The mini 14 is like the van gogh of rifles it's a work of art, in my opinion ak's and ar's are like having a gold glock or 1911, good guns just over rated..
I agree on the price problem. The main thing for me though is that they are made for th ed rifle, they are steel and they work period. That's all I use and have never had a problem. Now to be fair, i haven't used other aftermarket brands but have seen enough negative reviews to keep me where I am... Peace...
Bite the bullet. I LOVE my mini-14. I can put any ammo in it, and it will send it down the lane everytime, anytime, all day long. And frankly, in a that's what counts
@@HaydenCarroll Agreed with your usage of aftermarket mags. I've got promag's and they work every bit as good. I think the newer Mini, 580 and newer, have better tolerances for the magazines, and can function better with them. I've got several 20 round promags and they all work fine in my Mini.
One thing you forgot to mention is how much cleaner the Mini 14 runs compared to an AR-15 that shits where it eats and not so with the Mini 14. I can run several hundred rounds through my Mini 14 without a major cleaning. AR's are fine, I have a few and one is the Colt 6920 LE that I love, but I still think the Mini 14 is a better designed platform to stay in the battle longer without the fuss of cleaning. Everyone has their own reason of why they like a certain firearm over another and this is mine, but like I said I do love the AR platform and the AK's too!
I enjoyed your video. I really like the Mini 14, and am impressed with its lineage. I have also heard much critical praise for it from people who really know what they're talking about. Your rationale for selecting it as your WROL rifle makes perfect sense. Thank you.
I got a Mini in March of this year. Got two of each factory magazine available up to 30 rounders. I can carry 130 rounds on my person. I have never had a jam, never skipped a beat, fired it slow and fast, it throws brass clear over my shoulder. Love the rifle. Got a repro leather 1917 sling on it for the M1/M14 look, picked up a repro unfinished black walnut handguard I am working on to replace the ugly OEM one after I rip out the metal heatshield in it. Also got plans to get a replacement tech sights r200 adjustable rear sight, new muzzle brake/flash hider, and accu-strut for that M14 look. I bought one due to its relation to the M1 and M14 it was patterned after and after getting one in my hands, I knew it was only a matter of time that I bought one. 5.56 only throws smoke but .223 spits out huge fireballs. This and my Ruger SR1911 make a great pair.
I hike the National Forest every day and I can tell you that appearance matters. There is a trail head right behind my house and interactions with the granola crunchers are much more relaxed with the Mini. Plus, it's quicker to shoulder and easier to carry. I can put rounds in a six inch circle at 170 yards, shooting across a windy canyon. That's a dead coyote, everytime
@@hurricane8634 yes you can shoot 5.56 out of a Mini-14 if you do a little research on it you will find out that it is actually chambered for 5.56 but the Ruger company decided to stamp them with the 223 so it wasn't looked at as a military rifle
@@hurricane8634 no problem my mini 14 is one of my favorite rifles I just installed a folding stock from ATI absolutely love it I got the stock from cheaper than dirt it was only $125 if you do buy anything for it be sure to check and make sure it is compatible with your rifle my serial number prefix is 181 that's a very early model if yours is from 1978 then yours should also have a very low serial number
I have had 2 now currently have one with the side folding stock (original) with the stainless steel and vortex red dot. Love these things since I was a kid, the A Team era.
@@Boofi-quat The mini 30 runs brass case boxer primed ammo flawlessly. However if you run steel case ammo with hard berdan primers you will get light primer strikes. I was getting light strikes on Tula about 1 in 10 rounds. I put in a heavy Wolf hammer spring which has cut that to about 1 in 40. If you stick with brass case boxer primed ammo you won’t have any issues.
I just got one a couple of weeks ago. It's one of the few semi-automatic rifles we're allowed to have in the People's Republic of New York State. Of course, we're limited to 10 round magazines.
I'm a pretty decent shooter.... my Mini-14's average 2-4 MOA at 100 yards, and all my AR's are sub MOA.... I've tried adjusting the gas, trigger upgrade, good scopes, etc.... Mini's just aren't sharp shooters.... they're great guns... totally fine for SHTF/ self defense.... but, not the "Most" accurate, .... however, accurate 'enough'
I inherited a 196 series Ranch and I’m keeping it. I live rural and it’s a great utility rifle plus the manual of arms is the same as my M1 carbine and M1A.
Don't get me wrong. I with you in that I like the Mini. I own its Daddy, the M1A so I'm a believer in it's pedigree, but I don't for a second buy the anti gunners are OK with the Mini14 or any tactical carbine. They are just going after the low hanging fruit first, the most common faux "assault rifles". They'll circle back for yours too and ban hi-cap mags because they are not ok with guns period. They are must patient with their agenda that is all about control and not about public safety which is obvious when legally owned tactical carbines are responsible for a few dozen of the 8-9k homicides per year in the US. Diane Fienstein admitted that if she could pull off a ban and collection after her 2013 bill died in the Senate, she would "Do it tomorrow". Her words. She and her elitist Marxist brethren want to impose their system on you and I and take away your ability to make them go away. That's what the anti gun movement is really about to the non plebes. The sheep just barf up the party line without thinking it through or doing their own crime statistic research. A better argument for the Mini is probably the durability of it's internals. I don't like that it breaks down into a bunch of little pieces that you could lose in the field (unlike the M1A) and that it costs $800 plus dollars now. If I could get one for 6-700, I'd like it more.
Good video. Everyone in my "group" has one or will soon. I love mine. I have the rancher too, but with the black synthetic stock. As far as accurate, it along with AR's are more accurate than most shooters abilities..... So if it works for you.....
thanks for the video! I have the same Mini-14 model that you have. I would like some input about weather to scope or use iron sights on your mini 14. I loved the iron sights but quickly put a Vortex 3x9 scope on it. although I can dial in the scope and get inside a 2 inch groups , I really appreciated the iron sights. also I can't take the top of vent cover off with that scope. The gun also feels very heavy with a scope. opinions? I love the scope, but also really love the simplicity and reliability of the stock irons.
I use those tapco mags they run flawlessly. I found some ruger factory 20 round mags online. Those 20 round mags make my mini look a bit less like an assault rifle to the untrained eye. Nice and compact too.
