Ruger Mini-14: Homestead Defender Pt 3
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2024
- PART 3 of 3:
The Ruger Mini-14 is everything that Ruger says it is: light, fast handling, and durable. Right or wrong, Ruger has always marketed the Mini-14 as ranch and varmint rifle. However it also is a viable, high-value defensive rifle choice that makes a lot of sense and thousands of good people have purchased a Mini-14 with that exact use in mind. Nutnfancy has had a lot of trigger time behind Minis and can attest to their durability, reliability, and indeed impressive handling characteristics. For those users wanting customization, the Mini-14 can be outfitted with folding stocks (Butler Creek folder being the best) barrel shrouds, flash suppressors (older Minis), normal capacity magazines, and optics. In recent years the Mini-14 was finally improved by Ruger: thicker, more accurate barrel, an improved synthetic stock, and improved iron peep sights. Nicely done. The Mini-14 represents a good value in tactical carbines that can serve well in the defensive/offensive role as needed by law enforcement, select military users, and good ole civilian sheepdogs. But it has some definite downsides that a potential buyer should consider. First, its touted lightweight will be worsened by the fitment of optics using the heavy steel Ruger rings (included). And the normal capacity. quality magazines for the Mini-14 (like ProMag brand and Ruger factory mags) are usually made of steel and will add even more weight to your loadout (compared to AR-15 alternatives). Other downsides include: still unimpressive accuracy of only about 3 MOA with standard ammo, lack of an integral Picatinny rail system for optics mounting, inability to mount flash suppressors to new Mini-14, lack of accessory railing for light mounts, and a higher cost for magazines. The Target versions of the Mini-14 with their adjustable harmonic barrel dampeners totally correct the accuracy problems inherent in the design and they shoot tight groups. However they are much heavier (add 2 lbs) and more expensive, negating the high value advantage of the Mini-14. The design also comes in 6.8 SPC and 7.62x39mm loadings but their mags are harder still to find and Nutnfancy recommends the standard .223 version unless you want a deer rifle as well (get the 6.8 SPC in that case). But despite a few drawbacks, the Mini-14 remains a high-selling favorite among American shooters. For defensive use out to 100 yrds, the Mini would serve admirably despite its lack of ultimate accuracy. Couple that will diehard reliability and reasonable cost, the Ruger Mini-14 still remains a smart choice for the tactical carbine buyer.////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 7 out of 10///////////////
If you own a gun of ANY kind and are not a member of the NRA you need to change your ways. Political battles rage that serve to disarm you, leaving you the potential victim of criminals who have NEVER obeyed gun laws. Join the NRA today and donate generously to the NRA/ILA. This is a patriotic, freedom organization that fights tirelessly to maintain our freedoms and it advocates no political party. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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My dad bought a mini-14 around the late 80's or so. I inherited the rifle a little more than a year ago. One thing I can say I like about it, is it can shoot any ammo I put through it. I can shoot all the cheap steel cased ammo like Tula, or the Brown and Silver Bear ammo. I wanted to see how many rounds I could shoot before the rifle gave me problems and after about 500 rounds I've had zero problems. I tried shooting the cheap ammo through different AR-15's and they jammed often.
Nutnfancy, after fitting my 183 series Mini 14 and a UTG red dot 3X scope on an Aimpoint mount and an M14 style muzzle brake actually fitted to the barrel, I consistently shoot 2" groups of 5 shots at 100 yards. Maybe it's just my rifle but before the the muzzle brake I was lucky to hold 4-5: groups.
I learned a great deal watching this series on the Ruger mini-14.
Thanks
Thanks for the informative videos. I have lots of rifles including a high end AR15. If someone told me I had to give them all up and I could only keep 1 it would be the Mini-14. Again great video !
On the cleaning issue, you can simply insert the cleaning rod down the barrel and screw on your brush once you clear the chamber and "pull" the rod out toward the muzzle end.
+Dustin Wyatt
Why not use a snake?
One trick I have found to both remove and insert the bolt on mine is to remove the ejector/bolt lock before your remove the bolt and reinstall it after you put the bolt back in.
