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Ruger Mini 14 Review
We do a Ruger Mini 14 Review.
The Ruger Mini 14 was one of the first .223 or 5.56 semiautomatic firearms offered on the market. It was introduced after the AR-15, but it was still one of the first non-AR-15 platforms to be introduced. This is our Ruger Mini 14 Review.
Designed by Bill Ruger and further developed by James Sullivan, it’s a scaled-down version of the M14.
James Sullivan was also a principal designer on the AR-15.
Just like the 15, the Mini 14 has been through a long development cycle.
Since it was introduced in the ‘70s, the gun has been through a ton of changes. But it hasn’t gone without issues.
Different variations had reliability and accuracy issues, just like the AR-15 had back in its day.
What is the appeal of the gun?
The Mini 14 is quite different from the most common gun in America, the aforementioned AR-15.
Most of you reading this are likely familiar with the AR-15 and likely own one (or 10).
The AR-15 has completely taken over American gun culture, which makes sense given its practicality.
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The gun is easy to work on and has a great size.
That makes it very easy for all shooters of varied experience levels to shoot. It’s manufactured by a wide variety of companies and there is no shortage of AR-15 options.
Contrast that with the Ruger Mini 14, which is only manufactured by Ruger and has a much more limited appeal to the total market.
Everyone and their brother owns an AR-15 or 10, while the Ruger Mini 14 is a little rarer.
The AR 15 has also been greatly modernized in appearance since its original introduction.
While the Mini 14 variants still hold true to the original design introduced in the 1970s. This gun has been featured in multiple movies and television shows.
Most notably the GB variant in the ‘80s show The A-Team.
It’s Classic
Many enthusiasts say the M-14 has a more classic look.
While Ruger has models that are more tactical, the quintessential Mini 14 has a wooden stock and an 18.5-inch barrel.
Today, we’re going to be reviewing the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle. We’ll also talk about the other variants a little bit, but the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle is probably the most common version of this gun that you’ve seen.
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The big reason for the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle is that its configuration makes it legal in most states.
Even states where AR-15s are not legal in an unmolested format. Most states require you to modify your AR-15 with bullet buttons, no flash hider, and stupid laws like no bayonet lugs.
The Mini 14 wasn’t designed with a lot of those features on the gun. So it’s not something you have to worry about.
If you’re looking for a capable semi-automatic .223 or 5.56 rifle, the Mini 14 might be your only choice in some of these states. If you plan on doing a bunch of traveling and want to keep a capable long gun in your vehicle.
This is a choice that a lot of people choose just for that reason alone.
Ruger Mini 14 Review Ergonomics
Ergonomically, the Mini 14 is much more similar to a traditional rifle than the AR-15. But that doesn’t come without its downsides.
Safety
The safety on the Mini 14 is based on the same safety used on guns like the M14, M1 Garand, and the M1 Carbine.
The Mini’s safety is a piece of sheet metal.
You have to push forward from inside the trigger guard to disengage and put your finger in front of the trigger guard and pull it back toward the trigger guard to re-engage.
That, frankly, is not that safe by today’s standards.
Usually, you want a safety that you can activate without having to get your finger near the trigger. The reality is that it works and it can be used safely as long as it’s something you practice.
It’s also fairly intuitive and easy to understand for a newer shooter.
Although (understandably) they may have reservations about the safety since they have to put their finger inside the barrier guard to disengage it.
Personally, it can wear your thumb out.
I don’t know how it would work if I ran this gun in a carbine class doing multiple drills all day long. I’m sure my finger would get sore and perhaps even draw blood by the end of the day.
You could always build calluses to build that area up, but I likely won’t shoot this gun enough to do that.
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If this is a gun you’re using only for practical purposes, the safety is fine.
But if it’s something you’re going to train with a lot, then you might want to look at other options.
One of the few downsides in this Ruger Mini 14 Review.
Mag Releases
Operating the magazine on the Mini 14 is very similar to an AK-47, although I will say it’s a little more refined.
