Mini 14 target model

I had a "regular" style, older model 'mini 14 and it was a sub 2 moa rifle with most loads. Some loads went under 1.5". One of my mates had a target model that would shoot under 2moa- with the stabilizer removed! I am seriously considering getting one of these due to the cost savings compared to an AR. No way near as cool as an AR.....but cheaper and just as reliable.
 
I had one.
Tried a few different loads, and played with the harmonic balancer some. It would shoot 52 Sierra's with H335 or N135, 3 shot groups within 1 MOA as advertised.
A bit on the heavy side, I had the laminate stock model, and the trigger was not great as shipped.
I thought it was priced fairy high for what it was. For the same price you can buy an AR, for range use only though.
Hope this helps.
 
I personally always wanted one, from the first time I saw the A-Team!! Then I used a buddy's stainless folder and....wow. No thanks. I was amazed at the poor balance. ridiculously front-heavy. Accuracy-wise I couldn't say because I couldn't hit crap! Just MY experience though.
 
"...are one of the most prolific semi autos..." Prolific because Ruger's MBA's have been very busy marketing it for eons. The Standard model is well known as being over-priced and inaccurate for the money demanded. According to the few reviews I've read on other forums, the Target, while being expensive(bit under a grand last time I looked) shoots well. Far better than a Standard model.
 
1 MOA is certainly within the capabilities of the target model. If you need to go the tactical route the Pro-Mag Sparta stock would give you the look. I've seen the Mini target models for $800 used so even with the stock you could get into one for about a grand and you would have a tactical non-restricted MOA rifle.
 
I had one, and sold it. I suppose that with enough fidgeting it could have been made to shoot well for me, but I'm not the type to spend large amounts of time getting a $1000 rifle to shoot well. It should do that out of the box, as many rifles do. The adjustable weight is an indicator in and of itself that the rifle needs help to be accurate.
 
Have always been lucky with RUGER's… I have a new RUGER Ranch 223 Mini 14 that easily always shoots around 2-2.5 inch groups hundred yards, if I really push it and use some good $ good ammo I can get one and a half. anyway the target model, my buddy has one and he's got it all nailed for the federal American Eagle ammo and he consistently shoots everything into an inch at 100 with that thing! it's a really accurate rifle and of course, unrestricted… It's only about a pound more than an AR 15 with the overmolded Hogue stock... Nice gun
 
gps said:
I'm not the type to spend large amounts of time getting a $1000 rifle to shoot well. It should do that out of the box, as many rifles do. The adjustable weight is an indicator in and of itself that the rifle needs help to be accurate.
Click to expand...

This statement indicates that you really don't know what a harmonic dampener is designed to do. The majority of rifles will shoot a few loads well. A harmonic dampener is a method of tuning a firearm so that it shoots a much wider variety of loads and bullets well. With .223 bullets running in the 40-80 grain range to be able to adjust the gun to get the maximum accuracy out of each of them rather than just a few in a limited weight range is a major plus. Does it take some work to find the sweet spot - of course it does, but at least you have that option. A rifle without this feature will never shoot certain loads acceptably because you're stuck with what you have. I'm sure if you had tried enough factory loads in a wide variety of bullet weights one or more of them would have been tack drivers. Getting any rifle to maximize its potential is not a job for the impatient.
 
My main concern with the target model is that it is the only Mini-14 that is not supposed to be used with 556 NATO. The ranch model uses both 223 and 556 so you have access to bulk ammo.
 
ted_dent said:
This statement indicates that you really don't know what a harmonic dampener is designed to do. The majority of rifles will shoot a few loads well. A harmonic dampener is a method of tuning a firearm so that it shoots a much wider variety of loads and bullets well. With .223 bullets running in the 40-80 grain range to be able to adjust the gun to get the maximum accuracy out of each of them rather than just a few in a limited weight range is a major plus. Does it take some work to find the sweet spot - of course it does, but at least you have that option. A rifle without this feature will never shoot certain loads acceptably because you're stuck with what you have. I'm sure if you had tried enough factory loads in a wide variety of bullet weights one or more of them would have been tack drivers. Getting any rifle to maximize its potential is not a job for the impatient.
Click to expand...

Exactly, Ted. Wish all my rifles had it! It's that good.
 
739809_10154050246642229_2983116189756393679_o.jpg


I didn't pay 1500 ,and I like it so much I bought its plain cousin.

13112858_10154194769107229_5501516443265891316_o.jpg


I would keep an eye on the EE ,they are around the 1300 mark on there.

Its a good solid MOA once you find the sweet spot on the dampener. Also get a scope with adjustable turrets,so you can shoot different loads . As for not shooting 5.56 , its not really an issue for a gun you want accuracy from. If you want to blast away get a different platform. I have been taking this coyote hunting and for just sitting in a hide it is fine,carrying it around is a #####,hence I got the plain Ranch for hiking.
 
I had a great one that was sub moa. Just didnt like pi c king up my brass 30ft away. Hung a towel over ejection and it was good for bench work
 
Enjoy mine. Bought it about 8 months ago for 1375 taxes in brand new from cabelas put a 4-12x40 redfield on it. A bit over my head as a beginner rifle to be playing with. Picked up smaller bushings for it and it's performing well. Decent groups with umc ammo, odd fliers with inconsistent ammo. About to start reloading for the first time for it. And it's looking really overwhelming the amount of stuff to look in to. I think I'm gonna start with a 62g bullet and just a matter of finding the sweet spot with the dampener to suit a consistent handload.

Open for suggestions on powder and what not and where to start the dampener at. I have it currently at about 5/8" back from the muzzle. There should be a general way of moving that thing wouldnt you think? Like with heavier bullets should it be threaded out further?

Picked up the hard to find Frankford arsenal hand deprimer and ordered the wet tumbler to go with it. Pretty much all the brass is gonna be the umc stuff........but yeah. Enjoy the rifle a lot. Looks great and is comfortable for any position other than standing.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom