Here's some TNP Patreon comments on this Bunker video with TD. www.patreon.com/Nutnfancy Thanks for all the involvement TNPrs, we still love the Mini here! Sam Robinson I love that you continue to champion the Mini. I got my first factory folding stock GB model in stainless steel in 1986 when I was 12 years old. I worked all summer to earn the money and my parents let me order it from an Outdoor Outfitter that thought they'd ordered the wrong gun when it came in as they opened the box and thought it was a "machine gun". I still have that gun today and have worked with many Mini 14's throughout the years. Such a great platform for defensive purposes (especially for newer or less experienced shooters) with some advantages over the AR as it relates to simplicity and manual of arms. These include but are not limited to the intuitive safety for new shooters and the ease of detecting and clearing "jams". What a great vid guys! The Nutnfancy Project Hello Sam! Thanks for the great comment and glad you liked the video. I remember we used to shoot our Mini-14s up in the foothills of Utah all the time. My buddy Jeff Cleeland and myself would drive my VW Bug in the snow with the Minis and 10/22s and blast away. We were in heaven. Out to 100 yds the Mini remains an effective platform I'd used any time.3 FNH CAT Love my 1981 variant - still on the fence about getting a 7.69 variant... your thoughts? The Nutnfancy Project Watch my review on the Mini-30. I jammed a lot and awfully inaccurate. NOW it could have been the magazines but the bad accuracy, worse than normal, was an issue. Ruger chambers the Mini30 LOOSE to be reliable. In the end I say it really doesn't hold any 1st advantage over an AK platform. And they're not RowdyRon Almost bought a Mini many years ago. Was on the fence between one of these or an AR. Fast forward to today, and I'm more of an AK guy now. Something more visceral, crude and appealing about an AK. Thanks for the cool bunker video Nutn! The Nutnfancy Project You're welcome RR and we got lots of love for the AK as well. In fact several AK GRVs are inbound to Patreon soon enough. Brandon Calhoun I always think of the A-Team when i see the "para version" of the mini 14. So awesome! john milochis Thanks nutn for the great video mate keep up the great content always enjoy keeping it real thanks from down under Australia david rockwell The M1 origins of Mini-14 has always attracted me with classic rifle looks. The primary issue is purchase price versus more capable AR platform. Always have my eye open for a good used Mini-14. This well presented bunker review has restoked a lingering desire. Thank you for time and dedication. NerfHerder TD has some good points, old man raised him good Scammajamma I love the Mini 14. It was also the first tactical carbine I owned back in the late 80's. I think they are just cool. I currently have a rare bicentennial 180 series rifle with the wood upper hand guard. It is an old prison GB model with "CDC" roll marked on the barrel, and has "tower 13" engraved in a brass disk inlaid as a grip cap on the walnut stock. I'm sure the modern renditions shoot better, but damn is that good looking rifle. Did I say I love Mini's? Jason Burson A Tula sks is my families version. Still in rotation hanging inverted next to a tactical light in one of the gun safes. There where factory fresh not rearmored for $129, and Chinese versions for $89 far as the eye could see at gun shows in the early 90’s. I can’t believe I paid $69 for a black montecarlo stock instead of just putting that toward buying another gun. My oldest 26, E-5 now LEO cut his teeth on it he had been after a good one for a while. I do feel like we are in the modern day equivalent of the $100 sks with the current market and availability of ARs Thomas Powell Hi Nutn. The local gun shop has a used 584 series but in the classic wood stock and stainless steel barrel. Thoughts on picking a newer gun with classic looks? Danny Borrello I don't get into collecting, most of what I have are intended to be workhorses. But I get the 2nd cool factor for someone who started their life with guns pulling triggers on a mini 14. That being said, i have a stack of ruger mags waiting for me to come across the right deal on a 5819 model. The Nutnfancy Project Nice Average Enthusiast Is there anyone old enough to own firearms back it in the 90's who didn't own a Mini-14? Is there anyone who did not put that same folding stock on it and use ProMags (or tried to use ProMags)? Well, I did too. Fun video and I think you right. Nostalgia is kicking in many of us who owned them back in the day. The Nutnfancy Project Thanks for the comment Average and you are in good company! Lon N The nostalgia thing... mine rocked a Aimpoint 3000 for years - back when red dots were new. I still have the box - $179.99 was some serious cash at the time for me. Paul Grogan Nutn, I couldn't agree more, I bought my blue ranch rifle at the Quantico Marine P.X. while on T.D.Y. in 1984 during my active duty Navy inlistment. At 100 yards a volley ball size group was the norm over irons. That said...It was $425 vs. a colt a.r. for $700. I was a E-4 at the time so that pretty much sums up that decision. Oh and B.T.W. I too sold her for a deposit on a 6" blue python. That bad mamma jamma is still on board though. The Nutnfancy Project Another great Mini story Paul. An '84 Mini would be a scored. I wish I had a factory SS folder from that era. Just cool! Nancy Merrell-Robertson It's doubtful I'll ever own one, but I would love to shoot one! The Nutnfancy Project They are a riot to shoot Nancy. Steve Skaggs Buying camo is more cost effective than trying to make a mini moa. I love the mini platform. And realize Im not likely to engage any target at 300+ yards. If I wanna play sniper ill grab a bolt gun. Ill probably miss as much as I hit but damn its fun. Buy a mosin carbine if you like a loud bone rattling shooting experience. Great vid guys!!! Lon N Best $35 I spent was for a pin on "muzzle brake" & front sight. (it's a 187 series 1:10 pencil barrel) Heavy and 2+ inches longer (after removing the Ruger barrel band front sight), paired with a Williams peep sight... unexpected bonus from the install: the Mini 14 group sizes shrunk, mainly because the flyers were closer to the main group with the weight hanging off the end of the barrel. It was enough to knock a 10 round 300 yard group from "maybe 18 inches...." to an honest 12 inch 10 round group @300. 4weeks ago, join up
2:25 whoa, whoa whoa... Sons of Horus....? yall into 40k up in there, TD and Nutn? lemee find out! I like the survivalist/gun/knife/security enthusiast thing and all but I'll ride or die for fellow 40k fans xD Warboss Pumpkin in the hizzie
nutnfancy the most disappointing product from this family of Firearms is the Mini-30 and Ruger’s REFUSAL to make it work with Russian ammo/Beridian primers. People have requested Ruger make it work and they REFUSE. Their refusal to do so makes me not want to buy the Mini-14. In a survival situation, can I fire bulk steel case Russian .223 through it? Ruger is dropping the ball on the Mini-30 which would be a great survival, hunting, SHTF type gun.......and you can only Fire American brass case 7.62x39. Who can afford that nonsense?
Actually it was do to being PG TV at the time. Gotta remember that was the same show where bad guys would flip an open top Jeep 14 times then craw from the wreckage and continue fighting. You can't base anything gun related on TV shows or movies.
Cool Hand, you’re surprised? The AR15 is standardized whereas the Ruger is, you guessed it, proprietary. And they do it barely well enough on their own tbh
I found that accuracy varied with guns. I had a ranch rifle that was driving nails right out of the box the second one I bought was very bad and needed the barrel replaced to get acceptable accuracy.
