Does Ruger Mini 14 make the cut?

[Firepower!]

If Mini14 has poor reliability or accuracy then it really has no specific niche since we have the AR platform that is reliable and accurate. I ask those of you who have extensively shot, especially if they have scoped their Mini's, to discuss accuracy and reliability at 300 yards. Also, what suggestion do you have in terms of scope magnification for it? Thanks.

[Skans]

I really don't understand why anyone would buy a Mini-14 when you can get an AR for the same or less money.

AR15 - Aluminum Receiver with black paint/coating
Mini-14 - blued steel or stainless steel

AR15 - Plastic furniture
Mini-14 - wood furniture

AR15 - Everyone has one, I'm tired of looking at them.
Mini-14 - Attractive looking, rugged rifle that has a uniqueness appeal to it.

Both are made to shoot primarily 5.56. Either rifle can handle thousands upon thousands of rounds with no maintenance problems. If we're talking full-auto, I'd rather have the M16 because of the chrome lined barrel and easy to find/replace parts. I would love to have a custom Mini-14 with a fluted heavy barrel and custom wood stock. I already have a Colt AR15 that sits in my safe with no range time in the last 15 years. I'd gladly trade it for a custom Mini-14.

[Regolith]

If Mini14 has poor reliability then it really has no specific niche. I ask those of you who have scoped there Mini's to discuss then reliability of Mini at 300 yards. Thanks.

The Mini is dead on reliable with the right magazines. Most of their reliability problems can be traced to crappy mags. If you have Ruger factory 30 or 20 rounders, the gun will go bang every single time. It also appears that Tapco is making some decent inexpensive 30 rounders; they just came out this month, and initial reports suggest that they may be as reliable as the factory mags. I wouldn't recommend any other brand.

As for accuracy at 300 yards, the newer Minis seem to do 2 moa or better with the right ammunition; that's minute of bad guy out to 600 or so yards. The tactical Minis with the 16" barrel seem to do a little better than the regular 18" ranch rifles, as the shorter barrel is stiffer.

The older ones aren't as accurate; about the same as an AK47 or SKS. They can be made to shoot well with a few inexpensive modifications, though.

[skoro]

I don't own ten rifles and the Mini-14 ranch rifle is one of my favorites.

[skoro]

I ask those of you who have scoped there Mni's to discuss then reliability of Mini at 300 yards.

My experience at longer ranges is limited. I've shot a 12"x12" metal plate suspended from a large frame at 400 yards and hit it 10 out of 10 times. This wasn't shooting from a bench, either. Using a sling and firing from a kneeling position. Then handed my Mini to a buddy and he did the same thing. The scope is a Burris Timberline 2-7x26. Seemed like decent performance to me.

[Skans]

If you want accuracy to 300+ yards, you will need to put a target barrel on your Mini-14, and possibly a new stock. Not cheap. If you want cheap - stick to the Beercan-15. If you want an exceptional 5.56 semi-auto that is anti-tacticool, then check some of these out:

http://www.ruger-mini-14-firearms.co...ini_prices.php

[mavracer]

delete double tap

[mavracer]

I had one before I owned ten guns. someplace in there I sold it and got a AR now I've reciently bought another but now I'm way over 10 rifles.
IMHO it's a great defense/plinker that is right at home in a 10 rifle battery.

[nefprotector]

Heck Yeah! The Ruger Mini 14 will make my top 10. Mine is accurate enough for the first 10 rounds; until the barrel starts to get hot. Realiablity cant be beat.

[Capndave]

Ive shot one stock off of the shelf and I shot one fitted with a custom heavy barrel and it doesnt impress me.I do not even have a top ten,I have a top 2.I put my Sako safari grade deluxe .308 and my Ruger M77V in 25-06 as the top rifles ive shot .(as far as quality goes)

[kenno]

"If Mini14 has poor reliability then it really has no specific niche. I ask those of you who have scoped there Mni's to discuss then reliability of Mini at 300 yards. Thanks."
What are you trying to say?
Why don't you do your own research?

[beardenbc]

Damn skippy it does.
The mini came before the AR for me.

[famine]

Nothing wrong with mini but if limited to 10 rifles I'd go for a m-14 and have the full sized version. The rifle I think of when I think .223 is an AR not a mini.

