The Ruger Mini 14 - What is wrong with it?

StoneHorse

StoneHorse

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The Mini-14 is in the news of late and here on CGN. The politics surrounding the Mini aside, what is wrong with this little rifle accuracy wise? I have never handled one or even seen one outside a website or catalog. From reports, accuracy seems to range from OK (whatever that is) to downright terrible. Why is this? Is it the design? Certainly it is not the fault of the cartridge.

Can anything be done to improve the accuracy?
 
Older Mini-14's had very thin barrels. when they heat up, they tend to warp causing errata. Newer Mini's are better because of the thicker, tapered barrel. Even with the better barrel, my Mini-14 of series 581 gets no better than 2" groups at 100 yards. I still love the gun as a bush beater but rarely take it to the range as I own much more accurate rifles. They are very reliable semi's.
 
StoneHorse said:
The Mini-14 is in the news of late and here on CGN. The politics surrounding the Mini aside, what is wrong with this little rifle accuracy wise? I have never handled one or even seen one outside a website or catalog. From reports, accuracy seems to range from OK (whatever that is) to downright terrible. Why is this? Is it the design? Certainly it is not the fault of the cartridge.

Can anything be done to improve the accuracy?
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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.
 
I have a new model Ranch rifle dressed in an ATI stock and the accuracy is fine.
By fine I mean it meets the specs that I require.

100 yrds and in (scoped) in a standing position with a 1 second acquisition of target from the down position between shots and a 12 inch target will be hit every time.

I suppose it depends on what your "accuracy" requirement is.
If you want to shoot hole into hole you'd be better off looking elsewhere.

It took 300 rounds to smooth out, had quite a few jams when she was new. Since then it is smooth as silk, no issues.
I really like it because I'm familiar with the M1A platform and a big fan.

It has become a permanent resident of my stable. She gets picked on by my M1A though :D
 
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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.
Click to expand...

Yes they are. The target model has a harminic stablizer which dampens the vibrations caused by the bullet traveling through the bore. The scientific details are over my head. They are much better but there are still better target guns out there. Bolt guns are typically superior for targets over semi-auto's.
 
Or mine. With irons rested mine will hit that 12" target at 100 for the first five shots...maaaybe 10. After that it's time to sit back, relax, maybe have a smoke or three.

It's kinda funny to watch the rounds walk away the first time you blaze through your 4 brand new mags...but it would be funnier if it was happening to someone else.:confused::eek::mad: Really? 25 rounds "Canadian rapid fire" patterns like that? I mean okay, but, really?

Original tin foil barrel waiting impatiently for range reports on "accuracy improving" Sparta stock. Tried homemade Accu-rod, probably engineer error on that experiment...
 
If it makes 2" at 100, it's fine for hunting. I know these days we all expect tiny groups, but it wasn't that long ago that 2" at 100 was considered excellent accuracy in a hunting rifle.
 
I had a newer 580 series a while back and it was an awsome little rifle that shot better then my XCR. The open sights were good and I took many coyotes on the run with this gun. If I missed my first shot, 4 were quick to follow. I wish I never sold it and am going to get another on here soon.
 
Silveragent said:
I've always wanted one but I have to pace my buying. When I hear about accuracy issues I like to watch how a good shooter like Hickock45 fares with it.

Well enough I say
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Well, it appears as this guy has no problem hitting targets with iron sights.

For the guys complaining about accuracy of the Mini-14; you don't suppose it could be you...could it? I'm just sayin' :stirthepot2:

I had a target model with the grey laminate thumbhole stock. I found it too heavy for carrying but certainly shot under 2" with regular factory ammo and just resting on a jacket on a table.
I would buy another one of the newer models.

Another video of the target model.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z89nJ5zA4bI


Lots of aftermarket stuff for them and YouTube videos on how to completely assemble/dissemble.
 
Well my old 14 works well enough that my 10 year old grandson can keep all his shots in 6 inches at 100 yards with iron sights.

Oh Yea -- it also goes bang EVERY time you pull the trigger (if loaded).

Dave
 
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