Up here in NY state with our batshit gun laws the mini is very popular. My mini 30 with a red dot mounted on an ultimak rail and factory synthetic stock is light, handy and can put rounds center mass all day at defensive ranges. Trigger job, reduced gas port and recoil buffer, its a smooth shooter and I love it. Ignore the mini haters
Just got one a year ago love it its right on target at 100 200 500 yards Wood stock iron sites It will do what i want DON'T know were your coming from I would go to war with mine
You called it; The day before lockdown I was at my local Cabela's, decided to check out the gun library which had a line 12 of people with interesting choices, I saw a Mini-14 Ranch for $600 and thought "why not?". Granted it was used, but it's in beautiful condition and four years later I'm seeing them go for at least $900 at local stores
I inherited my father's 182 series Mini 14 when I was in college around 2012. Only thing I ever did to it was add a front sling point. No muzzle device from the factory, and it's a literal blast to shoot. Great balls of fire! I'll never get rid of it.
I saw a video here about the cost in production on a M1a and mini14. M1a was Very expensive to build. One of the reasons the mini isn't exactly like the M1a was to make it, ( more) affordable. Rugar could only change so much for price without compromising too much. Great video. it's not a cheap gun but at least Any Rugar is built strong. your grandchildren will be able to use it.
I picked up a 182 series for $125 about 21 years ago and I love it. It’s a great backup to my AR’s and is a blast to shoot. I introduced my kids to shooting with it, plinking soda cans! It’s definitely staying in my arsenal.
Its all supply and demand. Every swinging dick has 3 ARs in the safe. They are everywhere and the values are dropping. Good 80s vintage, stainless mini-14s.... not so common and they are generally going for more than cheaper used ARs around here. Its all supply and demand just like anything else.
Thank you TNP for some mini14 love.... After some personal and financial upheaval twenty years ago and my collection was down to one shotgun and a 9mm . I found a 188 series Ranch rifle mini used for $375.00 still with the box and scope rings. I loved the look and the balance... and at that time the AR platforms were not as abundant...the quarkie little mini will forever be in my heart and collection.
My first auto loader in 223/556 was a mini. When they introduced the revamped 580 series, they were 50 bucks cheaper than any ar15, so it was a no brainer. Although now I have many ARs, there still remains a tender spot in my heart for the mini. ❤️💕❤️
Nope. It’s a GREAT choice but you can easily own an AR in California. All of mine shoot just as fast and hold just as much ammo as any AR in the United States.
Officer Gregg I respect that. My choice over a neutered AR has been the Ruger. Perhaps I’m lazy but owning an AR and trying to keep up with what is legal or not turned me off the platform. Perhaps I’ll change my mind someday.
I am from cali too, if you or any friends obtained magazines above 10 rounds on "Freedom Week" keep them at home, cops have confiscated them even though they were legally acquired. th-cam.com/video/CdZZYUtMdB4/w-d-xo.html good news is this guy might get his magazines back but he is so lucky same may not be for you or I if this repeats.
I love mine ... sometimes I use the wood stock sometimes the black polymer stock and sometimes the tactical stock by ATI. So easy to swap out stocks for whatever mood. The flash hider on it has such a beautiful look for the Tactical, just love mine a ton. So many complain about feed issues when they use cheap mags ... the Ruger factory mags run perfect literally. My advice for those people is stop trying to save $15 and buy a good Ruger factory mag set. I use two thirty rd mags and several 20 rd mags.
Back in the early 2000's Georgia Department of Corrections surplused a bunch of these 184-5 series with 11.5" barrel with 5.5" flash hiders and fixed/straight Choate stocks. I got two from Franklin's of Athens for $350 each just for collecting. One I left completely original with original markings but the other I shortened the stock 2", installed a rail with a Holosun, put in a Q'd mount for a single sling, and camouflaged it out. Also have 30-40 of the Tapco 30rd Gen 2 magazines. Some OEM 20 and 30 rounders, a couple Thermofold, and some irritating Pro-mags. Have an A-TEAM special GB in stainless in the safe and several more in blued finish. Used to carry the camouflaged in my truck but replaced it with a built AR a couple years ago. 4MOA is about the best you can expect out of any of them on a good day.
I have Ruger factory 20's and 30's for my 1990's Ruger Ranch Mini-14. The Ruger Mini-14 is an excellent and reliable rifle, and accuracy is decent under 200 yards. It was my patrol rifle for years, and its simplicity makes it an excellent rifle. My buddy has the factory Ruger collapsible Mini-14.
Paid $460 new OTD for my stainless Mini 14 in 1998...at the time I was 18 and it was the most expensive gun I had ever bought. Put maybe 300 rounds through it over the past 23 years, still rocking the wood stock and factory scope rings with a Wally World Tasco 4x ... probably wont ever get rid of it.
I bought a 196 Series a couple years back with a terribly worn out wood stock and a fold down sight that folded every time I shot it for $400. I added Tech Sight's, tan Houge stock, Ultimak M4-b scout rail and a blue force gear sling. It may not be as accurate as most tactical rifles but it uses standard ammo and I can carry it with me to states where an AR styled platform is shunned upon or infringed.
I sure wish Ruger let that front blade sight alone. It’s so much better than the “winged” setup they’re using now. Hard to go wrong with an old Mini 14!
I traded a rolling block rifle for one of these and a hk vp9 the other day before I seen this video. The rolling block rifle was worth about $800 I’d say I hit a home run. It was and older mini, I torqued the screws over the front sling swivel on the barrel and it shot 2.5 moa I think that could change with your sight picture I couldn’t be happier. It’s my new truck gun
Quote "How many guns to we have in our collection that arent super accurate, aren't tacticool, arent the best choice & yet you love them so much!" Agree! I love my wood/blued Mini and my wood/blued Marlin Camp9(another TNP favorite)so much, even though there are better, newer guns out there? Its the fun factor. Thats why these rifles are so popular. Great video Nutnfancy.
Yup, I bought one (also a 188 series wood/ss) new back in the day when a local guns shop had a Ruger sale. In fact, I also bought a Mini 30 at the same time (189 series wood/blue). The Mini 14 was $250 and the Mini 30 was $295 on sale. Still have them in like-new condition, including original paperwork/box, etc... Not selling anytime soon! lol Good Luck!
I still love the Mini-14. I pull it out from time to time from the safe and put a couple hundred rounds down Range with it. It won’t win any accuracy contests, but it does what I want in to do. Thank you for the review, and the reminder to dust mine off and give it some love.
Just got a 80s stainless Mini 14, roll marks say Mini 14 223 and I purchase a 2018 model marked Mini 14 5.56 NATO. My local gun shop had 5 Ruger 30 red mags, which I bought them all.
I have always had the Mini 14 high up on there my "next to buy list" but for one reason or another I always end up buying something else. The ranch model with the wooden stock, beautiful!
I hope they go collectable. I have an older, thin barreled Mini 14 with a Butler Creek folding stock, scope mount and 3x9x40 scope. I love the old girl.
I totally agree on the Mini 14, these will be collectible. They've been riding along side of the AR market for SSSSSSSSSSSSoooooo long, kind of chugging, not surging, but keeping pace. I get the feeling though that sales have been chugging as well. Are there good examples of earlier 14's available at a reasonable price now? And, what the heck is the deal with the Mini 30? THAT is the gun I want to be reliable, affordable, and available. I need an affordable SAPR in 7.62.
