Ruger Mini 14
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You will see some have decent success with accuracy. I have an older one and if I didn't inherit it I would be pissed I spent so much money on it. From what I can tell they will shoot just about anything and fire when quite dirty but I'm not a fan of the Ruger mini's. Mine will normally shoot about 3 1/2" to 4" groups. Of course you always have the flyer that may not even be on the target. Not reliably accurate for me to carry it hunting. I do have an AR that although it costs a bit more than the mini will shoot much more accurate. If you're not getting a steal of a deal I would put a bit more money with it and get an AR for a semi-auto rifle. My 2 cents.
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Bloodhound
New member
In my experience, they are not consistant when it come to accuracy...but they are fun and function like clockwork...they can be re-worked and made very accurate, but then you have $$ like you would an AR platform rifle...so it becomes a question of what looks good to your eye....
I like the look and function of a Mini-14...so spent the money on accuracy work...$1150 and change gun and work, resulted a very accurate gun...then my son had to have it, and I am back to a bolt action for my hunting.......
I also hear that the new re-worked version of the Mini-14 from Ruger is much better in the accuracy department...but I havn't played with one to know if thats true or not....Good luck
I like the look and function of a Mini-14...so spent the money on accuracy work...$1150 and change gun and work, resulted a very accurate gun...then my son had to have it, and I am back to a bolt action for my hunting.......
I also hear that the new re-worked version of the Mini-14 from Ruger is much better in the accuracy department...but I havn't played with one to know if thats true or not....Good luck
NcWhitetail
New member
Mine shot 6in groups with factory sights at 100yds if i did my part. As to function: It NEVER failed to cycle.
It's not mine anymore.
It's not mine anymore.
Orneryolfart357
New member
I had an older model that I sold last year. It would hit what it was pointed at "scoped" at 100 yds on the first shot. But once the little barrel started to heat up accuracy went down hill. If you really want a semi auto, and its legal where you live, Id reccommend an AR. They can be had for about the same price, and most likely would be alot more accurate. JMO Good luck.
wahoowad
Member
I got the Mini-30 (7.62x39 model) and it is not accurate. I spent quite a bit of time and energy on a popular Ruger Mini-14/30 forum researching and trying various things until I realized it is just an over-sized short range plinker. The vast majority of folks have the same experience but there is always some joker bragging on his tight groups. That is the exception, not the norm.
They are way over-priced for how they perform.
They are way over-priced for how they perform.
Powerfisher
New member
Fun, yes. Semi Auto, .223 is semi cheap ammo, you can put all kinds of acccessories on them and make em look like thay shoot good. Like aready siad, they will shoot what ever you feed em but accuracy is its down fall. Also, there was a lot of debris that hit my face so make sure you wear safety glasses. I dont own my Mini 14 or my SKS anymore. Both for the same reason.....Accuracy. I did JUST buy an AR-15 though and love it.
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I have a new mini 30 and a new mini 14..
Both are tactical models with the shorter thicker barrels.
my mini 14 is fairly accurate so far, havent had a chance to wring it out since the first time Ive shot it was yesterday, but so far so good.
I put a 1-4 nikon shotgun scope on it, since they are a bit tougher, and minis tend to be hard on optics if they are cheap.
For what I plan Its gonna do fine, plenty accurate for hunting purposes imo. will it out shoot my ARs, maybe not but the vitals on a coyote are bigger than an inch.
Ive had a mini in the past and it was ok, but accuracy went south after a few shots on a skinny barrel, but it never jammed.
Im happy with mine so far. they earned a bad rep, and its gonna take awhile to turn that around.
Both are tactical models with the shorter thicker barrels.
my mini 14 is fairly accurate so far, havent had a chance to wring it out since the first time Ive shot it was yesterday, but so far so good.
I put a 1-4 nikon shotgun scope on it, since they are a bit tougher, and minis tend to be hard on optics if they are cheap.
For what I plan Its gonna do fine, plenty accurate for hunting purposes imo. will it out shoot my ARs, maybe not but the vitals on a coyote are bigger than an inch.
Ive had a mini in the past and it was ok, but accuracy went south after a few shots on a skinny barrel, but it never jammed.
Im happy with mine so far. they earned a bad rep, and its gonna take awhile to turn that around.
Bax
New member
Accuracy is pretty poor, BUT they are freaking reliable. They can handle being filthy and keep on truckin.
I have owned three or four now. I end up selling them to buy a new toy and then regret selling it.
For a shiz hits the fan scenario, I'd rather have a Mini 14 than a AR15. They just dont break in my experience. GREAT truck guns
I have owned three or four now. I end up selling them to buy a new toy and then regret selling it.
