What are your experiences with the Mini-14

Tom Falls said:
- I still have the Mini-14 I bought in Toronto in 1983. I would have sold it by now, but my wife and son like it. I did sell off - years ago - my Sudanese contract AR-10, my HK-91 and my AR-15 SP-1.

- So, for those of us stuck with a Mini-14 (for whatever the reasons), what is the best way to tighten the groups up a bit?
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I've been thinking of buying a Mini myself and was directed to a website called www.PerfectUnion.com. The site is pretty much dedicated to the Mini-14. From what I understand, there are two basic things that can be done to tighten the groups up....glass bed the rifle in a synthetic stock(similiar to bedding an M305) and install a good quality muzzlebrake such as a Vortex. From what I've researched, these mods make a significant difference and I just might go ahead with my purchase and try them for myself.:)
 
Have two. One is a newer 580 series with the heavier barrel (not the target model). The newer one will shoot 1.5" all day - even with a heavier barrel. The other is a 3-4 inch gun. I have never seen either jam and both will digest absolutely any kind of ammo - including Wolf. My AR chokes on Wolf. I have had a number of mini 14's and 30's over the years and have never seen one jam. Some were quite inaccurate, others shot as good as anything. Tough, reliable guns. Many who don't like them have never had one and tend to be 14 year old internet trolls.
 
if it came down to the Mini 14 and the M14 Norc....excluding the ammo cost, which would be better for the average/tinker a little bit/ shooter.
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Ok,
I've owned about 6 dozen Mini 14 rifles, and seven dozen M-14 rifles, so I'll take a shot at answering this.

I like the Mini 14, for what it is ... a NON-restricted, light , fast carbine, and I've shot a few practical rifle matches and a few deer with a Mini 14.
BUT,

I liked the Mini 14 a LOT more back when they cost $ 300 - $ 400 Canuckabucks, and the ARs cost $ 1200. You could get 3 or 4 Minis for the price of ONE AR ... which made the minis a pretty good deal.

Then I learned to put together my own ARs, and found that I can usually build what I like for less than $1000. And with Minis now going for $ 750-$800,and a Mini that shoots as well as even the worst AR costing over $1000, there is really no price advantage to the Rugers no more.

I liked the mini 14s a lot more before I learned how to chop a Chinese M 305, into a shorty. These shorty BIG 14s were just as NON-restriceted as the minis, shot a REAL cartridge more suitable for actual hunting, and "roared`like a lion, rather than yapped like a poodle". The Big 14 shorties now cost less than a Mini, weigh only about 1 lb more, and handle and feel much like a mini ... on steroids.

SO, you pay your money, and you make your choices ...
but for me,
a shorty Chinese M14 is a MUCH better value than a Ruger mini 14.

And I'd bet almost any Chinese M14 will shoot more accurately than almost any mini 14 too!!

Of course,
as with any opinions you get from the internet,
YPMMV!!
[;{)
LAZ 1
 
PS: I seen a lot of Mini 14s at "practical" matches, and in general they are VERY reliable.

However,
I've personally had it happen to me during a match [ and seen it happen to others ] where the trigger guard is not bent tight enough, and right in the middle of a stage, the entire Mini trigger mechanism drops out at your feet.

TRES EMBARRASSING
I can tell you.

Simple fix,
a rubber mallet and a 2"X4", and tweak the trigger guard to lock up a bit tighter.
BTDT
[;{(
LAZ 1
 
Teapot said:
No you wouldn't.
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Well if we compare apples to apples and say a mini-30 then please tell me what it has over the CZ-858? Other then a slightly better rear sight (which is debatable) there is nothing better about the mini-30.

And Laz is right the M305 is a whole heck of a lot better deal then a mini-14.
 
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