I have a newer 582 series stainless ranch rifle with the synthetic stock.It's a good gun. In fact it was the first gun I ever bought. Bought it used at a gun show for $600. It was in great shape,came with a Leopold scope too.The extractor broke recently. I just called Ruger and they sent me a new extractor,plunger & plunger spring for free.Had it fixed 3 days later. Took about 15min to fix. I have an AR too. I like them both. I've been offered $750 for it. I wouldn't sell it for $1200 tbh. It's a great back up rifle. I been thinking about buying the rubber coated stock. I enjoy shooting it just as much as my AR.
I was just out shooting my Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Tactical today. It's an older model from the '90s with the ATI folder. No top Pic rail though. What a coincidence that this came over my feed tonight! Sweet little rifle.
YOU SIR ARE ONE LUKKY SOB!! Those rifles are going for 1500 and up now, I saw just the FACTORY SS FOLDING STOCK AT A GUN SHOW YEARS AGO, JUST THE STOCK SELLING FOR 950.00!!!
I watched this and totally agree. It’s about the most fun rifle I have. I didn’t read the comments though; I can’t take all the a team references. It ain’t funny no more, if it ever was. Keep rockin’ those mags Nutn boy!
I have the Stainless Steel 183 Series Mini 14, and bought it new…The wood actually has a great wood grain to it, not like most of the plain Jane drab stocks that I’ve seen. It’s a great rifle and has always gone bang when I go shooting. For what ever reason, I get a 2 1/2 moa at 100 yards not like I keep hearing from others that get 4 to 5 moa’s…..mine is in pristine condition, well cared for…
I went to vacation in Bermuda like 5 years ago. The soldiers used mini 14s back then and you'd see guys in army uniforms riding around the island on mopeds. These days they use some model of G36 if I remember correctly
As a defensive firearm, do you need accuracy beyond 100 yards? Or for that matter, 50 yards? Plinking at bad guys 300 yards away is a fantasy... Can you make an argument for "I was afraid for my life" when the guy is three blocks away? No. A gang of thugs, armed and in your yard? yes. Will the Mini 14 provide enough firepower, reliability, accuracy to make that threat go away? Absolutely. In the real world, it is enough.
I bought my 582 several years ago, and it had the wood stock, blued metal and 5 round magazine from Walmart, plus got my 10% discount and my 15% Christmas bonus discount on it. I did buy an ATI stock for it and it doesn't suck that bad, it's kind of cool looking. I also picked up a Hogue Polymer stock for it and that's what it's currently wearing. If I had to give up my AR-15's to other people to use to defend themselves and only had my Mini left, I'd be well armed.
Ying yang. Love my Colt AR. Love my 582 series Mini-14. There's just something about the inherent simplicity of the Garand-style action, and with a Brimstone trigger job, Tech Sights, and Accu-Strut, I hit just like I do with my AR.
I got my 580 series used Mini-14 at the local gun store for 595! It's the tactical model, now with 2 more Ruger 20 round mags and a low profile red dot I'm in love. Wanted one since I was a kid. The owner has know me since I was kid and I only buy guns from him so he gives me good deals.
A mini 14 stainless steel government model was my first patrol rifle. Paid $275 for it used, which was a helluva cheaper than an AR-15 at the time. Back in the early 90s you couldn't touch an AR for less than a grand. It has been regulated to the safe with the rest of my weapons I carried on duty during my career.
I chose the Mini 14 because I started my military career training with the M1 Garand and the M14 with the M1 Carbine as a secondary arm. I transitioned to the M16/M16A1. Before I retired the M16A2 was being issued. Once I was out and in the market for a good 5.56mm semi auto rifle the only choice I considered was the Mini 14.
Been on the fence about one sitting at a local pawn shop, guess I just fell off, guess I just added a new carbine to the collection. Not really a AR guy, (do have a few, collecting dust) like old school, have a lot lever actions, needed a semi-auto, just found it, thanks 👍🏼🤠
When you showed the pic of the mini with the side folder the first thing that came to my mind was the A Team. My first rifle was a mini ranch rifle in the mid 2000s. Awesome gun.
I love this video & your content! As a father myself of an 11-year-old who I’ve been training up 🔫 Furthermore, it is super awesome to see you making content with your son. 👍👍 I agree with you that the mini 14s will be increasing the value. California insane gun laws will be making that a lam dunk. They have made the AR pretty much unusable meanwhile the mini 14 which is the same caliber you can not have a fin,use a muzzle brake etc. etc. people in California with everything that’s going on are looking for viable home defense & the mini 14 is what all of us need 🎯because we cannot legally operate a usable AR ....IMO 16:00 in and I now I see you know exactly what I’m saying 😎
Just watched for the second time. Picked up a wood stock, stainless last April with 800 rounds! so im sure it has 200 rounds through it. Super clean, always wanted one, now I have it !
I have an old stainless mini just like young buck had on the iPad with factory folder. Came with factory mags. Two 30s and one 40. Best part is what I paid, under 600! Even has the original sling, and flash hider. After watching video I had to pull her out and look at her in awe. Love it
OOOOh the 90's. When I was a young punk college kid I couldn't afford a Mini 14. Instead I had a few Chinese SKSs from the local pawn shop. I think they where 160.00 each if I remember right. They came with chrome lined barrels, green sling, cleaning kit in the buttstock and no bayonets. I added aftermarket duckbill 30rnd mags. I also had the paratrooper model with the short barrel. 7.62x39 ammo was very cheap back then and I was able to stockpile. Regretfully I dont have any of those rifles anymore. Today I have a 580s Mini 14, ARs, AKs and others. For me in the 90s the SKS was an affordable way to get a Milspec rifle on a college kid budget.
The first thing you do with the Mini is get rid of that upper hand guard (shroud covering the op rod) and replace with a Choate that exposes the op rod. Love my Mini Tactical with Leupold VX-2 2-7x. Nutnfancy’s old Duracoated Mini videos inspired me to set mine up.
As a retired Army Grunt, I haven’t been in love with the Mini-14 but I do respect it. That said, the one variant that catches my eye is the GB variant and by chance while visiting my local pawn shop I found a 185 series GB variant that was a former Texas prison gun and in excellent condition for $700. This was 6 years ago and I love it. I ordered a Sampson folder (black finish) and it should make it even more interesting.
I remember that a guy ran a Mini 14 in your Armed Serenity shoot. I think that was the video's name. When I was young I wanted the Mini 14 along with a GP100 but I never made those purchases. I went with other platforms and I can't say that I have any regrets. But, I would buy them if I hadn't been able topics up the other platforms and I'd probably be happy enough with them.
I just recently purchased a new model one and I'm happy with my purchase. I was initially going to go with the 300 blk but ultimately decided on 556 mainly for cost of shooting. If I decide on going through the nfa process again and buy a 30 cal can then maybe pick one up in 300 blk otherwise I don't see the point.
The gun store in Ema, Missouri had two of the Mini-14 Target rifles last time I was there if anyone’s interested. Great shop if you’re passing though too. Something for everyone! It’s an antique store, liquor & firearms sales.
If you want to improve the accuracy of your mini14 place a block at the quarter chord of the free-floating barrel, forward of the receiver. I use a tough, thermally stable plastic block for its dampening effect, but the point is to change the barrel harmonics to maximize accuracy. Also, never, ever, ever sell a Firearm. That money won't make any difference and if you are that lean it is too late to sell much of anything. You should have done something else 6 months ago.