In combat, hi capacity, magazine-fed rifles serve double duty. In semi-auto mode, they engage individual targets, in full-auto mode they provide cover fire. Cover fire is part of squad tactics, you won't be doing this as a lone wolf. If you're part of a team (which you should be) in WROL, the cover fire can be provided by a .22 as easily as a larger caliber. People will want to avoid being shot with a .22 just as much as they want to avoid being shot with anything else. In a group of two or more people, I would argue that the primary pairing of weapons shouldn't even include a military style rifle. One person has a good 10/22 with an optic, the other person has a bolt-action .308. Rely on the .22 for most food purposes, suppressive fire, and ambush tactics, benefit from the easy to carry, quieter ammo. Rely on the .308 to pick off longer range or pinned-down targets, kill larger game (rare). Third choice is a pump shotgun, for faster action stopping power in CQB. Bolt-action .308, semi-auto .22 and pump shotgun are the Holy Trinity of SHTF. If you have those, you'll be able to get the military rifles later, if you see a need for them.
nice choice. i would either take my mini 14 or my new ar build. i would like to get a stainless mini 14 eventually to be my go to rifle. i have six 30 round mags and eight 20 round mags for my mini.
Enjoyed your informative video. In the 80's I had 2 friends who were Kansas State Troopers. In the 80's their side arm was s&w .357 & in their cars they were issued a 10 gauge shotgun and a mini 14. Now they carry sig .45's, and still the 10 gauge and also the mini 14. I do believe that the mini 14 is a reliable weapon and also that it is overlooked. I just recently purchased a mini 14 I feel that it may be the wisest gun purchase that I have ever made. Also, thanks for the info on the tapco 2nd gen mags.
Take a look at the Bushnell Trophy XLT shotgun scope. 1.75-4X32 with circle X reticle. 50 yard parallax , light and very fast. I prefer the Mini 14 to the AR also. Old fashioned I guess but I did not get trained on the AR like some younger guys. You had some good points in there about less conspicuous and training.
I have a mini 14 ranch 580 series that’s NY compliant and I just picked up the Ruger PC Carbine 9mm. AR15 is up next along with a revolver and I think I’ll be set.
Put a barrel strut from strum ruger on your mini and you will tighten your group to 1inch MOA at 100m. I have a 243 remington 26inch heavy barrel Laminate stock I'm hitting out to 1100yards. Awesome rifle.
the AR claims to be "americas rifle" so the mini should have the official name of "patriots rifle" it does chores, it hunts and its nothing to laugh at with a 40rd mag in it....the fucking mini 14 is the shit.
I love my mini-14 583 series. Why I bought a mini 14 is because I just wouldn’t see my self in a CQB situation if things hit the fan. I will be out in the woods where I think a mini-14 performs beautifully. Only down side is that the mags are expensive.
My choice to bug out with. I have an AR as well as other mil spec firearms but would choose the min 14 because with a five shot mag it would not attract unwanted attention. Of course I would have some high capacity mags ready to go but only in the rifle in high threat areas. Best to cut a low profile when TSHTF.
If you dont need to empty your,thirty rd mag in five seconds, take a look,at the 223 or 308 troy pump rifle. Looks like an AR, shoots as good, takes ar15 mags, runs whole lot cleaner than an ar, and best of all is an FU to all the compliance states, especially ny, ct and ca.
Mines an ati tactical with a adjustable stock, pistol grip, flash hider, vortex scope, a bi pod and and AFG(I have the extended bottom rail cause the stock 2” is dumb) so I guess mines still pretty terrifying. I have nightmares from it 😂
Awesome video! I have the AR-15 (2 of them I built), the AK-47 and the older version Mini-14. I do agree with you my Mini-14 would be my Zombie Apocalypse go-to rifle. As for accuracy issues on the older version; if you shoot about 200 to 300 rounds the barrel's would get very hot and that the barrel would flex. I never experienced this issue, however, an Accustrut system eliminates that problem just in case it did. They also make an Accustrut system for the new gen Mini-14's. As for magazines, I only use the Factory Mags, however, seeing that you have had success with the Tapco Gen 2's is worth a try. The 1 thing that the Mini-14 can do (billet AR-15 for some reason, my forged AR-15 has no issue) is shoot the crappy and cheap 223 Rem Tulammo without a single issue. It will shoot junk ammo to quality ammo no sweat. I will check out the Tapco Mags as you stated in your video. Stay far away from the ProMags as I had FTF a couple of times. With the Factory Mags...100% fine. But your choice in the Zombie Apocalypse Rifle is a great choice. The Mini-14 is very easy to break down, clean and maintain. The Bolt itself is easy to disassemble too in case the firing pin needs cleaning/replacement too. Again, great video and awesome choice!!
Thanks and the Tapco mags I find to work we'll in my rifle I got two more in tan they also work well in my rifle. And for the money I find the Tapco mags hard to beat.
Good idea, hiding your long gun in "plain sight". Also doesn't require a "dust cover" like the AR platforms. Excellent choice for those, like me, who hate the AR platform rifles because the first and only one I ever used (in Vietnam combat) failed on a regular basis despite extensive cleaning. Any rifle you have to clean during a firefight is not a desirable piece to stake your life on. I just have to make sure the Mini-14 I buy has a barrel and chamber rated for the 5.56 NATO round rather than the .223 Remington round. I want it to withstand the military pressures generated by the NATO ammo. Great video.
I have a 181 and it is perfectly fine shooting a .556 if you do the research you will find out all Mini 14s we're chambered in 5.56 the earlier models were stamped 223 so the public didn't refer to them as military weapons true story
Granted it would turn it into a "Black" gun, but there was also the Hogue stock for the Mini 14 too. It's a classic style stock made out of plastic, and does lighten the Mini several ounces. I got the wood stock with mine at Walmart for $709.00 a few years back. It's $749.00 now at Walmart. I picked up a Hogue from Ebay and it's a nice stock too. I also found an ATI stock for it too, which is also lighter than the wood stock, and makes it more tactical. I do love my Mini 14 too, and I've built a couple AR's. One a 16 inch and the other an 18 inch. Both are nice too. I'll have to do a shooting accuracy comparison between them one of these days. I would also consider it easily as a WROL gun.
Mine too haha. I don’t like ARs - I never have. I live in CA and the Mini is a lot more hassle free. It’s easier to maintain and carry. Extremely reliable and accurate enough for your defense. The controls are like a sporter. It has no sharp edges for carry.