To remove the ejector claw, you must take the gun apart as normal, slide the small cover over the bolt lock off and pull the ejector out, while being careful of the spring-loaded button that allows you to lock the bolt, lest it fly away.
Thanks for the information! I enjoyed the series. The mini-14 is an excellent gun. The stainless ranch rifle was my choice of weapon for my boat! It is also fun to plink with............ : )
Great video, agreed 100%. I bought a Mini-14 with the ATI folding stock about 2 years ago almost solely for home defense and to look intimidating. FYI, this version Mini comes stock with flash suppressor. This is by far my favorite rifle. Was at the range one day and another guy there was shooting his new AK-47 at milk jugs and never hit them. I on the other hand was bouncing pop cans at 100 yards.... very accurate, very reliable.
Good Review. I see this as an iron sight carbine.
Nice video i had been debating purchasing a mini14 for some time even after my AR15 and this video has allowed me to consider some key points i had originally overlooked. just one trick that may help some viewers in terms of the barrel cleaning issue: take 4' of 550 cord and strip off the outer coating about 4" down. tie the white strands into one knot and feed the opposite end down either side of the barrel. Pull the knot through the barrel and it should remove the carbon buildup.
friend at my local range was trying his damnedest to sell me on a mini 14, which was coincidentally the last rifle they had in stock.
Not much of a rifler, i'm more of a glock and semi auto handgun shooter, but this would definitely be my first buy.
Great video man.
Super 3-video set. Just got the ss mini-14 in .223. Thanks for the intro to my new rifle - We do enjoy your reviews of dangerous thngs
I wish you'd do a part 4 to this with the current mini 14 options
One thing you forgot to mention was the Mini-30.
I'm saving my pennies for the SS ranch model.
The mini also has replacement op-rod covers that have rails for scout type scopes (not my preference) or red dots.
It's a toss up between the mini-30 and a romak in 7.62x39. It all depends on how your going to outfit your weapon.
I do like the amd65. It's a great vehicle crew weapon...
Otis cleaning kits use flex cables and can easily clean the Mini-14 from the breach end.
Great 3 part series on the mini 14. I have the new version and find it to be a great little carbine. whenever I'm considering a new purchase I refer to your reviews
On the mag change issue, try taking the front edge of of the replacement mag and hit the magazine release as you knock away the expended magazine at the same time, then orient the fresh magazine up and rock into place, after you practice it, magazine changes go fairly fast.
Just bought a mini and i'm gonna go put some rounds through it down range! It's an older one and does have the muzzle break and the buttler creek folding sotck and a pistol grip and a scope mount and I'll let you know how it does! You rock nutnfancy! Keep on keepin on!
There's ALWAYS a bad guy that used a good gun. You don't look at the bad guy OR the good guy. You look at thec gun objectively and apply the quality to your role as a good guy
I have an earlier mini. It had a flip up site. Changed that to a sight similar to the new models. The thin barrel I reinforced with an Accu-Strut. It also has the neoprene buffer pad at the reciever. Mounted a 45 yr old Weaver 3x with single swell at the eye end so the medium Ruger rings kept good cheek weld. Shoot easily 2.5 at 100 yrds good ammo, 3 with anything. I do mean anything. One thing I like is .223 or 5.56 it eats them up with metal after market and Ruger magazines.
it's sad you mentioned the Miami Shootout,
but thinking of the Mini14 always makes that occasion pop up to me everytime.
Thanks dude, your videos are really helpful! keep em coming!
nutnfancy is the best gun reviwer ever!!!! thanks man :D
Tapco makes a really nice stock which will give you a quad picatiny rail and the nice AR style collapsible butt stock. I have mine outfited with a fore grip and it's just as versatile as far as accessories for as the AR.
Keep right hand on the stock and pull mag out like an AK with my left. Pretty much operate the whole thing just like an AK. Just what I do.
Awesome job Nutn! Great series. Everything a guy needs to know about Mini-14s. "jam Line" Never heard that one before but how true!! LMAO!! BTW, Clyde Armory offers a SCAR type stock for these guns that utilize a rail system similar to the M1A SOCOM II Cluster rail made by VLTOR. Not sure on the price, but it should boost the versatility to levels close, or equal to most AR platforms. Awesome job, and thanks a bunch!!
bought my 14 from an ex cop friend folding stock and all. sweet little shooter. 3 sks 2 aks and an ar later I still like this little gun
picking up a ruger mini 14 this weekend thanks to you and hickok45 lol.wish me luck with it.
