the mini 14 opinions

[Rob10ring]

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.

[billt]

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.

[PegLeg45]

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.

[billt]

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.

[PegLeg45]

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

[Sponsor]

[billt]

CTD has gone completely off the deep end with their prices. It is beyond gouging, all the way to insanity.  Bill T.

[Big Frank]

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.

[ccd]

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-is-official-about-time/#comments

[HAWKFISH]

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. 

[Big Frank]

If anyone wants a HIGH capacity mag, Beta makes 100-round C-Mags for the Mini-14.