The Ruger Mini 14 - What is wrong with it?

44Bore said:
But a mini, change the gas block bushing and then shoot decent ammo--it will work every time and hit what it needs to. If you want an moa target gun--buy one and don't slag the mini's--they do what they are supposed to do.
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No one is slagging the mini. This thread is a discussion on the .223 mini accuracy issues. Given the price charged for this rifle, I feel (along with many others) that accuracy should be better. The 7.62x39 & 6.8 SPC versions are reported to shoot tighter groups along with the latest versions in .223 Rem.

I already own two fun plinker rifles in .22LR & 7.62x39. I'm not looking for a third in .223 costing $900 plus. I will be taking a closer look at the other two cartridges chambered in the Ruger.
 
I recently have been doing a lot of reading on the mini 14, seems the newer ones with the thicker tapered barrel are giving an average of 3 in and under @ 100yrds. As already mentioned there are also a couple mods you can do to improve your groupings.
I think another reason we hear such bad reports on groupings is that people go out and buy the cheapest case of ammo they can find to plink with, and then expect awesome groupings.
 
heavyBullet said:
I think another reason we hear such bad reports on groupings is that people go out and buy the cheapest case of ammo they can find to plink with, and then expect awesome groupings.
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I agree. You generally cannot expect good results with cheap bulk ammo. Sometimes thou I have been surprised. Also, many (younger) people never really learned to shoot with open sights. I didn't put a scope on any of my rifles until I was well into my fourth decade. Damn eyesight.
 
I spent all afternoon Friday hitting an 8"x8" steel gong at 225 yards with my mini. It's a new one and it's fantastic. I heated the barrel up fiercely and still stayed on target. As usual, this rifle never fails to disappoint and is super fun to shoot.

My new m305 shorty seemed to really open up with a hot barrel.

Both were shooting Norc bulk ammo from CanadaAmmo.

If you need to shoot better than that with a battle rifle your MO needs adjustment.

I won't submit my 100 yard grouping as its 3" with a bolt gun anyways :(
 
Does anyone know if it's possible to get any of the replacement handguards/scout mounts and adjustable gasblocks from Brownells up here?

I have had a couple minis and both were traded off due to changing interests and poor accuracy. However the mini is one rifle that I love the design and functionality etc of and would love to finally get a decent shooter.
 
Some of you guys need to try one of the newer 580 series Mini's and do a bit of handloading for them and they will give you a solid 2". Its probably not gonna be like the XCR, Tavor, or HK guys who claim moa at 350 plus yards....internet claims of course but Im sure you'll be happy.

I ordered a top rail from Brownells and they have no problems shipping here. They will let you know what can and can't come across the line.
 
scott_r said:
I ordered a top rail from Brownells and they have no problems shipping here. They will let you know what can and can't come across the line.
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Good to hear! I might have to check out one of these 580 series minis especially if I could get one of those top rails. I've always loved minis. I figured if Ruger would have tackled accuracy issues earlier the mini could give the rest of the MSR's a real run for the money. it is lighter, handier, and you really have to abuse one to cause functioning problems, plus it's much cheaper.
 
coyoteking said:
And are the factory 'target' models any more accurate than the standard model? I have always wanted one but the accuracy rumours always scared me off.
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Yes they are but they're also a lot heavier. You lose the ergonomics that make the original so pleasant to carry around.
 
leveractionjunkie said:
Good to hear! I might have to check out one of these 580 series minis especially if I could get one of those top rails. I've always loved minis. I figured if Ruger would have tackled accuracy issues earlier the mini could give the rest of the MSR's a real run for the money. it is lighter, handier, and you really have to abuse one to cause functioning problems, plus it's much cheaper.
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Re: 580 series. Does the is refer to the first three digits of the serial number? Thanks!
 
762shooter said:
Re: 580 series. Does the is refer to the first three digits of the serial number? Thanks!
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Only some of the 580 series have improved barrels. The 581 series all have the improved barrels. See on the image below how the barrel is tapered at the gas block...
Minitac3sm.jpg
 
yep the 581 series is the one I have, didnt know about the tapered gas block, mine is same.

Mine is all stock so for minus the 2 Ruger 20 round mags but I kinda like it like this.

Cheers!!


IMAG0201.jpg
 
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