Ruger Mini 14

[Roadsiderob]

I sold most of my guns when I left Denver & am regretting it. I found a nice gun range close to my shop and I have been going occasionally. They allow rifles up to .223 and I've been thinking about getting another one. I'd like to have another AR15...but my wife doesn't really like guns and bringing home a full on assault rifle would likely cause some marital strife. I'd like to stick with .223 and have been reading up on Ruger Mini14 rifles. From what I can tell they have been around about 30 years, are fairly simple and reliable, but are not the most accurate rifle ever produced. The recreational shooters seem to like the gun as a good all rounder, the more hardcore military guys...not so much. Anyone here ever own or shoot one and have any feedback either way? Thanks

[aloharover]

Had a friend with one. Was about 13-15 years ago. Shot it a few times. Never saw any issues with accuracy. He also had a Ruger HB 308 bolt. Now that was a sweet rifle
I have owned and shot a bunch of other Rugers, rifles and pistols, and loved them all.
Get the Mini, bring it to Montrose this summer. I will bring the AR and some Aks.

[t0talkos]

Great gun with lots of accessories. Its worth it to buy one. Ive shot one but never owned one. But i do want one!

They are pretty damn accurate but nothing crazy.

[Fisheadgib]

I've owned two mini 14's, a mini 30, and three AR's. I still have one mini 14 and one AR and I wish I still had the mini 30. I've run thousands of rounds through this mini 14 and it rarely if ever hiccups. Even with handloads, I've never been able to get better than 2 MOA out of it but this is still acceptable accuracy for anything but long range varminting. All the AR's I've had have been more accurate. Even my old Colt A1 could do better with ball ammo, but it also jammed occasionally. The ML2 ultra match that I have now can put almost any kind of ammo into 1 MOA but it is very finnicky about ammo. Handloads are about the only thing it will run reliably. For just plinking and having fun, I always grab the mini 14 first. And I have owned both of these rifles for about 15 years.

[ZJim]

I've shot one.. seems like a pretty fun gun to play around with. The one I shot jammed on the last round in the magazine for some reason, but I think it was due to the magazine itself and not the gun.

[kodiak1232003]

never shot one but it seems like they always do the job when they're used for their intended purpose.

ranch gun, home defense, fun plinker, small/medium game killer, truck gun, bush pilot gun, etc....


if you want a long range target grade gun, get an m1a...but you'll pay about twice the amount for it.

this is an inexpensive working person's gun. for the money, i'd go with ruger.

[CaryW]

They supposedly have or are going to come out with a very accurate special edition from what I read in a gun mag.

[ZJim]

What price might one expect to pay for a Mini14 anyway, either used or new?

[Roadsiderob]

Sportsman's Warehouse in ABQ has them for $599 in Black/Stainless. I went there Monday and they had 2 Mini 30s but no Mini 14s. They are expecting more tomorrow. I'm planning on stopping in and taking a look at new ones. I may look around and see if I can find a used one, too.
Also, thanks for the input.

[imwiththebann'd]

Sorry for the thread jack but: for general plinking and occasional coyote hunting would anyone recomend a mini 14? I always liked the looks of them I know an AR is more accurate, but I've always had a thing for the mini 14...


Ive got a .270 that I could use, but I'd like another Semi. As for ruger products in general Ive got a few and Ive had nothing but good luck with them. Their bolt action rifles are great.

[DMG]

Mine has been reliable for many years. The stainless ones are supposedly more accurate. The standard rifle is hard to mount a scope on. The ranch rifle with the (excellent) Ruger integral mounts comes with crappy sights.

[Roadsiderob]

Hey DMG, What is the overall length of your Mini14 with the stock folded and what brand of stock is it? It looks cool and I'm wondering if it is short enough, with the stock folded, to fit in my Tuffy storage locker for more secure transport.

[DMG]

I will measure it when I get home. I think the stock is a butler creek.

[DMG]

Sorry for the delay. Folded it is 28 inches without the supressor. The legal minimum is 26 inches, btw.

[Doc Holiday13]

Originally Posted by imwiththebann'd

Sorry for the thread jack but: for general plinking and occasional coyote hunting would anyone recomend a mini 14? I always liked the looks of them I know an AR is more accurate, but I've always had a thing for the mini 14...


Ive got a .270 that I could use, but I'd like another Semi. As for ruger products in general Ive got a few and Ive had nothing but good luck with them. Their bolt action rifles are great.

Its good enough for that. It wouldn't be made/sold if it wasn't good enough to kill stuff. I've shot it and its a fun gun that needs a flash suppressor or muzzle brake

[Roadsiderob]

To close this thread...I looked at the Mini 14s at Sportsmans warehouse. I was underwhelmed with the construction & features and passed on it. Bought a Bushmaster AR instead.

[Fisheadgib]

I wouldn't pay todays prices for one either. I paid 350.00 for my mini 30 and I thought that was high. The stainless 183 I have now set me back 200.00.

[MikeW]

Where can I get a nice flash hider for my mini-14?

[Azzy2000]

Choate made and may still make an M-14esque flash hider with front sight assy. I had one on my Mini-30 and I really liked it. Good quality , and it had a finer sight blade than the standard Ruger fat front blade.

[braxton357]

Had one and enjoyed it a lot. Now I'm going to buy an AR. Definately waay more choices for the ar than mini. Still a great ranch rifle (which is where it is now in ks with my dad) but fawking loud.
Fwiw, it looks like they're also a part of the 1022 ban so I'd buy one and a folding stock to go with it as well just in case...