The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: Lucas on February 25, 2008, 01:01:43 AM

Title: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Lucas on February 25, 2008, 01:01:43 AM: I have 2 10-22s and I love them. Two of the best rifles I have ever owned. Dont laugh. Anyways I have been looking into a mini14 and have read mixed reviews. Some swear by them while others can't stand them. That is really all the info I have gathered. If there are issues what are they and can they be resolved cost effectively?
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Bidah on February 25, 2008, 03:48:59 AM: Well.. first I would say that you could spend the same amount of money and get a better rifle, but that is not what you asked.

I owned two of them, errr I had one and my wife had one. We shot them extensively for a number of years, and did like them. That being said, the biggest issue for any automatic feeding firearm, is magazines. Back when we had them, you could not get a Ruger magazine, so aftermarket it was. The best was PMI, which went under during the ban. We had a bunch of them, and they held up flawlessly for thousands of rounds. We also had trigger jobs done on ours from Connecticut Precision Chambering, and that helped a lot. Accuracy can be an issue, hence all the stuff out there to make them more accurate. I feel that ours were good enough, and decent. I would have no problem shooting them decently out to 200 with the irons, but I also accepted a 3MOA group at that distance as well. A scope would improve that some over using the irons.

One other problem is that it is difficult to get parts, or at least it was then. I was never able to obtain spares for ours.

-Bidah
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: CLP on February 25, 2008, 08:19:59 AM: I also have 2 10/22's, one stainless and one blue to match my 10/22 Mag. Probably a top 10 rifle of all time. I also have a mini-14 and like it as much as my AR's, Maybe more. I think one of the issues with the mini is the magazines. Tha aftermarket magazines can cause feeding problems but I have 2 20 and 1 30 Ruger factory mags that function perfect.
Another fine Ruger you may like is the Deerfield (44mag). I need to get one as my wife confiscated mine.
AS far as service all I ever did was call customer service with any problems and parts were sent within a week (along with a nice sticker).
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Mojave Desert on February 25, 2008, 09:51:14 AM: Some years ago I was helping a friend sight in his new Mini-14.
The location of the bolt/slide lever are conventional and easier to use than a AR-15. The "Garand-type safety" I thought took a little getting used to, and the safety/selector lever of the AR-15 is superior. The mag release is easier to opereate on the AR than the mini. The curved plastic butt plate? Well if you really like the 10/22....naa, that's terrible too. The biggest problem I had with it was the mediocre accuracy. The Mini-14 is not inexpensive enough for such an accuracy compromise. 100 yard groups looked like shotgun patterns. If all you are going to do is blast targets at pistol ranges its accurate enough. I hear a lot is due to the fact that the barrel is turned really thin in front of the chamber to reduce weight.
The newer Mini-14's look promising, no more smooth curved plastic butt-plate, and the iron sights (with scope mount and rings included) are much improved over the older models. Maybe someone has an opinion on the New Mini.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Michael Bane on February 25, 2008, 01:05:09 PM: Ruger redid their tooling for the Mini last year, and my reports are that the new Minis are a bit more accurate than some of their older models. I used an old 181 Series Mini to shoot 3-gun back in the mid-80s (you can see it on the Intro to Aimpoint video)...it looks like hammered crap but it worked just fine with an old Aimpoint Mark III and a ridiculous Aimpoint mount. No, it wasn't a tackdriver, but it rang the gongs out to 300 yards when necessary. I don't think it ever malfunctioned to speak of.

Magazines are a problem, but Ruger has assured me that when they get caught up with the 2008 NRA Mini-14, which comes with the bulletproof Ruger 20-rounders, they'll be pumping the magazines into the commercial channels. Here's the link for the NRA Mini:

http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5835&return=Y

I think they're better guns than they're given credit for...simple to operate, reliable as all get-out and as durable as a concrete block. Depends on what level of accuracy you need. I'm interested in shooting some of the new ones, which I have tentatively scheduled for late April down in Arizona.

BTW, I got a couple of the CJ 20-rounders from Brownell's, and they work fine in my old Mini.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=22521&title=M14/M1A/MINI-14~%20MAGAZINES

I was lucky enough to hit on 5 LNIB factory 20-rounders at a great price late last summer, and I already have 3 of the factory mags, so I'm in good shape, Mini-wise. Cheaper Than Dirt still has factory mags at around 50 bucks:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MAG390-55303-1043.html

Michael B
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Grizzle_Bear on February 27, 2008, 09:50:44 AM: How curious.....

