Ruger Mini-14 Opinions

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[CodeJockey]

My son is finishing up his two week National Guard training and I'm going to get him an AR15 as a token of my appreciation for his service.

While shopping at the local gun shop, (I'll wait until he is back before purchasing) I noticed a couple of Ruger Mini-14's. Ranch style and tactical.

I was drawn to the ranch style version. Something about the hardwood stock. Really liked the feel and the size of the rifle. 5/20/30 round mags are available.

We currently have no .223/5.556mm in our collection and gun shop will give a generous discount on a purchase of both rifles, especially with cash.

Comments/opinions on the Ruger Mini-14? I'd ask about an AR too, but I'm going to let my son make that decision.

[redcatcherb412]

But with the Tactical line, the barrel has been redesigned and gives, so I’ve read, MOA accuracy. If I were gifting a Ruger mini, it would be the Tactical series. Much better potential.

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Totally agree. This old infantryman that used both the m14 and m16 in 67-68 loved the m14 and used but cussed the m16 at times. The Mini-30 7.62x39 Tactical looks, feels, fires like the classic old m14, and it is a tack driver. You just can’t beat the venerable Garand action and peep sight. I fire only brass case, no steel and have never had fouling or a jam.

[gundog]

Or, you could forego the Mini- and get an M1A.

[redcatcherb412]

Plus mini-30 tactical is a great looker

[CodeJockey]

Just back from work. Enjoyed reading all the posts.

But there is no choice involved here as some may have thought.

My son is going with an AR style. He has training in that area now, and that means a lot. The more he practices on the range, the better he will be prepared if he ever is put in harms way.

Me? I’m going to treat myself with the Mini-14. :-)

[LouAvul]

I have an M1A and a Garand. As you know, same gun but the update was a detachable mag as opposed to the clip.

As far as cases for the minis, they fed everything without a hiccup. Steel and brass. The only thing was that they ejected the fired case into the next time zone. Whenever I was shooting on grass, forget about finding the cases.

[longtermmemmory]

(for those who don’t know this subject) isn’t the mini the same as the ak?

[Big Red Badger]

460 for a RUGER AR!!!??

What part of the Free World
Can That price be had?

[redcatcherb412]

(for those who don’t know this subject) isn’t the mini the same as the ak?

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No, the AK style is built in many countries and the mini14 and mini30 are American made by Ruger and Mfg. with the Garand (M1) action. The only similarity between the AK/Mini30 is the ammo, 7.62x39. You can also find all 3 types AR/AK and Minis in more than one caliber.

[redcatcherb412]

The only thing was that they ejected the fired case into the next time zone.

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So true, the ejector on steroids

[longtermmemmory]

is the other version popular? can they use the same round?

[LouAvul]

It was a one day special back in March. North east Oklahoma. I'm in Tulsa.

https://www.okshooters.com/threads/one-day-ruger-ar556-special.240992/

[Big Red Badger]

Lived in McAlester in the mid 80’s.

Loved it ...thanks.

That’s a Great price !

[redcatcherb412]

The AK47/SKS variants, Ruger Mini30 along with AR15 style all can be found to use the same popular 7.62x39 ammunition. The same goes for the .223/5.56 ammunition from the AR15 world, you can find AK, AR, and mini-14s to all shoot the same ammunition.

[Chode]

don't... you're locked into only expensive Ruger mags and he trained on a M4

[yarddog]

I suspect there is a fairly large population who are not happy at all to be in McAlester.

[longtermmemmory]

does that apply to the cheep steel case ammo?

[redcatcherb412]

does that apply to the cheep steel case ammo?

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Yes, same caliber can be found in both brass and steel. Some Russian/Asia steel ammo requires more cleaning after firing as some have corrosive primers and powder fouling can be worse. The old adage, you get what you pay for applies.

[Big Red Badger]

Ran a gas station at Enterprise
near lake Eufala for a year then
Moved back to California.
It was a nice working Vacation.

[MarkL]

I’ve got an earlier one, and sometimes accuracy out past 100 yards was dicey. I’ve heard that they went to a heavier barrel profile that fixed the problem, and it’s a fine rifle (it’s the little brother to my M-14S.)

The only other problem of which I’ve heard has to do with high capacity magazines. I’ve heard that non-Ruger 30 round magazines have problems, but I have no experience with them. I’ve always used the standard 20 round mags.

Mark

[yarddog]

That description would fit Alabama better than Oklahoma.