I have thd same rifle. Stamped 5.56. Wood stock yep. I have 60 year old eyes and still use iron sights and can get 3 to 4 inch groups at 100 yards most of the time. Need a good sling. Got any suggestions? Love my Mini. Thanks for the video!
Copy and paste this: "STI 2 Point Rifle Sling - Adjustable Gun Sling with FAST-LOOP and 1.25 inch Webbing for Hunting Sports and Outdoors" on Amazon. I have one on my Mini. It's quiet, light, easily adjustable and minimal. So far it's handled all the hiking I've done with it. Zero complaints. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK1XW4G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If I found myself in a situation that I had to give my AR's to others to protect themselves, or even me, and I only had my Mini 14 left for me, I'd consider myself well armed.
May I suggest a Nikon scope in place of the red dot. They are tough, excellent customer service, and don't rely on batteries. Your rifle can hit out to 300 yards, with a real scope you can too.
The mini's are awesome...just picked up a mini thirty but it wont eat steel cased russian ammo. The mini would be Americas #1 choice (imo) if Ruger would have made it to accept AR style mags, gave it stiffer springs and a stronger firing pin so that it could feed cheap steel cased stuff and it CAN be modified to do that...but even as it is without all that it is a great ranch rifle/tower gun and it is very reliable. Its not just a critter gun.
I live in CA and with the incoming laws regarding the AR's & AK's I think the Mini 14 will be given a new lease of life. Or at least some kind of resurgence. . .Along with the Mini 30 or SKS if they can be found.
I agree, i would pick one up now if you don't already have one. I would stay away from the mini 30 tho and the sks now that 7.62x39 is getting so hard to find.
The AR15/ AK47 rifles are banned in my state. The Mini 14 is the top selling semi auto rifle. Mine is wood/blued like yours, I have some Pre ban PMI 30 round mags.
I believe that the mini is a good choice but I find carrying all them magazines is a Hassel . I prefer the SKS it's a very good rifle. it can kill deer too. food is important if you have to camp out. it has wood stock and I believe is a better choice.
Benjimen Franklin you know I looked at The SKS what stop me from going with that was just the weight of ammo I can just carry a lot more 556 for the same weight as 762x39 if you can take of the weight then yes it's an excellent rifle one of my Hall of Famer's for sure
200 yards or less need it to fire and not Fidel fuck with jams and not be concern with field conditions great rifle to hand to family members for back up.
I think its poor reasoning tbh. Great gun so it doesnt matter but wether its a hot topic is irrelevant an ar15 has very accessible ammo and spare parts even if they were banned youd still have a heavily flooded market plus a black market because manufacturing is easy as pie for glock 1911 and ars. With that said you have some upsides to yhe mini 14. Ammo is plentiful since it shoots same as most ars and like old school guns if you run out of ammo you can use it as a blunt weapon unlike ars which youd damage trying that.
Let's discuss....two schools of thought, which contradict. One school of thought says that you shouldn't rely on being able to scavenge parts or ammo n WROL, so stock up on what you want NOW. Other school of though is to have an AR because parts and ammo will be more likely to come by. This is all speculation for now. But....if you follow the first school of thought, there is a possible penalty, a scenario where your less-than-common gun/caliber choice needs replenishing, or you happen across sources of the common stuff, but can't use it. With the second school of thought, there is no penalty...you can stock up AND potentially gather. So logic dictates that the most common calibers and platforms are still the better choice, even if you hold to the "stock up now" philosophy (which is reasonable). The only problem I see with the Mini14 is the magazines. These are the most likely part of the weapon to malfunction, get lost or damaged, etc. In WROL, I can safely predict that you'll have a much better chance of coming across or bartering for an AR mag. The Mini is durable, but in long-term WROL, mags will be an issue. You'd probably end up "acquiring" an AR or AK anyway (if you survive) and ditch the mini, or stash it for an emergency. So it begs the question, why get involved with it for WROL purposes? I like this rifle, but would not get it for that reason.
Trigger, Slide,Recoil Spring, and Bolt, these are the moving parts of a Mini-14., compare this to an AR. The Mini being a gas piston runs a lot cleaner, the Mini reliability beats an AR hands down. The AR platform has more catastrophic failures (blowing UP) than ANY other rifle platform.
Original version not accurate? I own a 180 series, made in 1976. Generally I try to steer people away from them. Reliable, but not accurate. In the hands of someone who shoots far better than me, it holds about 8" at 100 yds. Also the first gen are not scope capable. (I know some people who have heavily modified them, I'm talking out of the box.) If you want one, this is a case where new and improved really is improved.
Also, for those looking to modify their rifles, read the small print on any parts before ordering. Many specifically state that they do not fit 180-181 series rifles.
If this rifle is your WROL rifle throw away the Tapco mags and stick with Ruger factory steel mags.You will never have a feed issue and the mags are pretty well indestructible.
This is yet another Mini 14 video where one of its supposed "advantages" over the AR15 is its appearance. I can list many criteria for choosing one rifle over another: durability, reliability, cost and availability of spare parts and magazines, adaptability to meet changing tactical conditions, resale value, ergonomics, etc. Many years ago, I bought a Colt Python based mainly on its appearance. I barely shot it and recently sold it. I'll end with this, and I'm sure I'll be attacked for voicing my opinion. By all means, appearance can be a reasonable factor in choosing which woman to date, but is pretty irrelevant when it comes to firearms.
why do you give a shit what people or the media think???and why is it affecting what you buy,,,,with that train of thought ,they win.i dont care what anyone thinks or says,,,
WROL is not political but rather survival. Anti gunners will become pro gunners if they feel under threat or oppressed. I do agree that the Mini 14 stock version doesn't look like the evil assault rifles. I would choose the Mini 14 over the AR because the operating system is a far superior system. I choose reliability over accuracy. How good is accuracy when nothing is coming out to begin with? Accuracy is right behind reliability in my book. I would choose the AK over the AR as well. The AR does offer better accuracy and ergos compared to the other 2 platforms. However lets face it. Most if not all of your encounters will take place within under 100 yards in a WROL situation. If I want to survive in it. I would choose my battles if I can. That is a reason I am a huge fan of SBR's and more compact weapons. CQB is where the real life is for civilians who are defending life and property. I am not going to be ordered by an NCO of CO to do things in combat. CoD and Battlefield are just that. Games and only games. They are fun to play but they are not real. I don't get a hit markers down the sights and don't get regenerative health.
