This is precisely why the French national police adopted the Mini-14 as a replacement for their MAT-49 submachine gun. They wanted something that had a "civilian" appearance yet was still a formidable weapon.
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 ...
I was surprised to see a lot of the French police carrying Mini 14s during the Paris shootout a few months ago.
I already had a much better shooting AR, and I wasn’t willing to buy a second set of magazines. It wasn’t worth the effort, and someone wanted the Mini, so I let it go.
I had one, and it shot pie plate sized patterns. More accurate than a handgun is all I can say about the Mini.
A shame, as I really like the Garand, and shoot one often. Accuracy on my 74 year old Garand is way better than any Mini I have shot (tried several more after I dumped the one I had).
For less money, the AR makes more sense. More accurate, every part can be purchased, and more accurate. Plus, it is scary looking to liberals.
A Garand is in my bucket list. Struggling, so it’ll be a while.
Weapon of choice of the A-Team if I’m not mistaken, who could ask for a better recommendation ; )
I bought it new as a "gesture" to Bill Clinton - and it remains so. I did find a modified M1 Carbine rear sight for it (way better than the folding leaf that Ruger installed). Been thinking about slapping a folding stock on it and making it my "truck gun".
I had gone to 16"-18" .357 lever-action carbines as my primary utility/HD/vehicle longarms and was quite happy with them until my aging eyes made their iron sights too imprecise. Installing rear aperture sights mitigated the problem somewhat, but I finally came to the conclusion that an 18" shotgun with an XS big dot front bead or a carbine with an Aimpoint Micro were better alternatives for this shooter on the downhill slope.
When I still get the longing for another Mini-14, I justify it by telling myself that a Mini with a Micro would be more compact than an M4 clone with a Micro, etc, etc. BUT... then where do I mount the weaponlight I now like to have on an HD/SD carbine or shotgun? Once again the Mini's limited modularity stops me.
If Marlin/FG could make a 16" 1894CSS (that wasn't a QC POS) with a 1" long section of integral picatinny rail on both sides of the barrel band, I'd gladly go back to a .357 carbine.
Mr. niteowl77
Join the CMP. If you are near Anniston, they often have “less desirable” examples in the showroom that they are hesitant to sell mailorder. My “Naked Dane” was $250. It needed wood and a refinish, but it is still a Garand, and shoots like a house-a-fire.
The mail order units are usually top notch if you can’t make it to Anniston
Have to agree. Mr. GG2 had a mini 14. No accuracy. He finally got sick of it and dumped it. With all the good tactical rifles out there I can’t see pushing the Mini 14.
I shoot my dad’s M1 and love it. I’m trying to find a Mini30 to try out for myself. In any case, the Mini14 would put on a serious hurt and ruin someone’s day.
Thanks for all that. As I just wrote in a post I love shooting my dad’s M1 carbine. I’d like to try out a Mini-30 if we can find one. I’ve fired my dad’s 30-06 and the kick isn’t all that bad; it has a nice shoulder pad on it.
This is precisely why the French national police adopted the Mini-14 as a replacement for their MAT-49 submachine gun. They wanted something that had a "civilian" appearance yet was still a formidable weapon.
I wish Ruger would address this.
Thought it was known that military brass was thicker than commercial, making interior volume smaller. Raising pressure.
Isn’t that the case?
I’m sticking with the AR-15. It is not too tactical looking for me and its ergonomics are just fine for me.
All older Mini-14’s need the bushing correctly fitted by a gunsmith.
It would pretty much take a total rework of the receiver. I don’t see a way one could even make an adapter.
No they didn’t. My mini-ranch will not fire 5.56.
223 only and currently it is jammed shut with a round in the chamber.
Ruger has advised me to take it apart as best I can and submerse it in WD-40 for two weeks. Then get an RMA.
Yep. I figured it would probably require a complete redesign and now that Ruger is fielding two AR-type variants, there really isn't much point.
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