My first Mini was the first one to come into the Upper Snake River Valley in Idaho, and I traded a clapped-out Colt Trooper MkIII straight across for it. Took it with me up to Malmstrom AFB, and with it in the prairie dog towns, it was okay, out to 100 yards or so with it. I think at last count, I've owned five of them, and can't seem to hang onto one. Maybe someday. BTW, speaking of the Arisaka and the marks... The difference between the unaltered guns and the ground crysanthemum... intact indicates a captured piece, i.e., picked up out of the hands of a dead guy, or off the field. The crysanthemum was ground off if it was surrendered.
It's like a plus size 10/22.. sweet little gun What do you think of the mini 30? I feel like that could have a decent purpose for those that like 762x39
I used to have a Mini Thirty. I had to sell it when times got hard, and I'm sorry that happened. It was used, and had some mechanical bugs that I had to work out, which I did myself. The biggest downside was the magazines. Finding *reliable* 30-round mags was like trying to find a sharp needle in a pile of dull needles. I love the Mini platform, but I will not be buying another until they start taking standard AR 5.56 mags and AK 7.62x39mm mags, respectively. That's how strongly I feel about the magazine issues.
@@richard6133 Yeah, nutn did a video on the mini 30 a couple years ago and pretty much said all the same things. It's a shame because if it was reliable it would be super cool.
I used to have a Mini 30, would not feed badically at all, same issues he had in his review look it up, they fucked it up some how, and less acurate than my SKS and 3 times the price.
Beloved indeed, although I had to sell my 582 series mini because it was an absolute lemon. Constant failures to feed and eject with any ammo with factory mags. I say lemon bc I know just how rugged these things are, and would love to own one again. Living in a ban state, I settled for a Saiga 7.62 sporter rifle and it has been a dream reliability-wise with modern mini accuracy. Both guns are imperfect and have their quirks, but boy are they solid inside 100m.
I just bought a new Ruger Mini 14 Ranch, blued with wooden stock for 809.00 I took your advice and purchased the Weaver Classic V-Series Model 849399 2.5-7x32 Matte Rifle Scope Dual X Reticle for only 100.00 (used)on eBay last night. I was able to purchase 10rnd, 20rnd and 30rnd mags even though I'm in California. My local shooting range lets us shoot anything we want. I ordered from JoeFriday22 on eBay a USA MADE OD Green Cotton Canvas M1 Carbine 1 inch Rifle Sling US Military PMT for 19.49. I went and put 190 rounds flawlessly down range. I love this rifle and now want a stainless version to add to my collection. The old picture of you standing in front of the VW Bug with a pair of Mini's in your hands and the classic Scott Baio haircut was awesome.
As someone who was a kid in the 80's and 90's, growing up shooting a mini, I totally get the nostalgia. I'm curious as to your thoughts on something like the Ultimak scout rail on a Mini 14 tactical. Seems like solves the rail and accessories issue.
Another note, Ruger did make a small number of ranch rifles with factory folding stocks. This is the way to go...scope mounts instead of that useless iron sight.
Well, I have an original Mini 14 folding stock. This is the original folding stock which came with the gun. I bought it brand new sometime in the 1980's but I can't remember when. Moreover, I don't have over 200 rounds through this gun, mainly because I just had a lot of other guns which took up my range and hunting time. I bought it to throw in the back of my old CJ7 Jeep for pig hunting here in Florida, but ended up using my Super Blackhawk much more often. Then it became a vault gun for many years. I just now got it out and cleaned it. Cool gun.
2nd! I love my mini 14s. I love taking it to multi gun comps.the looks you get from the $2300 ar guys alone makes it worth keeping for life. I want to get anewer one tho.and maybe one in 300blk for shits and gigs.
Here's some TNP Patreon comments on this Bunker video with TD. www.patreon.com/Nutnfancy Thanks for all the involvement TNPrs, we still love the Mini here!
Sam Robinson
I love that you continue to champion the Mini. I got my first factory folding stock GB model in stainless steel in 1986 when I was 12 years old. I worked all summer to earn the money and my parents let me order it from an Outdoor Outfitter that thought they'd ordered the wrong gun when it came in as they opened the box and thought it was a "machine gun".
I still have that gun today and have worked with many Mini 14's throughout the years.
Such a great platform for defensive purposes (especially for newer or less experienced shooters) with some advantages over the AR as it relates to simplicity and manual of arms. These include but are not limited to the intuitive safety for new shooters and the ease of detecting and clearing "jams".
What a great vid guys!
The Nutnfancy Project
Hello Sam! Thanks for the great comment and glad you liked the video. I remember we used to shoot our Mini-14s up in the foothills of Utah all the time. My buddy Jeff Cleeland and myself would drive my VW Bug in the snow with the Minis and 10/22s and blast away. We were in heaven. Out to 100 yds the Mini remains an effective platform I'd used any time.3
FNH CAT
Love my 1981 variant - still on the fence about getting a 7.69 variant... your thoughts?
The Nutnfancy Project
Watch my review on the Mini-30. I jammed a lot and awfully inaccurate. NOW it could have been the magazines but the bad accuracy, worse than normal, was an issue. Ruger chambers the Mini30 LOOSE to be reliable. In the end I say it really doesn't hold any 1st advantage over an AK platform. And they're not
RowdyRon
Almost bought a Mini many years ago. Was on the fence between one of these or an AR. Fast forward to today, and I'm more of an AK guy now. Something more visceral, crude and appealing about an AK. Thanks for the cool bunker video Nutn!
The Nutnfancy Project
You're welcome RR and we got lots of love for the AK as well. In fact several AK GRVs are inbound to Patreon soon enough.
Brandon Calhoun
I always think of the A-Team when i see the "para version" of the mini 14. So awesome!
john milochis
Thanks nutn for the great video mate keep up the great content always enjoy keeping it real thanks from down under Australia
david rockwell
The M1 origins of Mini-14 has always attracted me with classic rifle looks. The primary issue is purchase price versus more capable AR platform. Always have my eye open for a good used Mini-14. This well presented bunker review has restoked a lingering desire. Thank you for time and dedication.
NerfHerder
TD has some good points, old man raised him good
Scammajamma
I love the Mini 14. It was also the first tactical carbine I owned back in the late 80's. I think they are just cool. I currently have a rare bicentennial 180 series rifle with the wood upper hand guard. It is an old prison GB model with "CDC" roll marked on the barrel, and has "tower 13" engraved in a brass disk inlaid as a grip cap on the walnut stock. I'm sure the modern renditions shoot better, but damn is that good looking rifle. Did I say I love Mini's?
Jason Burson
A Tula sks is my families version. Still in rotation hanging inverted next to a tactical light in one of the gun safes. There where factory fresh not rearmored for $129, and Chinese versions for $89 far as the eye could see at gun shows in the early 90’s. I can’t believe I paid $69 for a black montecarlo stock instead of just putting that toward buying another gun. My oldest 26, E-5 now LEO cut his teeth on it he had been after a good one for a while.
I do feel like we are in the modern day equivalent of the $100 sks with the current market and availability of ARs
Thomas Powell
Hi Nutn. The local gun shop has a used 584 series but in the classic wood stock and stainless steel barrel. Thoughts on picking a newer gun with classic looks?
