the mini definately look more military and menacing to me.
I have an older mini 14, 183 series model. It doesn't have the scope mounts made on the receiver Had to purchase a B square mount for mine. A d IT DOES ding the scope when ejecting the shells. I also installed a barrel harmonic dampen er on it which has help with it's accuracy. Love my mini 14 over my AR. LOVE taking it out and hunting pigs with it and have taken several animals with it
I have a Mini 556 with a Strike Eagle 1-8x24 mounted with Vortex medium rings on a rail (don’t like the Ruger rings). Casing ejection is flat not up, no scope damage occurs. The Mini is good however, you could assuage some anxiety of a new Mini owner by showing a typical dented ejected casing. Mine eats all shell casings on the way out.
First time here Good video. Good info. Well done You explained the intent of this rifle very well. Getting closer in to animals is what it’s all about. There’s a certain allure to using iron sights too. Forces the hunter to get closer and be better.
I have a mini, it was made in 1988. After I bought it (in 2004) the bolt would periodically jam open, found that the gas piston would fall out of the transfer housing not allowing the bolt to return to battery. Send it back to Ruger they repaired free of charge. Great customer service! Fun to shoot, had some feeding problems with aftermarket mags. Bought some Ruger 20rd mags and never had that problem again. When I bought my AR, said to the salesman that I own a mini-14 his direct words were, " Don't get rid of it". Besides the fire rate is close to an AR and they are not listed or labeled as a "black scary gun" by the liberal MSM. I love both those rifles. Each have a different yet similiar purpose.
The older mini's tend to throw brass upward, into the bottom of a scope. My newest one throws it pretty much parallel to the ground, about 10 yards out. I put a piece of cardboard next to my bench so I can find the brass.
Me and my dad played with playing cards @4-500 yards with a target version for years until his health went south. I still do from time to time just to brush up. This one was a custom order with a custom barrel from ruger but essentially a "factory tool"
One thing to note is Hogue makes a fine replacement stock which totally improves the handling of the rifle as well as saves the wood stock from getting chewed up from use.
Had the mini for a year or so and liked it. The action in my opinion is superior to the AR. Traded for the AUG, which is an even better alternative to an AR.
I use my circa 1976 " Bi-Centenial" model to cruise the woods and checking cameras. Super light weight and points almost like a lever gun but semi auto with negligible recoil.
While the mini 14 is classical, iconic, and does its job the one thing is for 1300-1500$ a 4 inch group at 100yds is not that great, and cheaper ARs can do that and then some. Most people cant justify the cost of it based on that, but maybe some of that's due to some people not being proficient enough with iron sights these get the bad wrap that they do.
Why does any price have to justify a particular group size? A cheap AR will give you a better group all day than a $100K Westley Richards. There’s more to a gvn than the group it’ll produce, and 9 out of 10 shooters can’t shoot good enough to make group size matter anyway.
Got my mini14 in 1980 from a friend who owed me 300.00 dollars who had a stainless and a blued one.He offered the blue one for trade.Really like it and its a good shooter.
GREAT LOOKING LEATHER!!! I go back and forth w/ my configs ,,, I have the Base model Ranch Rifle stock and the Butler Creek Folder and the Choate collapsible...
Stuck in California for another 2.5 years. Bought my dad one and I love it! I shoot mainly 308 Socom 16 and FAL. But think I’m going to buy one for myself I like it so much.
Had one(16” Stainless/black tactical), wanted to love it, but it was very picky with ammo and the accuracy was hard to put up with. Traded it for an AR. In retrospect I wish I had kept it, as it was the only gun I’ve ever sold. The problem with the AR is that it has no soul. Also, the manual of arms of the AR is not intuitive at all for me. I much prefer my M1A Scout. My next rifle will be a Socom.
The thing that really hurts the mini is price. I bought mine the day before covid shutdown for $750. Same one is going between $1100-$1200 now. It needs to stay under $1000.
I bought my Mini because my brother owns an actual M-14 that I absolutely love, but he bought it before the ban. I wasnt so lucky. But my Mini is an awesome rifle.
I have a 14 & 30. They are fun guns. My AR-15s are in 223 and 762x39. M1A AK47 and other rifles all good in my book. When I go to the range I usually take one mini 14 and or 30 with me. My 14 is the target model, won't shoot 556. I put a Vortex Crossfire on it. No issues with ammo hurting the scope
I spent 12 years in the militry 76-88 firing the M16A1. Never had a problem hitting a silhouette Target at 450 ft. Recently got into ARs and wasted an incredible amount of time trying to find an AR paltform I was comfortable with and could get optics that worked to my liking (never did) I finally opted for a Mini 14 .223 Remington and just like the M16A1 in the 70s and 80s I have no problem hitting af silhouette target at 500 feet. Many of my shooting buddies spend a lot of time trying to get 1 to 2 inch groups with the AR, and that just isn't me. I know now what I knew in the 70s and 80s if I have to shoot at a human target to stop a threat a bullet anywhere below the neck and above the waist is most likely going to stop that threat. I can do that with iron sights at 500 feet so the entire AR platform with its myriad of attachemtns and optics for me is just colored bubbles.