For a shiz hits the fan scenario, I'd rather have a Mini 14 than a AR15. They just dont break in my experience. GREAT truck guns
RJM Acres
New member
Originally Posted By: kal52I have a new mini 30 and a new mini 14..
Both are tactical models with the shorter thicker barrels.
my mini 14 is fairly accurate so far, havent had a chance to wring it out since the first time Ive shot it was yesterday, but so far so good.
I put a 1-4 nikon shotgun scope on it, since they are a bit tougher, and minis tend to be hard on optics if they are cheap.
For what I plan Its gonna do fine, plenty accurate for hunting purposes imo. will it out shoot my ARs, maybe not but the vitals on a coyote are bigger than an inch.
Ive had a mini in the past and it was ok, but accuracy went south after a few shots on a skinny barrel, but it never jammed.
Im happy with mine so far. they earned a bad rep, and its gonna take awhile to turn that around.
I had an older model mini also. Also went bang but accuracy
was lacking. Bought a new 1 about 5 or 6 years ago after Ruger
retooled the line and this ones a shooter. Trigger sucks but
it shoots just fine.
Both are tactical models with the shorter thicker barrels.
my mini 14 is fairly accurate so far, havent had a chance to wring it out since the first time Ive shot it was yesterday, but so far so good.
I put a 1-4 nikon shotgun scope on it, since they are a bit tougher, and minis tend to be hard on optics if they are cheap.
For what I plan Its gonna do fine, plenty accurate for hunting purposes imo. will it out shoot my ARs, maybe not but the vitals on a coyote are bigger than an inch.
Ive had a mini in the past and it was ok, but accuracy went south after a few shots on a skinny barrel, but it never jammed.
Im happy with mine so far. they earned a bad rep, and its gonna take awhile to turn that around.
I had an older model mini also. Also went bang but accuracy
was lacking. Bought a new 1 about 5 or 6 years ago after Ruger
retooled the line and this ones a shooter. Trigger sucks but
it shoots just fine.
GC
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: Luke BaxterAccuracy is pretty poor, BUT they are freaking reliable. They can handle being filthy and keep on truckin.
I have owned three or four now. I end up selling them to buy a new toy and then regret selling it.
For a shiz hits the fan scenario, I'd rather have a Mini 14 than a AR15. They just dont break in my experience. GREAT truck guns
Every Mini fan says that but from what I understand that isn't quite concrete. It seems that the weakness for the Mini platform when pushed really hard is firing pins and operating rods. And to complicate matters Ruger refuses to sell factory parts to anyone other than a certified Ruger Armourer. If you send your gun to Ruger for repair anything you may have done to attempt to improve accuracy is immediately done away with and the rifle returned to factory original specs.
I have owned three or four now. I end up selling them to buy a new toy and then regret selling it.
For a shiz hits the fan scenario, I'd rather have a Mini 14 than a AR15. They just dont break in my experience. GREAT truck guns
Every Mini fan says that but from what I understand that isn't quite concrete. It seems that the weakness for the Mini platform when pushed really hard is firing pins and operating rods. And to complicate matters Ruger refuses to sell factory parts to anyone other than a certified Ruger Armourer. If you send your gun to Ruger for repair anything you may have done to attempt to improve accuracy is immediately done away with and the rifle returned to factory original specs.
pretty sure the firing pin issue is primarilly the mini thirty shooting berdan primed ammo, I havent heard of many 14s breaking pins, not that it isnt happening, just havent really heard too much about them.
and havent read about the op rod going bad..news to me, but like anything mechanical im sure its happend.
the rest is one of the big draw backs of the mini platform.
Ruger for some reason is pretty stupid when it comes to repairs, have to send it off, and its returned as factory.
very very lame imo!
But I still love my minis
and havent read about the op rod going bad..news to me, but like anything mechanical im sure its happend.
the rest is one of the big draw backs of the mini platform.
Ruger for some reason is pretty stupid when it comes to repairs, have to send it off, and its returned as factory.
very very lame imo!
But I still love my minis
Bax
New member
Originally Posted By: GCOriginally Posted By: Luke BaxterAccuracy is pretty poor, BUT they are freaking reliable. They can handle being filthy and keep on truckin.
I have owned three or four now. I end up selling them to buy a new toy and then regret selling it.
For a shiz hits the fan scenario, I'd rather have a Mini 14 than a AR15. They just dont break in my experience. GREAT truck guns
Every Mini fan says that but from what I understand that isn't quite concrete. It seems that the weakness for the Mini platform when pushed really hard is firing pins and operating rods. And to complicate matters Ruger refuses to sell factory parts to anyone other than a certified Ruger Armourer. If you send your gun to Ruger for repair anything you may have done to attempt to improve accuracy is immediately done away with and the rifle returned to factory original specs.