One the AR15 is the way to go from using 223 or 5.56 ammo,Magazines and parts with the Mini you wont see nearly as much as the AR15 for comon parts and usage. I can say with the folder stock ease of transport lighter chrome line barrel the Mini is not a wrol weapon to have. Also try carrying that weapon its heavier and less accurate Ruger is known for this weapons accuracy problems and have tried thru the years to bring up the accuracy into this weapon. I can also say adding optics or light on AR15 is eay to do try doing that with your Mini ?
I have a scope and light on my Mini 14, it was pretty easy to mount. I can carry a Mini 14 all day long walking around my woods hunting for food. It's like a half of a pound heavier than a AR15, witch still makes it a light rifle. And I never could understand everyone's issue with the accuracy, I think a 2moa rifle is good enough for a semi auto carbine. Even though the AR15 has more available stuff for it, the Mini 14 aint far behind. I can spend days on the internet finding all kinds of shit for the Mini. Once again, not as much stuff available as the AR, but their is enough shit for the Mini 14 to keep a person occupied. My mini 14's have held up for 22 years without needing one spare part, I'll keep mine handy just in case of WROL.
If you’re choosing an inferior gun . Because you don’t want to look scary. You’ve already messed up. If you walk up to anyone with a rifle and they don’t notice you. They are stupid! Every Mini fan boy uses the generic looking rifle excuse on why they bought a mini 14. And that point is kinda silly. I own a 580 series mini tactical. The firing pin broke after 300 rounds. The gun only runs $50 Ruger magazines. It’s way more expensive than a Smith and Wesson or Ruger AR. If you have money to blow. Buy a mini after the AR and AK. But if you can only pick one. A mini 14 is not it!
I am in process of dumping my AR, too temperamental, and require insane amounts of maintenance after a high volume of shooting of about 100 rounds. Additionally, and more importantly, being a CA res, I want a rifle I don't need some bullshi* tool to remove a magazine (or a tool to tell me it is illegal). Mini-14's work!
100 rounds high volume and needs maintenance? Or are you being sarcastic.. Cuz an ar can shoot well over 500 rounds without needing maintenance. Hell I don't even clean mine till after a thousand or two at the least if not more. Never jams. What kind of ar do/did you have?
I had a custom build based on Nordic Components upper/lower. I don't think the shop did so/so work assembling it. They made in house their own BCG's and I had to swap the first due to machining errors. oh, and yes I had some sarcasm in there, have to if you own a CA "complaint" AR.
that may be why, don't let a poorly manufactured Ar put your mind in the gutter about the design itself. I love my mini but I think I love my Ar's a lil more. Ya I've lived in Ca and had to deal with those laws; although I went to private ranges there that didn't care about using high cap mags and just used a lower receiver that made it featureless so I didn't have to use a bullet button. I can see how sticking with a mini is the way to go in Ca for some cuz of dealing with the bs "assault" weapons laws there.
I'm a Retired Marine and it's my go-to as well. The newer tapered barrel one's
Mini 14 is the Ak of the Ar's. I live in Florida and I can use what ever I want and I prefer "The Mini 14.
The mini 14 is like the van gogh of rifles it's a work of art, in my opinion ak's and ar's are like having a gold glock or 1911, good guns just over rated..
The only downside to the mini 14 are the factory mags, they are just damn expensive.
I agree on the price problem.
The main thing for me though is that they are made for th ed rifle, they are steel and they work period.
That's all I use and have never had a problem. Now to be fair, i haven't used other aftermarket brands but have seen enough negative reviews to keep me where I am...
Peace...
the ten rounders are more
I agree with the prics problem. I have other manufactures (promag and tapco) and they work well. The Ruger OEM are well made.
Bite the bullet. I LOVE my mini-14. I can put any ammo in it, and it will send it down the lane everytime, anytime, all day long. And frankly, in a that's what counts
@@HaydenCarroll Agreed with your usage of aftermarket mags. I've got promag's and they work every bit as good. I think the newer Mini, 580 and newer, have better tolerances for the magazines, and can function better with them. I've got several 20 round promags and they all work fine in my Mini.
One thing you forgot to mention is how much cleaner the Mini 14 runs compared to an AR-15 that shits where it eats and not so with the Mini 14. I can run several hundred rounds through my Mini 14 without a major cleaning. AR's are fine, I have a few and one is the Colt 6920 LE that I love, but I still think the Mini 14 is a better designed platform to stay in the battle longer without the fuss of cleaning. Everyone has their own reason of why they like a certain firearm over another and this is mine, but like I said I do love the AR platform and the AK's too!
I enjoyed your video. I really like the Mini 14, and am impressed with its lineage. I have also heard much critical praise for it from people who really know what they're talking about. Your rationale for selecting it as your WROL rifle makes perfect sense. Thank you.
Great video pal. I bought my mini14 for the very reason that you're talking about.
I got a Mini in March of this year. Got two of each factory magazine available up to 30 rounders. I can carry 130 rounds on my person. I have never had a jam, never skipped a beat, fired it slow and fast, it throws brass clear over my shoulder. Love the rifle. Got a repro leather 1917 sling on it for the M1/M14 look, picked up a repro unfinished black walnut handguard I am working on to replace the ugly OEM one after I rip out the metal heatshield in it. Also got plans to get a replacement tech sights r200 adjustable rear sight, new muzzle brake/flash hider, and accu-strut for that M14 look. I bought one due to its relation to the M1 and M14 it was patterned after and after getting one in my hands, I knew it was only a matter of time that I bought one. 5.56 only throws smoke but .223 spits out huge fireballs. This and my Ruger SR1911 make a great pair.
Very solid choice, and your reasoning is definitely correct. It is not an obsolete rifle in my opinion.
I hike the National Forest every day and I can tell you that appearance matters. There is a trail head right behind my house and interactions with the granola crunchers are much more relaxed with the Mini. Plus, it's quicker to shoulder and easier to carry. I can put rounds in a six inch circle at 170 yards, shooting across a windy canyon. That's a dead coyote, everytime
Good video I just inherited a 1978 Ruger Mini-14 all wood stock, and I'm in heaven.
