Mini 14 questions

I"m looking to buy a mini 14. I really like the Ruger models, ranch line in a 223 cal. Mostly for varmints and also home defense. Anyone had any experience with the Rugers or others?

 

I have that gun in a stainless version. Its a sweet shooter. They have got expensive over the last few years though. Great for small game but its definately not a deer gun. Ruger makes great guns in both rifle and handguns IMO.

 

What are you looking to trade for NM Taco? Another rifle or a handgun? Maybe you can make a deal with the OP. Find a local dealer with a FFL on both ends and they can make the swap for you if necessary.

 

I was under the same impression (not very accurate) hence the "ranch rifle" moniker. I've heard this many, many times, although I can't say I've ever actually shot one, so I wouldn't know first-hand. However, based soley on reputation of said rifle, if I were to buy one, it would be the NRA special edition so it would at least have slightly higher resale value and be easier to turnover (due to it's collectibility) in case you don't like it.

Plus, that version has a Hogue overmold stock and I am all about the Hogue overmold over here.

 

It does take a good gun to shoot well. But in my experience it takes a better shooter to be more accurate. This gun aint gonna be no 300 yard shooter but a little tweaking and test firing and I know I could hit a quarter at 100 yards.

Then I have been shooting for a 100 years and some combat sniper training didnt hurt either.

 

My opinion is this: The Ruger has a limited range of use. For the money there are cheaper setups that will accomplish the same thing, like an AK or SKS. The shells are cheaper and the performance is similar. Something in an AR platform costs a little more than the Ruger but, you have unlimited possibilities. Change the upper, Change the gun. I have a Rock River Arms entry tactical with a match trigger and barrel. The rifle came out of the box shooting 1 moa @ 100 yards. What I like is if the round fits through the mag well, somebody makes an upper receiver to shoot it.

 

I have one. It's the closest thing you can get to an assault weapon in Kali.

It's not accurate, even the new model.

But, it it reliable and robustly made.

Bottom line, I'm happy with it.

Go to the gun shows to get Ruger's "Law Enforcement Only" 30 round mags in the white box. The official big mag that works with the Ruger.

Now I have an AR and won't go back. If you can afford the AR get it as it's more modular, accurate, etc.

 

40204,
agreed and I would maybe go with a larger caliber 7.62 if selecting an AK or even an SKS which is a great shooter in 7.69 I have a M4 that has many mods but it is only a 223 but I still enjoy shooting it.

 

I love the 5.56 round. I am upset since there is a run on bulk ammunition. There is no cheap 5.56 in the country. You can buy premium ammunition all day, but I want something for practice. I have some, but I need another case to feel better.

 

I was looking at the NRA edition. But being a shorter barrel might affect accuracy. Although others say it is more rigid thus more accurate.. I have other rifles/shotguns I use for deer. I want this for coyotes and bobcats. I lost a calf last week cause of coyotes. I know they make this in another caliber too.

 

Yeah, barrel flex seems to be the issue with accuracy on the Mini-14/Mini-30. I'm not sure if the NRA version's barrel is a heavier barrel or not, but simply being a similar barrel to the "ranch" model only shorter in length would surely limit some flex.

The Mini-30 is chambered in Edit: 7.62x39, sorry.

 

how short is the barrel? I use Corbon hollow points for critters - they will turn a coyote to jello.

 

16 1/8" barrel

1:9" RH rate of twist

 

some good info here.

 

That's is a decent barrel length. I was wondering if the barrel was too short for the round it fires. Would there be a issue with flex or heat on a skinny barrel? If flex is an issue; a lighter round would help (less mass).

 

good link.

 

I've got a Mini-14.

I used to think it was cool, now I'm tuned into accuracy.

The Mini-14 is a tough rifle, as stated previously. It's heavy, unbalanced and reliable.

But, it's just not very accurate. 3" groups at 100yards will kill though, for sure.

It will kill deer, pick the right .223 bullet and it will kill. Come on guys! It's not going to bounce off.

For critters, I think there are better options. Why not a bolt action .223? Any bolt action Savage/Remington will be more accurate than this gun, and cheaper.

Another note, it's not always about blasting bunnies. One huge plus about this gun is that it is just plain fun. Get the 30round clips and blast away. But watch, that barrel gets hot! It is fun to shoot.

I've heard that it is cheaper to buy a Mini-14 and mod it to achieve accuracy than to buy a AR rifle. Never looked into it myself.

Have fun!

 

They are good guns, but nor too accurate. For a little more you can get a DPMS AR15 which are outstanding rifles.

 

I have one.........barrel is to thin, heatsa up to quick. Which screws with the barrel harmonics........which makes is less accurate. For home defense you can notgo wrong after all your only gonna be shooting somebody about 20 feet from you max.

 

Hey, what about the Mini-14's with the big stabilizer on the end of the barrel. I guess that would be a "target" model, or is that an oxymoron? I wonder if they shoot any better.

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