Had em back in Early 80's wen I was In My A - Team Phase. Verrry Pretty with the Stainless Folders. Once they got hot?? All over the place. A Great Nostalgia piece.😊
I have the latest model. I tried 6 different boxes of ammo. Most gave me 2 inch groups. Then tried Federal 55 grain power shoks..for a 3/4 inch group. The key is try different weights, brands etc. The high dollar ammo didnt shoot that well.
I love my mini. Literally the only thing I want for it is a way to attach a small canted red dot directly to a scope ring. Like two small plates at a 20 degree angle so that a small red dot can ride on either side of my primary scope.
It's not the shells hitting the scope, it's how hard the receiver hits. A good strong scope is needed. The shell actually hits the charging handle and puts a crimp in the top of the shell. You can always tell a mini 14 round by that crimp.
I bought the mini 14 rancher model the shells eject differently than the original more user friendly than the original for scope mount and yes it’s very accurate
I love the leather x tramag pouch you make those are great! I had a mini 14 almost when they first came out probably in 1976 or so and the prob then with them was they had a very thin barrel but heard they changed that but I don’t know for sure. Good video for a good rifle.
I have a bicentennial model and put an accustrut on and can get touching bullets at 25 yards off a bench. These things are so much fun to shoot and I have a dozen magazines I picked up over the years.
Living and riding my sxs in rural NV, I always have a rifle attached to my rear rack. Having an AR, AK and my Ruger Ranch rifle, my top choice is always the Ruger. When going down rural country roads, the "scary" AK and AR acquire dirty looks and unwanted attention. The Ruger, if even noticed, gets a thumbs up, even from a local deputy who wanted to buy it!
Yes absolutely love mine but Techsights rear sight is a must upgrade. In CA not considered an "assault rifle" so unlike the AR, Hellfighter kit not required...
I think my biggest issue with the mini is how expensive they are and how much a budget AR can outperform it. I think if we're going to be realistic about our expectations for the mini, Ruger needs to be realistic with the pricing.
Due to the recent PICA Act here in Illinois, all AR-15, AK and other “Assault Rifles” are now illegal to purchase. However, the Mini-14 is still legal.
being part of the M16 family never wanted a AR 15 the mini 14 is the best improvement of the M14 considering what is going down these days it will provide needed protection
This is the first gun I bought and can hit a ten inch plate at 100 yards with the iron sights regularly. The groups aren't tight, but it is so much fun.
I've had a couple mini 14s, they're good little rifles. In my opinion they're just over priced for what they are. I can buy 2- 2 1/2 ARs for what a mini typically sells for
With my mini 30 I have a 2.5 x leupold fixed power scope and Winchester sofoint I have taken 6 deer and 5 boar. All 1 stop shots except for a 400 lb hog which took 2. The deer and boar were taken from 80 to 200 yards.
I had an early Mini-14. I was getting 4+ inch groups at 50 yards. I complained Ruger, sent it back to the factory, they re-barreled it for me and it was a little better, maybe 2 1/2 - 3 inches at 50 yards. I regarded that as unsatisfactory and sold it.
I LOVE my mini-14 because: a) the gun laws here in Finland are srict 10/10 compared to America (even with the fact that the military is mandatory - they dont even sell sidearms because of the schoolsootings that unfortunately took place in 2007+2008), b) after i got my favourite "moving target practice" rifle (the kriss-vector-22-lr-dmk-22c-16) i managed to get a permit for the Mini-14 tactical, stainless with a folding stock + good optics (2-7×32 and 1.5-4×20) and a tactical grip and c) with some adjustments i can hit a target with a nice pattern of shots within 4-5 inch wide area. Since its built from synthetic materials unlike the ranch rifle it can withstand the -20F temperature at the heart of winter. Even with my long military service it was a pain in the "sitting muscles" to get the permit since they only allow single shot hunting rifle permits and even the pistol (for putting the animal out of its pain) is a bolt action one round .765 or a 9mm.... Anyway i am happy as hell, with all the space i have got on my yard i built my own shooting range (my nearest neighbour lives 2 miles away) so i can create all kinds of moving targets etc. and the Mini hits just fine at a target (size of a plate) from 30-60 yards. Funny fact: after you get a permit to buy a firearm they dont care about the gear like the flash suppressor and so on. The strict laws might be the reason why there has been only two officers down in the line of duty incidents in the last 40 years or so.
Mine will always have sentimental value. Is the first centerfire rifle I owned. Paid $175 new in 1977 and had years of fun with it even after finding my Colt AR could print tighter groups.
@@henryrodgers1752 Yeah, I bought the Colt new for $320 in December 1978. It was the first %100 reliable centerfire rifle (cleaned it fanatically from time in the Corps.) till I regrettably sold it in 84.
It’s an awesome rifle.. I would say that buying it in .223 is the best option because of cost/availability and the amount of people that own rifles chambered in that round. Even the military carries that round. Not saying that in a war type situation most people would last long but if you do it won’t be hard to find ammo. Pretty much all you need is a shotgun 12 gauge, handgun 9mm, .223 rifle or .22 and possibly a bolt action 308 or m1a style semi auto for distance. The best bet if you had to pack out I would go with a .223 rifle and a 9mm side arm.. just because of weight of rifle and the light ammunition.
