In part 2 of this series on the Mini-14, I discuss my current Mini-14 setup. Product Links: Specter Gear Mini-14 / 30 Slings & BMP's www.spectergear...
Nice video! The Mini 14 is my go to as well. #1 reason being….the gas operating system does not foul the bolt carrier group like the AR platform! That’s it. I own multiple .223/5.56 rifles, and after many many years of experience using them, I have determined the Mini 14 the most user friendly, reliable, and lowest maintenance. Of course everyone has an opinion, my decision is based solely on my own personal observations through experience.
It’s a shame some states have infringed so much on our 2A rights. Fortunately here in Texas I’ve been able to configure my 580 series Ranch Rifle to my liking. I agree the Mini 14 is an outstanding platform. Even though I own ARs as well, my Mini is my go-to. Looking forward to more of your videos.
I specifically went with a Mini-14 because of the old style wooden stock, so it was interesting to see that it did not work for you. It's also worth noting that you left the internals as they are. Looking forward to your insights as I continue to enjoy this series of videos on the Mini-14. Thanks for sharing!
I have the same setup pretty much on my 583 series, with a Raptor sling but without the rail. I also live in a restricted state. That being said, I love my Mini14, it reminds me of the M14 I was issued back in 1970s USMC. Im also strictly just Iron sights on all my firearms for the same reasons you mentioned. Really enjoying the videos, Thanks for posting.
Thank you, I am enjoying your Mini-14 series of videos. While I am an AR guy I've loved Garand action rifles since 1966 when I qualified on the M14 in the Army. Decades later I had to get a Springfield M1A and an M1 Carbine then filled that gap with the Mini-14. I have a bone stock Ranch Rifle and enjoy it immensely but am open to a few upgrades. Being an older guy I love the guns I grew up with but living in a free state I rely more on an M4 style AR-15 and like being in both worlds. In fact I just got a Ruger PC Carbine 9mm which might be an even better way to go for a home defense rifle but I don't plan to get rid of my Mini-14. Thanks again for your video series!
Hey, appreciate the videos discussing minis! Fantastic rifle indeed, just got myself one in dirty Russian caliber 7.62x39, simply because I've wanted this rifle for a long time but have found myself collecting multiple AR types all in 556 and couldn't justify buying another in the same caliber. Anyway. Appreciate the videos on this rifle. Just purchased a double mag pouch from your website. 👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
The Choate replacement stock fits the action so much better than the factory Ruger Ruger synthetic stock. Like a glove! It improves accuracy a TON! Absolutely zero comparison, really. Also, a barrel stabilizer helps a absolute ton! Especially for an early model like yours. Get an Ultimak rail and a Circle/Dot reticle from Holosun, or others. You will ring steel out to 250 yards regularly, believe me.
I love the mini 14s. When I purchased my first one back in 1978 I purchased it versus an AR was cost. In those days the only real choice in ARs was a Colt. I was in college at the time and the mini 14 was under 275 dollars and the Colt AR was over 500 dollars closer to 575. Over 300 dollars purchased a great deal of ammunition.
Great video! I have the Amega handguard on both my mini 14 and mini 30. Like you, I grew up using iron sites - but with some age on me now, I can’t focus effectively on that front post anymore. I now have a red dot on both weapons. Ruger does have rings and a rail for this weapon, but it’ll make it tough (impossible) to get the bolt out for cleaning.
I 2nd the recommendation of the raptor 2 point sling and the buttstock mag pouch for the Mini-14. They fit mine perfectly and greatly enhance it's readiness.
I've installed extended mag releases on my Minis. Nothing fancy, just a little extra length to ease mag changes. Other than that, your TechSite and Amega Ranges mods are identical to mine.
Love the Mini, and while the scout rails seem like a good idea, I found that aluminum clamped to the barrel became a hand-cooker on the M1 Garand and M1A. How do you keep from burning yourself when shooting?