I have had a Mini-14 for a long time, it is my primary SHTF rifle. Have a bunch of the "gunshow mags" for it, and have never had a problem with any of them. The only Ruger mag I have is the silly little 5-rounder that came with the thing.

Now, if you drop one, and bend the lips, you have to straighten them out. But otherwise, no problem.

Grizzle Bear
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Pathfinder on February 27, 2008, 07:49:04 PM: Quote from: Lucas on February 25, 2008, 01:01:43 AM
I have 2 10-22s and I love them. Two of the best rifles I have ever owned. Dont laugh. Anyways I have been looking into a mini14 and have read mixed reviews. Some swear by them while others can't stand them. That is really all the info I have gathered. If there are issues what are they and can they be resolved cost effectively?

OK, so I went and did it. I was in a local pawnshop today looking at bikes, and they had a Ruger 10/22 on the shelf. I checked it over, worked the mechanism, and bought it - all because of you guys. Never owned one before, although I do enjoy the mini-14 that I still have yet to turn into the bullpup configuration. Looking at a FAL kit first.

Anyhow, the 10/22 came with two magazines, clean bore, good mechanism, 30 day guarantee and only $160. They're well over $200 for new, like about $270?

Anyhow, going to find a cold, windy place to shoot it this weekend and try it out. Got lots of .22 ammo.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: pioneer on February 28, 2008, 03:41:41 PM: I bought a Mini-14 round about 1995 or so, during the Clinton administration's campaign against "assault weapons." I wanted an inexpensive, rugged, relilable, magazine fed rifle that could be used for self defense, that was of a military grade. Ruger has a reputation for rugged reliable firearms, and the Mini was much more affordable for me at the time. I bought mine, a stainless, off the shelf at a local gun shop, no frills.

Over the years, I've replaced the original wood stock with a synthetic one, and again with a folding stock. The only other modification I've made is to add a muzzle compensator.

During the months leading up to Y-2-K, I stocked up on hollow point and soft point .223 ammo, as well as a good supply of ball ammo. Well, the rioting horde from Portland never came to my house to steal my food, so I have plenty of ammo left over. (Plus a slightly used generator.) I also took that opportunity to stock up on quality 20 & 30 round magazines. I have a couple of Ruger factory 20 rounders, a few unknown brand and some polymer mags by RamLine and Thermold. I mistakenly bought some really cheap mags at a gun show once, but again learned the hard way, "you get what you pay for."

Aside from some plinking and a bit of off-hand target shooting in the woods, my Mini was pretty much a safe queen. I began considering buying an AR, for improved accuracy and to look "cool." When I took my Mini to the range, I suffered the arrogant, condesending looks and snide remarks from the AR shooters, so didn't take it too often. Finding myself alone at the range one day a couple of months ago, I decided to bench it, to see what it would really do. Much to my glee, I found that it would hold MOA groups at 75 & 100 yards. I've decided to keep my Mini-14. 8)

(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Guns%20-%20Long%20Guns/Guns004.jpg)
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: tombogan03884 on February 29, 2008, 02:10:03 AM: Pioneer, Use it to shoot the centers out of the AR shooters groups. Let them condescend THAT ;D
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: gunman42782 on February 29, 2008, 03:27:29 AM: Quote from: tombogan03884 on February 29, 2008, 02:10:03 AM
Pioneer, Use it to shoot the centers out of the AR shooters groups. Let them condescend THAT ;D