I'd say in the 80's and 90's if scoped they were not accurate due to brass dinging the scopes,....damaging the scopes and spinning them around in the ring's.. I'm thinking the change the ejection now. They are supposed to be better now their barrel's are supposed to come in different twists to shoot .556 and heavier bullets, just like the AR-15. All I'm hearing is complaints? Open sights at 50 yards I can cover the holes with my thumb. Rugers have always been high quality guns. But I will never buy a plastic gun. But lots of other's are still making metal gun's. I love your video best info on you tube,.... and great magazine holder.
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EzyGl_w-IXg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/tr.png)
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Is the comment under my comment a scam? It has a number for me to text?
I have a 580 series rifle it’s stamped 223 can I shoot 556 without any issues? Also love the content saving up for a pouch for my Marlin
The Mini-14 is a hidden gem in this day and age.
They're way too expensive
@@westcoastplinkin6559 quality costs money. I mean yes they're way to expensive so nobody should be buying them
@@westcoastplinkin6559 I agree, but I’d overlook that if they took AR pattern magazines. Come on Ruger, you’re a gun company, not a mag company.
@westcoastplinkin6559, not really an AR or AK of equal quality costs the same. Now if you want a budget load out you aren't wrong a mini 14 is not the best to look at. But it's a great gun which is why it's a tad pricier
Not hidden well enough, in California you can only buy the 5 round version, that is top loaded.
Love the Mini-14 and Mini-30. They are just a ton of fun to shoot, easy to maneuver around AND they look great too.
My choice over a AR platform.
@@Digital_Photog1995
A lot of people seem to prefer the Mini over the AR. I like both but I enjoy shooting the Mini more, although for me the AR is a lot more modular and easier to do certain things with. With that said, I definitely enjoy shooting the Mini much more.
@@Digital_Photog1995 It’s all personal choice but I hate the sound of a buffer spring whanging in my ear. Compared to piston driven, direct impingement is a poor design.
I prefer my mini 14 over the ak and ar
Same here
Same
me too
😂
Same!
I bought a Rugger Ranch Mini-14 chambered in .223 20yrs ago, it's a very good riffle. At first I went hard on it to see how reliable it was, after aprox 1,900 rounds I didn't had any trouble at all, no misfires or any trouble at all. I worked the wood and changed the springs with the intention of selling it but when I finished it I fell in love with it. I've always used the factory sights and don't have any issues with it. Now I enjoy cleaning it and maintaining it shooting 15 rounds every year just to see that the sights still in their place. I reach the target at 100 yards easily. I got no complaints.
"A riffle is as good as the person shooting it".
Good video!.
Keep up the good work!.
I got my first Mini14 in 1973 and have owned a couple ever since. My most accurate model is a heavy barrel synthetic with barrel stabilizer. I own one AR and a couple dozen assorted Garands… Swedish Mausers, etc.. the Mini14 has its place.
i have one identical to yours, and i love it. it makes a perfect suburban shtf gun, because every shot will be within 50 yards, 100% of the time. you talk about the brass flinging out, you can (and should) tame that with an adjustable gas block from accuracy systems. it's cheap and easy to do, works great. try one, you'll be glad you did. it also saves wear on your gun.
Biggest advantage is that it they won't get as dirty as AR-15s thanks to the Garand style gas piston. Perfect for SHTF.
Such cool rifles, but I can’t bring myself to spend the money on one. I think these would be more popular if they were in the entry level AR price range. Make them $600 and I might see a reason just for cool factor.
Absolutely on a more affordable price for the common working man.
I had one in the late 70's. Paid $245.99 I believe. Sold it, regret it.
Well these butes are made in America still and taht is awsome but unfortunately you just can't manufacture them in this country for any less with sacrificing quality. I believe I paid $780 brand new back in 2016 and now they are closer to $1100. You get what you can I guess I just wouldn't ask Ruger to drop quality or move manufacturing overseas to save a few hundred bucks.
@@thelastminuteman7513Yep, you can “buy American” get quality and pay for it OR you get cheap crap from former-Soviet bloc countries. There is no free lunch.
@@henryrodgers1752 The Mini-14 is more expensive than a budget line, all American AR-15. From this perspective, one should get the cheaper and more accurate AR before the Mini-14.
@@ichimonjiguythey're also a piston operated rifle and have cold hammer forged barrels, so compared to your entry level AR they're higher quality. Not that budget ars can't be great but the chf barrel alone isn't cheap. Plus, anything Ruger is over built like a tank
I am 75 and not a gun person AT ALL. Plus, I don't think I have shot a gun three times in my entire life. That said, I really like this guy. He communicates an honest, straightforward respect and affection for this particular gun, and he almost makes me want to get one. Plus, he's funny (sniper rifle: takin' out prairie dogs at 600 yards). I like it. I subscribed.
Mini 14 good at 200 yard with a scope. I would trust it for close in combat. Here in California AR 15 types are illegal. 12 G semiautomatic shotgun for neighborhood defense. We have tough times coming.
@@jimcalifwin3760 We sure do.
@@jimcalifwin3760moved out of CA a couple years ago, miss Inn & Out burgers and our home church, CCCH w pastor Jack Hibbs. Our whole nation is headed for tough and perilous times but God is with us. This life is like a vapor it will be over soon
I had mini 14s and ar-15s .
I tested them and sold the Ar-15s right away .
