Unhappy with my new 584 series Ruger mini 14

Ive only witnessed 3 mini 14s firing in my life first hand. 2 of which had frequent malfunctions. I consider 2/3 failure rate to be enough evidence that it will never buy one. Not to mention some if the dismal accuracy ive seen some produce.

I've personally fired 3, 2 of which were my own and only had a single malfunction. I didn't seat the mag properly once in my old 187 series and the first round went over the chamber and stopped on the receiver. Probably the only stoppage that rifle ever had and it was the only stoppage I've ever witnessed with a mini. I reseated the mag and continued on without another stoppage. That rifle could print really nice 3 shot groups but would be screaming hot and throw one or 2 major flyers at the end of every 5 shot group. 3 shots around an inch at 100, 5 shot groups would be 5-6". I guess that's fine for dusting a yote or raccoon but not a high volume rifle. The 580+ fixed a lot of the issues and are respectable little rifles. I'm actually happy with the 583 I bought from WSS closeout sales.
 
I had a 580 series mini 14 years ago. It loved lighter 40gr amax, still had good ranch rifle accuracy with heavier loads. The rifle I had worked flawlessly. I might buy another.
 
Any accuracy increase with a smaller bushing? Or just keeps brass out of orbit?
Both my mini14s I've had have been very reliable with good mags.
My current setup.
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^Is that a 5/10 mag? A smaller bushing could improve accuracy somewhat since the recoil operation would be much less violent. I have XP Wolff springs in my Minis since I gave up on finding someone to make/ship me bushings these days but they barely help. Brass is still flung 25-40' in a completely random semi-circle depending on the load...
 
I bought a new old stock 583 series mini 14 last year. The accuracy was not great and it threw brass over the ten foot berm at the range.
The first twenty rounds I put through it I could only find three casings.
I installed a Tru-Shot barrel stabilizer on it and made up some bushings for the gas block with smaller orifices. Stock was .090" I ended up with .035"
working the best. Brass is thrown about eight feet and isn't near as battered.

Without the barrel stabilizer groups were just under four inches at a hundred yards. With the stabilizer they are around one and a half inches.
I was using Hornady 55 grain bulk bullets which I have found arnt the most accurate in my other .223s.
The rifle is definitely a keeper.

Terry

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Well fired her today after coming back from Snapshots... first mag bolt fails to return home and strip a round just stayed locked back after fired

Second mag bolt fails to strip a round properly and Jams this happens almost every mag.

I suspect the new gas bushing snapshots put in is now under gassing rifle. Off she goes again. Gunsmith at snapshots Was very helpful and said I will likely get rifle replaced this time.
 
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I had heard nothing good of Snapshots before I used them. I have dealt with them a few times now for work and parts, I can't say anything negative myself! Grech outdoors on the other hand... I'll just say I don't plan on buying any more S&W guns as long as they are still doing the warranty work!
 
Well fired her today after coming back from Snapshots... first mag bolt fails to return home and strip a round just stayed locked back after fired

Second mag bolt fails to strip a round properly and Jams this happens almost every mag.

I suspect the new gas bushing snapshots put in is now under gassing rifle. Off she goes again. Gunsmith at snapshots Was very helpful and said I will likely get rifle replaced this time.

Too bad they didn't test fire themselves before sending it back. That's disappointing but at least they're looking after you.
 
I got an adjustable gas block from this outfit:

http://www.mini14adjustablegasblock.com/

I also added their M1 style rear sight(mine was a 197 series), an Amega Ranges forward rail, and had the barrel threaded for a Vortex flash hider. Nice little gun and surprisingly accurate after the changes. Sadly no longer in the collection but I’ll get another some day.
If you remove the gas block the screws are staked and you need to be patient getting them out, when putting the gas block back on make sure to use the correct torque spec and tighten them down evenly.
 
I got an adjustable gas block from this outfit:

http://www.mini14adjustablegasblock.com/

I also added their M1 style rear sight(mine was a 197 series), an Amega Ranges forward rail, and had the barrel threaded for a Vortex flash hider. Nice little gun and surprisingly accurate after the changes. Sadly no longer in the collection but I’ll get another some day.
If you remove the gas block the screws are staked and you need to be patient getting them out, when putting the gas block back on make sure to use the correct torque spec and tighten them down evenly.

Yes I was thinking of going the adjustable gas block route. See what snapshots does with rifle this time
 
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