GC you did hit the nail on the head for the one weakness of the Mini that I personally see (not accounting for accuracy, thats just a whole other ball game). The firing pin is a huge problem if you are shooting cheap Russian ammo out of it. If you read the owner's manual, it actually states that you should only shoot American ammunition out of the Mini models because the Russian / foreign stuff has hard primers that could break the firing pin and require you to send the firearm back to Ruger for repairs. And if you have ever looked at the bolt of a Mini, you know why it has to go back to the factory. That being said, just shoot American ammo and you will be fine.
None of my Mini's have shot nice tight groups, but I have drug them through mud, bounced them in the back of my truck on a dusty road for many many miles, hunted in the rain, and dropped them off of small cliffs and they still shot well and didnt ever have a misfire / failure to fire.
I had a friend that had a Mini that he literally shot until it died. He would shoot until the barrel was so hot that you could almost cook off of it, and then shoot some more. Finally the barrel was destroyed after years and years of repeated abuse. So he sent it into Ruger for repair. They must have taken one look at it, and then mailed him a new one. I know that sounds silly, but they must have realized how much effort it took to really wear the gun out and replaced it at no cost (well, he did pay shipping).
*** note that these are just my experiences. Im sure there are lots of other guys with stories that support and disprove my experiences ***
I have owned three or four now. I end up selling them to buy a new toy and then regret selling it.
For a shiz hits the fan scenario, I'd rather have a Mini 14 than a AR15. They just dont break in my experience. GREAT truck guns
Every Mini fan says that but from what I understand that isn't quite concrete. It seems that the weakness for the Mini platform when pushed really hard is firing pins and operating rods. And to complicate matters Ruger refuses to sell factory parts to anyone other than a certified Ruger Armourer. If you send your gun to Ruger for repair anything you may have done to attempt to improve accuracy is immediately done away with and the rifle returned to factory original specs.
GC you did hit the nail on the head for the one weakness of the Mini that I personally see (not accounting for accuracy, thats just a whole other ball game). The firing pin is a huge problem if you are shooting cheap Russian ammo out of it. If you read the owner's manual, it actually states that you should only shoot American ammunition out of the Mini models because the Russian / foreign stuff has hard primers that could break the firing pin and require you to send the firearm back to Ruger for repairs. And if you have ever looked at the bolt of a Mini, you know why it has to go back to the factory. That being said, just shoot American ammo and you will be fine.
None of my Mini's have shot nice tight groups, but I have drug them through mud, bounced them in the back of my truck on a dusty road for many many miles, hunted in the rain, and dropped them off of small cliffs and they still shot well and didnt ever have a misfire / failure to fire.
I had a friend that had a Mini that he literally shot until it died. He would shoot until the barrel was so hot that you could almost cook off of it, and then shoot some more. Finally the barrel was destroyed after years and years of repeated abuse. So he sent it into Ruger for repair. They must have taken one look at it, and then mailed him a new one. I know that sounds silly, but they must have realized how much effort it took to really wear the gun out and replaced it at no cost (well, he did pay shipping).
*** note that these are just my experiences. Im sure there are lots of other guys with stories that support and disprove my experiences ***
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Evil_Lurker
New member
Originally Posted By: kal52pretty sure the firing pin issue is primarilly the mini thirty shooting berdan primed ammo, I havent heard of many 14s breaking pins,
Pretty much zero breakage on Mini-14 firing pins. They did a big poll on Perfectunion and there was one, out of many hundreds of members.
There were enough Mini 30 breakages that it convinced me I'd never own one, though. I'm not too sure they all broke from shooting Berdan primed ammo, either.
Pretty much zero breakage on Mini-14 firing pins. They did a big poll on Perfectunion and there was one, out of many hundreds of members.
There were enough Mini 30 breakages that it convinced me I'd never own one, though. I'm not too sure they all broke from shooting Berdan primed ammo, either.
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CatShooter
New member
Originally Posted By: kal52
"... the rest is one of the big draw backs of the mini platform.
Ruger for some reason is pretty stupid when it comes to repairs, have to send it off, and its returned as factory.
very very lame imo!"
You must not have been around firearms very long - it is STANDARD in the firearms industry, that is you send a firearm back to the maker for any kind of service, they will ALWAYS return it to factory condition... no exceptions.
That includes Winchester, Remington, Marlin, Ruger, S&W, Colt, and I could list every maker in the country... there are no exceptions.
It is a liability issue (which should be blatantly obvious)... if you have modified a firearm, and send it to the company, and they return it to you as you modified it, and there is an injury, they immediately become liable for something that they did not design or approve, but are now being sued for.
