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.
I think for most modern shooters, the biggest problem with the mini-14 is, it does not look “bad” enough.
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.
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.
The mini-14 can actually handle both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO; it is one of its attractions.
Got rid of my minis when ruger told me I had to send it to the factory for a new firing pin and no, they wouldn’t sell me any spares. Ruger is, or was really good at saying screw you to their customers.
As I recall. when the mini-14 came out, Bill Ruger described it as a “plinker”. In that role it has done me a fine job for years. It was not intended to for MOA shots. Some of you guys are starting to sound like: I got rid of my 1022 because it wouldn’t knock down a elk with a single shot.
Went out shooting with a bro in law, a Marine Master Gunny Sgt. He had a Mini 14. He spent the afternoon trying to tug the action open to eject jammed rounds.
I decided not to consider a Mini 14 for interesting emergencies.
At a gun show I was told that a 30carbine round is equivalent to a 357 magnum in hitting power.
The latest Mini 14’s are chambered 5.56 NATO/.223
In those days, reliable hi-cap Mini-14 magazines were hard to find, and the repair parts situation was (as mentioned up-thread) "typically Ruger." I don't like cleaning rifles from the muzzle, but that's a personal issue.
In the end, I sold the last one and used the proceedings to go AR. I still don't have any great feelings towards the ARs - I also consider them overpriced for a firearm that is essentially disposable - but the good ones are reliable and accurate; parts/mags are easily had and they are as modular as the day is long.
Sometimes I still get a hankering for a Mini-14, but so far the feeling always passes. If I still had one, I'd probably use it and make the best out of the situation, as they aren't bad little carbines.
Mr. niteowl77
I was surprised to see a lot of the French police carrying Mini 14s during the Paris shootout a few months ago.
Weapon of choice of the A-Team if I’m not mistaken, who could ask for a better recommendation ; )
I’m sticking with the AR-15. It is not too tactical looking for me and its ergonomics are just fine for me.
I bought my Mini-14 in 1975. I’ve been happy with is.
I’ve .223 hollow point for hunting and 5.56 military surplus ball for target shooting.
I’ll usually do a 3” group at 200 yards, so I have no complaints.
I paid $299 for it when I bought it 40 years ago.
The cost of a Ruger Mini-14 is the same as an AR-15. Why bother to get an inferior weapon?