I would love to see that. However, I have yet to see anything even close to that. I have owned 4 Mini 14s over the years (yeah, I learn the hard way!) They were all minute of pie plate at 100 yards. My last Mini was one of the supposed more accurate 580 series, and it was no better. I spent a lot of dough trying to make it better too, with little success. I had the gun doc at GreatWestGunsmithing.com do a trigger job and glass bed it. I tried muzzle breaks, Amega Ranges rail, etc. My main complaint with the Mini was not the 3 to 5 inch groups so much as the point of impact shift as the gun heats up. And heat up it will, and fast. Like after about 10 rounds, not even fired real fast, the point of impact will keep dropping and dropping until it is in the dirt. I have never had a AR that did that. I could have lived with the minute of pie plate accuracy, but not with a weapon that would not even hold anything resembling a zero. And hell, guys, I am a Ruger fanatic. But no fan of the Mini 14 anymore. All I can say is if you got a Mini that does not do as I describe, hang on to it, for it is a rare bird.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: clayflingythingy on February 29, 2008, 10:14:51 AM: The Mini isn't really much of a bargain either. LGS sells new Minis for $600. A no frills A2 Bushmaster goes for $829. If u can pony up $600 then you can save a little longer and get the Bushmaster.

If the Mini were $450 then it might be worth considering.

I have no experience with the new & improved minis but every one I have ever seen is only "AK47" accurate. Anyone with an MOA Mini should never, ever sell it!
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: obijohn on March 01, 2008, 09:16:00 AM: ran a mini14 for 3 gun several years ago. loved the way it handled and we did get it to shoot fairly well. the problem was the groups would open up greatly after the rifle got hot. cold it would group better than a rack ar, hot grouped like a shotgun. i still like the rifle and think it is a great knock around
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Combustion on March 03, 2008, 10:47:19 PM: Has anyone tried out the Mini-14 Target Rifle. I have read some very mixed reviews, any info would be appreciated.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: PegLeg45 on January 05, 2009, 11:04:37 AM: Anyone tried one of these H-Bar accurizing units on a Mini-14?

http://www.rogco.biz/

They are supposed to prevent "barrel droop" or vertical stringing after heating up during shot strings.

Thanks,

PegLeg
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Buckwheat McCoy on January 05, 2009, 12:07:33 PM: Here’s my two cents worth.

For comparison I have an SKS, AK47, and two Mini 14s (substitute Mini 6.8 or 30 for discussion).

SKS ($150 Imported/used): I replaced the wood furniture with TAPCO’s Fusion Stock System. I replaced the bolt assembly dust covered with a UTG Tri-Rail and mounted a UTG 6x32 Illuminated scope ($59). Also mounted is a Harris Bi-Pod. I use ProMag Polymer 20 round detachable magazines.

AK (AK $350 New): I replaced the wood butt stock and pistol grip furniture with TAPCO’s Fusion Stock System. I replaced the wood fore end furniture with a UTG Quad-Rail system and mounted a BSA 1x Red Dot sight. I use ProMag Polymer 30 round detachable magazines.

Mini 14s ($400 $450 used – 198XXX and 580XXX Series) (or 6.8 SPC or Mini 30): I replaced the wood furniture with TAPCO’s Fusion Stock System. I mounted a BSA 1x Red Dot sight on the upper rail and a UTC vertical fore grip on the bottom rail. I used a generic side rail accessory and mounted a NC Star Tactical Light/Laser combo ($59) on that. I use ProMag Polymer 30 round detachable magazines.

TAPCO Fusion Stock Systems will run you between $75 and $115 depending on the platform. ProMag Polymer mags are $15 each at the local gun show. The BSA Red Dot I picked up at Wal Mart for $29.99. The UTG accessories will run you between $20 and $75.

ProMag Polymer mags: I’ve ran several hundred rounds each through these guns and have had ZERO malfunctions. I’ve had no problems with any of the ProMag Polymer mags.

BSA Red Dots: These “cheapy” sights have never failed to hold zero. I have fired all four guns at B29s (targets) from between 25 and 200 yards. I applied 12” dia. “Shoot N See” targets for “center mass” and have yet to be “off target.” I’ve also experienced no overheating problems. I figure that if I can hit a man-size target at 200 yards or less that is also moving and trying to kill me, I’m okay with a 4”, 6”, or 8” MOA. For someone with “old eyes” (me), the results suit me fine. These guns will out shoot me any day. If I should find myself in a SHTF Main Battle Rifle scenario, then I’ll go with either the M1A or FN/FAL. Now we’re talking MOA and accuracy.

For me (with a limited budget), the above combos work for me. I’m happy. In my opinion I was able to take “old” tech and retro fit with “new” tech” and upgrade these guns for the 21st century. I believe that the basic operating systems are sound. I simply “fine tuned” the rest. For between $400 and $650 each I now have four rifles that I have 100% confidence in. And the ammo is still relatively cheap.