It has a lever at the rear of the magazine, which is pressed forward to drop the mag. Just by pressing that lever, it will drop free.
The downside of this design is that you will likely not be able to reach that lever with your trigger off the finger.
If you have massive hands, you may be able to. But if your hands are that large, you might also have trouble getting your finger inside the trigger guard on the Mini 14.
You’ll likely use your support hand thumb to release the magazine.
This is an ambidextrous magazine release that sits in the middle of the gun so it will be easy to use for both right hands and left-hand shooters.
You have to rock the magazine into the gun when inserting the magazine.
The good news about this design is that you don’t have to worry about over-inserting the mag or the magazine release and not catching.
You will know if this magazine is not locked into place.
Bolt Release/Hold-Open
There is no bolt release on the Mini 14, but there is a bolt hold to open.
The bolt will hold open when the last round is fired from the magazine and the follower pushes up a small piece of metal that will catch the bolt and their rearward position.
If you want to do it manually, you can also push the bolt back and then press down on a small metal plunger sitting on the left side of the receiver. It’s just a small round dowel that’s fairly easy to find.
To release the bolt, you’re going to have to hit the charging handle.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a feature that allowed you to quickly release the bolt itself from somewhere while doing a speed reload. But this gun isn’t really designed for that.
It’s a Ranch Rifle — it’s designed to be used in applications where you likely won’t need speed to reload.
Charging Handle
The charging handle on the gun is located on the right-hand side of the firearm.
It’s a reciprocating charging handle and is cast. It’s a typical metal handle, and for reference, it’s shaped similarly to the charging handle on a 10/22 with a slight curvature that is easy to use.
There are multiple ways you can manipulate this charging handle and it works.
Although it’s not my favorite design, it’s something that could definitely be worked around.
It’s part of the classic feel of the firearm. I doubt we’ll see any new firearms introduced with this style or design.
But it brings you back to a classic period and really gives that feeling that you’re shooting something old-school.
That’s definitely a plus in this Ruger Mini 14 Review.
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Handguard Ruger Mini 14 Review
The handguard on the Mini 14 is built into the entire rifle stock.
It works well and is comfortable. I think it feels like any handguard on almost any bolt-action rifle you might handle. It offers you plenty of room to extend your hand out or bring your hand closer to the magwell.
It works. There’s nothing special about it.
There’s no provision for mounting accessories on the standard version.
They do make tactical versions with Picatinny rails or whatnot, but in my opinion, that defeats the purpose of the Mini 14 as it just destroys the look and overall feel of the firearm.
Trigger
The trigger on the Mini 14 is a hammer-fired trigger.
Once you disengage the safety, you’ll go back to pull the trigger to fill just the slightest bit of take-up. It’s a fairly heavy take-up and you hit a pretty definite wall.
Once you hit that wall, you’re going to feel a heavy but nice, rolling break. This is not a match trigger, but it is usable.
It’s slightly heavier than the trigger on the AR-15, but definitely workable.
There’s nothing about the shooter that needs to be replaced unless you’re trying to shoot specifically for accuracy, which I don’t see most people attempting with his firearm.
The rule set on the trigger comes right back to the wall.
And again, you have just a little bit of take-up and creep before the firearm fires.
I know there are people who will work on a Mini 14 figure, but again, I don’t really think it’s necessary.
Stock Ruger Mini 14 Review
As we mentioned earlier, the stock on this firearm extends from the butt pad all the way to the front of the handguard.
This is where my major complaint comes with this gun. The length of pull on the Mini 14 is just too long.
If you’re a smaller or shorter shooter, this could be challenging for them, especially if they’re shooting iron sights or a variable power optic and they need to get their eye position correct.
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The length of pull on this gun is just way too long for most people. I am used to shooting AR-15s and more tactical-style formats where you square up to the target.
If you’re used to that, this rifle is usable as a six-foot-tall male, but it’s definitely longer than would be preferred.