Where have you been for the last 30 years of gun law suits... your comments against Ruger were ignorant and "very very lame"!
.
"... the rest is one of the big draw backs of the mini platform.
Ruger for some reason is pretty stupid when it comes to repairs, have to send it off, and its returned as factory.
very very lame imo!"
You must not have been around firearms very long - it is STANDARD in the firearms industry, that is you send a firearm back to the maker for any kind of service, they will ALWAYS return it to factory condition... no exceptions.
That includes Winchester, Remington, Marlin, Ruger, S&W, Colt, and I could list every maker in the country... there are no exceptions.
It is a liability issue (which should be blatantly obvious)... if you have modified a firearm, and send it to the company, and they return it to you as you modified it, and there is an injury, they immediately become liable for something that they did not design or approve, but are now being sued for.
Where have you been for the last 30 years of gun law suits... your comments against Ruger were ignorant and "very very lame"!
.
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Catshooter,
I get the whole law suit deal.
My response was in agreement with GCs point, that if something does break, you pretty much have to send it in to get fixed, in my neck of the woods not many folks work on MINI 14s, and the parts are not available for purchase.
and when you do so, everything you have done to make it a better shooter, will be time and money wasted.
these are drawbacks for the mini. Not so much for other rifles as some basic repairs can be done by your local gunsmith.
Maybe My post wasnt so clear, I hope this makes more sense.
Also I do pray that you dont communicate with others in your day to day affairs as you do online. Your attitude for the most part in My opinion is "Lame"
I get the whole law suit deal.
My response was in agreement with GCs point, that if something does break, you pretty much have to send it in to get fixed, in my neck of the woods not many folks work on MINI 14s, and the parts are not available for purchase.
and when you do so, everything you have done to make it a better shooter, will be time and money wasted.
these are drawbacks for the mini. Not so much for other rifles as some basic repairs can be done by your local gunsmith.
Maybe My post wasnt so clear, I hope this makes more sense.
Also I do pray that you dont communicate with others in your day to day affairs as you do online. Your attitude for the most part in My opinion is "Lame"
CatShooter
New member
Originally Posted By: kal52Catshooter,
I get the whole law suit deal.
My response was in agreement with GCs point, that if something does break, you pretty much have to send it in to get fixed, in my neck of the woods not many folks work on MINI 14s, and the parts are not available for purchase.
and when you do so, everything you have done to make it a better shooter, will be time and money wasted.
these are drawbacks for the mini. Not so much for other rifles as some basic repairs can be done by your local gunsmith.
Maybe My post wasnt so clear, I hope this makes more sense.
Also I do pray that you dont communicate with others in your day to day affairs as you do online. Your attitude for the most part in My opinion is "Lame"
Not "Lame".. just really tired of the bullskat.
And I am the same way with BS people face to face - the more crap people make up and don't get called on, the more crap they make up... and the more crap is believed by new guys, who pass it on and sound like... well, you know
If I shoveled it, I'd expect to be called on it too.
... and, instead of whining like a child about what a "really really lame" company Ruger is because they won't sell you restricted parts (that no other gun maker will sell you), you might have commented that there are many sources of these parts - like firing pins - but since you don't know Jack about the gun business, you could't tell anyone anything useful - like you can get all the parts you need for most guns (including most restricted parts) from Brownells.
How's that for an attitude
Now it's your turn to whine again, about how mean I am.
.
I get the whole law suit deal.
My response was in agreement with GCs point, that if something does break, you pretty much have to send it in to get fixed, in my neck of the woods not many folks work on MINI 14s, and the parts are not available for purchase.
and when you do so, everything you have done to make it a better shooter, will be time and money wasted.
these are drawbacks for the mini. Not so much for other rifles as some basic repairs can be done by your local gunsmith.
Maybe My post wasnt so clear, I hope this makes more sense.
Also I do pray that you dont communicate with others in your day to day affairs as you do online. Your attitude for the most part in My opinion is "Lame"
Not "Lame".. just really tired of the bullskat.
And I am the same way with BS people face to face - the more crap people make up and don't get called on, the more crap they make up... and the more crap is believed by new guys, who pass it on and sound like... well, you know
If I shoveled it, I'd expect to be called on it too.
... and, instead of whining like a child about what a "really really lame" company Ruger is because they won't sell you restricted parts (that no other gun maker will sell you), you might have commented that there are many sources of these parts - like firing pins - but since you don't know Jack about the gun business, you could't tell anyone anything useful - like you can get all the parts you need for most guns (including most restricted parts) from Brownells.
How's that for an attitude
Now it's your turn to whine again, about how mean I am.
.
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