My oldest mini -14, I have no idea how many years i have had it . It is used for deer and varmint hunting .
My favorite min 14 has the 1 in 7 twist .
My older ones are 1 in 10 twist . The mid 90s to now have the 1 in 9 twist .
I’ve had my mini 14 for 35 years. Love it.
Enjoyed the video , something I did to reduce brass from flying away{like 25 to 30 ft} when ejected was get a gas bushing kit from Accuracy Systems , if you can gap a set of ignition points{old school} you can replace your gas bushing , you just need a quality 9/64" allen wrench and a feeler gauge set , I ended using the .045" bushing going down in size from the factory's .085" bushing , make sure to match the height of the new bushing to the old or else it will be crushed into the block , also keep the gap even on both sides of the block when tightening back together by using feeler gauges {check instructions for torque specs} , the .045" bushing combined with setting the halves of the gas block even improved accuracy noticeably and now the rifle ejects casings 6 to 10 ft away without a massive ding in the brass , I use those blue 1911 Wilson Combat Shok Buffers too , 1 at the rear end of the operating rod , I also run 1 at the front end{gas block} but can not use .223 ammo when doing so as it will not eject properly with the buffer at the gas block. Shoot well , Dave K
Well said! I sold my older designed Mini 14 and got into the AR platform as well. Was bored very quickly. Learned that Ruger had improved the design where needed on the MIni and am now actively looking for another Mini 14. Good video!
I'd love for Ruger to come out with these rifles in .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. Call them the Mini-35 and Mini-45. I'd also want a 14 in .223, and a Mini-30 in 7.62x39.
I absolutely love how they kept the Garand style safety on this rifle. In my opinion, it is one of the best designed safeties ever put on a rifle.
I agree. And yes, the Garand safety IS probably the best designed safeties ever designed. It doesn’t just block the trigger from moving, it also prevents the hammer firing. People who hate the design don’t understand it.
The mini 30 is 7.69x39. And the mini 14 target is .223.
That would be awesome.
I bought a stainless steel Mini back in 77. I Love It!! lost count of how many rounds I put thru it, But I still have it I still love it. Great size and weight. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Love the Mini-14, bought one at Walmart 40yrs ago for $400. Thought that was expensive, now Walmart don't sell them or AR's. This Country has Regressed on firearm sales.
I don't own one but they've always been on my wish list just for fun . I have never really been an AR fan simply based on looks and style. I just like vintage stuff whether it's guns, cars or guitars . I like wood over synthetic and my favorite days at the range are with the lever and bolt rifles. Plus I have a 10/22 so there's a little overlap. Speaking of I'd been interested in a saddle for my 30-30 , I'll go check out your site!
I have both the AR, Mini 14 and AK. I have a Butler Creek folding stock and a 4X scope on my Mini14 and I use it for a truck gun. We are overrun with feral hogs and coyotes and it works great been using it for years and I have never had a problem with brass hitting my scope maybe others do but so far so good for me. Great video and keep up the good work.
I used my 582 series Mini 14 Tactical Carbine to take a 100 pound feral pig at about 90 yards. One shot, clean kill using hand loaded ammo with a 77gr boat tail hollow point projectile. My Mini 14 rifle is very accurate. That said, I owned three different Minis between 1974 and 1988. Each of them was very accurate on a cold bore, first shot but each of them would start stringing shots as they heated up. I like Mini 14s but gave up on them by 1990. Then, after reading that Ruger had made some changes in the mid 2000s, I bought mine in 2009 and I've been very happy with it. it's very accurate and holds a good group with repeated shots. I do own some AR 15s and other rifles and like and enjoy shooting them, as well.
I bought one about 8 yrs. ago. I did put a scope on it and have had no problems. As far as accuracy, I tried a various loads and manufacturers before settling on one that consistently achieved close to 2" groups (or less) at 100 yds. That is my recommendation. Some of the ammo I tried were closer to 4-5 in. groups at 100. The ammo makes all the difference in the world. Find the ammo that suits your particular rifle. But that's true with all firearms. As far as other desired qualities, I have found the Min-14 to be dependable. I have had no misfires or malfunctions at all in the 8 yrs. I have owned it.
Having experienced temporary “misplacements” of the selector detent spring pin and extractor retaining pin on an AR, I can appreciate the big parts ruggedness of the Mini.
Love my Mini, so sad it was lost in a tragic boating accident. Tech sights !!!!! Best upgrade.
I just ordered one.. they are on back order everywhere it sounds like.. I much much prefer the wood stock ssd's standard rifle look as opposed to the tactical look but that's on me.. I'll save this video and when it comes in I'll be sure to order the leather.. looks very good.. and a quick simple review..good job
Straight forward, no dumb intro with music......good video, thanks!
Thank you!
Great rifle, and one that's more like a traditional style rifle than either an AR or AK.
The main drawback to the Mini-14 vs. the AR or AK is the cost of magazines. I trust only Ruger factory mags and they're $25-45, as opposed to $8-15 for good AR or AK mags.
I bought my Ruger Mini 14 about ten years ago. I bought a couple of Ruger mags every year for about six years. i`m glad I did. now I have 10, 20 and 30 round mags.
