Ruger Mini-14 Target Model

[powdergun]

I'm looking for some input from those of you that have given this gun a good workout.

1) Is the accuracy claim valid ?
2) Is it the same work horse as the goo old mini 14 ?
3) Can you get extra mags for it that do not cost an arm and a leg ?
4) How fussy is the cycling when using hand loaded ammo
5) Is it worth the $1000 price tag

I like the idea of a gun that is " sort of " like and AR but is non restricted that I can use on coyotes out to 300M. I know my bolt actions will do the trick but having a semi auto opens up the fun factor as well for plinking. There is just pure satisfaction hitting a nice ripe melon at 300M

 

[cody c]

No experience, but lots of feedback on the web, I think even chuck hawk had something to say about it.

I really like the looks of the thumbhole

 

[VLT79]

I owned one with the Hogue synthetic stock. It would shoot 0.736" groups @ 200yds with Winchester "white box" 45gr HP ammo. I foolishly sold it not long ago! Fired about 200 rounds thru it and never experienced one malfunction. Mags aren't that hard to find and are reasonably priced as well.

 

[grizzly416]

I have one and yes it's still a workhorse and 200 m3/4" groups are what it does

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I suggest you have more realistic expectations that 3/4" groups at 200 yards. I've shot one, I think they are decent, but those expecations are unrealistic. A reasonable goal would be 1" or more at 100 yards for a say 5 shot group with quality ammo.

 

[powdergun]

Does the harmonic weight at the end of the barrel really have an effect on group size ? Or is it just a gimmick.

If this gun will hit a coyote at 300 yrds consistently. ( My test is minute of 1 gal milk jug at 300 yrds) I just may need to buy one.

 

[two-dogs]

Does the harmonic weight at the end of the barrel really have an effect on group size ? Or is it just a gimmick.

If this gun will hit a coyote at 300 yrds consistently. ( My test is minute of 1 gal milk jug at 300 yrds) I just may need to buy one.[/QUOTE]

whatever you may decide, I have one, like new, hardly ever used, too heavy to tote around for my liking, so it will be for sale or trade at the up & coming Brandon Gun show in Mb in Dec! I'd swap it for a Ruger Mini 30 (new version) or perhaps a Ruger 99/44 s/a or a Browning Shortrax walnut in 308 or 7mm-08! Up/down/or straight across/willing to talk turkey! PM me if any droul persists! If not, not to worry, no hurry, it will be on the table at the show.

 

[sobo4303]

I owned one with the Hogue stock. I can't say whether the harmonic dampener does anything really. My experience was the opposite of those so far. These are my observations:

1) The barrel is not heavy throughout. It is like every other Ruger mini up to the gas block, then the heavy barrel begins. So when the barrel is warm, it is really hot under the handguard. Yes, my scope was tight, yes it was a good quality and yes, the scope I had is still being used and performing fantastic on another rifle.

2) The rifle was beyond sensitive in using different ammo - it was totally dramatic. Whitebox (45 gr HP) would group nicely in centre of target. 50 grain noslers would group upper left quadrant of target - still nicely, 40 gr v-max would group opposite of quadrant. That type of thing.

3) The grouping themselves were nothing spectacular. On average just under 2", again depending on the round. They are not any different to that of the newer Ranch rifle, which I now own. With the dampener, it did seem to make a difference, but that was also the weakness because it was too tuned to a particular ammo. With my Remy or Ranch, it does not matter what ammo I use, with all the groups are relatively in the same spot. Yes I fine tune with one or two clicks, not several as I did with the target version. Yup, I traded it for my Remy Varmint.

 

[VLT79]

Does the harmonic weight at the end of the barrel really have an effect on group size ? Or is it just a gimmick.

If this gun will hit a coyote at 300 yrds consistently. ( My test is minute of 1 gal milk jug at 300 yrds) I just may need to buy one.

It does make a difference. When I purchased my rifle the dampener was flush with the muzzle. From the box, the rifle would shoot an average 1.228" @200yds with the 45gr HP Winchester "white box" ammo. I screwed the dampener back towards the chamber slightly, fired some rounds and repeated the process until I found the loads sweet spot. The end of the dampener was 0.317" from the end of the muzzle. At that setting my particular rifle would shoot 0.736" average groups @ 200yds.

 

[TonyMo]

I had one with the grey laminate thumbhole stock and I liked it. It was as accurate as I could be. I also recall winchester "white box" 45g JHP was my best grouping to 100yrds. I didn't play with the dampener. I only sold it because it is HEAVY. Not something you want to be shooting off hand or having to carrying around all day. I think it would be best for punching paper from a rest or if hunting, set up in one spot with a bipod.
Lots of info on the web. Try over a "Perfect Union"
I sold it and got a newer Ranch model.