Really enjoy these videos! Have a couple 581 Ranch Rifles...a blue and stainless. Both set up the same way...Hogue OD stocks...Accu-Struts...trigger work...buttstock magazine pouch. We live in a rural area...out in the woods...I love them!!
Hi Scott, great video. I was curious how the sling connects to the buttstock of the rifle? Does the mag pouch carrier have a slot where the sling connects or does the sling connect to the buttstock and then does the mag pouch carrier go over top of it? It was just a bit hard to see how the two accesories mounted towards the end of the video.
Just bought one of these on October 14 but i have to wait 30 days to claim it as i had a felony arrest no conviction back in 89 .California DoJ just won’t let it go
Wait, how do you have a 20 round magazine in a restricted state? Do the authorities care a lot about that? If I order a 20 round stock magazine pouch to my house in NY will I get in trouble with the law?
Scott, I have an original 1970's "180" series ALL WOOD stock, pencil barrel, single blade unprotected front sight etc. Ruger says they have no parts / accessories for this series any longer, and told me there is nothing I can do to change sights etc on this rifle. It is a beautiful rifle in 100% perfect condition. I love shooting it, but the sights suck. So even if I do change the stock I still can't replace the replace the sights etc,..according to Ruger. Any help or suggestions you can give me Sir ?
Nice video! The Mini 14 is my go to as well. #1 reason being….the gas operating system does not foul the bolt carrier group like the AR platform! That’s it. I own multiple .223/5.56 rifles, and after many many years of experience using them, I have determined the Mini 14 the most user friendly, reliable, and lowest maintenance. Of course everyone has an opinion, my decision is based solely on my own personal observations through experience.
Same. My mini-30 and mini-14 are rock solid. I have others, but these are the stand by ones for me.
Great run through. Thanks for putting these together. As a new Mini-14 operator I find all your experience invaluable. Much appreciated.
It’s a shame some states have infringed so much on our 2A rights. Fortunately here in Texas I’ve been able to configure my 580 series Ranch Rifle to my liking. I agree the Mini 14 is an outstanding platform. Even though I own ARs as well, my Mini is my go-to. Looking forward to more of your videos.
I like this series… it’s fun to see another mini enthusiast..
I second that!
I specifically went with a Mini-14 because of the old style wooden stock, so it was interesting to see that it did not work for you. It's also worth noting that you left the internals as they are. Looking forward to your insights as I continue to enjoy this series of videos on the Mini-14. Thanks for sharing!
I have the same setup pretty much on my 583 series, with a Raptor sling but without the rail. I also live in a restricted state. That being said, I love my Mini14, it reminds me of the M14 I was issued back in 1970s USMC. Im also strictly just Iron sights on all my firearms for the same reasons you mentioned. Really enjoying the videos, Thanks for posting.
Thank you, I am enjoying your Mini-14 series of videos. While I am an AR guy I've loved Garand action rifles since 1966 when I qualified on the M14 in the Army. Decades later I had to get a Springfield M1A and an M1 Carbine then filled that gap with the Mini-14. I have a bone stock Ranch Rifle and enjoy it immensely but am open to a few upgrades. Being an older guy I love the guns I grew up with but living in a free state I rely more on an M4 style AR-15 and like being in both worlds. In fact I just got a Ruger PC Carbine 9mm which might be an even better way to go for a home defense rifle but I don't plan to get rid of my Mini-14. Thanks again for your video series!
Nicely done, thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much. Now I'm binge watching this series of videos.
Hey, appreciate the videos discussing minis! Fantastic rifle indeed, just got myself one in dirty Russian caliber 7.62x39, simply because I've wanted this rifle for a long time but have found myself collecting multiple AR types all in 556 and couldn't justify buying another in the same caliber. Anyway. Appreciate the videos on this rifle. Just purchased a double mag pouch from your website. 👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
The Choate replacement stock fits the action so much better than the factory Ruger Ruger synthetic stock. Like a glove! It improves accuracy a TON!