I’d like to see a couple of inches cut off the length of pull.
I have looked for aftermarket stocks that accomplish this, but I haven’t found any of them that fit the look that I still want to keep with the regular Mini 14.
I really wish Ruger would introduce a youth stock variant as I think that would be more appealing to most users.
Mounting Accessories
Mounting accessories to the Ruger Mini 14 isn’t something a lot of people are going to do. This is a gun that just works well stocked.
This isn’t an AR-15 and I don’t believe you should try to turn it into one.
That said, it is always nice to have options, and the Mini 14 does have enough. You can buy an entirely new chassis, which will replace the wooden stock, and you can make the rifle look much more tactical.
Personally, I think this takes a lot of character away from the gun, but it will make it easier to mount lights and lasers on the firearm.
I don’t see adding accessories as a plus on this firearm, but there are options that we’ll go over below.
Optics Ruger Mini 14 Review
Mounting an optic to the Mini 14 is fairly standard.
Ruger has mounts built into the receiver itself, but front and rear of the bolt, front and rear of the bolt. Those mounts are fairly common and you can find them almost anywhere.
You can mount either a red-dot or a standard-style scope like a low-powered variable optic or something like a 3×9.
Ultimak also makes scout mouths for this gun that can replace the upper portion of the handguard and mount a Picatinny rail forward of the receiver for.
I personally don’t care for that option, but again, it’s always there if you want.
Irons
The iron sights on the Mini 14 are actually pretty good. They’re just your standard post and notch or peep sites. The rear has protective wings and the front has a wide front blade also with protective wings.
They’re durable and work fairly well.
They’re not super precise, but I think they’re perfect for shooting inside 100 yards.
Lights Ruger Mini 14 Review
Mounting any light to the Mini 14 isn’t the easiest thing to do, at least for the standard stock option.
There is a company that makes a replacement that puts one weaver slot forward of the handguard retainer, and that is the option I’ve decided to go with on this gun.
I’m still looking for a good mount that I can match up with.
From there, I’ll mount a Surefire or Modlite light that has some sort of push-button ability at the rear.
I’m looking for a QD mount so I can take this on and off quickly so the gun doesn’t look all tactical but I can easily and quickly add a light if I want.
As we mentioned earlier, other options for adding a light are going to be changing out the stock or upper handguard to mount a light via Picatinny rails.
Control Devices
In its wooden stock format, there’s no real reason to add a control device to this gun like a vertical foregrip.
If you have one of the more modern-styled chassis, you could definitely do that, but I don’t see the need.
Sling
Mounting a sling to the Mini 14 with the stock is a little more difficult than I would like.
There are one-inch sling seat swivels or 1.25 inch slinks levels on the handguard retainer and at the rear of the buttstock.
Those are at the six o’clock position, though, so you’re not going to be able to carry this rifle in a tactical-style format using those mounts.
Depending on how you’re using this gun, that may or may not be an issue. For myself, I like carrying a gun slung across my chest vs. carrying it around my shoulder.
But I’ll still have to work out and see what the best sling option is for this firearm.
Aesthetics
Aesthetically, the Mini 14 is an attractive gun. It’s definitely along the same lines as an M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, or M-14.
If you’re looking for a gun that’s going to blend in more, this is a great option.
When people see this gun, it doesn’t speak to the uninitiated and uninformed the way an AR-15 does.
An AR-15 can be scary to people who don’t know what they’re talking about or much about guns in general.
The Mini 14, on the other hand, will still probably look scary to those people but will look less scary and have more of the appearance and effect of a lever gun or bolt-action rifle.
We’ve all seen the infographics and the pictures or the videos where the gun control idiots go through and look at firearms and point to the ones they think are most dangerous.
But they look at them without really understanding their operation or what they do.
The Mini 14 is a good way to stay low-profile in other states while still being a fairly attractive firearm.