I can't wait until this gun craze is over and firearm companies catch back up. I wish I could find a freakin Mini-14 for 600 dollars. In Arkansas, if you find one, people want like $1000 or more for the tactical models.
The mag system is actually a miniaturized version of the M14 system.
great vid, im still finding new stuff from you. old but new...
I Love my Mini14 .223 with wood stock. tried the synthetic stocks but they are so light that the balance is all wrong . they make the gun Front heavy. so went back to my stock wood. Thanks for the videos on the Mini.. JKW
Nut, the way to clean the bore in a Mini is to use a bore snake, the is the easiest way. The other is to put a regular rod down the bore from the muzzle, then put a patch in the slot, apply your solvent and pull through to the muzzle. Then remove the patch tip, put the rod back down and screw the wire brush on when the tip protrudes into the action, pull out the muzzle and repeat the preceding steps until clean, not easy but it saves the crown. Ken.
I have an early version of the mini 14, has been very reliable not great accuracy. The MAIN selling feature of the gun is that it is one of very few semi auto detachable mag rifles still legally available for sale in Commiefornia. One reason why I left the state.
You should take a look at the Troy chassis system for the mini.
really looks awesome.
Nutn...I would really like to see you review the mini (old style) with a accustrut or Mo-Bar barrel stabilizer. it really increased the accuracy of my Mini....to the point I started leaving my AR at home!!
if you want an intimidating MINI or rails there is a tactical version. TapCo also has stocks that you can buy for standard models
Nice review, you should do a Mini 14 field strip video also since there does not appear to be one anywhere around.
Thanks for another great vid, keep em coming.
Wondered if you have heard of a "accu-strut" it's a bolt on accuracy fix for these,
(sorry if someone else ask, I didn't see it)
took my 3 moa down to 1 1/2 moa @ 100 yds (no bs)
And thanks for all of your NRA support, life member here, later.
The Mini14 a great weapon! The only downside,the only hi cap magazine;s that you can count on are the Ruger factory hi cap magazine's.They can be expensive and hard to find,that is compared to the AR15!
My dad is left handed, and we've shot about 125 rounds out of this new rifle and it doesn't cycle the brass into his face. It does eject about every where else though, from 90 degrees to his right, and straight in front him. As far as left hand friendly, so far so good.
if you are thinking about buying used another thing you may want to be aware of on Mini 14's are the barrels.
The twist rate has been different in past years. Ruger has seemed to settle on 1 in 9" now, but in the past they have also been 1 in 12", 1 in 10", 1 in 7" and now 1 in 9".
The different twists may prefer different weight bullets.
1 in 12" & 1 in 10" lighter bullets.
1 in 9" & 1 in 7" heavier bullets.
The Mini-14 shoots the .223, In the video there is a Mini-6.8, shooting a 6.8 SPC . The Mini 30 Uses the 7.62x39 (Soviet) the M1A (M14) Uses the 7.62x51 NATO. The name "Mini" isn't referring to the caliber but the size of the rifle, and weight. I hope I cleared that up :)
For the review he did, the .223 mag fits the 6.8SPC
Hoppe's 9 BoreSnake
Allows quick cleaning from the rear. It's available for all caliber's (rifle and pistol). Just throw some BreakFree on the snake and run it through. I use it on my Springfield M1A as well as some of my .22 pistols that are impossible to break down after every range use.
well thats good to know. My question was answered by watching the others in this video series. Thanks.
Laws here in Australia are many but in short unless you can obtain a sepcial licence ( very hard) No semi automatic rifles or shotguns. Can only get a handgun licence under very strict club membership and the handgun can only be used for competition shooting. No carry options at all. Costs are high on all firearms. But hey crims still seem to find away so the laws are not stopping them just your honest citizens. I have a handgun licence but no semi auto rifles. Cheers Jock
when you empty a mag does the chamber lock back
I think only one guy had a mini during the 86 shootout, the other guy got knocked out or was trapped in his car or something. Platt was the guy that did most of the shooting. Either way, they sure did trash the feds.