I learned through my own, personal experience that
after market magazines don't work well. I buy Ruger brand magazines only now. I also learned that foreign (especially Russian) ammo doesn't always feed well and keyholes sometimes. That said, I enjoy the reliability of the mini 14 and own several. I use them out to 150 yards for light skinned animals here in northern Alaska and have had much success. Excellent review! Thank you.
I disagree w/ the mag and ammo points...
My Promags have been VERY RELIABLE and I have 1 tapco poly mag that runs well also...
I buy the Pro mags since they're 1/2 the price and use them for range mags...
The ONLY time I had problems w/ the Pro mags was with American Eagle 45 grain brass HP VARMIT Loads and it may have been w/ the Rugers as well...
That's the ONLY ammo I used that my mini didn't MUTILATE... Even cheap Tula Steel groups well and feeds awesome... Some of it even got Rusty when I left my mags at my Ex's house with my stepson!
In a SELF DEFENSE/FAMILY Farm scene I would have RUGER mags as well...
In a bug out bag for MORE mags on REDY and for cheap range conveinance at a lower price... Even 1/2 - 1/3 price,,, Try some others.
My Tapco cost $13 for 30 rounds.... There are poly Pro mags as well for CHEAP...
@@jpb1231000 I have some 30 rounders, work flawlessly
@@billkrebs4227 Yep... mine too... I think that ammo was the problem...
Only factory 5 round magazines work in mine. Anything else even factory ones are nothing but failure to feed every 2 or 3 rounds.
@@michaelball760 WHAT??? is it a NEW GUN or an OLDER??
I have a Mini 14 in the Police GB configuration. It is one of the orginal models that required a B Square side mount for mounting a scope. About 40 years ago I handloaded Match grade target ammuntion for it, and found a combination it really liked. A friend and I shimed up the mount as needed and it would really shoot well, if you can hold it steady. The factory stocks like to slide around on your shoulder, especially vertically, so you need to really support the whole arrangement more so to its center mass. Off sand bags, it placed its best 3 shot group at a true half inch at 100 yards. My brother used it for years for varmint hunting in Indiana. Luckily, everything has remained tight and he/I always babiedt about in a big padded bag. Ruger barrells were never considered top rated steel or particuraly tight bores, but by chance this particular rifle's barrel is well bored. The GB model has a bayonet lug, an inward mounted front sight and a longer flash hider on it;s barrel. This structures, and their location on the barrel give it a good harmonic vibration not disturbing bullets shooting out the muzzle. There's many factors to calming semi automatic, and we seem to have given a good set of harmonics, plus, what we may have added or tamed.
Hi.
1984, a friend of mine wanted to sell his Mini 14 stainless steel rifle to buy an AR. I gave him $150.00 for his rifle, ten magazines and 200 rds of .223 Remington. About a year later he asked me if I would like to sell it back to him. I didn’t ask what the problem with his AR was or even if there was a problem because I wanted to keep my Mini 14. I got an AR in 2000 but sold it a few years later. I wasn’t interested in customizing it or shooting more than 100 - 150 yards at targets, plinking or varmints. I still shoot my Mini 14 for plinking and varmints. If I’ll need to shoot farther while hunting, I have scoped rifles to use.
I have your sling, loop wrap and cartridge cuff for my Marlin 1895 45-70 Government. I'll be looking at your Mini 14 magazine cuff.
You are correct on installing a scope. The first time at the range, my scope almost fell off after 20 rounds. this happened 2 more times. Eventually, I had to safety wire the scope mounting screws. It's Frankenstein AF. Another problem I had, every 2 or 3 rounds, I had a stove pipe. It turns out, the gas bushing was the wrong size. Brownell's sells a multi-pack of Mini 14 gas bushings. Original GB could slide around and cover the gas port, leading to a stove pipe. The bigger GB can't cover the gas port.
I have the 30 and 14, love them both I put a scope on my mini 14 I left the mini 30 with irons. I can hit a 10" gong all day at 300 yards with the 14 and a torso gong at the same distance with the 30. Thanks for the videos.
Glad to be of service!
@@masonoutdoors_masonleather
Sure do enjoy your video.
Beautiful rifle. I'm considering buying either a Mini 14 or Mini 30....
possibly both at some point.
Can you please tell me what is the length of these two rifles? Are they the same length?
Also, do they use the same ammo.
lol..... just one more question. What is the largest caliber for a Mini?
So sorry for all the questions.
Thanks,
Tom🙂
The Royal Bermuda Regiment was the user of the Mini 14. I believe they have replaced them now with surplus SA80's. The French Gendarmerie's GIGN special forces unit also used it as one of their rifles in the AC-556 version in the past.
When I was younger I wanted one mainly because I’m a fan of Ruger in general and it wasn’t an AR. I was fortunate enough to receive one with the ATI tactical furniture for my 18th birthday from my parents. After not shooting it much for years I recently put the Samson AT-M stock and Hannibal rail on it. I was able to directly mount a Holosun red dot to the Hannibal rail and the whole package looks absolutely awesome now. I plan on using it for general purpose use out to 100 yards or so. I think they are great rifles as long as you realize they probably won’t be as accurate as even a more affordable AR. And I have come to appreciate AR’s over the years.