Shooting Experience Ruger Mini 14 Review
Loading the magwell, it definitely seems similar to an AK although it seems a little bit more refined and less rugged. The magazine release is just easier to use and it’s plastic, which doesn’t give you the best feel in terms of complete long-term durability.
But it does have a more fine feel than an AK.
So going back to pull the charging handle, everything feels just right. If you drop the bolt, you know you’re firing an old-world-style firearm.
It makes you feel a little bit nostalgic for your great-grandfather and World War II.
Now, when you go up to shoot, you’re going to feel weird pushing the safety off using the front of your trigger finger.
Put your finger on the trigger, start your press, and bam — the gun fires, and when it shoots you just realize what a great balance this firearm has, especially when you’re shooting it with iron sights.
This gun actually might be more fun to shoot with iron sights than an AR-15. This gun balances superbly well and it’s a pleasurable shoot. It’s really fun to shoot still silhouettes at 100 yards with this gun.
It’s just natural and points exceedingly well. You see why it was a popular option for ranchers and farmers carrying one in their tractor to shoot coyotes with. For 100 yards and them, the iron sights are excellent unless you’re going into low-light conditions.
It Is What It Is
As long as you love this firearm for what it is and do not expect it to be something it isn’t, it’ll be fine. In this Mini 14 review, I’ve made a lot of comparisons to an AR-15, and that’s something you have to do when you’re talking about the Mini 14.
They were introduced around similar times and they definitely hold a similar place in American gun culture.
Although this gun has been eclipsed by the AR-15, it can fill a similar role.
But when you’re using the Mini 14, don’t expect it to be an AR-15. If you do, you’ll be disappointed.
But at the same time, if you expect an AR-15 to have the same amount of charm and characters as the Mini 14, you’ll also be somewhat disappointed. These guns are each unique and just like children, they each have their own gifts.
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If you’re looking for a gun to throw a flashlight or optic and accessorize completely, then this probably isn’t the gun for you.
But if you’re looking for a gun you’re going to keep almost bone stock and be able to throw in the back of your truck and feel good driving around most of the United States without breaking any laws with, this gun is going to be hard to beat.
There are lots of options for it when it comes to magazines.
You can easily get 10-round magazines to stay legal in most states, while when you’re home in a free state, you can load it up with a 30-round mag and know that you won’t be any less prepared because your government regulations want to make it easier for criminals and harder for you.
Final Conclusions Ruger Mini 14 Review
The biggest downside of this gun is going to be the price.
Every now and then you can pick one of these guns up used for a steal at somewhere right below $500, although I haven’t seen those deals much recently.
The biggest downside of that as well as you might be getting a gun that was made in a less-than-optimal time.
Just like the AR-15 series, the Mini 14 has been through a lot of changes and some of the variants have accuracy and reliability issues.
For a long time, they had an inferior twist rate and the barrel itself was quite thin, so they just weren’t that accurate.
The newer, more modern Mini 14, seemed to fix those issues, and that’s probably what I would suggest buying.
The problem is those costs around a thousand dollars right now and it’s hard to justify the utility of Mini 14 over an AR-15 at that price point.
If you live in a state that is more restrictive, the Mini 14 actually might be the better choice.
It really just comes down to preference, and I personally really liked the Mini 14. I just wish they were just a little bit more affordable.
If the gun came in at under $750, it would be a lot more appealing to me personally. I’d definitely own more than 1!
Your mileage may vary — let me know down below what you think about the Ruger Mini 14.
Related Articles
Pros
- Looks less tactical
- Excellent balance
- Low recoil
- Good optic-mounting options
- Reliable
Cons
- Price
- Modularity (or lack thereof)
- Safety position
- Reloads slow
- Long length of pull
- Hard to mount accessories compared to an AR
- Trigger
Related Posts
34 Comments
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You should not have published this review if you dislike the gun so much. I just ordered a new, tactical model and will also soon be buying a model with a wood stock. I had a traditional Mini-14 in the early 90’s and it was a great gun. It reminded me of the surplus M-1 carbines we carried on patrol as a Trooper in the sixties but it was a lot more dependable.