Lucky!
I just got a 1978. Have you shot 556 out of it?
@@hurricane8634 yes you can shoot 5.56 out of a Mini-14 if you do a little research on it you will find out that it is actually chambered for 5.56 but the Ruger company decided to stamp them with the 223 so it wasn't looked at as a military rifle
@@Dino2GunZ ok thank you very much
@@hurricane8634 no problem my mini 14 is one of my favorite rifles I just installed a folding stock from ATI absolutely love it I got the stock from cheaper than dirt it was only $125 if you do buy anything for it be sure to check and make sure it is compatible with your rifle my serial number prefix is 181 that's a very early model if yours is from 1978 then yours should also have a very low serial number
Good review im buying one of these I also have an ar15 and ak 47 I like the old school design of the mini 14
I have had 2 now currently have one with the side folding stock (original) with the stainless steel and vortex red dot. Love these things since I was a kid, the A Team era.
My favorite is the mini thirty. I like the heavier 7.62x39 round which is basically a low power 308. Thanks for the video.
I’m thinking about one, how does it run compared to the 556?
@@Boofi-quat The mini 30 runs brass case boxer primed ammo flawlessly. However if you run steel case ammo with hard berdan primers you will get light primer strikes. I was getting light strikes on Tula about 1 in 10 rounds. I put in a heavy Wolf hammer spring which has cut that to about 1 in 40.
If you stick with brass case boxer primed ammo you won’t have any issues.
I just got one a couple of weeks ago. It's one of the few semi-automatic rifles we're allowed to have in the People's Republic of New York State. Of course, we're limited to 10 round magazines.
Jimblack5153,
"They" don't limit you.
Only You do.
Rights aren't given to you, you Earn them, sometimes with a low body count ( single didget ) .
☆
Sick kit bud! 👍🏻
The accuracy argument is just about moot, because both AR-15 and Mini-14 rifles will out shoot most shooters.
😂They might outshoot you.
I'm a pretty decent shooter.... my Mini-14's average 2-4 MOA at 100 yards, and all my AR's are sub MOA....
I've tried adjusting the gas, trigger upgrade, good scopes, etc.... Mini's just aren't sharp shooters.... they're great guns... totally fine for SHTF/ self defense.... but, not the "Most" accurate, .... however, accurate 'enough'
I love the mini rifles. I use a mini-30 for home defense for the same aesthetic reasons that you mentioned.
I inherited a 196 series Ranch and I’m keeping it. I live rural and it’s a great utility rifle plus the manual of arms is the same as my M1 carbine and M1A.
Don't get me wrong. I with you in that I like the Mini. I own its Daddy, the M1A so I'm a believer in it's pedigree, but I don't for a second buy the anti gunners are OK with the Mini14 or any tactical carbine. They are just going after the low hanging fruit first, the most common faux "assault rifles". They'll circle back for yours too and ban hi-cap mags because they are not ok with guns period. They are must patient with their agenda that is all about control and not about public safety which is obvious when legally owned tactical carbines are responsible for a few dozen of the 8-9k homicides per year in the US. Diane Fienstein admitted that if she could pull off a ban and collection after her 2013 bill died in the Senate, she would "Do it tomorrow". Her words. She and her elitist Marxist brethren want to impose their system on you and I and take away your ability to make them go away. That's what the anti gun movement is really about to the non plebes. The sheep just barf up the party line without thinking it through or doing their own crime statistic research. A better argument for the Mini is probably the durability of it's internals. I don't like that it breaks down into a bunch of little pieces that you could lose in the field (unlike the M1A) and that it costs $800 plus dollars now. If I could get one for 6-700, I'd like it more.
I think we have the same setup for SHTF situation lol. A tactical Mini 14, Glock 19 Gen 3, and also a 4" SP101
I absolutely love the mini 14,, dang, what's not to love, ✌️
I went with the Mini 14 for much the same reason. I love it.
Just showed my son how to clean his... that is a clean running gun. Wish it ran AR magazines! Want one for myself!
Good video. Everyone in my "group" has one or will soon. I love mine. I have the rancher too, but with the black synthetic stock. As far as accurate, it along with AR's are more accurate than most shooters abilities..... So if it works for you.....
AR-15 is more hype and most have bought in to it. Add the Acc-strut and you have a 2 MOA rifle. MINI'S RULE.
Good video brotha 💯
Pretty much my thoughts on the Mini 14 except the scope. I'm a open site guy with that gun
I have 2 mini 14's , I prefer them over my Colt AR15.
thanks for the video! I have the same Mini-14 model that you have. I would like some input about weather to scope or use iron sights on your mini 14. I loved the iron sights but quickly put a Vortex 3x9 scope on it. although I can dial in the scope and get inside a 2 inch groups , I really appreciated the iron sights. also I can't take the top of vent cover off with that scope. The gun also feels very heavy with a scope. opinions? I love the scope, but also really love the simplicity and reliability of the stock irons.
I use those tapco mags they run flawlessly. I found some ruger factory 20 round mags online. Those 20 round mags make my mini look a bit less like an assault rifle to the untrained eye. Nice and compact too.
In combat, hi capacity, magazine-fed rifles serve double duty. In semi-auto mode, they engage individual targets, in full-auto mode they provide cover fire. Cover fire is part of squad tactics, you won't be doing this as a lone wolf. If you're part of a team (which you should be) in WROL, the cover fire can be provided by a .22 as easily as a larger caliber. People will want to avoid being shot with a .22 just as much as they want to avoid being shot with anything else. In a group of two or more people, I would argue that the primary pairing of weapons shouldn't even include a military style rifle. One person has a good 10/22 with an optic, the other person has a bolt-action .308. Rely on the .22 for most food purposes, suppressive fire, and ambush tactics, benefit from the easy to carry, quieter ammo. Rely on the .308 to pick off longer range or pinned-down targets, kill larger game (rare). Third choice is a pump shotgun, for faster action stopping power in CQB. Bolt-action .308, semi-auto .22 and pump shotgun are the Holy Trinity of SHTF. If you have those, you'll be able to get the military rifles later, if you see a need for them.
nice choice. i would either take my mini 14 or my new ar build. i would like to get a stainless mini 14 eventually to be my go to rifle. i have six 30 round mags and eight 20 round mags for my mini.