Thank you for a realistic and honest review. Can’t stand people who take a absolute crap on the Mini14, M14, and Garand. People shouldn’t expect so much from an older design like this. These have their place, but of course, no surprise they aren’t pin point shooters because the Garand’s action design is from the 1930’s!
Glad you enjoyed it! I agree, just because something isn’t one thing doesn’t mean it’s not another that’s still great in it’s own right.
Actually, both the Garrand and the M-14 are very accurate (I have shot both many times). The Mini is nowhere as accurate as either of those fine rifles. Plus the action is similar to the rotating bolt of Garrand, but not the same, Ruger made it different to save money in production. Good ole Bill Ruger (the ultimate Fudd) almost always went for the cheapest way to produce a a gun.
@@risby1930 I agree but I consistently hear the accuracy is primarily the barrels and possibly being overgassed. M1 was always praised as being accurate. Cheapest way? I have a #1 single shot. Doesn't seem cheap to me. Yes investment cast but the way Ruger does it doesn't seem to give up much to machining.
Just shot a doe yesterday with .223. Good bulllet and shot placement its not problem.
I found a Mini 14 at my local shop and being in CA with lots of restrictions I prefer this so I put it down on layaway and recently found your website and purchased a few things for it while I slowly pay it off. It’ll look nice.
Sounds like a plan, thank you!
Ergonomics and manual of arms wise the Mini is much like the M14. As far as the operating system, they're more like a miniaturized magazine fed Garand. I had one of the stainless GB models with the side folder(cue the A-Team theme music) when I was a kid. They're fun plinkers and nearly as capable in most defensive situations as an AR. The Mini 30 in 7.62 would be a perfectly adequate deer or hog rifle with the right ammo.
Scope and good ammo mine will do 2 moa. I installed an Ultimak forward rail on mine. Works good with red dot and scout scope. Keeps them low and the action clear. Currently have a shotgun scope in Ruger rings. I have not noticed brass hitting the scope.
Thank you for an honest review, love my Mini 14 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Nice 1 take video. I have a nice 89 stainless mini and a couple ARs. Both ARs are a bit more accurate, but I wouldnt say more reliable. But when I want accurate I grab my rem and tikka bolt guns. Other than that, I like EVERY feature about the mini better. Gas system, bolt hold open, safety location, balance and especially appearance. I'm a baby boomer, so the mini definately look more military and menacing to me.
I have an older mini 14, 183 series model. It doesn't have the scope mounts made on the receiver
Had to purchase a B square mount for mine. A d IT DOES ding the scope when ejecting the shells. I also installed a barrel harmonic dampen er on it which has help with it's accuracy. Love my mini 14 over my AR. LOVE taking it out and hunting pigs with it and have taken several animals with it
The mini is a great compliment to an AR. Had 3 of them but times got hard and had to sale them.
I have a Mini 556 with a Strike Eagle 1-8x24 mounted with Vortex medium rings on a rail (don’t like the Ruger rings). Casing ejection is flat not up, no scope damage occurs. The Mini is good however, you could assuage some anxiety of a new Mini owner by showing a typical dented ejected casing. Mine eats all shell casings on the way out.
First time here
Good video. Good info. Well done
You explained the intent of this rifle very well. Getting closer in to animals is what it’s all about. There’s a certain allure to using iron sights too. Forces the hunter to get closer and be better.
I have a mini, it was made in 1988. After I bought it (in 2004) the bolt would periodically jam open, found that the gas piston would fall out of the transfer housing not allowing the bolt to return to battery. Send it back to Ruger they repaired free of charge. Great customer service! Fun to shoot, had some feeding problems with aftermarket mags. Bought some Ruger 20rd mags and never had that problem again. When I bought my AR, said to the salesman that I own a mini-14 his direct words were, " Don't get rid of it". Besides the fire rate is close to an AR and they are not listed or labeled as a "black scary gun" by the liberal MSM. I love both those rifles. Each have a different yet similiar purpose.
The older mini's tend to throw brass upward, into the bottom of a scope. My newest one throws it pretty much parallel to the ground, about 10 yards out. I put a piece of cardboard next to my bench so I can find the brass.
Easily fixed with bushings or an adjustable gas block.
Me and my dad played with playing cards @4-500 yards with a target version for years until his health went south. I still do from time to time just to brush up. This one was a custom order with a custom barrel from ruger but essentially a "factory tool"
One thing to note is Hogue makes a fine replacement stock which totally improves the handling of the rifle as well as saves the wood stock from getting chewed up from use.
I have a hogue stock and I love it.
It had a tactical stock on it when I bought it and it was a piece of shit.
Had the mini for a year or so and liked it. The action in my opinion is superior to the AR. Traded for the AUG, which is an even better alternative to an AR.
Traded mine for a tavor. They're good guns. But the QC has gone down a lot for them a bit. But still an awesome gun!
Aug trigger 👎
Great rifle. I've owned three of them in 223. I've also owned the mini 30. And a the Ruger ranch rifle chambered for 44 magnum. Loved all of them.
My 14 is great to 200. 3-4 inches. You are right about the sight. Mine is a 1970 made. And I bought it new
I use my circa 1976 " Bi-Centenial" model to cruise the woods and checking cameras. Super light weight and points almost like a lever gun but semi auto with negligible recoil.
An honest assessment from a personal observation and use. I appreciate your honesty.