I never warmed up to the AR platform although I had a Bushmaster M-4 style from ‘08 to last year. It always seemed to me the guys that love AR’s are trying to play “Rambo” or something. As far as accuracy of an AR vs. a Mini-14, if you want a hundred yard tack driver, buy an inexpensive Savage, Mossberg or Ruger bolt action. I have a Ruger .243 with a Leupold/Redfield 3×9 scope that prints extremely tight groups at 100 yards.
Just some thoughts.
I don’t hate the gun by any means. You might be thinking of a different review? Definitely, my favorite 223/556 if I have to shoot irons. It’s just a gun that many hypes into being something that it’s not. Every gun has limitations and the goal of the review is to let people see that as well as its strengths. If someone wants to play Rambo a takedown bow or M60 would work way better than an AR! Haha
I have a couple ar15s and a mini 14 and they are all great guns but like you said if you want a tack driver try a bolt gun
I use my Mossberg patriot 25-06 if I plan on shoot at 100 yards or more but I m not that good a shooter
But I like that the mini 14 is so different than the ar15s it gives me the excuse to own both
Lol you can never have to many but it sometimes hard to pick which one to use !!
Lol keep them in the 10 ring
As a long time mini 14 owner, there are a couple criticisms in the article that just seems off the mark to me. Yes, the my ni is a somewhat dated design, but I don’t see anything wrong with the position of the safety. It was perfectly fine for the soldiers carrying the M1 garands and M-14s into battle. The location is also well protected by the trigger guard should the carbine somehow fall out of your hands, or the scabbard from your atv, or horse. So I totally dismiss that argument.
Another criticism is that the mini doesn’t lend itself well to being a modular tactical carbine. Fair enough, but that’s not what it was designed to be. I find that the optical mounting systems are well thought out, and good enough on the newer models. Although the new Mini’s ship with rings for 1 inch diameter scopes, Ruger will change those out, on request, for 30 mm rings.
One strong point of the Mini’s that you failed to mention. It is available in an all stainless and polymer stock configuration. That is something the AR-15 manufacturers have pretty much ignored and left the door open for, the market for folks who live in areas of high humidity, coastal areas with salty air, and areas of high perception, or high risk of flooding. The stainless mini 14 family is a perfect fit for those applications.
Colt made a Nickel coated AR,15 for Europe sales in 1/14 twist in 222 Remington.PMC made the ammo.I saw M1As in 300 Savage in France,Pmc ammo, Europe bars citizens from using Military Caliber Weapons.
So what precisely is that attached to the gas block??? Not seen THAT before….It’s definitely not an Accu-Strut or it’s kin, but looks cool due to the same aesthetic….I just hope that there’s some functionality as well as…
It’s a light mount. I’m not a big fan of putting a pistol light on a rifle due to the throw of the light. I’ve been looking for a QD offset mount that would work with the mount I have on there now and I haven’t found one I’m happy with. I was the ability to take the light off quickly to make the gun more benign if need be.
I found this which is similar and I’ll likely get it since it looks like it’ll work with 1913 options vs a single weaver spec slot like what I currently have. Looking at the site further it’s just an update of the old design.
http://skinnersights.com/mini-14.html
Interesting like to give it try
The magazine release lever is in fact made of steel. I’ve owned a half dozen Mini 14 and Mini 30 rifles, including my new 584 series model 5801. They’ve always been made of steel.
The one on mine is plastic. Ruger has been switching a lot of steel parts to plastics. Look at the trigger housing on the 10/22.
I just called Ruger Customer Service at (336)949-5200.
The magazine release lever is steel. I confirmed this with a magnet on my rifle. Please check your lever with a magnet.