I consider the SKS a “Poor Man’s” Main Battle Rifle and the AK and Minis to be carbines. I take those definitions into account when considering Zero and accuracy.

When discussing the Minis I’m not that concerned about 3” or less MOA. Mine are 100% reliable. They are intended as “throw away” home defense weapons to be used under 100 yards; more realistically under 25 yards. If I have to use one in a home defense situation, I would rather LE take a $400 weapon than a $1000 weapon.

I also use the Minis when shooting 3 Gun at the local Rod and Gun club. They run right along with the tricked out $4000 ARs. I’ve never had a malfunction. The same can not be said for some of the more exotic ARs. I have ARs and love them. I just haven’t dropped $3000 into them.

I’m no exxpertt, it is just my humble opinion; as I said before, just my two cents worth.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Big Frank on January 05, 2009, 10:13:20 PM: Quote from: PegLeg45 on January 05, 2009, 11:04:37 AM
Anyone tried one of these H-Bar accurizing units on a Mini-14?

http://www.rogco.biz/

They are supposed to prevent "barrel droop" or vertical stringing after heating up during shot strings.

Thanks,

PegLeg

I saw that before in another thread and still wonder, when the barrel heats up and it doesn't then the barrel cools off again, would it cause vertical stringing, or prevent it like they claim? If it's clamped on tight it seems like the expanding barrel would bow and throw the shots.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: brosometal on January 06, 2009, 04:55:05 PM: These three guys seem to like 'em ;D
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Michael Bane on January 06, 2009, 05:59:04 PM: I would personally never argue with the A-Team!

I've had a Mini for 2 forevers, and I've always thought they were better guns than they were ever given credit for. I shot 3-Gun with it back in the dawn of time; no, it wasn't a tack-driver, but it never left me hanging on the long shots, either. I still have it and will probably never get rid of it. I shot one of the new target versions, and it shot better than I did...with Winchester white box 55-grain.

I was up at the Ruger plant in New Hamster where hey were making the new Minis — the non-NRA tactical versions — and I loved it...I think I'm going to order one and go through a carbine class with it...then let's really see how it runs!

Michael B
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Texas_Bryan on January 06, 2009, 06:19:43 PM: Luckily my mini14 came with a factory option to compensate in case of poor accuracy...a bayonet lug. But it shoots well and I'd trust it over a AR15 for its reliability. My only complaint is the mag release and insert take serious practice to get good.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: TAB on January 06, 2009, 06:24:02 PM: I've only sold 4 guns in my life... one was a mini 14.

Could not keep it on a paper plate at 100 yds past the 2nd shot. I've seen a few where people spent 1500-2k on and are tact drivers, but thats not for me.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Rob10ring on January 06, 2009, 06:24:25 PM: The Mini is probably the 2nd most fun Ruger rifle to play with, after the 10-22. I got mine in 85 with the Ruger collapsible stock that is been politically corrected out of the catalog. Because I didn't want to register that one as a California assault weapon, I removed the stock and will be buying a Hogue stock for it. Everyone should have at least one.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: billt on January 08, 2009, 10:14:43 AM: I've always liked the Ruger Mini 14's looks and function, but like many I hated it's reputation for inaccuracy. After much inner struggling I decided to take the plunge with a new NRA Model this year. I liked the fact it shipped with 2, 20 round factory magazines, and the really nice Hogue Overmolded Stock. That alone accounts for around $150.00 in extras, so it seemed like a good buy from a financial standpoint as well. Also I believe the NRA Edition is the first "black on black" Mini produced with both a black synthetic stock and blued metal.

I noticed that the barrel was thicker where it attaches to the gas block. That has been an issue with Mini 14's forever. They seem to stress the barrel at that point, which leads to the gun walking all over the target as it heats up. You can see from the target, accuracy isn't much to crow about, but overall better than I expected. The gun is a blast to shoot, and will eat anything that is on the menu, and still cycle reliably. I'm glad I "bit the bullet" and bought this gun. Especially with Hussein in the drivers seat. I think it is going to be a rough 4 years gun control wise, and anything and everything semi automatic is going to wind up on some type of hit list. Or so it seems. Right now if you go on Ruger's website they have 20 round factory Mini 14 magazines for just $29.95 until the end of January. With nobody with the last name Ruger in charge of the company any longer, it appears they are reversing their position on Hi-Cap magazines. It's about time! Bill T.