Thank you for your video. May I ask how you mounted your red dot? We are big mini fans. thanks again
Enjoyed your informative video. In the 80's I had 2 friends who were Kansas State Troopers. In the 80's their side arm was s&w .357 & in their cars they were issued a 10 gauge shotgun and a mini 14.
Now they carry sig .45's, and still the 10 gauge and also the mini 14.
I do believe that the mini 14 is a reliable weapon and also that it is overlooked. I just recently purchased a mini 14 I feel that it may be the wisest gun purchase that I have ever made.
Also, thanks for the info on the tapco 2nd gen mags.
Take a look at the Bushnell Trophy XLT shotgun scope. 1.75-4X32 with circle X reticle. 50 yard parallax , light and very fast. I prefer the Mini 14 to the AR also. Old fashioned I guess but I did not get trained on the AR like some younger guys. You had some good points in there about less conspicuous and training.
I have a mini 14 ranch 580 series that’s NY compliant and I just picked up the Ruger PC Carbine 9mm.
AR15 is up next along with a revolver and I think I’ll be set.
I got the same gun with the same ideas I will grab my mini before an Ar or Ak but they'll be around 2🤔sommers close c'mon! Good vidga!
Put a barrel strut from strum ruger on your mini and you will tighten your group to 1inch MOA at 100m. I have a 243 remington 26inch heavy barrel Laminate stock I'm hitting out to 1100yards. Awesome rifle.
the AR claims to be "americas rifle" so
the mini should have the official name of "patriots rifle"
it does chores, it hunts and its nothing to laugh at with a 40rd mag in it....the fucking mini 14 is the shit.
I love my mini-14 583 series. Why I bought a mini 14 is because I just wouldn’t see my self in a CQB situation if things hit the fan. I will be out in the woods where I think a mini-14 performs beautifully. Only down side is that the mags are expensive.
How did your red dot hold up? I've heard they take a lot of abuse from the ejected brass
Not obsolete by any means. I think your exactly right. That's why it's my choice. Modern camouflage.
My choice to bug out with. I have an AR as well as other mil spec firearms but would choose the min 14 because with a five shot mag it would not attract unwanted attention. Of course I would have some high capacity mags ready to go but only in the rifle in high threat areas. Best to cut a low profile when TSHTF.
Just sayin, instead of waiting for the end of the world, the Mini 14 makes a good hunting rifle. Mine as well put it to good use till the bombs drop.
Im not a big hunter but my brother has one he puts to good use on small game.
If you dont need to empty your,thirty rd mag in five seconds, take a look,at the 223 or 308 troy pump rifle. Looks like an AR, shoots as good, takes ar15 mags, runs whole lot cleaner than an ar, and best of all is an FU to all the compliance states, especially ny, ct and ca.
Mines an ati tactical with a adjustable stock, pistol grip, flash hider, vortex scope, a bi pod and and AFG(I have the extended bottom rail cause the stock 2” is dumb) so I guess mines still pretty terrifying. I have nightmares from it 😂
mine is one from the eighties, and the barrel is about half the thickness of that one I think, which was why they werent as accurate back then.
Awesome video! I have the AR-15 (2 of them I built), the AK-47 and the older version Mini-14. I do agree with you my Mini-14 would be my Zombie Apocalypse go-to rifle. As for accuracy issues on the older version; if you shoot about 200 to 300 rounds the barrel's would get very hot and that the barrel would flex. I never experienced this issue, however, an Accustrut system eliminates that problem just in case it did. They also make an Accustrut system for the new gen Mini-14's. As for magazines, I only use the Factory Mags, however, seeing that you have had success with the Tapco Gen 2's is worth a try. The 1 thing that the Mini-14 can do (billet AR-15 for some reason, my forged AR-15 has no issue) is shoot the crappy and cheap 223 Rem Tulammo without a single issue. It will shoot junk ammo to quality ammo no sweat. I will check out the Tapco Mags as you stated in your video. Stay far away from the ProMags as I had FTF a couple of times. With the Factory Mags...100% fine. But your choice in the Zombie Apocalypse Rifle is a great choice. The Mini-14 is very easy to break down, clean and maintain. The Bolt itself is easy to disassemble too in case the firing pin needs cleaning/replacement too. Again, great video and awesome choice!!
Thanks and the Tapco mags I find to work we'll in my rifle I got two more in tan they also work well in my rifle. And for the money I find the Tapco mags hard to beat.
Thank you for letting me know. I will be getting a couple...but in BLACK!!!...LOL
I had no problems with the tapco mags in mine as well! Now to see if the beta C mag I got for the mini is reliable!
I hope they work out for you!!
Good idea, hiding your long gun in "plain sight". Also doesn't require a "dust cover" like the AR platforms. Excellent choice for those, like me, who hate the AR platform rifles because the first and only one I ever used (in Vietnam combat) failed on a regular basis despite extensive cleaning. Any rifle you have to clean during a firefight is not a desirable piece to stake your life on. I just have to make sure the Mini-14 I buy has a barrel and chamber rated for the 5.56 NATO round rather than the .223 Remington round. I want it to withstand the military pressures generated by the NATO ammo. Great video.
I have a 181 and it is perfectly fine shooting a .556 if you do the research you will find out all Mini 14s we're chambered in 5.56 the earlier models were stamped 223 so the public didn't refer to them as military weapons true story
Granted it would turn it into a "Black" gun, but there was also the Hogue stock for the Mini 14 too. It's a classic style stock made out of plastic, and does lighten the Mini several ounces. I got the wood stock with mine at Walmart for $709.00 a few years back. It's $749.00 now at Walmart. I picked up a Hogue from Ebay and it's a nice stock too. I also found an ATI stock for it too, which is also lighter than the wood stock, and makes it more tactical. I do love my Mini 14 too, and I've built a couple AR's. One a 16 inch and the other an 18 inch. Both are nice too. I'll have to do a shooting accuracy comparison between them one of these days.
I would also consider it easily as a WROL gun.
I bought mine at Walmart for $ 698.00 in 2013 😊
@@anthonyrettaliata7311Walmart discontinued the Mini 14 several years ago. I did buy a 2nd one this last spring.
