Mini 14 Target Model

Now with the Target, I've got a rifle considerably more accurate than my PE90, with a faster twist rate, for 1/3 the price. My Target as shown still cost less than my PE90 did complete with the Leupold Mk IV M1 16x40mm shown on it. It's also tunable to individual loads... Gotta love it...

More accurate then a PE-90? But I thought it was impossible!!!!
I mean, doesn't a PE-90 shoot GPS guided bullets?
Just kidding, they are nice rifles too.

As for the durability comment, I had heard that the mini had a habit of breaking down during gunfighter type courses, but like all things on the internet, who knows.

I noticed, yours doesn't have the thumbhole stock, did you add your stock aftermarket, or is that what they are now coming with?

Also, how do you find the factory scope mounts to be?

What is the group size difference between this and your swiss arms?
 
I know that they're becoming pretty popular down here on the Rock as Coyote Hunting becomes more widespread. Any of you guys saw that pic of the couple of dozen coyotes a couple of guys shot last Winter out in Central, they were shot with Ruger Mini-14s.

This rifle was also produced as a selective fire version, the AC-556.
The select fire model was derived from the SA rifle, not the other way around so no restrictions on the SA Mini-14.

AC-556F.
mini14ac556f1.jpg


AC-556 Assault rifle.
mini14ac556.jpg


Note the select fire switch just to the right rear of the rear sight.

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Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune.

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More accurate then a PE-90? But I thought it was impossible!!!!
I mean, doesn't a PE-90 shoot GPS guided bullets?
Just kidding, they are nice rifles too.

As for the durability comment, I had heard that the mini had a habit of breaking down during gunfighter type courses, but like all things on the internet, who knows.

I noticed, yours doesn't have the thumbhole stock, did you add your stock aftermarket, or is that what they are now coming with?

Also, how do you find the factory scope mounts to be?

What is the group size difference between this and your swiss arms?

The mini-14 is essentially almost exactly an M-14 scaled down, with a less complex and more robust gas system. If they're breaking down, it's news to me. The gunblast review guy summed it up as the Mini-14 being the most solid .223 autoloader America is turning out but one of the least accurate, and while this is a bold statement, for reliability and durability I'd put the mini up against anything. The Target fixes the accuracy and then some.

I have both stocks for mine, bought it with the thumbhole, then bought the Hogue (a factory option). As for the PE90, it will shoot around an inch at 100, or MOA, comfortably with 62gr. The Mini Target can cut that in half if you get it tuned right. Both rifles weigh similar amounts when the Target's compared with it sitting in the lighter Hogue stock.

There's not too much more to it, this rifle is an amazing value, that's for sure. ~$1000 for a sub-moa stainless US made .223 semi that's a bloddy girt from the gods if you ask me. ;)

As for the mounting of optics, I take it you've never owned a Ruger, top shelf. Ruger has integral bases built into their rifles, and includes a set of stainless scope rings with the rifle free. It's a fantastic mounting system, the only limitation being you must stay with Ruger rings, which are fantastic, or use an adapter rail.
 
I habe read some on the Target model but no definitive answers.. is this just a regular mini w/ a new barrel/balancer or did Ruger do internal work on it as well?

It's a standard mini action, with a hammer forged 1:9" heavy barrel and harmonic dampener. Note that this comes from the new breed of mini-14, off the brand new retooled mini-14 production line, the Targets were among the first minis to come off the new line. The decades old tooling was just replaced and the new minis are tighter than my older ones, and of visibly different fit and finish. All parts I've played with are completely interchangeable.
 
What's the going price for these? I notice in the SIR catalog they were nine hundred and something, but on the web site they are now $799.00.
 
And Wholesale Sports is $999.00 I'm thinking I will be calling SIR... :D

What are these guns selling for in the States?
 
I've got one, couple other owners I've talked to are getting 0.5"-0.75" at 100 yards, pretty amazing for a semi that costs as little as this does. 1/9" twist rate too, will stabilize the slightly longer pills. Last I checked, everybody was backordered up the ying yang for these, maybe stock's landed I'm not sure, I got mine from a dealer who had to buy two to get himself one early.

I actually think she looks pretty good.

P1060233.jpg

ruger_Mini-14_target_Rifle.jpg

Iguess there is more than one version.
 
I think that there's a version with a laminated thumbhole stock as well. I seem to remember seeing it on Ruger's site.

Yes, I have both stocks.

As for the POI, it wandered because the stock Ruger Mini-14 barrel is extremely light in contour, any ultralight barrel of a similar contour, even on a bolt action, will quickly cause the POI to wander as it heats up as barrel's so light don't deal with heat well.

So no, the POI certainly does not wander like the ultralight barrel of the standard mini. Just physics, the thicker the barrel, the more rigid, and the higher the capacity for heat dissipation.
 
"...that costs as little as this does..." A grand isn't exactly 'little'.

Umm... not sure what kind of guns you're buying, but yes, $1000 is cheap in target grade semi autos.

My PE90 cost $3000

My AR's cost typically $1600, and are restricted

My RobArms cost $2700 a piece

My M14 build, which still isn't as accurate as this, cost $1600, the previous build cost $3000

An SL8, which I refuse to buy, costs around $2000


...conclusion, is that $1000 for a sub MOA .223 semi, is a bloody bargain. Consider decent LR scopes cost up to ~$2000 (my scope pictured is about $1800 for instance), and spending half what you do on glass alone for your entire rifle should give you a good idea about what I mean.
 
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My first semi auto rifle was a Mini-14 Ranch and the frustration of the POI is what motivated me to sell it and buy an AR-15 (aside from the difficulty in obtaining 30/5 mags that worked). I think I'm going to wait until some of you guys buy a few of the new model and report. If you guys manage to get sub MOA groups I'll buy one myself.
 
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