Thinking of buying a mini 14
- Thread starter Chooie
- Start date
Midnight Rider
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- ......the Vanishing Point .
Mini 14s are pretty tough , and were widely used by various police depts. and State Corrections throughout the U.S. . They say the newer models are more accurate , but I have never had any issues with mine .
I had an older one, it was a solidly built rifle but it was about barn door accurate, threw brass 30 feet denting them all (WAY overgassed), and was only reliable with quality magazines.
If you buy one look for a newer one as they are supposedly more accurate which couldn't be hard to accomplish compared to the one I had.
I suggest leaving it alone other than maybe a recoil buffer, spending money on a tacticool stock and most other bolt on gizmo's won't make them shoot any better and you'll end up with as much money into it as you would have if you had just bought a better rifle to begin with.
The single biggest improvement to a mini-14 would be an adjustable gas block.
It's your money so I won't tell you not to buy one but after owning one I would not spend my money on one.
If you buy one look for a newer one as they are supposedly more accurate which couldn't be hard to accomplish compared to the one I had.
I suggest leaving it alone other than maybe a recoil buffer, spending money on a tacticool stock and most other bolt on gizmo's won't make them shoot any better and you'll end up with as much money into it as you would have if you had just bought a better rifle to begin with.
The single biggest improvement to a mini-14 would be an adjustable gas block.
It's your money so I won't tell you not to buy one but after owning one I would not spend my money on one.
mastermind
CGN Regular
- Location
- SW Ontario
The newer Target models are better known for their accuracy. You can tune the barrel to your loads. Built with stainless steel you can't go wrong.
There's a nice Target model barely used on the EE now
There's a nice Target model barely used on the EE now
Yeah, I have a Target model and it's my favourite coyote gun, but my experience with several late-production standard models would lead me to buy one of those if I were in the market for another Mini. Almost as accurate and much lighter and handier.
Get one with the thicker barrel that tapers down just forward of the gas block and you will be happy.
Get one with the thicker barrel that tapers down just forward of the gas block and you will be happy.
kelseyscooter1
Regular
- Location
- Central Alberta
had 2 mini-14's, both were inaccurate, around 2.5 moa. moved onto AR15's, and have not regretted it. If you must, go with the latest production.
I've had one for 20+ years. it is reliable, I got four inch groups at 100 yards, with 55 gr bullets, when my eyes were younger, but it is terrible with heavy bullets. I shot some 72 grain stuff and at 50 yards I was getting tumbling and key holing, and 8 inch groups.
I have a newer standard mini. Super reliable, handles the .223 and 5.56. I mostly run barnaul, 55 or 62gr. I'd say it's decently accurate . Around 1.5-3 moa. Don't expect to recover your casings very easily however, they get tossed! I have a barrel strut and ultimak scout hand guard which will stiffen up the action a bit as well. I'm in the process of scoping it for some real accuracy testing with a bunch of different ammo. For now I'm running the iron sights which I don't mind. No issues with my blued version but it is one of the few semi auto .223/5.56 that come in stainless also.
i have two..a 182 series & a 582.
super reliable, both are set up with flash hiders & barrel struts.
getting easy 1" groups @ 50, the 582 series a bit better.(w.w. 62gr psp)
considered trading them for an xcr but couldn't let them go.
go for the later model, you won't be disappointing.
yes, they toss brass a good distance.
Wilson 1911 buffers do help
super reliable, both are set up with flash hiders & barrel struts.
getting easy 1" groups @ 50, the 582 series a bit better.(w.w. 62gr psp)
considered trading them for an xcr but couldn't let them go.
go for the later model, you won't be disappointing.
yes, they toss brass a good distance.
Wilson 1911 buffers do help
DealersAdvocate
Regular
- Location
- Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
This,
Because A-Team
Real nice! And now I need a mini 14!
I have 187 model, shoot a 2.5" group which I am super happy with. It never was intended as super accurate rifle. It is a NR semi that handles any ammo that you throw into it that you can hunt and plink with. Newer models are said to be more accurate.
For a cheap semi auto what do you expect? This is not a Remington 700 heavy barrel. As .5MOA pointed out above the rifle was never designed to be a DMR or precision rifle. It's called a ranch rifle for a reason. It was designed to be reliable, be able to shoot a coyote at 200 yards and shoot cans off a fence post or in a gravel pit at 25-50 yards.
I personally want more out of my rifles and can afford to spend $3000+ on a 223 semi auto so I sold my mini-14 but for someone that just wants a fun non restricted on a budget it's fine. If you stick to Ruger brand magazines and try a few different types of ammo to find it's favorite food you have a rifle that is capable of doing what it was designed to do.
If you think every rifle over $500 should shoot 1 moa or better then you are delusional and need to reassess your expectations and throw in a good dose of reality.
If you want an accurate 223 you need to look at the HK SL8 series, I've owned 3 of them in various configurations and they are definitely the most accurate out of the box factory rifle available but you're looking at $2000+ then the money starts adding up if you want to modify it.
