Posted on 03/26/2016 5:51:49 AM PDT by rktman
When it comes to .223 Rem. semi-automatic rifles, Ruger’s Mini-14 has long been one of the obvious choices. And it’s no wonder, considering it offers nearly the same handiness as the M1 Carbine, the ballistics of the AR15, and the feel of the classic M1 Garand and M14. The Mini’s popularity confirms its strong perceived relevance among a wide range of users, and sustained sales for more than 40 years is evidence of its sound design—even if it’s unfairly judged by the same criteria as today’s predominant platform, the AR, which enjoys the huge advantages of U.S. military adoption and unlimited manufacturing sources. So while some consider the Mini a bit dowdy or lowly, it is actually a serious standout worth giving a second look. Here are just five of the many reasons why a Mini Ranch, Tactical, Target or Thirty model should be on your short list the next time you shop for a modern rifle:
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
It is actually chambered in 5.56 ...
Had one. Even benched and bagged at a mere 100 yards, it was shooting pie-tin sized groups, at best. Got rid of it.
The article says that the ones after 2005 are much better,, but I don’t have the budget to find out right now.
Ditto.
A survey of experienced Iraq and Afghanistan Army vets found that for close-up urban warfare, a full 50% would prefer a Mini-14 to an AR-15! I sure would.......but for anything beyond 100’ you need the AR for accuracy.......
And yes, if you have a Mini-14, you HAVE to get a Mini-Thirty.......
The simple Garand action is hard to beat for reliability, ruggedness and simplicity.......
If it took standard AR mags would be a plus.
In contrast to the former, most versions of the Mini have a sporter-like profile and some feature wood stocks, making them right at home in saddle scabbards, pickup trucks and, more importantly, in the minds of many for whom the sight of a traditional rifle is less likely to arouse unwanted attention.
LOL! Yeah, it’s one of those “Is it safe to shoot .223 in it or only 5.56 cause it explode in my face” deals. The mini is way tough enough. I seem to remember a thread quite a while ago about chamber pressures for both but don’t recall the details. If I remember correctly the .223 has higher pressures. I’m sure someone will educate me/us once again. So, thanks in advance :>)
I think for most modern shooters, the biggest problem with the mini-14 is, it does not look “bad” enough.
I think 556 is the military round and has the higher pressure. If it safely fires 556 then it fires 223 but not vice versa.
If you’re close enough to hit something with a mini-14, then you’re close enough to use a shotgun instead - or just throw the damned thing and try to clock the perp in the head.
I prominently marked all my mags with the appropriate weapon they go to. I may have to mark them even further. LOL!
I had the opposite experience with one a friend let me try out. Quarter sized groups at 100yds. Liked it a lot.
The “NATO” designator means the increased powder for higher pressures.
Plus, you can put lipstick on it and make it look evil if you want to or continue to go in stealth mode.
LOL! Kinda like .38 in a .357 but not the other way around.
Have one. Nice rifle. Maybe I got a lemon but it’s accuracy is acceptable, on par with an AK 47 which was it’s purpose. Baseball size groups, off hand, open sights at 100 yds works for me.
Exactly. Most 223 weapons can handle the higher pressure. It is just most manufactures will not guarantee satisfactory results. The weapon will wear out faster and become inaccurate sooner.
The mini-14 can actually handle both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO; it is one of its attractions.
“It is actually chambered in 5.56 .”
Then Ruger made a mistake on Mrs. L’s Stainless Ranch.
L
Crap. You just added to my troubles. I’m already an inaccurate shooter now it’s compounded. LOL! Or, maybe it’ll make up the difference and offset each other making me a marksman.
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