Ruger Mini 14 older model

dearslayer

dearslayer

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Hi. Hope this might be the correct area to post. Recently acquired this rifle for consideration to purchase from a good friend of mine. It's in excellent shape inside and out. Early serial # indicate that it's around 1986-1987 according to the Ruger website. The asking price seems more that fair considering the price of a new one and it's something I've always wanted but just never took the leap. I haven't even had the chance to get to the range since I got it last week but I'm hoping to try it out early next week. So is there is anything I should know ( good or bad ) about the earlier models? Also how is the rear sights adjusted on this thing and can a scope be mounted on this thing without drilling and tapping the top of the receiver? Most info I can find is more for newer models.
 

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If yours was indeed made after 1982, it should accept integral Ruger proprietary rings. There should be a little notch in front of the action. I'm guessing the second one is under the rear sight?

Here's an example photo of the notches in a newer Mini-14.

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I have a newer one, that's exactly what mine looks like. The mounts work really well. The rings are fairly expensive though, and you have to be careful as the action is sloped and you have to buy different heights of them. Ruger's website should have listed what you'd need.

In 2005 Ruger "redesigned" the line, giving them a thicker profile barrel among other things. It helped with accuracy a bit.
 
That's because it is a standard mini, not a "ranch rifle". There is a sight adjustment tool for the rear sight.
There were several aftermarket scope mounts available, imho, none were very good. After having played that game several times over the last 30 years, if it were mine I would just stick to iron sights. The front sight on those was not shaped for a crisp profile - an aftermarket front sight can help.
 
And the rear sight is adjusted with the two "wheels"...one on the side for windage and one on top for elevation. Depress the spring-loaded pin in the notch of each wheel to turn them....
 
Damn I was hoping to be able to install a Red dot on it but oh well. Can you suggest a possible best aftermarket front blade to install. Meanwhile I'll do a google search. As for the good or bad about this early model does anyone have experience to say one way or the other?I guess I'll find out myself next week but the down side is the Range I go to is only set up for 50 feet ( not yards even ).
 
a j cave said:
Test it before you makeup your mind! Some shot very well, others not worth a damn. I would want it quite cheep as I want my 223s scoped. Just make sure it is as accurate as you want.
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Good advise....thanks...I just hope my desire to have always wanted a Mini 14 doesn't influence my decision in favour of it ,even if it doesn't shoot as well as I like. hahahaha. What would you consider a " good price " if it shoots reasonably well?
 
Took the Mini to the range yesterday and it shoots pretty good I thought ….mind you I’m limited to only 50ft!! The grouping with the iron sights from standing position was about 2 inches I’m guessing. I’m not liking the thick front blade sight that is on there and would like to change it out. I searched google for replacements and found a M14 style front sight & Flash hider combination from Accuracy Systems or even the Mo- Reaper Muzzle Brake combo. Any ideas where I could get something like this in Canada.
 

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I've owned three of the older standard Minis . Overall , good little rifles . They aren't competition rifles , but shoot well enough for their intended use . Mine would usually shoot into three inches at 100 yards with good ammo , 4 to 5 with cheaper ball ammo . Changing out the front sight will definitely help , the originals were a bit thick and hard to use . The rear sights are actually quite good , once mine were dialed in , they didn't move in all the years I had them . I did have a stainless with a factory folding stock ......... I should have kept that one .
 
Yea I can’t say I was too impressed with that front blade. Last night while at work I was checking online and found the “Mo-Reaper” front sight and flash hider combo that does look good but I don’t think they ship to Canada.
 
They're out there . Maybe put up a WTB ad on the EE . I'm pretty sure that there are other companies that make replacement sights for Mini 14's , maybe someone else has some ideas ?
 
anglia2 said:
Just looked on Brownells , they have a stainless front sight / flash hide combo for 52 US .
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Just checked it out but if you are referring to the Choate one, the only concern is the fact that according to the instructions holes have to be drilled in the barrel for the 2 roll pins. Not sure if I'm comfortable with that process. I'm sure I could manage it if I had to but would rather another option if possible. At least that's the way I reading it.
 
Just a word of caution, I know you want a mini, but be sure this gun is the one. If it won’t get 3” at 100 it won’t be much for coyotes. You maybe time and money ahead to get a newer rifle. Only range testing will prove. A trip to the country with a target is required imho. Good luck.
 
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