(http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/5706/picture15kp3.jpg)

(http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5245/dsc00037xh9.jpg)

(http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8828/dsc00032qj8.jpg)

(http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/3959/dsc00031ug3.jpg)
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: PegLeg45 on January 08, 2009, 03:09:58 PM: Very nice looking rifle, Bill.
I want a Hogue stock for mine as well. I had an old Ram-Line folding stock many years ago but it was uncomfortable to shoot so I put the wood stock back on it. I still have an old Tasco 3x9x40 scope that works fine (I want a red dot).
I just ordered two more of the 20 round mags on sale at Ruger's web site.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: billt on January 08, 2009, 03:51:46 PM: Thanks, I just wish it would group a little better! I'm going to have to order some extra 20 rounders as well. That isn't a bad price considering you couldn't even get them until just a few years ago. Bill T.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: PegLeg45 on January 08, 2009, 03:59:49 PM: Quote from: billt on January 08, 2009, 03:51:46 PM
Thanks, I just wish it would group a little better! I'm going to have to order some extra 20 rounders as well. That isn't a bad price considering you couldn't even get them until just a few years ago. Bill T.

Yes, especially when Cheaper than Dirt is selling them at a DISCOUNT for $64.97 (regularly $97.46) !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Because they are rare.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MAG390-1.html
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: billt on January 08, 2009, 05:19:16 PM: CTD has gone completely off the deep end with their prices. It is beyond gouging, all the way to insanity. Bill T.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Big Frank on January 08, 2009, 06:47:09 PM: Wow, CTD must be insane. One problem with the the Mini-14 and 10/22 is that the standard wooden stocks are too short for some of us. It's a good thing there are other companies making extended butt pads to add an inch of length. That makes them feel much better to me.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: ccd on January 12, 2009, 12:24:18 AM: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-is-official-about-time/#comments
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: HAWKFISH on January 21, 2009, 06:54:55 PM: Quote from: Michael Bane on January 06, 2009, 05:59:04 PM
I would personally never argue with the A-Team!

I've had a Mini for 2 forevers, and I've always thought they were better guns than they were ever given credit for. I shot 3-Gun with it back in the dawn of time; no, it wasn't a tack-driver, but it never left me hanging on the long shots, either. I still have it and will probably never get rid of it. I shot one of the new target versions, and it shot better than I did...with Winchester white box 55-grain.

I was up at the Ruger plant in New Hamster where hey were making the new Minis — the non-NRA tactical versions — and I loved it...I think I'm going to order one and go through a carbine class with it...then let's really see how it runs!

Michael B

Yes the A-Team.. lol I use to like that show rather well back in the day. Mini 14's.. Ruger... American.. affordable (kinda)... Work well.. all these describe them. I've almost bought a mini several times and for this reason or that reason haven't yet. Perhaps, this will be my next "big purchase (provided they are still legal). The only draw back I see and have seen has been the accuracy as noted and the availability of good factory magazines. There are some mags out there now. But, are expensive and not in such great abundance.. but out there yes. So, that's good. The accuracy.. is it really a problem.. I dunno.. I use to think so. But, the more I think about it.. I think maybe not. Why? Because, Mini's will hit pie plates and papers plates all day at 100 yrds or less. I consider the Mini's to be defense rifles. Not so much as "dead on bolt rifles." Can you hunt with mini's.. yes and I know several people that do.. successfully I might add. But, the point is they work and serve their purpose... much like an AK. I love AK's. Some are more accurate than others. Either way though they work.. they run and they serve their purpose.. Mini's are the same way. If you want sub-moa.. buy a bolt rifle or spend thousands on an AR. But, mini's have a place in the "gun world too." I think every gun has a place or purpose. And mini 14's serve their purpose well. If you can find mags.. I think they are still a good value. And don't forget.. The A-Team knew what they were doing. ;)
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Big Frank on January 21, 2009, 09:22:01 PM: If anyone wants a HIGH capacity mag, Beta makes 100-round C-Mags for the Mini-14.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: billt on January 22, 2009, 09:53:17 AM: Here is what I could never figure out with the "A-Team". They were a group of Viet Nam vets who were falsely convicted of crimes. They then escaped and went underground. So when your in trouble, and you don't know who else to call, you call the A-Team! Well, if the A-Team was that easy to get a hold of, why didn't the cops call them and just arrest them when they showed up? Bill T.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: shooter32 on January 22, 2009, 09:59:45 AM: Quote from: billt on January 22, 2009, 09:53:17 AM
Here is what I could never figure out with the "A-Team". They were a group of Viet Nam vets who were falsely convicted of crimes. They then escaped and went underground. So when your in trouble, and you don't know who else to call, you call the A-Team! Well, if the A-Team was that easy to get a hold of, why didn't the cops call them and just arrest them when they showed up? Bill T.