Mine too haha. I don’t like ARs - I never have. I live in CA and the Mini is a lot more hassle free. It’s easier to maintain and carry. Extremely reliable and accurate enough for your defense. The controls are like a sporter. It has no sharp edges for carry.
Nice video. Are you related to the LLPro's guy? Your voice sounds similar.
well a lot of people think the 30/30 is obsolete.so there ya go
🇦🇺😎👍Nice… banned in Australia in 1997 along with all the other semiautos
good job I wish the mini 14 shared a mag with a bolt rifle
I have thd same rifle.
Stamped 5.56.
Wood stock yep.
I have 60 year old eyes and still use iron sights and can get 3 to 4 inch groups at 100 yards most of the time. Need a good sling.
Got any suggestions?
Love my Mini.
Thanks for the video!
Copy and paste this: "STI 2 Point Rifle Sling - Adjustable Gun Sling with FAST-LOOP and 1.25 inch Webbing for Hunting Sports and Outdoors" on Amazon. I have one on my Mini. It's quiet, light, easily adjustable and minimal. So far it's handled all the hiking I've done with it. Zero complaints. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JK1XW4G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If I found myself in a situation that I had to give my AR's to others to protect themselves, or even me, and I only had my Mini 14 left for me, I'd consider myself well armed.
May I suggest a Nikon scope in place of the red dot. They are tough, excellent customer service, and don't rely on batteries. Your rifle can hit out to 300 yards, with a real scope you can too.
The audio on this is so low that I could not comfortably listen despite wanting to. Sounded interesting to a Mini 14 fan.
The mini's are awesome...just picked up a mini thirty but it wont eat steel cased russian ammo. The mini would be Americas #1 choice (imo) if Ruger would have made it to accept AR style mags, gave it stiffer springs and a stronger firing pin so that it could feed cheap steel cased stuff and it CAN be modified to do that...but even as it is without all that it is a great ranch rifle/tower gun and it is very reliable. Its not just a critter gun.
I couldn't care less what somebody thinks. When it comes to protecting my family i want the best fire power I can get
I like the mini 14s much better than ar-15s . I have 3 mini 14s and around 25 magazines for them . I still enjoy my ar-10s.
I live in CA and with the incoming laws regarding the AR's & AK's I think the Mini 14 will be given a new lease of life. Or at least some kind of resurgence. . .Along with the Mini 30 or SKS if they can be found.
I agree, i would pick one up now if you don't already have one. I would stay away from the mini 30 tho and the sks now that 7.62x39 is getting so hard to find.
why not the SS version?
Also even thought it’s says 223 on the rifle it still will shoot 556. Called Ruger myself and confirmed it.
Agreed. All Ruger Mini-14 manuals going back to 1974 reference "5.56". It's on their website free to download.
The AR15/ AK47 rifles are banned in my state. The Mini 14 is the top selling semi auto rifle. Mine is wood/blued like yours, I have some Pre ban PMI 30 round mags.
The one I have shot is very accurate out to 200 yards (M.O.B.). That is far as I can shoot with irons...
I love my mini.
Do you shoot 556 in mini243 ? 8:52
keeping your rifle with wood is smart I wish more people would think like this the guy with the ak47 will always appear to be a bad guy
Its sad but because the media and well stupid people the AK-47 and the AR-15 are gonna have that bad name.
Unless one was given to me for free I can't contemplate a reason to own a mini over an ar15. My opinion....I respect your opinion about appearance.
Don't forget the m1 carbine same style action
It won't scare your neighbor when you throw it in the trunk. AR's make every neighbor call the cops on you
People can pick different than Glock and AR all the time.
I believe that the mini is a good choice but I find carrying all them magazines is a Hassel . I prefer the SKS it's a very good rifle. it can kill deer too. food is important if you have to camp out. it has wood stock and I believe is a better choice.
Benjimen Franklin you know I looked at The SKS what stop me from going with that was just the weight of ammo I can just carry a lot more 556 for the same weight as 762x39 if you can take of the weight then yes it's an excellent rifle one of my Hall of Famer's for sure
Good point. But living in the USA there should be plenty of 5.56 lying around in WROL.
Anybody that says one gun makes another gun obsolete doesn't understand guns or the culture.
QpIsBetterThanYou a caplock makes a flintlock obsolete a Remington rolling block makes a caplock obsolete
Excuse my ignorance, but does WROL mean?
World without rule of law.
thanks for asking...I didn't know either...
2 4 3 is me
Drop the world... it just means
Without Rule Of Law.
Aka when shit hits the fan, government collapses, etc etc...
As soon as I sell a AR and AK I will get a mini14.
200 yards or less need it to fire and not Fidel fuck with jams and not be concern with field conditions great rifle to hand to family members for back up.
I think its poor reasoning tbh. Great gun so it doesnt matter but wether its a hot topic is irrelevant an ar15 has very accessible ammo and spare parts even if they were banned youd still have a heavily flooded market plus a black market because manufacturing is easy as pie for glock 1911 and ars. With that said you have some upsides to yhe mini 14. Ammo is plentiful since it shoots same as most ars and like old school guns if you run out of ammo you can use it as a blunt weapon unlike ars which youd damage trying that.
Let's discuss....two schools of thought, which contradict. One school of thought says that you shouldn't rely on being able to scavenge parts or ammo n WROL, so stock up on what you want NOW. Other school of though is to have an AR because parts and ammo will be more likely to come by. This is all speculation for now. But....if you follow the first school of thought, there is a possible penalty, a scenario where your less-than-common gun/caliber choice needs replenishing, or you happen across sources of the common stuff, but can't use it. With the second school of thought, there is no penalty...you can stock up AND potentially gather. So logic dictates that the most common calibers and platforms are still the better choice, even if you hold to the "stock up now" philosophy (which is reasonable). The only problem I see with the Mini14 is the magazines. These are the most likely part of the weapon to malfunction, get lost or damaged, etc. In WROL, I can safely predict that you'll have a much better chance of coming across or bartering for an AR mag. The Mini is durable, but in long-term WROL, mags will be an issue. You'd probably end up "acquiring" an AR or AK anyway (if you survive) and ditch the mini, or stash it for an emergency. So it begs the question, why get involved with it for WROL purposes? I like this rifle, but would not get it for that reason.