The French used the AC-556 which is the select Fire version, Bermuda used to use the regular mini 14 with plastic tactical stocks
While the mini 14 is classical, iconic, and does its job the one thing is for 1300-1500$ a 4 inch group at 100yds is not that great, and cheaper ARs can do that and then some. Most people cant justify the cost of it based on that, but maybe some of that's due to some people not being proficient enough with iron sights these get the bad wrap that they do.
Why does any price have to justify a particular group size? A cheap AR will give you a better group all day than a $100K Westley Richards. There’s more to a gvn than the group it’ll produce, and 9 out of 10 shooters can’t shoot good enough to make group size matter anyway.
i don't know where you live that they cost $1300-$1500, i live in a blue state, and the one i just bought less than a year go, brand new, was $800
Agreed on the TechSights, they’re great!
They also offer cheap canvas slings.
I have had my stainless for 30yrs. 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40rd mags and a Butler Creek folding stock. So much fun to shoot.
One of the best truck guns ever created.
Got my mini14 in 1980 from a friend who owed me 300.00 dollars who had a stainless and a blued one.He offered the blue one for trade.Really like it and its a good shooter.
GREAT LOOKING LEATHER!!!
I go back and forth w/ my configs ,,, I have the Base model Ranch Rifle stock and the Butler Creek Folder and the Choate collapsible...
Thanks!
Stuck in California for another 2.5 years. Bought my dad one and I love it! I shoot mainly 308 Socom 16 and FAL. But think I’m going to buy one for myself I like it so much.
was issued a mini as a patrol rifle, it shot well & never one hiccup on the range, felt very confident with it.
Had one(16” Stainless/black tactical), wanted to love it, but it was very picky with ammo and the accuracy was hard to put up with. Traded it for an AR. In retrospect I wish I had kept it, as it was the only gun I’ve ever sold. The problem with the AR is that it has no soul. Also, the manual of arms of the AR is not intuitive at all for me. I much prefer my M1A Scout. My next rifle will be a Socom.
Thank you very much. it will be nice supporting a local Texan. 🙂
The thing that really hurts the mini is price. I bought mine the day before covid shutdown for $750. Same one is going between $1100-$1200 now. It needs to stay under $1000.
I bought my Mini because my brother owns an actual M-14 that I absolutely love, but he bought it before the ban. I wasnt so lucky. But my Mini is an awesome rifle.
I have a 14 & 30. They are fun guns. My AR-15s are in 223 and 762x39. M1A AK47 and other rifles all good in my book. When I go to the range I usually take one mini 14 and or 30 with me. My 14 is the target model, won't shoot 556. I put a Vortex Crossfire on it. No issues with ammo hurting the scope
Bought mine 21 years ago. Fired at least 15000 rounds out of it. Love it!!
I spent 12 years in the militry 76-88 firing the M16A1. Never had a problem hitting a silhouette Target at 450 ft. Recently got into ARs and wasted an incredible amount of time trying to find an AR paltform I was comfortable with and could get optics that worked to my liking (never did) I finally opted for a Mini 14 .223 Remington and just like the M16A1 in the 70s and 80s I have no problem hitting af silhouette target at 500 feet. Many of my shooting buddies spend a lot of time trying to get 1 to 2 inch groups with the AR, and that just isn't me. I know now what I knew in the 70s and 80s if I have to shoot at a human target to stop a threat a bullet anywhere below the neck and above the waist is most likely going to stop that threat. I can do that with iron sights at 500 feet so the entire AR platform with its myriad of attachemtns and optics for me is just colored bubbles.
California Dept of corrections still uses then. I have a scope on my mini and no brass dings to be had. 10 years and no dings
I agree, it's a carbine, not a snipers rifle, it's a fun bush or brush carbine. After dark it's real Kool to see the long muzzle flash!
Had em back in Early 80's wen I was In My A - Team Phase. Verrry Pretty with the Stainless Folders. Once they got hot?? All over the place. A Great Nostalgia piece.😊
I have the latest model. I tried 6 different boxes of ammo. Most gave me 2 inch groups. Then tried Federal 55 grain power shoks..for a 3/4 inch group. The key is try different weights, brands etc. The high dollar ammo didnt shoot that well.
I love my mini. Literally the only thing I want for it is a way to attach a small canted red dot directly to a scope ring. Like two small plates at a 20 degree angle so that a small red dot can ride on either side of my primary scope.
It's not the shells hitting the scope, it's how hard the receiver hits. A good strong scope is needed. The shell actually hits the charging handle and puts a crimp in the top of the shell. You can always tell a mini 14 round by that crimp.
I bought the mini 14 rancher model the shells eject differently than the original more user friendly than the original for scope mount and yes it’s very accurate
I love the leather x tramag pouch you make those are great! I had a mini 14 almost when they first came out probably in 1976 or so and the prob then with them was they had a very thin barrel but heard they changed that but I don’t know for sure. Good video for a good rifle.
I have a bicentennial model and put an accustrut on and can get touching bullets at 25 yards off a bench. These things are so much fun to shoot and I have a dozen magazines I picked up over the years.
Living and riding my sxs in rural NV, I always have a rifle attached to my rear rack.
Having an AR, AK and my Ruger Ranch rifle, my top choice is always the Ruger.