Bill, you make to much sense :D That would be to easy.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: PegLeg45 on January 22, 2009, 03:21:47 PM: Quote from: billt on January 22, 2009, 09:53:17 AM
Here is what I could never figure out with the "A-Team". They were a group of Viet Nam vets who were falsely convicted of crimes. They then escaped and went underground. So when your in trouble, and you don't know who else to call, you call the A-Team! Well, if the A-Team was that easy to get a hold of, why didn't the cops call them and just arrest them when they showed up? Bill T.

My favorite thing about the A-Team was when they would use some flimsy piece of sheet metal or aluminum siding for a defensive barrier and the bullets would just ricochet off throwing sparks.

Ahhh, the good old days......... ;D
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Michael Bane on January 22, 2009, 06:04:08 PM: I got to shoot "I love it when a plan comes together" Hannibal's S&W M39 blank gun a while back...it was one of the most moving and powerful moments of my life, far outstripping Tuesday's coronation.

BTW, did I mention I'm going to do a 2-day carbine class at GUNSITE in April with a Mini-14 Tactical? I want to see once and for all how it runs when compared to an AR. We'll be filming it for DRTV (Duh!). I'm thinking I'll run a Leupold CQ/T on it...

Michael B
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: saltydogbk on January 22, 2009, 06:16:16 PM: I can't wait for that one. No I mean I can't wait. I may have to buy one real soon. They just look so pretty.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Pathfinder on January 22, 2009, 06:35:05 PM: Quote from: billt on January 22, 2009, 09:53:17 AM
Here is what I could never figure out with the "A-Team". They were a group of Viet Nam vets who were falsely convicted of crimes. They then escaped and went underground. So when your in trouble, and you don't know who else to call, you call the A-Team! Well, if the A-Team was that easy to get a hold of, why didn't the cops call them and just arrest them when they showed up? Bill T.

For the same reason 10 guys could square off against each other with full auto weapons at - oh - about 20 feet, empty tons of magazines - and not hit a damn thing except some headlights. It's Hollyweird, man, Hollyweird.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: blackwolfe on January 22, 2009, 08:18:03 PM: I have owned a number of Mini 14s over the years and have found them to be extremely reliable and acuurate enough to a few hundred yards. They do what they are designed to do. Just picked up a new Mini14 GB. It is the new one with the 16 barrel and flash hider, but no bayonet lug. Blue with black synthetic stock. It is a very sweet looking rifle, but I have not had the opportunity to shoot it yet. I had an old Butler Creek folding stock laying around, so I thought I would check out the possibilty of installing it. After looking at it closer, it appears that the length folded would be shy of 26" minimum length by about 1/2 inch, so the folding stock is a no go.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: brosometal on January 22, 2009, 08:32:58 PM: An A-team moment that still makes me laugh: a waiter approaches Mr. T and asks how he would like his coffee.

"In a cup, FOOL!"
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: tommy tornado on February 28, 2009, 11:19:39 PM: I was going to buy one until the prices jumped $200 plus in some cases for a brand new mini-14. Locally in Houston I can't find one for less than $899! For that price I would rather look for an AR-15, which yes would cost a bit more, but I feel is a better rifle.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: brosometal on April 23, 2009, 01:42:39 AM: Quote from: billt on January 22, 2009, 09:53:17 AM
Here is what I could never figure out with the "A-Team". They were a group of Viet Nam vets who were falsely convicted of crimes. They then escaped and went underground. So when your in trouble, and you don't know who else to call, you call the A-Team! Well, if the A-Team was that easy to get a hold of, why didn't the cops call them and just arrest them when they showed up? Bill T.

