Ruger Mini-14's.....are they still lemons?

BUTCHER45

BUTCHER45

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My dad has expressed interest in getting a Mini-14 as of late. Are these guns still plagued with accuracy issues? I heard that the barrel bands were the issue, and that it may have been resolved in the later models....any input appreciated!
 
I think seven or eight years ago they stopped production and retooled to improve the mini. I believe the front sights were pressed on and it slightly bent the barrels and add that with outsourced barrels. I have only fired one of the new mini 14's, and it was the target model with the barrel tuner on the muzzle it shot pretty good. Not sure about the other models and really haven't seen to many people with them since AR's have taken over.
 
They are better but not as accurate as an AR. Bought one about three years ago, shoots well enough to kill coyotes at 200yds. They are a fun gun to shoot, but not a match grade rifle. It what my son carries when we go out, not ready to loan my ARs just yet
 
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Originally Posted By: pyscodogDefine "shot pretty good".

About a inch and a half. Better than my grandpa's that shot patterns
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the guy with the target mini gave as much for it as a descent AR which I thought was insane. I never could dish out much for a ruger. Matter of fact out of all the rugers I've owned over the years I only kept one.
 
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I had a couple years ago they were fun guns to shoot but not much for accuracy, heard they are getting better...but for the money they want you might as well get a AR.
 
I have an older model with about $100 worth of mods. That got me to about 1 1/2" to 2" groups. Not as accurate as an AR but just as reliable as an AK. It will shoot any load I feed it whether clean or dirty. A fun plinking gun.
 
I wouldn't call a Mni-14 a lemon. They shoot EVERY time. The Mini isn't as accurate out of the box as an AR. My Mini, from 25 years ago, shot 8 inch patterns at 100yds with iron sights. It NEVER failed to fire or cycle properly. I would have preferred to stick with the Mini as I prefer more conventional looking guns.

My requirements for a coyote rifle are: an accurate, .223/5.56 cal, semi-auto, detachable magazine, conventional looking rifle. The Mini did not meet all of my requirements. It wasn't accurate enough. The AR doesn't meet them either. I'm not wild about it's aesthetics. But it's looks are growing on me. I opted for the AR as function, in this case; accuracy, was more important to me than form.
Best of Luck in making your decision.
 
Interesting this topic should come up: I have been shooting my 581 series Mini lately.

With "iron" sights at 100 yards I can get about a 3 inch group - but I do not shoot fast. If you do decide to get a Mini set aside some money for: 1. a trigger job and 2. replace the rear sight with a tech-sights sight (unless you are planning on a scope).

The Mini is not an AR nor is it a tack driving bolt gun. If "minute of torso" accuracy is acceptable for your purpose combined with excellent reliability then the Mini is a good choice. The Mini can be made more accurate IE: installing an "accu-strut." But my thoughts on that are if you are going to put down the bucks to make the Mini as accurate as an AR you might as well save your money and buy an AR.
 
I got burned buying a mini once..........it will never happen again. Ultimately it was worth far less than I paid for it and was nearly impossible to get rid of. It would easily hit the broad side of a barn if you stood inside said barn.
 
It is a frustrating weapon. One one hand: they look great, have a very reliable action, recoil is just about nothing and they do not scare liberals. However accuracy still seems to be an issue...at least it is for me. Considering how close they are now to an AR in price and that you will spend another $80 - $100 for a trigger job....I say get the AR.
 
They are better now days than they were years back. Get the mini, very dependable and plenty good to shoot a coyote out to 200-300 yds. I have done with a mini.
 
With a little work on the front barrel band mine run's 3/4" at 100 yds with 50 and 55 gr bullets. Good enough for coyote work in thick brush. I only paid $150.00 for it ten years ago and put some money in a good scope and extra magazines so I'm not out much and it works when I GET the itch to waste some ammo.
 
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