Nutnfancy, thanks for the candid reviews as usual. Can you share some feedback on the Mini 30 (specifically a mid to late 90's model)? That would be very much appreciated. Thanks again and keep the vids coming!
you can pass the rod up the barrel without the brush then screw the brush on and pull the rod out. It is a little complicated but you can pass the brush forward which is the correct way. I love the mini 14 and I found it more accurate than the ar15 range.
I know exactly what you mean about the rubber stocks. I have a Savage 350, the stock is all rubber, and it constantly catches on me if I've got loose clothing on like a jacket.
Use the Otis cleaning system to clean from the chamber end
What about those Accu-struts?? To help stabilize the barrel??
@bnsaints i'll just say this. when i went thru basic training in 1983, pretty much all the drill sergeants at ft. benning were vietnam war vets. in ROTC they were vietnam vets. at my guard, reserve and active duty units i had a bunch of vietnam vets.
except for the early m-16 users (those in vietnam in 1965- early 1967), most were cool with the m-16. the MAIN ISSUE for them was the fact that throughout the war, they were trained on the m-14, and issued m-16s when they were shipped out.
mine is the one with the silver mag release and bolt
and it has NICE scope on it
its VERY accurate
Thanks nutnfancy!
Would you recommend the Mini 14 as a first rifle?
It is superb....just found out, it is the only "cool" gun approved for hunting in Norway...dont have to pull a collectors license or a gun club mebers card....enough to say...go hunting on the application.....I will buy one tomorrow!
Ruger mini-14 and mini- 30 are excepional rifle very light and extremely, extremely reliable! Ideal for informal shooting and defensive role in a ranch. Not very accurate but more than adequate for defensive role out of 200 mt( Yards). Some friends told me that mini-30( 7,62x39) is more accurate than standard AK
I love my mini-but I would like to see a field strip video. I think the bolt install is a royal pain in the ass. jiggling that friggin thing around til it goes in-I have trouble with that every time.
Oh yeah and took of the single blade for a ring with single blade flash suppresor. Still have my wood stock. Kinda old school that way it's what I like and the factory stock has a vague tiger stripe finish on this one.
how does the gun operate? piston, gas, magic? (the only thing I was curious about was not mentioned)
if you have problems with the mag release you can buy an extended one for $20
nice series
Mine is the .223 version and has the blued finish/hardwood stock.
Great gun very fast I love it.
NutnFancy:
For breech cleaning on the Mini, why don't you just highlight a small pice of cordage with a slip knot on the end and pull through the cleaning patch. I have the folder stock and keep a string n patch in the sliding pistol grip compartment for breech cleaning the bore with a pull through string. TIP: Make string 2x barrl length and mount patch in middle. Then pull back and forth through as needed. No more muzzle cleaning disadvantage!
Great series, thanks! I'm looking to find out if anyone has experience mounting a high quality red-dot scope on one of these and what they've found to be the best setup. I sold some things I didn't need so I can buy an Aimpoint or an EOTech (If I can find a deal). So any info on that would be great. Seems like a red dot type scope would be a good choice since the Mini is a close range rifle.
I say if you can't quite afford an AR-15 then this will certainly fit the bill. Can't argue with the reliable M1-Garand inspired action.
I'm in the Netherlands...we can have Mini 14's !
We can have everything semi-auto, AR15, AK47 etc. ! All hand guns up to .45 !
*****
We can have 10000 rounds, so no problem there :)
*****
Don't be..you can own a .50 !
I think the Netherlands is quite gun friendly, but the USA (and some states in particular) are heaven for gun ownership
*****
I think you mix up Europe and England. In England there are strict gun laws but in countries like The Netherlands and Germany etc things are fine. Concealed carry is even in the USA only allowed in some states.
@Elliot146 Subjective. I don't like the AR15 ergos, and hate the "spronnnnng" in the stock when firing. Don't like the hkmp5 or hk36. My favorite pistol grip semi auto rifle is the FAL, preferably with the inch pattern safety. But the Garand has most full size rifles beat for ergonomics. In small rifles, the mini, 10-22, M1 carbine are very hard to beat for quick handling. Of course I started with a conventional stock in the seventies, so that is my preference.