'Cause they had those Mini 14's! Come on man, this stuff is easy when you pay attention.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: BAC on April 24, 2009, 09:57:37 PM: Quote from: billt on January 22, 2009, 09:53:17 AM
Here is what I could never figure out with the "A-Team". They were a group of Viet Nam vets who were falsely convicted of crimes. They then escaped and went underground. So when your in trouble, and you don't know who else to call, you call the A-Team! Well, if the A-Team was that easy to get a hold of, why didn't the cops call them and just arrest them when they showed up? Bill T.

For the same reason they don't arrest the guys who are shown on the post office walls when they have them in to take their pictures. Duh. ;D
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: beagleman on April 26, 2009, 05:06:22 PM: I love the Mini-14 and to me and my dad the are very accurate. I found that when you get into 30 round mags. and hire that it sets the balance of the gun off but the 20 round mags. are very niece and I would get one.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: metamurph on April 26, 2009, 05:50:20 PM: Quote from: Michael Bane on January 22, 2009, 06:04:08 PM
I got to shoot "I love it when a plan comes together" Hannibal's S&W M39 blank gun a while back...it was one of the most moving and powerful moments of my life, far outstripping Tuesday's coronation.

BTW, did I mention I'm going to do a 2-day carbine class at GUNSITE in April with a Mini-14 Tactical? I want to see once and for all how it runs when compared to an AR. We'll be filming it for DRTV (Duh!). I'm thinking I'll run a Leupold CQ/T on it...

Michael B

Sweet. Make the AR the new Para tactical rifle...a little price disparaty but then I can see DRTV on two rifles I am interested in.

tom
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: red364 on May 21, 2009, 08:19:15 AM: (http://)(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x286/red364/223_Mini_14_Sky_Blue_Camojpg.jpg)
(http://)(http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x286/red364/556_Ruger_Mini_14_Folded_Stock.jpg)

I like my old Mini....its a blast to shoot. Haven't really done anything to it 'cept give it some color after I got it.
It has a Choate stock (very observant Mr. Wolfe), an old Aimpoint MARK III sight and a 50 round magazine or two to go with it. Its just a fun toy!
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: Ping on May 21, 2009, 08:35:29 AM: That is quite a colorful weapon red364.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: PegLeg45 on May 21, 2009, 02:07:11 PM: OH YEAH!
Very nice rifle, Red.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: blackwolfe on May 21, 2009, 04:14:54 PM: Very nice Red. Thanks for posting. Did you add the flash hider yourself? I have a Mini that has a factory installed Choate flash hider and a laminated wood stock. Apparently it was a contract gun for a police equipment distributor company. Have not been able to find out much about it other than there were not to many of them produced. Did you paint the stock yourself?
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: red364 on May 22, 2009, 02:41:47 PM: Thanks..... I didn't add anything to it,,,But, I did put the paint on it.
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: tombogan03884 on May 22, 2009, 04:28:08 PM: Quote from: red364 on May 22, 2009, 02:41:47 PM
Thanks..... I didn't add anything to it,,,But, I did put the paint on it.

Dura Cote or something like Model paint ?
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: True_Texan on May 22, 2009, 04:30:41 PM: Nice job on the paint. I thought that was a pre-painted aftermarket stock on there. Fooled me good.

Have to ask though. If your name is Red, why is the gun Blue?
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: red364 on May 22, 2009, 07:07:19 PM: I used a very special paint, have ya heard of it? Krylon rattle can ;D
Didn't know if it would turn out, so I didn't want to get too crazy.
Why blue guns? Mother nature chose my hair color, but I get to choose my toy color!!
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: tombogan03884 on May 22, 2009, 07:10:34 PM: Nice job
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: twyacht on May 23, 2009, 09:20:11 PM: Very nice "Blue Rifle",....Red?....

I'm confused. but it looks like a great stock, on a great piece of hardware. ;)
Title: Re: the mini 14 opinions
Post by: dj454 on May 24, 2009, 10:54:04 AM: Nice paint job Red. I wish I could paint that good.