[rickyjames]

1..22 ruger 10/22
2..22 mag marlin 25m
3. 243 weatherby vanguard
4. 7mm mag weatherby vanguard
5. 30/30 winchester 94
6. 45/70 marlin 95 cowboy model
7. 223 colt ar-15
8. 223 ruger mini 14
9. 308 hk
10. 308 enfield jungle carbine

[22-rimfire]

I had one long before I owned 10 rifles. It is very reliable and shoots good enough for me. I would not change a thing.

[Nowhere Man]

Firepower! wrote;

If Mini14 has poor reliability then it really has no specific niche. I ask those of you who have scoped there Mni's to discuss then reliability of Mini at 300 yards. Thanks.

I have a scoped mini 14. It is 100% reliable with or without a scope. Even at 300 yards it goes bang every time.


Dave

[NooYawkuh]

I recently made the first firearms purchase in my life and it's an All-Weather Mini-14 Ranch. I have every plan to increase my collection eventually but the decision was based on the question - What if I could only own one firearm (as I currently do), what would it be? I realize it's not the best choice for any one thing but there is hardly a better choice (AFAIK) that will meet almost every possible want/need: plinking, target, home defense, SHTF, hunting, and just plain fun.

I'm not the least bit sorry. I could have done a lot worse and I don't know of anything that I would have liked more.

'course, I'm always open to other opinions.

[Art Eatman]

Reliability? The Mini is close to defining that term, in my experience. The accuracy is as good as anything for the first shot or two when hunting. Since I don't do a lot of paper punching, the superiority of the AR for tight groups is irrelevant. For home defense or casual varminting, it's as good as any.

My only gripe is the price, but then as an Olde Phart I live in a continual state of sticker shock.

[Quentin2]

I like the Mini-14 but had to vote no. I've got 9 rifles already and so far the Mini doesn't look like it'll be #10, more likely will be another AR.

[TXGunNut]

Had one before when I had fewer rifles, pretty sure I have more than 10 now and equally sure there's not one in my collection now. I'd come closer to buying a Mini-30 but not sure it would even make my top 20. We'll see.

[KMO]

In my top 10? Absolutely...X 3! The other 7 fall in a lesser category...

[cptclem]

I've only got one rifle right now. Stainless 580 mini-14 with the all weather stock. Groups 1 to 1.5 inches at 100 yards with irons or scope, never jams, and it's much easier to clean than my M4 at my unit. If I could have nine more rifles... First, I would have to get my wife a a carry pistol and a 45. Then:

2. Mosin-Nagant 91/30
3. Garand
4. M1 carbine
5. Barret 98B
6. Ruger 10/22
7. HK91
8. K98
9. Sks
10. 9mm HiPoint carbine

[kraigwy]

When the Anchorage Police Dept. first started their SWAT (CRT) team I was task with providing the rifle instruction.

The Cpt, who was incharge of the new CRT team (I know, redundant) choose the Minis as their rifle (simply because the AK State Trooper had ARs). I told him it was a bad ideal, but to no avail.

Anyway they sucked. I worked my tail of to get any type of qualification going. Eventually they got rid of them. And it wasnt the shooters. I obtained some M16s from my Guard unit, they had no problem with those.

I got a Mini in trade, ended up dumping it.

That was 25 years ago, (or there abouts), they may be differant now.

No sir, I have no room in my rifle stack, even if I dont limit it to ten guns.

[skydiver3346]

I would say yes but it would have to be a Mini that had the following:
1. A reasonably good trigger
2. Must be the latest Ruger Mini-14 stainless version, (I like the newer iron sights).

[salvadore]

I have owned two SP-1s, A Colt H-bar 1-7 twist, a stainless axle diameter DPMS with JP interprise trigger and the bushmaster 16". The first SP-1 was a tack driver, the second SP-1 was a tack driver, The H-bar went pretty quick so dont know how well it would have done. The DPMS jp trigger floating barrel never did shoot well. The Bushmaster never shot well. My 1975 mini would not group but was totally reliable like all my ARs. The current tactical shoots promotional ammo all over the place but will group my handloads into 1.5". The new Mini shows great promise and will not mark you as a me too. I like the new mini and the SP-1s the best...E. Pluribus Ammo