Opinions on the Ruger Mini-14

ColKurtz

ColKurtz

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So for a while I've been examining my options for a NR 556/223 semi. The more and more I think about it the more I end up looking at the Mini-14.

Honestly, I'd really like a Tavor, XCR, or ACR, but the price is just too high for me to justify. The Type 97 is cool but I can't stand it's ergonomics. I also looked at the Benelli MR1 for a while, but it seems too "niche" and too expensive for what it is.

Which keeps bringing me back to the Mini-14. Except I've never shot one.

PROS:
Garand/M14 style action (i have a M305)
Price
Also shoots 556

CONS
Doesn't take STANAG mags (not a huge deal breaker...)

I've watched a few reviews on youtube. I've seen a few with the Sparta stock and I like. Looking for some input from my fellow CGNers. Any reasons to STAY AWAY??
 
ColKurtz said:
So for a while I've been examining my options for a NR 556/223 semi. The more and more I think about it the more I end up looking at the Mini-14.

Honestly, I'd really like a Tavor, XCR, or ACR, but the price is just too high for me to justify. The Type 97 is cool but I can't stand it's ergonomics. I also looked at the Benelli MR1 for a while, but it seems too "niche" and too expensive for what it is.

Which keeps bringing me back to the Mini-14. Except I've never shot one.

PROS:
Garand/M14 style action (i have a M305)
Price
Also shoots 556

CONS
Doesn't take STANAG mags (not a huge deal breaker...)

I've watched a few reviews on youtube. I've seen a few with the Sparta stock and I like. Looking for some input from my fellow CGNers. Any reasons to STAY AWAY??
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I would find an HK SL-8.... that would be my pick of NR .223's that are reliable.
 
Right the SU-16. I've considered it and I have nothing against Kel-Tec, I have a Sub2000 Gen2 and I really like it, but the SU-16 is an ugly duck and i'm not too keen on it. I haven't fully ruled it out yet though. I more looking for functional issues why not to buy a Mini-14. Like it FTEs all the time, or yadda yadda constantly breaks....

not too concerned about the ability for LAR mags, I stay away from those in the bush just to avoid LEOs that don't know the REGS.
 
I guess I should start looking for someone who is willing to let me shoot theirs and base my opinions from there. Is your Mini-14 "stock" or have you put lots of time and money into it?
 
ColKurtz said:
I guess I should start looking for someone who is willing to let me shoot theirs and base my opinions from there. Is your Mini-14 "stock" or have you put lots of time and money into it?
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Just my opinion but the mini-14 is not worth the money they go for. Mine was an older ranch rifle with the pencil barrel and 1:7 twist and it was terrible in the accuracy department. It was reliable but only with quality Ruger magazines that are more expensive and harder to find than STANAG pattern magazines. Spending a bunch of money on one is a waste as it's just lipstick on a pig. It will make it look nicer but it won't shoot much better no matter what you do to it. By the time you finish tacticooling it with a new stock and other gizmos you could have just bought a better rifle.
 
I had an older mini-14 and the best I got with was 8" to 10" groups. Meanwhile with my AR I would get 2"-3" groups. Ended up selling the Mini-14, the only gun I ever sold that I took a loss on. But I heard the newer models are more accurate with a stiffer barrel.
 
I had a Mini-14 and they are solid, reliable rifles. I had the newer version (serial #581+) and it was decently accurate with 2-3" groups at 100 yards. I sold it to raise money for another rifle I wanted. I do not think I will replace it as the only semi-automatics I own now are AR-15's which are lighter and more accurate in my experience.

If you want a NR semi-automatic for fun in the bush with a $1k budget you can't go wrong with an Mini-14.
 
My buddy has a stainless target version.
The ergonomics are a generation behind an AR and it uses mags that are proprietary, expensive and a generation behind but "it" is surprisingly accurate and reliable.
 
Kevin M. said:
My experience with the Mini-14 is that you are a skilled shooter if you can hit the side of a barn with it... from inside the barn.
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Obviously you fired the older Mini's. I have a 583 series stainless and consistently hit 12x12 gongs at 200 yards with iron sights.
 
ColKurtz said:
ahhh dang it's like that is it? Ok thanks everyone for the input, back to the drawing board....
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The older series of Mini's with the Pencil barrels were less than stellar, the pre 580 series of guns. I have a 583 series that shoots extremely well with iron sight out to 200 yards. I had to do a few simple mods to achieve this but they are a worthy gun.
 
I own a 582### mini and love it. I did put a accu-strut on it though, mostly to get it to look like a m-14. It shoots pretty accurately.2" @ 100. But you know what, I also picked up a t97 and absolutely love that gun. When I first saw them I was like " what a butt ugly gun" but now I've become attached to it and once you start shooting it the more attached you become. It's far more accurate than the mini and you can get one at AL's for 825.00 right now. So 870 shipped. I must say it is my favourite nr semi as of now. But there are a lot more guns out there that I haven't tried.
 
I'll slightly modify what NT said to fit my time with a Mini-14 but the essence of it is the same:

NoTarget said:
I had a Mini-14 and they are solid, reliable rifles. I had the newer version (serial #581+) and it was decently accurate with 2-3" groups at 100 yards. I sold it to raise money for another rifle I wanted. I do not think I will replace it as I now own many different semi-automatics and just can't find a niche that the Mini-14 could fill that can't be filled with what I presently own.

If you want a NR semi-automatic for fun in the bush with a $1k budget you can't go wrong with an Mini-14.
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Had an older pencil barrel one, shot like Shiite but loved the ergonomics and looks.

I'm still banging my head for one of those Brobee accurized Minis GB clones for sale at CSC 2 years ago that I let pass.

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cr5 said:
Just my opinion but the mini-14 is not worth the money they go for. Mine was an older ranch rifle with the pencil barrel and 1:7 twist and it was terrible in the accuracy department. It was reliable but only with quality Ruger magazines that are more expensive and harder to find than STANAG pattern magazines. Spending a bunch of money on one is a waste as it's just lipstick on a pig. It will make it look nicer but it won't shoot much better no matter what you do to it. By the time you finish tacticooling it with a new stock and other gizmos you could have just bought a better rifle.
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Exactly , Alot of these southern states that are not AR friendly , guys choosing the mini 14 as an alternative . Priced WAY !!! higher than there worth.
 
I love my Mini.
Light, swift, rugged and reliable.

Stick with OEM mags for reliability, they're well built.

As said, 580 series and later should shoot around 2 moa with the right ammo. Finish is more rough than older rifle, you may want to polish/ deburr it but it probably won't decrease reliability.

I prefer to stick with the factory stock or Hogue conventional stock, it's more compact and low profile. If you want a tactical carbine you could look at the VZ58 instead.

Ultimak rail works great to mount an Aimpoint and lightly stiffen the barrel.
 
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