Would use the Mini 14 until I could pick up something more powerful or fully automatic . Thats what I would do. Keeps you thinking doesn't it?
Trigger, Slide,Recoil Spring, and Bolt, these are the moving parts of a Mini-14., compare this to an AR. The Mini being a gas piston runs a lot cleaner, the Mini reliability beats an AR hands down. The AR platform has more catastrophic failures (blowing UP) than ANY other rifle platform.
a rifle is a rifle if shtf
Original version not accurate? I own a 180 series, made in 1976. Generally I try to steer people away from them. Reliable, but not accurate. In the hands of someone who shoots far better than me, it holds about 8" at 100 yds. Also the first gen are not scope capable. (I know some people who have heavily modified them, I'm talking out of the box.) If you want one, this is a case where new and improved really is improved.
Also, for those looking to modify their rifles, read the small print on any parts before ordering. Many specifically state that they do not fit 180-181 series rifles.
I have a 181 series and I can get less than 4 inch groups at a hundred yards once the barrel heats up the groups start to open up
If this rifle is your WROL rifle throw away the Tapco mags and stick with Ruger factory steel mags.You will never have a feed issue and the mags are pretty well indestructible.
Aaron Guthrie I wish we could find some of those mags here in South Africa
This is yet another Mini 14 video where one of its supposed "advantages" over the AR15 is its appearance. I can list many criteria for choosing one rifle over another: durability, reliability, cost and availability of spare parts and magazines, adaptability to meet changing tactical conditions, resale value, ergonomics, etc. Many years ago, I bought a Colt Python based mainly on its appearance. I barely shot it and recently sold it. I'll end with this, and I'm sure I'll be attacked for voicing my opinion. By all means, appearance can be a reasonable factor in choosing which woman to date, but is pretty irrelevant when it comes to firearms.
Maybe you like ugly guns, but you probably like ugly women, too.
why do you give a shit what people or the media think???and why is it affecting what you buy,,,,with that train of thought ,they win.i dont care what anyone thinks or says,,,
What does WROL mean?
Captain Outrageous without rule of law
2 4 3 is me Thank you
Got that wrong556 in a 223 some say no.
anybody that thinks they're going to bug out and live under a tree, you're pretty much mistaken.
Put a Samson on it
WROL is not political but rather survival. Anti gunners will become pro gunners if they feel under threat or oppressed. I do agree that the Mini 14 stock version doesn't look like the evil assault rifles. I would choose the Mini 14 over the AR because the operating system is a far superior system. I choose reliability over accuracy. How good is accuracy when nothing is coming out to begin with? Accuracy is right behind reliability in my book. I would choose the AK over the AR as well. The AR does offer better accuracy and ergos compared to the other 2 platforms. However lets face it. Most if not all of your encounters will take place within under 100 yards in a WROL situation. If I want to survive in it. I would choose my battles if I can. That is a reason I am a huge fan of SBR's and more compact weapons. CQB is where the real life is for civilians who are defending life and property. I am not going to be ordered by an NCO of CO to do things in combat. CoD and Battlefield are just that. Games and only games. They are fun to play but they are not real. I don't get a hit markers down the sights and don't get regenerative health.
Shop smart....Shop s.mart!!
what is wrol
WORLD with out RULE OF LAW
+2 4 3 is me ---- Actually I thought it stands for "without rule of law".. O well, same shit
W.r.o.l.???
One the AR15 is the way to go from using 223 or 5.56 ammo,Magazines and parts with the Mini you wont see nearly as much as the AR15 for comon parts and usage. I can say with the folder stock ease of transport lighter chrome line barrel the Mini is not a wrol weapon to have. Also try carrying that weapon its heavier and less accurate Ruger is known for this weapons accuracy problems and have tried thru the years to bring up the accuracy into this weapon. I can also say adding optics or light on AR15 is eay to do try doing that with your Mini ?
I have a scope and light on my Mini 14, it was pretty easy to mount. I can carry a Mini 14 all day long walking around my woods hunting for food. It's like a half of a pound heavier than a AR15, witch still makes it a light rifle. And I never could understand everyone's issue with the accuracy, I think a 2moa rifle is good enough for a semi auto carbine. Even though the AR15 has more available stuff for it, the Mini 14 aint far behind. I can spend days on the internet finding all kinds of shit for the Mini. Once again, not as much stuff available as the AR, but their is enough shit for the Mini 14 to keep a person occupied. My mini 14's have held up for 22 years without needing one spare part, I'll keep mine handy just in case of WROL.
can it kill a brown bear?.
With the right shot placement, sure.
If you’re choosing an inferior gun . Because you don’t want to look scary. You’ve already messed up. If you walk up to anyone with a rifle and they don’t notice you. They are stupid! Every Mini fan boy uses the generic looking rifle excuse on why they bought a mini 14. And that point is kinda silly. I own a 580 series mini tactical. The firing pin broke after 300 rounds. The gun only runs $50 Ruger magazines. It’s way more expensive than a Smith and Wesson or Ruger AR. If you have money to blow. Buy a mini after the AR and AK. But if you can only pick one. A mini 14 is not it!
I am in process of dumping my AR, too temperamental, and require insane amounts of maintenance after a high volume of shooting of about 100 rounds. Additionally, and more importantly, being a CA res, I want a rifle I don't need some bullshi* tool to remove a magazine (or a tool to tell me it is illegal). Mini-14's work!
100 rounds high volume and needs maintenance? Or are you being sarcastic.. Cuz an ar can shoot well over 500 rounds without needing maintenance. Hell I don't even clean mine till after a thousand or two at the least if not more. Never jams. What kind of ar do/did you have?
I had a custom build based on Nordic Components upper/lower. I don't think the shop did so/so work assembling it. They made in house their own BCG's and I had to swap the first due to machining errors. oh, and yes I had some sarcasm in there, have to if you own a CA "complaint" AR.
that may be why, don't let a poorly manufactured Ar put your mind in the gutter about the design itself. I love my mini but I think I love my Ar's a lil more. Ya I've lived in Ca and had to deal with those laws; although I went to private ranges there that didn't care about using high cap mags and just used a lower receiver that made it featureless so I didn't have to use a bullet button. I can see how sticking with a mini is the way to go in Ca for some cuz of dealing with the bs "assault" weapons laws there.
AR's are so ugly and boring.