Danny Borrello
I don't get into collecting, most of what I have are intended to be workhorses. But I get the 2nd cool factor for someone who started their life with guns pulling triggers on a mini 14. That being said, i have a stack of ruger mags waiting for me to come across the right deal on a 5819 model.
The Nutnfancy Project
Nice
Average Enthusiast
Is there anyone old enough to own firearms back it in the 90's who didn't own a Mini-14? Is there anyone who did not put that same folding stock on it and use ProMags (or tried to use ProMags)? Well, I did too. Fun video and I think you right. Nostalgia is kicking in many of us who owned them back in the day.
The Nutnfancy Project
Thanks for the comment Average and you are in good company!
Lon N
The nostalgia thing... mine rocked a Aimpoint 3000 for years - back when red dots were new. I still have the box - $179.99 was some serious cash at the time for me.
Paul Grogan
Nutn, I couldn't agree more, I bought my blue ranch rifle at the Quantico Marine P.X. while on T.D.Y. in 1984 during my active duty Navy inlistment. At 100 yards a volley ball size group was the norm over irons. That said...It was $425 vs. a colt a.r. for $700. I was a E-4 at the time so that pretty much sums up that decision. Oh and B.T.W. I too sold her for a deposit on a 6" blue python. That bad mamma jamma is still on board though.
The Nutnfancy Project
Another great Mini story Paul. An '84 Mini would be a scored. I wish I had a factory SS folder from that era. Just cool!
Nancy Merrell-Robertson
It's doubtful I'll ever own one, but I would love to shoot one!
The Nutnfancy Project
They are a riot to shoot Nancy.
Steve Skaggs
Buying camo is more cost effective than trying to make a mini moa. I love the mini platform. And realize Im not likely to engage any target at 300+ yards. If I wanna play sniper ill grab a bolt gun. Ill probably miss as much as I hit but damn its fun. Buy a mosin carbine if you like a loud bone rattling shooting experience. Great vid guys!!!
Lon N
Best $35 I spent was for a pin on "muzzle brake" & front sight. (it's a 187 series 1:10 pencil barrel) Heavy and 2+ inches longer (after removing the Ruger barrel band front sight), paired with a Williams peep sight... unexpected bonus from the install: the Mini 14 group sizes shrunk, mainly because the flyers were closer to the main group with the weight hanging off the end of the barrel. It was enough to knock a 10 round 300 yard group from "maybe 18 inches...." to an honest 12 inch 10 round group @300.
4weeks ago, join up
Dude you see what’s about to happen
There are no in inaccurate rifles.only inaccurate shooters...................
2:25 whoa, whoa whoa... Sons of Horus....? yall into 40k up in there, TD and Nutn? lemee find out! I like the survivalist/gun/knife/security enthusiast thing and all but I'll ride or die for fellow 40k fans xD
Warboss Pumpkin in the hizzie
I full heatedly believe if they made a mini 14 that took ar mags they'd sell more than they could keep up with
nutnfancy the most disappointing product from this family of Firearms is the Mini-30 and Ruger’s REFUSAL to make it work with Russian ammo/Beridian primers. People have requested Ruger make it work and they REFUSE. Their refusal to do so makes me not want to buy the Mini-14. In a survival situation, can I fire bulk steel case Russian .223 through it? Ruger is dropping the ball on the Mini-30 which would be a great survival, hunting, SHTF type gun.......and you can only Fire American brass case 7.62x39. Who can afford that nonsense?
Yeah, the inaccuracy was clearly demonstrated back in the '80s. The A-Team fired thousands of rounds out of mini 14s and never hit anything.
MrIkesimba 😂
THAT'S BECAUSE IT WAS THE A TEAM!!! "ABSENT" MINDED TEAM.😂
Actually it was do to being PG TV at the time. Gotta remember that was the same show where bad guys would flip an open top Jeep 14 times then craw from the wreckage and continue fighting. You can't base anything gun related on TV shows or movies.
Bill Simmonds Whosh
Are you the same guy who uses that joke on every single Mini14 video or is it just that common that a lot of people are saying it?
Can't believe how much the price of the Mini 14 has gone up over the years, I never thought it would surpass the AR.
Cool Hand, you’re surprised? The AR15 is standardized whereas the Ruger is, you guessed it, proprietary. And they do it barely well enough on their own tbh
There are $800 SKS out there, anything's possible I guess
Walmart clearanced their Mini 14s last year for $249.99 when they decided to stop selling semi auto rifles. I picked up 2 of them.
I can remember being able to buy them at Big 5 sporting goods for $349.
@@AZTLANSOLDIER13 another rifle I wish I would of bought a dozen of from my local pawn shop when they had barrels full of them for $99.
Love the mini ! I make hits all the time out to 300 with irons free standing. Some of you need to learn how to shoot!
Right on sir
If I’m hitting a 4 moa at 300 yds. I’m still hitting my target. I’m not competition shooting with it. Love my mini
@@jeffreywoods5091what series is your mini?
@@jeffreywoods5091mine is a 187 series with a scope in Ruger rings and a hogue stock
I found that accuracy varied with guns. I had a ranch rifle that was driving nails right out of the box the second one I bought was very bad and needed the barrel replaced to get acceptable accuracy.
Up here in NY state with our batshit gun laws the mini is very popular. My mini 30 with a red dot mounted on an ultimak rail and factory synthetic stock is light, handy and can put rounds center mass all day at defensive ranges. Trigger job, reduced gas port and recoil buffer, its a smooth shooter and I love it. Ignore the mini haters
My lord Did king cuomo approve it? I want out of NY so bad. Gun laws to the side the taxes are insane
The best $400 gun that costs $800 new.
Exactly
Which is why the Mini-14 is dead.
And won't take common AR mags.
I saw them at 400 and then during the gun shortage in 2012 Ruger raised the price and they never came down
@@gabegu5102 Bullshit
Bought my 5801 for $729 in 2008....MSRP was $1089
Pretty much same price now
Just got one a year ago love it its right on target at 100 200 500 yards Wood stock iron sites It will do what i want DON'T know were your coming from I would go to war with mine
Ya got an AR15 just because fells just like the ones we had in Korea Really like the Mini14 Bothe good weapons
As long as a mini 14 can hit a 10x12 at 100-150 yards I think most people will be happy. Great video Nutn!
You called it; The day before lockdown I was at my local Cabela's, decided to check out the gun library which had a line 12 of people with interesting choices, I saw a Mini-14 Ranch for $600 and thought "why not?". Granted it was used, but it's in beautiful condition and four years later I'm seeing them go for at least $900 at local stores
I grew up on the mini also. My dad carried an M-14 in Vietnam. Now I own the mini and my dad's M1A. The platform should be on our family crest.
I inherited my father's 182 series Mini 14 when I was in college around 2012. Only thing I ever did to it was add a front sling point. No muzzle device from the factory, and it's a literal blast to shoot. Great balls of fire! I'll never get rid of it.
If it's good enough for the A-Team it's good enough for me.
I love the smell of gunpowder in the morning!
I always wanted one of those since I first saw the A-team.
But they never hit anything 😮
Who used it B.A or Hannibal?
I saw a video here about the cost in production on a M1a and mini14. M1a was Very expensive to build. One of the reasons the mini isn't exactly like the M1a was to make it, ( more) affordable. Rugar could only change so much for price without compromising too much. Great video.
it's not a cheap gun but at least Any Rugar is built strong. your grandchildren will be able to use it.
