Variations of the Mini-14

[JohnH1963]

I dont see any discussions on the newer tactical or target variations of the Mini-14. I read that the target version brings in sub-1 inch groups at 100 yards.

The tactical version is a great substitute for a shotgun or AR15 in a home defense situation. A shotgun does the job, but sounding that off in a closed in environment is a lesson for hearing loss and as soon as one round goes off then you may become disoriented. The AR15 is an American classic, but studies have shown they are less socially acceptable then a Mini-14. Non-gun people tend to think of the Mini more as a hunting rifle and the AR as a purpose built people killer. If you make a mistake with your Mini, then you might only get half the time in prison versus that of the AR.

What are your thoughts specifically on either the tactical or target versions?

[zombieslayer]

I have a tactical mini with flash hider. Sweet sweet rifle. Paid $625 new from orlando gun show. I also have a regular 580 from walmart. I prefer the wood stock, plain version. The overall length is the same, and you get 2" of extra barrel, which helps with velocity. I have never shot the target version. Seems kinda pricey, imo. Get a new mini, they haven't disappointed me so far. Never ever a single failure. Wish I could say that about my AR's. Just my 2cents for ya.

[KMO]

I've owned several Mini's, and I recently picked up a new factory tactical version (same as zombieslayer above). I probably should have tried it out without any mods just to see how it would perform, but I did put a Mo-Rod on it right out of the box. I'm super impressed with this rifle. It's dead-on accurate, including after firing multiple rounds in succession. I'm accustomed to replacing the gas port bushing in Mini-14's in order to calm down the brass launching & improve accuracy, but this newer version doesn't need a new bushing. It throws brass only about 6-8 feet. Ruger has obviously worked out some bugs. Even the AR cultists can't knock the results I'm getting...

[Kmar40]

JH63, do you work for Ruger?

[KMO]

JH63, do you work for Ruger?

Go have a look at his other posts. I don't see any Ruger flag waving in them. Why even ask the question? ...Just because he shows an appreciation for Rugers? If a guy can get paid for that, Ruger owes me some money...

[EdInk]

Agreed.

They make great products at affordable prices. Checkout the new Hard-R line of pistols, including the SR-9, SR-9 Compact, LCR revolver and LCP .380. Ruger firearms for responsible shooters.








BTW: If anyone at Ruger is looking for a TFL spokesman, I am available and willing to sell-out. (Although I really wouldn't be "selling-out." More like reimbursement for guns I already own.)

[rickyrick]

I don't think firing a mini in the living room would be a listening pleasure

They have always seemed loud for caliber to me. a flash hider or brake couuld make it worse. never fired the tactical model though, it's probably louder huh?

not complaining just they are loud.

my only real complaint is no muzzle brake limit muzzle rise, with a scope I have search for the target between shots 'specially standing.....but we talked about this in another post...haven't got the barrel threaded yet.

[NooYawkuh]

I have an All-Weather Mini (18.5" barrel) and the Tactical Minis I've seen at the range (16.5" barrel w/flash suppressor) are noticeably louder.

Be mindful of penetration, no matter what ammo you're using. It's my HD weapon and I have a 10-rd mag of soft point for that purpose. I hope, if I ever have to use it, I will know my target (scumbag) and what is behind it (hopefully, another scumbag).

[zombieslayer]

The shorter barreled tactical mini IS noticeably louder.

[jimbob86]

The AR15 is an American classic, but studies have shown they are less socially acceptable then a Mini-14. Non-gun people tend to think of the Mini more as a hunting rifle and the AR as a purpose built people killer. If you make a mistake with your Mini, then you might only get half the time in prison versus that of the AR.

If you are so worried about what folks think of your choice of self defence tools, I would recommend using a more PC approach: take groveling lessons, or a debate class..... that would be more socially acceptable than A ZOMG! A GUN!!!!!

If you are justified in shooting a bad guy in your living room, it should not matter 3 farts in an F6 tornado what you shot him with, provided you only shot him till he stopped doing whatever it was that justified starting to shoot him.

And I believe you would be hard pressed to tell if your ears ring louder after a 12 guage, an AR or a Mini-14 went off in your living room..... they are all loud enough to cause temporary hearing loss..... that said, you'd have more hearing han the guy you shot, if you did it right.

.... you can, in most states, fill out some ATF paperwork and pay a $200 tax and solve the noise problem on a pistol or rifle for a few hundred dollars. But THAT would be VERY un-PC.....

[Bartholomew Roberts]

If you are justified in shooting a bad guy in your living room, it should not matter 3 farts in an F6 tornado what you shot him with, provided you only shot him till he stopped doing whatever it was that justified starting to shoot him.

It shouldn't matter; but according to a study done by TFL's own Glenn Meyers, it does. The results of the study can be found here.

The summary: using the same set of facts and a sample jury, the shooter with the AR15 ended up with a guilty verdict 20% more often than the shooter with a Mini-14 - and this is in TEXAS. I'd hate to think what it looked like in some other states. Not only did the AR draw more guilty verdicts; but the mean sentence was 7-9 years compared to 2.5 years for the Mini-14.

Now that study may not be perfect and that doesn't mean that any defensive shooting with an AR will land you in jail; but it does indicate there is a bias that we need to be aware of and consider.