Ruger Mini-14 Models

[chanman]

So the same things he'd gripe about with a Ruger Mini, which costs less than $1000 and isn't European either?

 

[Epoxy7]

I bought the target model. Accuracy problem solved.

I'm expecting AR carbine accuracy from the Type 97 that I ordered. Hmm would be interesting if you could get a match bull barrel for one.

 

[Jamie Frost]

I dont have any experience with the regular mini 14, I do however have a mini 14 target. I threw a tapco t6 stock on it with a forward grip and tweaked the harmonic dampener in for the average american eagle 55gr ammo and a red dot sight and I can pick away at clays all day at 100 - 150 yards or so without a problem. it is by no means the most accurate gun in the market or anything, but for a non restricted .223 in semi auto, it is definitely good enough for me. to say that it is a complete POS is a bit much I think

 

[ian_in_vic]

The target model is some distance from the Ranch on the evolutionary scale. The Ranch barrel overheats very quickly and throws rounds all over the place, this is because the Ranch barrel is like a pencil, the Target's barrel isn't. If you shot a Ranch you would run (not walk) back to your Target model and never stray again, the two are like night and day.

 

[Scarecrow]

As I understand new NRA Mini's all come with a heavier contour barrel. Too bad there barrel length makes them restricted here.

 

[IchBinEinSniper]

In the center is the Target Mini barrel, you can see where it has a drastically reduced profile at the gas block, not really a heavy barrel through. Above is a 1" barrel, and at the bottom is the 0.875" barrel. That would have to make a mighty difference in the performance...

** care of accuracy systems**

The question would be what is the standard diameter of the ranch mini at the gas block? The same 0.625" or smaller? I am willing to bet that the NRA mini with the larger profile barrel is done the same as the target...

 

[Epoxy7]

Yup the barrel isn't a true bull barrel.
That being said check out some of the results that GCN guys have had with them. A semi auto non restricted, stainless steel rilfe under $1K. They shoot well. There isn't too much you can really complain about. A true match grade bull barrel would be nice but the cost goes up significantly. As it is now you can use the Target model for varminting and the cost isn't bad.