I picked up a 182 series for $125 about 21 years ago and I love it. It’s a great backup to my AR’s and is a blast to shoot. I introduced my kids to shooting with it, plinking soda cans! It’s definitely staying in my arsenal.
I’d like a Mini 14 but it’s too expensive. I just can’t justify the cost when you can buy 2 or 3 AR15s for the price of 1 Mini 14.
It’s easy to justify the cost when you live in California.
I do live in California (Sacramento) and it’s still cheaper to buy a featureless AR15.
@@frankmcgarry3155 Or Massachusetts. AR15;s are banned.
Its all supply and demand. Every swinging dick has 3 ARs in the safe. They are everywhere and the values are dropping. Good 80s vintage, stainless mini-14s.... not so common and they are generally going for more than cheaper used ARs around here. Its all supply and demand just like anything else.
Bongo Fury yea but you have to have a mag lock and a grip fin so f that.
I think the relationship you have with your son is so COOL! Keep up the good work !!! A+++++++
Thank you TNP for some mini14 love....
After some personal and financial upheaval twenty years ago and my collection was down to one shotgun and a 9mm . I found a 188 series Ranch rifle mini used for $375.00 still with the box and scope rings.
I loved the look and the balance... and at that time the AR platforms were not as abundant...the quarkie little mini will forever be in my heart and collection.
My first auto loader in 223/556 was a mini. When they introduced the revamped 580 series, they were 50 bucks cheaper than any ar15, so it was a no brainer. Although now I have many ARs, there still remains a tender spot in my heart for the mini. ❤️💕❤️
I’m not a poor college student but I’m a Californian. That makes the mini 14 my (only) choice. 😊
Nope. It’s a GREAT choice but you can easily own an AR in California. All of mine shoot just as fast and hold just as much ammo as any AR in the United States.
Officer Gregg I respect that. My choice over a neutered AR has been the Ruger. Perhaps I’m lazy but owning an AR and trying to keep up with what is legal or not turned me off the platform. Perhaps I’ll change my mind someday.
California , my deepest condiments , I mean condolences...
I am from cali too, if you or any friends obtained magazines above 10 rounds on "Freedom Week" keep them at home, cops have confiscated them even though they were legally acquired. th-cam.com/video/CdZZYUtMdB4/w-d-xo.html good news is this guy might get his magazines back but he is so lucky same may not be for you or I if this repeats.
Californian’s pack dildos
I love mine ... sometimes I use the wood stock sometimes the black polymer stock and sometimes the tactical stock by ATI. So easy to swap out stocks for whatever mood. The flash hider on it has such a beautiful look for the Tactical, just love mine a ton.
So many complain about feed issues when they use cheap mags ... the Ruger factory mags run perfect literally. My advice for those people is stop trying to save $15 and buy a good Ruger factory mag set. I use two thirty rd mags and several 20 rd mags.
You hit the nail on the head. You described the my same experience with the mini,in two paragraphs. You're awesome buddy!!
Back in the early 2000's Georgia Department of Corrections surplused a bunch of these 184-5 series with 11.5" barrel with 5.5" flash hiders and fixed/straight Choate stocks. I got two from Franklin's of Athens for $350 each just for collecting. One I left completely original with original markings but the other I shortened the stock 2", installed a rail with a Holosun, put in a Q'd mount for a single sling, and camouflaged it out. Also have 30-40 of the Tapco 30rd Gen 2 magazines. Some OEM 20 and 30 rounders, a couple Thermofold, and some irritating Pro-mags. Have an A-TEAM special GB in stainless in the safe and several more in blued finish. Used to carry the camouflaged in my truck but replaced it with a built AR a couple years ago. 4MOA is about the best you can expect out of any of them on a good day.
Great video. I've owned a mini14 for about 30 years and it has always been a favorite of mine.
"He was scared of the M1A. He was 8. I put a Mini-14 in his hands." Haha you're a great dad Nutn and I mean it.
I have Ruger factory 20's and 30's for my 1990's Ruger Ranch Mini-14. The Ruger Mini-14 is an excellent and reliable rifle, and accuracy is decent under 200 yards. It was my patrol rifle for years, and its simplicity makes it an excellent rifle. My buddy has the factory Ruger collapsible Mini-14.
Paid $460 new OTD for my stainless Mini 14 in 1998...at the time I was 18 and it was the most expensive gun I had ever bought. Put maybe 300 rounds through it over the past 23 years, still rocking the wood stock and factory scope rings with a Wally World Tasco 4x ... probably wont ever get rid of it.
Paid $900. OTD in 2017. Red dot and other mods. A light and sling. And shoots 5.56 great. Love the mini. 👍🏻
I bought a 196 Series a couple years back with a terribly worn out wood stock and a fold down sight that folded every time I shot it for $400.
I added Tech Sight's, tan Houge stock, Ultimak M4-b scout rail and a blue force gear sling. It may not be as accurate as most tactical rifles but it uses standard ammo and I can carry it with me to states where an AR styled platform is shunned upon or infringed.
I sure wish Ruger let that front blade sight alone. It’s so much better than the “winged” setup they’re using now. Hard to go wrong with an old Mini 14!
I traded a rolling block rifle for one of these and a hk vp9 the other day before I seen this video. The rolling block rifle was worth about $800 I’d say I hit a home run. It was and older mini, I torqued the screws over the front sling swivel on the barrel and it shot 2.5 moa I think that could change with your sight picture I couldn’t be happier. It’s my new truck gun
Quote "How many guns to we have in our collection that arent super accurate, aren't tacticool, arent the best choice & yet you love them so much!" Agree! I love my wood/blued Mini and my wood/blued Marlin Camp9(another TNP favorite)so much, even though there are better, newer guns out there? Its the fun factor. Thats why these rifles are so popular. Great video Nutnfancy.
marlin camp 9? ALWAYS wanted one of those, or the 45. Dont they use S&W mags? Had a buddy who had the ruger 44 carbine.
Yup, I bought one (also a 188 series wood/ss) new back in the day when a local guns shop had a Ruger sale. In fact, I also bought a Mini 30 at the same time (189 series wood/blue). The Mini 14 was $250 and the Mini 30 was $295 on sale. Still have them in like-new condition, including original paperwork/box, etc... Not selling anytime soon! lol
Good Luck!
I still love the Mini-14. I pull it out from time to time from the safe and put a couple hundred rounds down Range with it. It won’t win any accuracy contests, but it does what I want in to do. Thank you for the review, and the reminder to dust mine off and give it some love.
The bunker reviews with TD are my favorite of your videos just because of the fellowship of you two its just entertaining
Just got a 80s stainless Mini 14, roll marks say Mini 14 223 and I purchase a 2018 model marked Mini 14 5.56 NATO. My local gun shop had 5 Ruger 30 red mags, which I bought them all.
Aaaaand the prices just went up
Bill Seitz damnit Nuttin...thx a lot
Thanks a lot obama...
My newer, stock Mini-14 will easily do anything I want it to do 0-100 yards. No significant sight offset.
I have always had the Mini 14 high up on there my "next to buy list" but for one reason or another I always end up buying something else. The ranch model with the wooden stock, beautiful!