Absolutely zero comparison, really.
Also, a barrel stabilizer helps a absolute ton! Especially for an early model like yours.
Get an Ultimak rail and a Circle/Dot reticle from Holosun, or others.
You will ring steel out to 250 yards regularly, believe me.
I'm very much enjoying these videos! And I love the Specter Gear slings - thanks for making great stuff for the Mini 14!
I love the mini 14s. When I purchased my first one back in 1978 I purchased it versus an AR was cost. In those days the only real choice in ARs was a Colt. I was in college at the time and the mini 14 was under 275 dollars and the Colt AR was over 500 dollars closer to 575. Over 300 dollars purchased a great deal of ammunition.
Great video! I have the Amega handguard on both my mini 14 and mini 30. Like you, I grew up using iron sites - but with some age on me now, I can’t focus effectively on that front post anymore. I now have a red dot on both weapons. Ruger does have rings and a rail for this weapon, but it’ll make it tough (impossible) to get the bolt out for cleaning.
I 2nd the recommendation of the raptor 2 point sling and the buttstock mag pouch for the Mini-14. They fit mine perfectly and greatly enhance it's readiness.
I put a leuopold pig plex scope on mine with stock rings - great set up !
My 65-year-old eyes are bad enough that I have to use either a red dot or a low power scope. This is true on all my rifles and carbines.
lack of a flash suppressor will blind you like a flashbulb at night. CHOATE makes a nice A2 type
I've installed extended mag releases on my Minis. Nothing fancy, just a little extra length to ease mag changes. Other than that, your TechSite and Amega Ranges mods are identical to mine.
Love the Mini, and while the scout rails seem like a good idea, I found that aluminum clamped to the barrel became a hand-cooker on the M1 Garand and M1A. How do you keep from burning yourself when shooting?
Really enjoy these videos! Have a couple 581 Ranch Rifles...a blue and stainless. Both set up the same way...Hogue OD stocks...Accu-Struts...trigger work...buttstock magazine pouch. We live in a rural area...out in the woods...I love them!!
How hard was it to install the tack sights? Is there a video or do you recommend a gunsmith?
Hi Scott, great video. I was curious how the sling connects to the buttstock of the rifle? Does the mag pouch carrier have a slot where the sling connects or does the sling connect to the buttstock and then does the mag pouch carrier go over top of it? It was just a bit hard to see how the two accesories mounted towards the end of the video.
I'd like to know a bit more about the recoil buffer. Thanks
I just picked up a 187 series. When were the 187 series made???
Does that rail burn your hands does it heat up?
What brand is the front picatinny tail?
Just bought one of these on October 14 but i have to wait 30 days to claim it as i had a felony arrest no conviction back in 89 .California DoJ just won’t let it go
How long should you leave ammo in a mag? Will it weaken the springs if constantly depressed?
Mine is 558 got tactical stock folding shoots .556
Wait, how do you have a 20 round magazine in a restricted state?
Do the authorities care a lot about that?
If I order a 20 round stock magazine pouch to my house in NY will I get in trouble with the law?
Will your magazine carrier fit well enough for a 10 round magazine?
Scott, I have an original 1970's "180" series ALL WOOD stock, pencil barrel, single blade unprotected front sight etc. Ruger says they have no parts / accessories for this series any longer, and told me there is nothing I can do to change sights etc on this rifle. It is a beautiful rifle in 100% perfect condition. I love shooting it, but the sights suck. So even if I do change the stock I still can't replace the replace the sights etc,..according to Ruger. Any help or suggestions you can give me Sir ?
go after market
Can the mimi 14 shoot .223 like the AR?
Got flash suppressor
Got 30 round mag and 20
Awesome video sir. Oorah!!👍🏽👌🏽
Want up grade to red dot
restricted state....or communist state? I reserve the right to live in a free state. Just my 2cents from the bleacher seats. Semper Fi