Mini 14 loading oddity

[Izzi115]

Hey guys,

Any mini 14 guys out there I've just learned that my mini (and I presume all of yours) only likes to load with a magazine full of an even number of rounds. I've run thermold, tapco, promag and ruger mags in my gun and while 2/4 will load either way it a true fight to seat them with odd numbers and a another cgn'er said his older mini won't go to battery without the good old fashion forward love tap to the bolt. thought you all might want to know, try it on yours and let me know what you find. I'm pretty sure it's the shape of the bottom of the bolt.

-Izzi

 

[Markthewoodsman]

Some mags are not pinned properly, my theramold ones are pinned at 5 rounds instead of 5.5 like it should be. I have no problems with my factory pinned mags (5 and 5/20).

 

[Deuce-deuce]

My ruger branded magazines all work fine.

 

[Sharps '63]

I have 8 Ruger mags - four 5 rd and four 20/5.

I can cram a 6th rd in a couple of the 20/5's and the bolt will NOT strip off the top rd with out a really hard shove on the op rod handle from an open bolt. Trying to seat either type loaded with 5 rds with the bolt closed results in a deformed top rd.

This negates a safe carry with the bolt closed on an empty chamber, loaded mag in place as required in an upcoming match. So much for gun laws aiding gun handling safety.

 

[rickymo]

i have eight ruger 5/20 mags and they jam like crazy with the surplus 5.56, but mostly run fine with factory .223 They seem function best with just 4 rounds, but that's no fun, it was mentioned above already but some of them have not been pinned properly. probably only 2 or 3 of them that i have actually function reliably.
The Tapco gen2 mags are really nice, the anti-tilt follower makes for awesome feeding reliability. I have had no problems with them. best mags for the mini I think, at least if you shoot brass (they don't like steel ammo)