I hope they go collectable. I have an older, thin barreled Mini 14 with a Butler Creek folding stock, scope mount and 3x9x40 scope. I love the old girl.
I totally agree on the Mini 14, these will be collectible. They've been riding along side of the AR market for SSSSSSSSSSSSoooooo long, kind of chugging, not surging, but keeping pace. I get the feeling though that sales have been chugging as well. Are there good examples of earlier 14's available at a reasonable price now? And, what the heck is the deal with the Mini 30? THAT is the gun I want to be reliable, affordable, and available. I need an affordable SAPR in 7.62.
Love my mini’s. Seen the older gen mini’s going for as much as new ones in cabelas
99% of the time, in a suburban shtf setting, you're never going to shoot more than 50 yards. the mini is a perfect gun for that.
Get the Samson A TM folder for your mini 14, greatest stock ever!
I have a newer 582 series stainless ranch rifle with the synthetic stock.It's a good gun. In fact it was the first gun I ever bought. Bought it used at a gun show for $600. It was in great shape,came with a Leopold scope too.The extractor broke recently. I just called Ruger and they sent me a new extractor,plunger & plunger spring for free.Had it fixed 3 days later. Took about 15min to fix. I have an AR too. I like them both. I've been offered $750 for it. I wouldn't sell it for $1200 tbh. It's a great back up rifle. I been thinking about buying the rubber coated stock. I enjoy shooting it just as much as my AR.
I was just out shooting my Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Tactical today. It's an older model from the '90s with the ATI folder. No top Pic rail though. What a coincidence that this came over my feed tonight! Sweet little rifle.
I have an old folding stock mini14. The a team gun! Love it.
YOU SIR ARE ONE LUKKY SOB!! Those rifles are going for 1500 and up now, I saw just the FACTORY SS FOLDING STOCK AT A GUN SHOW YEARS AGO, JUST THE STOCK SELLING FOR 950.00!!!
“That’s a family memory, right there.” Lol Very Blessed, Sir.
I watched this and totally agree. It’s about the most fun rifle I have. I didn’t read the comments though; I can’t take all the a team references. It ain’t funny no more, if it ever was. Keep rockin’ those mags Nutn boy!
I have the Stainless Steel 183 Series Mini 14, and bought it new…The wood actually has a great wood grain to it, not like most of the plain Jane drab stocks that I’ve seen. It’s a great rifle and has always gone bang when I go shooting. For what ever reason, I get a 2 1/2 moa at 100 yards not like I keep hearing from others that get 4 to 5 moa’s…..mine is in pristine condition, well cared for…
I went to vacation in Bermuda like 5 years ago. The soldiers used mini 14s back then and you'd see guys in army uniforms riding around the island on mopeds. These days they use some model of G36 if I remember correctly
As a defensive firearm, do you need accuracy beyond 100 yards? Or for that matter, 50 yards? Plinking at bad guys 300 yards away is a fantasy... Can you make an argument for "I was afraid for my life" when the guy is three blocks away? No. A gang of thugs, armed and in your yard? yes. Will the Mini 14 provide enough firepower, reliability, accuracy to make that threat go away? Absolutely. In the real world, it is enough.
I bought my 582 several years ago, and it had the wood stock, blued metal and 5 round magazine from Walmart, plus got my 10% discount and my 15% Christmas bonus discount on it.
I did buy an ATI stock for it and it doesn't suck that bad, it's kind of cool looking. I also picked up a Hogue Polymer stock for it and that's what it's currently wearing.
If I had to give up my AR-15's to other people to use to defend themselves and only had my Mini left, I'd be well armed.
Ying yang. Love my Colt AR. Love my 582 series Mini-14. There's just something about the inherent simplicity of the Garand-style action, and with a Brimstone trigger job, Tech Sights, and Accu-Strut, I hit just like I do with my AR.
I have a mini-14 each rifle made in the 80’s. Love it,
I have a Mini 14 Ranch with a greenish wood stock. It's actually a very pretty gun, nice to see it's regaining some popularity.
Tactical doodle casually flexing that war hammer 40k knowledge like I’m not gonna notice that shit. Blood for the blood god!!!
I got my 580 series used Mini-14 at the local gun store for 595! It's the tactical model, now with 2 more Ruger 20 round mags and a low profile red dot I'm in love. Wanted one since I was a kid. The owner has know me since I was kid and I only buy guns from him so he gives me good deals.
My very first rifle... was that very mini 14 you showed a picture of in the bunker!! (1986)
You guys are incredible gun nerds....and i cant stop watching
I always liked the mini 14 and mini 30. The m1A is one of my all time favorite rifles as well.
A mini 14 stainless steel government model was my first patrol rifle. Paid $275 for it used, which was a helluva cheaper than an AR-15 at the time. Back in the early 90s you couldn't touch an AR for less than a grand. It has been regulated to the safe with the rest of my weapons I carried on duty during my career.
I bought my wife a new model 3 or 4 years ago from Walmart, $724 .
It's a lot better than the old one I had decades ago.
I just love the gun community...you guys rock.
I chose the Mini 14 because I started my military career training with the M1 Garand and the M14 with the M1 Carbine as a secondary arm. I transitioned to the M16/M16A1. Before I retired the M16A2 was being issued. Once I was out and in the market for a good 5.56mm semi auto rifle the only choice I considered was the Mini 14.
Been on the fence about one sitting at a local pawn shop, guess I just fell off, guess I just added a new carbine to the collection. Not really a AR guy, (do have a few, collecting dust) like old school, have a lot lever actions, needed a semi-auto, just found it, thanks 👍🏼🤠
I love it when a plan comes together.
When you showed the pic of the mini with the side folder the first thing that came to my mind was the A Team. My first rifle was a mini ranch rifle in the mid 2000s. Awesome gun.
I love this video & your content! As a father myself of an 11-year-old who I’ve been training up 🔫 Furthermore, it is super awesome to see you making content with your son. 👍👍 I agree with you that the mini 14s will be increasing the value. California insane gun laws will be making that a lam dunk. They have made the AR pretty much unusable meanwhile the mini 14 which is the same caliber you can not have a fin,use a muzzle brake etc. etc. people in California with everything that’s going on are looking for viable home defense & the mini 14 is what all of us need 🎯because we cannot legally operate a usable AR ....IMO 16:00 in and I now I see you know exactly what I’m saying 😎
One of my favorite guns to shoot in my collection. Wasr 10 is second.
Just watched for the second time. Picked up a wood stock, stainless last April with 800 rounds! so im sure it has 200 rounds through it. Super clean, always wanted one, now I have it !
If your in trouble , and if you can find them ,..... maybe you can hire the Nutnfancy-Team ....
I have an old stainless mini just like young buck had on the iPad with factory folder. Came with factory mags. Two 30s and one 40. Best part is what I paid, under 600! Even has the original sling, and flash hider. After watching video I had to pull her out and look at her in awe. Love it
Great deal! -Doodle
@@nutnfancy yes sir, got it two maybe three years ago. Right place right time. Almost felt guilty, almost. Lol
OOOOh the 90's. When I was a young punk college kid I couldn't afford a Mini 14. Instead I had a few Chinese SKSs from the local pawn shop. I think they where 160.00 each if I remember right. They came with chrome lined barrels, green sling, cleaning kit in the buttstock and no bayonets. I added aftermarket duckbill 30rnd mags. I also had the paratrooper model with the short barrel. 7.62x39 ammo was very cheap back then and I was able to stockpile. Regretfully I dont have any of those rifles anymore. Today I have a 580s Mini 14, ARs, AKs and others. For me in the 90s the SKS was an affordable way to get a Milspec rifle on a college kid budget.