Alan is correct, they’ve always been metal. I’ve never seen a plastic aftermarket version either, so I’d bet a dollar yours is cast steel. The 10/22 can use a plastic catch because its magazine is plastic; the Mini-14’s steel magazines would quickly destroy a plastic mag catch. Otherwise, nice article.
The Mini 14 Vs. The AR isn’t a fair fight! 1st off – the charging handle of the AR is a PITA when you have to clear a FTF or stove pipe blockage. You have to hold the pistol grip and pull back on the charging hadle all the wile your muzzle is pointing up in the air and the rifle is wanting to wobble side to side. This isn’t ideal in a fire fight. The Mini 14 you just reach under the trigger assembly and with your left hand and use your left thumb to pull back the bolt and flip the Mini to the right hand side to extract the FTF. 2nd – the Mini functions via a charging bar that is similar to a piston gun, which the standard AR isn’t. This means a MUCH cleaner chamber and bolt. Also this design aides in the less recoil of the Mini opposed to the AR. 3rd – the tried and true Garand action is loose, simialr to the 1911, and AK to allow sand/dirt/debri to fall through. The AR has a bolt cover because of it’s too tight tolerances that wont tolerate these conditions. 4th – There anren’t any 40 rd. mags for the AR, at least there wasn’t for many years. There is and has been for the Mini. 5th – The State’s Liberahole hatred for the little black rifle will alow the Mini to fly under the radar. 6th – ambidextrous safety. Just extend your triger finger when it’s in the safe setting to ready the rifle to shoot. 7th – The Mini CAN AND WILL handle both .223, and 5.56mm ammo. and with a S.S. firing pin will eat steel rusian surplus ammo easily. 8th – the price $ is still lower than a AR of any real quality, 9th – you still get a 1:9 twit barrel – like the AR, 10th – accuracy can be achieved. I get 1″ groups @ 100yds. If I need better I’ll get out my sniper rifle. 11th – there are stocks that can give you a tactical feel and look. Yes I have much experience with my Bushmaster AR and I served honorably and am now a U.S. Army Veteran so I can chime in with some real world experience! Would I take the Mini 14 into combat… Yes – IF I use the Ruger mags and do some upgrades like a strut and a lug, flash hider, Tapco/Archangel stock, lite/laser. For urban combat it’s all you really need.
@Bill Perry – it’s an accessory rail – neat huh.. 🙂
ALSO – I’ll include that you can use 1911 .45 buffers in the Mini 14, and if you want to look Badassz – with the bolt locked open and a mag in the well – hold the rifle with your left hand and slap the back end of the stock and the catch will realease and your’re ready to ROCK!!! Kill Them All – Let GOD Sort Them Out – Oooooorah!
Just bought one a month ago and love it. Waited 6 months to find one on line. Wood stock-old school!
Wood Stock is definitely the way to go on a mini!
Happy Thanksgiving-thanks for reply!
Happy Thanksgiving!
.Mine is the older stainless version with a wooden top hand guard. Not sure how I lucked out on that. Looks so much better than the plastic ones. Love the gun.
That sounds like a great-looking gun! The plastic on the newer ones like mine doesn’t cheapen it in person.
I bought a very nice after market wooden upper hand guard from Accuracy Systems. They come in 180/580, stained or unstained, and in walnut or birch. Beautiful old school look that matched the color of the stock very nicely.
Try the boonie packer style sling.It will work the way you like to carry your rifle.
I’ve got a SS Ranch and also a 16″ tactical. Both have the ASI harmonic Barrel stabilizer and shoot great. I did, however, add a .050 reduced gas port bushing and also a recoil buffer shim. And, most after market magazines can be finicky and cause failure to eject..ejects… but, make the few changes I did, and stick with factory mags, then you’ve got yourself a rugged, nice shooting and dependable rifle. I love the wooden stock. I put a Matthew’s fabrication cheek Riser on it to set my cheek weld correctly with my lpvo. I also ditched the cheap plastic stock for a Hogue rubber overmold for the other one…. again, I like these rifles so much I have 2.
I love my mini14 .223 rifle! It’s a great saddle rifle to carry around the farm in case I run into a coyote or armadillo! My rifle has a serial number of 185-46521 which indicates it was produced @ 1984. Does anyone know if I can use 556 nato ammunition in this model?
You can put the serial number in on Ruger.com, it will tell you that your rifle was shipped in 1989 and you can download the instruction manual which on page 11 says, “The RUGER® MINI-14® RIFLES are chambered for the.223 Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.”
I wouldn’t recommend it but have used it in mine with out problems and mine is the same year
The venerable combat proven Garand action, to it’s cold hammer forged chrome lined barrel the Mini 14 holds it’s own. How many of you prior service personel out there dread the AR platform charging handle? When you have to clear a stoppage the Mini is much more easily accesable by reaching under the action and pulling back the bolt with your L thumb at flipping it sideways. How about the 1:9 twist, the cleanliness of the bolt, compared to the filthy AR platform? How about the convenience of .223 OR 5.56? How about the legal radar of some marxist states? It’s cozy size.. It’s 40 rnd mags. Oh I know – it’s accuracy issues, but a accustrut type of device can rectify that. No bolt release.. just slap the back of the butstock when the bolt is locked back – it’ll drop. It’s a modern cowboy rifle. a ranch rifle. An American civilian patriot rifle. It’s not suppose to be a AR, and thankfully it isn’t. I love the Mini 14 pencil barrel rifle variants! Stick a Archangel AAMINI stock under it and all is good! I’m sure the tactical is even a bit more of a smooth operator, but keep this in mind folks – I’m taking my enemies gear when he’s droped! Mini’s prices are UP to over 1K now. They used to be around 600.
The Mini-14 does not have a chrome lined barrel.
@ Mike Bowden – YES IT CAN! Eats ’em up :)>
I bought one in the mid ’80’s and it has been great. I have the stainless-steel model with a 3-9 scope. It is incredibly accurate and works great. A little heavy but not a big problem.
On 580 series and up it is CRUCIAL to use 55gr ammunition with your Mini-14, due to it’s 1:9 twist. Anything heavier is difficult for the barrel to stabilize. Using a bag and pacing your shots, allowing the barrel to cool, will ensure excellent accuracy at the range.
Thanks for this info, Christian!
I bought my Mini 14 new about a year ago, I was glad to have a new manufactured rifle that has all of the new and relevant changes, I’d read about the barrel issues and accuracy. I had to wait over a year from when I started looking because it seemed like Ruger stopped manufacturing them when Covid first shut everything down. It was $1100.00 but worth it everything was expensive after the shutdown. I shoot 556 exclusively and you can shoot green tip ammo with my rifle. Shooting both Winchester 193 and 855, I put a small scope on my rifle, just so I could quick site it. I live in Calif. where the Gun Nazi’s abide so the ability to change mag sizes was important, and like you all say it flies under the radar since it doesn’t look like an “assault weapon” whatever the hell that is to those ignorant bastards. Anyway it’s a great gun easy for a novice to use, but I think in the event that we all end up having to protect our homes in these times, a threat will most likely move on to another house once you’ve unloaded a mag in their direction should that need ever arise. I need to practice with it more to get the hang of handling it more comfortably, but it’s just a question of ammo and time. I really like the rifle, mine is all wood has a plastic top guard but I don’t care it looks fine to me. I think ruger made a great gun, I like their LR22 of which I have one, and I also have a PC 9 I got before my Mini 14 because I already had a 9mm pistol, and what the hell a PC 9 can shoot the same ammo, makes buying ammo more efficient, the PC 9 breaks down almost exactly in half with a removable barrel, the cam lock barrel is really easily broken down and replaced, making it perfect if you were to want to conceal it so as not to be viewed as a “gun” monger, can carry it in a case that looks like your carrying a music instrument ha ha violin case. I like Ruger, great company, makes great guns.