Thanks for you sympathy towards us who can't own these guns but dream about them every night =*
Questions are always welcome. A lot of the guys here are a great help too. -- Veri (Nutn's sister)
Does the bolt lock back when the last cartridge is fired?
@paulpm its 7.62x25 (i could be wrong, check it out) has trouble even penetrating clothing over medium to long range, while modern rounds dont.
looks like the bolt and receiver are based off the Garand
I'm sure you clean your guys every time they're out, but I'd like to point out that these rifles (mine anyway) can be quite sticky when put away for long periods of time w/o a complete cleaning.
The gas tube rusts to the op rod, requiring the forceful use of your boot to cycle the action. Storing the rifle with the bolt partially open solves the issue, though.
Moral of the story: clean+preserve your gas pipe connection well before long-term storage!
Last I checked at my local gun shop in CA a Mini 14 was around $900, and last I saw at a Wal*Mart in Nevada its was for $350.
I am an old subcriber of yours and always surpised that you always have videos of guns and things I want to know more about. Thank you for that! Haha, I just found a _second hand_ Mini-14. I am thinking of buying.....blued, serial number begins with 182 and the price is 790 euros/about 1000 USD...LOL. I wish we had prices like yours here.
in australia we can have semi auto rifles and shotguns you just need a c or d class licence and you cant have a magazine capacity above 10 but you need a very good reason as to why you need a semi auto like feral animal control etc
awesome, thank you nutnfancy
you said poltical pressure before dont worry everybody will fight like hell before they restrict semi auto
@FredCheckers
Ok, thanks...I really didn't know. I've heard some mention it's a 'plinking' round, but at the same time it was used in WWII and I think it was fairly popular. Heck, Lt. Hanley used it in "Combat!" :)
on the show 'third watch', the swat team always used mini-14's. i wonder if the nypd did or does at all.
If you use Ruger's built-in optics platform it is rock solid. Sure it's not standard but it but that's really the only problem with it.
i own a ranch.223 with a SCAR CA legal stock . I think it is my best weapon. tack grip in front will improve your accuracy i think. and it lets you add a lot of options if you wish. but it is a fair amount of money 559.99 i belive
Wouldn't a better choice be the US M1 CARBINE .30 Cal for a tactical carbine?
2:30
I clean all my rifles by sliding an empty rod thru to the chamber, loading on my patch or brush, and pulling it thru. It's a pain, but it works.
Hey Nutnfancy, Jock here again from Australia, Great job as usual, and viewers heed the advice about joining the NRA or it will be the same for you as it is for us in Australia. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
my grandfather used to hunt deer with a mini 14
I like the old Mini-14 better.
I don't see why someone had to thumbs down my comment. I didn't know and I was asking a question.
@Mramericanace sorry that was just a rough guess, but i do hunt large bore, .32 winchester special in a pre 54 lever action 94. the worst shot ive ever made was front stomach area. but i used 30-06 because its a round many people are familar with, unlike the .32winchester special
yeah that was totaly related to what everybody was talking about . . . >.>
I got caught by the bolt once, it hurt like hell, luckly I wasn't pinched off but my whole finger was in it while I was cleaning it, so I disengaged the bolt handle and....ow...
@ufloetz
Seems like M305 Polytech is not available in our country. But seems like I am able to get 2 Saiga's and still have some money left compared to price of that Ruger.
If I wanted to intimidate someone in a self-defense situation, I would use my Mossberg 500. I'm sorry, but I don't think a flash suppressor's going to make this little rifle look any meaner.
Concerning the point: the optics mount doesn't allow for as much forward & back movement as an AR rail: I tend to think Ruger allready figured that out. Go ahead and grab a rail system and mount it or grab a scope and it's gonna be just fine. Splitting hairs?
Also, the newer Minis he says are 3"MOA @100. Kalashkinov realized most battles were >200; hence, the 7.62 short. The steel mags a negative? In WROL Sheepdog application perhaps steel is better.
Only here in california, and mabe a few other states have mag limitations.
Thanks very much...