The first thing you do with the Mini is get rid of that upper hand guard (shroud covering the op rod) and replace with a Choate that exposes the op rod. Love my Mini Tactical with Leupold VX-2 2-7x. Nutnfancy’s old Duracoated Mini videos inspired me to set mine up.
As a retired Army Grunt, I haven’t been in love with the Mini-14 but I do respect it. That said, the one variant that catches my eye is the GB variant and by chance while visiting my local pawn shop I found a 185 series GB variant that was a former Texas prison gun and in excellent condition for $700. This was 6 years ago and I love it. I ordered a Sampson folder (black finish) and it should make it even more interesting.
The “A team” 👍
Meh... I can get 2-3 budget AR-15s for 1 mini-14. I don't get the "collectible allure" 2nd cool. I'm blinded by 1st.
I have 2 guns that cover all my 1st cool needs. Any purchases after that is heavily swayed by 2nd cool
Shoot, at that age was shooting my old man’s .357,.44 mag. He gone but what a great experience. A combat vet,ex cop and great man. Sorry bout that 👍🏻
Happiness is a Nutnfancy gun review. Thanks!
Happiness is also a warm gun...
Already was planning on taking my mini to the range on Friday...this video just got me more hyped up!
I remember that a guy ran a Mini 14 in your Armed Serenity shoot. I think that was the video's name.
When I was young I wanted the Mini 14 along with a GP100 but I never made those purchases. I went with other platforms and I can't say that I have any regrets. But, I would buy them if I hadn't been able topics up the other platforms and I'd probably be happy enough with them.
I just recently purchased a new model one and I'm happy with my purchase. I was initially going to go with the 300 blk but ultimately decided on 556 mainly for cost of shooting. If I decide on going through the nfa process again and buy a 30 cal can then maybe pick one up in 300 blk otherwise I don't see the point.
I love my Mini. One of my favorite rifles!
My 181-series, I bought in 1983... still a great overall gun.
You are bundled up like January. It's August! Glad to see this re-released.
I actually enjoy the miini more than the AR.
The gun store in Ema, Missouri had two of the Mini-14 Target rifles last time I was there if anyone’s interested. Great shop if you’re passing though too. Something for everyone! It’s an antique store, liquor & firearms sales.
If you want to improve the accuracy of your mini14 place a block at the quarter chord of the free-floating barrel, forward of the receiver. I use a tough, thermally stable plastic block for its dampening effect, but the point is to change the barrel harmonics to maximize accuracy.
Also, never, ever, ever sell a Firearm. That money won't make any difference and if you are that lean it is too late to sell much of anything. You should have done something else 6 months ago.
My first Mini was the first one to come into the Upper Snake River Valley in Idaho, and I traded a clapped-out Colt Trooper MkIII straight across for it. Took it with me up to Malmstrom AFB, and with it in the prairie dog towns, it was okay, out to 100 yards or so with it. I think at last count, I've owned five of them, and can't seem to hang onto one. Maybe someday.
BTW, speaking of the Arisaka and the marks... The difference between the unaltered guns and the ground crysanthemum... intact indicates a captured piece, i.e., picked up out of the hands of a dead guy, or off the field. The crysanthemum was ground off if it was surrendered.
LOL, TacDoodle quoting 40K. C'mon Thunder Warriors, let's roll.
Love it! Lupercal!
For the Emperor!
For the Lion!
It's like a plus size 10/22.. sweet little gun
What do you think of the mini 30? I feel like that could have a decent purpose for those that like 762x39
I used to have a Mini Thirty. I had to sell it when times got hard, and I'm sorry that happened. It was used, and had some mechanical bugs that I had to work out, which I did myself. The biggest downside was the magazines. Finding *reliable* 30-round mags was like trying to find a sharp needle in a pile of dull needles. I love the Mini platform, but I will not be buying another until they start taking standard AR 5.56 mags and AK 7.62x39mm mags, respectively. That's how strongly I feel about the magazine issues.
@@richard6133 oh interesting! Thanks for the insight
@@richard6133 Yeah, nutn did a video on the mini 30 a couple years ago and pretty much said all the same things. It's a shame because if it was reliable it would be super cool.
I used to have a Mini 30, would not feed badically at all, same issues he had in his review look it up, they fucked it up some how, and less acurate than my SKS and 3 times the price.
Beloved indeed, although I had to sell my 582 series mini because it was an absolute lemon. Constant failures to feed and eject with any ammo with factory mags. I say lemon bc I know just how rugged these things are, and would love to own one again.
Living in a ban state, I settled for a Saiga 7.62 sporter rifle and it has been a dream reliability-wise with modern mini accuracy. Both guns are imperfect and have their quirks, but boy are they solid inside 100m.
Excellent video! For me it hits the topic 100%!
I just bought a new Ruger Mini 14 Ranch, blued with wooden stock for 809.00 I took your advice and purchased the Weaver Classic V-Series Model 849399 2.5-7x32 Matte Rifle Scope Dual X Reticle for only 100.00 (used)on eBay last night. I was able to purchase 10rnd, 20rnd and 30rnd mags even though I'm in California. My local shooting range lets us shoot anything we want. I ordered from JoeFriday22 on eBay a USA MADE OD Green Cotton Canvas M1 Carbine 1 inch Rifle Sling US Military PMT for 19.49. I went and put 190 rounds flawlessly down range. I love this rifle and now want a stainless version to add to my collection. The old picture of you standing in front of the VW Bug with a pair of Mini's in your hands and the classic Scott Baio haircut was awesome.
Mini 14 seems New York ready. Once I looked into what you need to hobble the AR 15 to make it NY legal, you are basically looking at the Mini 14.
Either You Guy's Filmed This In Another Month Or Your A/C Is Kicking Ass! (Always Look Forward To Latest Videos Guy's! Thanks!)
As someone who was a kid in the 80's and 90's, growing up shooting a mini, I totally get the nostalgia. I'm curious as to your thoughts on something like the Ultimak scout rail on a Mini 14 tactical. Seems like solves the rail and accessories issue.
The ruger mini 14 with a wood stock and blued finish is my home defense rifle of choice. It looks like a " regular" rifle not an assault rifle.
Another note, Ruger did make a small number of ranch rifles with factory folding stocks. This is the way to go...scope mounts instead of that useless iron sight.
Well, I have an original Mini 14 folding stock. This is the original folding stock which came with the gun. I bought it brand new sometime in the 1980's but I can't remember when. Moreover, I don't have over 200 rounds through this gun, mainly because I just had a lot of other guns which took up my range and hunting time. I bought it to throw in the back of my old CJ7 Jeep for pig hunting here in Florida, but ended up using my Super Blackhawk much more often. Then it became a vault gun for many years. I just now got it out and cleaned it. Cool gun.
I love my mini. Best home defense ever. Who's out shooting bad guys at 300 yards?
2nd! I love my mini 14s. I love taking it to multi gun comps.the looks you get from the $2300 ar guys alone makes it worth keeping for life. I want to get anewer one tho.and maybe one in 300blk for shits and gigs.