New Mini-14

[stu925]

Picked up my new Ruger Mini-14/5 today. Very happy with the purchase and got a great deal from my buddy with the FFL. Went with the Blued steel with the wood stock and 5 round magazine since a)I'll need a 5 round magazine for hunting since this will be my coyote gun and b)they didn't have the Mini-14/20's in stock at his supplier. I'll have to pick up a couple of 20 round Ruger mags myself. As an added bonus he threw in an RCBS primer pocket swager since he upgraded to a Dillon swager. Now I'll be able to use all the Lake City brass I've got in a 5 gallon bucket. Now I've got 2 new rifles to shoot, it better be nice out next week when I'm off from work

Stu

http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc492/stu925/Gun%20Pics/Mini_14_1.jpg

[38superhero]

nice

[Crosshair]

FYI: CDNN has the best prices on factory Mini-14 magazines.

Nice gun.

[stu925]

FYI: CDNN has the best prices on factory Mini-14 magazines.


Thank you for that info, Midway's got 'em for 29.99 and I see CDNN is $5 cheaper for factory mags, going to have to stock up. As an update, I threw an old Simmons 3.5-10x40 scope on it today using factory rings so I can evaluate accuracy and work up loads without thinking me using the irons is the problem. I will eventually pick up a set of Warne quick release rings for it and maybe a bit better of a scope. Will post a range report after I get there next week.

Stu

[dgludwig]

The Mini-14 configured like yours, makes for the perfect "ranch" rifle. Wait, isn't that what Ruger calls it? I like mine sans scope, with the factory peep sight in play.

[NESHOOTER]

looks good enjoy, do the rifles still come with scope rings...

[Bamashooter]

Look around for a sale on the 20rd. mags. Midwayusa had a sale awhile back and I bought 4 20rd. ruger mags for $23 per mag.

[stu925]

do the rifles still come with scope rings...

Yep they still come with the rings, I'm using them now but will probably upgrade them on down the road since I'd like to be able to use the irons as well as a scope. Warne Quick Release look about right I think.

Stu

[ep2621]

Congratulations on your new Ruger.
I've been wanting a mini 14 forever. Just never got around to getting one.

[rugerfreak]

Are 20 rounders even legal in NY?

[stu925]

Are 20 rounders even legal in NY?

To the general public, no. To me, yes. High capacity magazines are legal for Law Enforcement Personnel.

Stu

[Art Eatman]

I used to mess around with Minis a lot, back in the early years. I did like a lot of guys, messing with the 20- and 30-round mags. Not worth it. Doesn't matter how well they work, they're mostly just a PITA for anything but playing.

My preference came to be for the factory ten-round mags. They don't stick out so far that I couldn't carry the rifle at the balance point. For casual walk-around hunting, ten's a-plenty, I've always felt. Okay, eleven with one in the chamber. :)

Still have a tenner; maybe one of these days I'll trade into another Mini. :D

[Willis83]

I agree with you Art. The ten rounders are about perfect for the Mini. Now Ruger just needs to make a ten rounder for the Mini-30.

[Magog]

I am jellos. That is fricken awesome. Someday I will have one.

[Ignition Override]

It's beautiful.
These have better sights than the older types, but also thicker, better barrels.

Back in '08 I bought one built in '90, and was the most reliable gun I've owned, including bolt-actions, some having old WW2 magazine springs.

[kd7sgm]

very nice. The wood stocked minis have a look that is hard to beat

[stu925]

Thanks guys, I'm very happy with the purchase so far although I still haven't gotten to the range with it (this is killing me by the way). I just recently got bitten by the Mini bug, was looking at semi auto .223 Rem rifles and really liked the lines of it. I've also always had an affinity towards the Garand/M-14 type action, so the Mini was a no brainer. Especially since I've never been a fan of the AR design. Started looking around in November and had 1 deal (trade) fall through. Finally got the funds together and decided to do it. Spent yesterday afternon giving it thorough cleaning and mounting the scope to be used for load evaluation, thrilled to finally have it.

Stu

[skoro]

stu -

I predict you'll be very happy with your new Mini. I've had mine for 2 years now. I've found that the 10 round magazines work best for me. The 20 rounders make for clumsy handling. They get in the way when shooting from a rest, too.

[TPAW]

Are 20 rounders even legal in NY?

Not 100% sure, but if they are pre-ban, I believe yes.