When going down rural country roads, the "scary" AK and AR acquire dirty looks and unwanted attention. The Ruger, if even noticed, gets a thumbs up, even from a local deputy who wanted to buy it!
My favorite is the SKS. Tough as hell and just really neat and unique
Another fun history fact: the British regiment that protects Bermuda used to use the Mini-series, particularly the 30 variant.
Yes absolutely love mine but Techsights rear sight is a must upgrade. In CA not considered an "assault rifle" so unlike the AR, Hellfighter kit not required...
Just ordered one. It really is the perfect finishing touch to a mini-14.
I think my biggest issue with the mini is how expensive they are and how much a budget AR can outperform it. I think if we're going to be realistic about our expectations for the mini, Ruger needs to be realistic with the pricing.
My new one shoots 1.250 at 100 yards with ball ammo. Love it
There's a picatiny rail that goes in place of the sights that helps guide the brass away from the bottom of your scope.
I put laminated thumbhole stock on mine, and I love that gun. it's so much fun
Due to the recent PICA Act here in Illinois, all AR-15, AK and other “Assault Rifles” are now illegal to purchase. However, the Mini-14 is still legal.
I would sure like to have one again. I had an earlier model but never had a problem with it.
being part of the M16 family never wanted a AR 15 the mini 14 is the best improvement of the M14 considering what is going down these days it will provide needed protection
This is the first gun I bought and can hit a ten inch plate at 100 yards with the iron sights regularly. The groups aren't tight, but it is so much fun.
Agree!
I've had a couple mini 14s, they're good little rifles. In my opinion they're just over priced for what they are. I can buy 2- 2 1/2 ARs for what a mini typically sells for
With my mini 30 I have a 2.5 x leupold fixed power scope and Winchester sofoint I have taken 6 deer and 5 boar. All 1 stop shots except for a 400 lb hog which took 2. The deer and boar were taken from 80 to 200 yards.
I bought mine in 1986, I think. It does not even have mounts for the scope. My buddy had an AR, so I got it to save on bulk ammo.
I had an early Mini-14. I was getting 4+ inch groups at 50 yards. I complained Ruger, sent it back to the factory, they re-barreled it for me and it was a little better, maybe 2 1/2 - 3 inches at 50 yards. I regarded that as unsatisfactory and sold it.
It's an effective tool, for a wide range of purposes. It's an artifact, a connection to a different age. It's a piece of art.
I LOVE my mini-14 because: a) the gun laws here in Finland are srict 10/10 compared to America (even with the fact that the military is mandatory - they dont even sell sidearms because of the schoolsootings that unfortunately took place in 2007+2008), b) after i got my favourite "moving target practice" rifle (the kriss-vector-22-lr-dmk-22c-16) i managed to get a permit for the Mini-14 tactical, stainless with a folding stock + good optics (2-7×32 and 1.5-4×20) and a tactical grip and c) with some adjustments i can hit a target with a nice pattern of shots within 4-5 inch wide area. Since its built from synthetic materials unlike the ranch rifle it can withstand the -20F temperature at the heart of winter. Even with my long military service it was a pain in the "sitting muscles" to get the permit since they only allow single shot hunting rifle permits and even the pistol (for putting the animal out of its pain) is a bolt action one round .765 or a 9mm.... Anyway i am happy as hell, with all the space i have got on my yard i built my own shooting range (my nearest neighbour lives 2 miles away) so i can create all kinds of moving targets etc. and the Mini hits just fine at a target (size of a plate) from 30-60 yards. Funny fact: after you get a permit to buy a firearm they dont care about the gear like the flash suppressor and so on. The strict laws might be the reason why there has been only two officers down in the line of duty incidents in the last 40 years or so.
Mine will always have sentimental value. Is the first centerfire rifle I owned. Paid $175 new in 1977 and had years of fun with it even after finding my Colt AR could print tighter groups.
True, but you paid a stack of $$ for that Colt AR, for a little bit more accuracy. Smart man, having both.
@@henryrodgers1752 Yeah, I bought the Colt new for $320 in December 1978. It was the first %100 reliable centerfire rifle (cleaned it fanatically from time in the Corps.) till I regrettably sold it in 84.
It’s an awesome rifle.. I would say that buying it in .223 is the best option because of cost/availability and the amount of people that own rifles chambered in that round. Even the military carries that round. Not saying that in a war type situation most people would last long but if you do it won’t be hard to find ammo. Pretty much all you need is a shotgun 12 gauge, handgun 9mm, .223 rifle or .22 and possibly a bolt action 308 or m1a style semi auto for distance.
The best bet if you had to pack out I would go with a .223 rifle and a 9mm side arm.. just because of weight of rifle and the light ammunition.
I'd say in the 80's and 90's if scoped they were not accurate due to brass dinging the scopes,....damaging the scopes and spinning them around in the ring's..
I'm thinking the change the ejection now.
They are supposed to be better now their barrel's are supposed to come in different twists to shoot .556 and heavier bullets, just like the AR-15.
All I'm hearing is complaints?
Open sights at 50 yards I can cover the holes with my thumb.
Rugers have always been high quality guns.
But I will never buy a plastic gun.
But lots of other's are still making metal gun's.
I love your video best info on you tube,.... and great magazine holder.