Ruger Mini 14 vs M16
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- A comparison video between two of the best semi auto rifles of the last 40 years.
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![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EzyGl_w-IXg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/tr.png)
I have both, I love both. The post 580 series minis really improved accuracy wise..
Mine is pre 580 and I could always keep a 3-4 inch group at 100 yards. What more do you need from a non target rifle? That will take anything I’m shooting at…
@@mafirearmsafety the ranch rifle (580 series) and later (2005) are 1 MOA ..... at worst 1.5 MOA.. Trick is stick to ruger factory magz which are expensive but never jam. mine has folding ati stock and less recoil than any ar design. so yeah love hte mini14. The knock is that sights are more tedious to adjust and optics etc...
I'm surprised it took Ruger that long to correct the original design issues.
I have a mini and have had friends turn their nose up at them, I tell them I'm not storming a beach or going house to house in Fallujah, I'm protecting my family, my house and the 100 feet around it if the SHTF. Go ahead and try to kick my door in and lets see how well my mini works, lol. Thanks for the vid.
Had my Mini 14 for 36 years now and still love it because it runs 223 and 5.56 and never jams. By the way it's never been completely stripped down and cleaned like all you better than thow AR-15 owner's have to complete after every target session.😆 Probably up around 200,000 rounds or more. Prove your 15 is tougher and more reliable than that.
Been to iqra twice afgan twice as an 03, I would 100% be fine with a mini 14 in combat. Lol wouldn't think twice
@@drborg1460 The Royal Bermuda Regiment used them for 30+ years. th-cam.com/video/0aGa8R32p8o/w-d-xo.html
Well said
Mini 14 would be good if you had to go to court for using it in self defense. Don't want a *spooky scary* gun. XD
@timmybmn nice! Sounds fun.
@timmybmn Mini 14s are pretty cool as a whole. I think there were even really cool earlier models with neat side folding stocks.
@@luissantiago5163
Yes there was.
I had one.
I also traded it off because of that stock.
Google Ruger AC 5.56 should pop up photos w/folder.
Eh in this day and age you could have a pink revolver that says Girl Power on it and if the jury hates guns then they'll still hate you, regardless of what you got.
Just say, I want my lawyer, don't admit to anything, when you call 911, just ask for police and a paramedic and hang up, and get the best lawyer you can possibly afford.
I’ve never heard of a single case where it mattered.
Great overview. I would argue that for states like CA, a Ruger Mini 14 loads magazines faster than a CA compliant AR-15.
it depends on the user, a mini 14 is easy to reload if you have the right muscle memory
@@EHC-jh8xg Sounds like a training issue
That is why my family went with the Rugers. A neutered AR-15 is no way to own an AR-15.
@@LiquorMaster 100% agreed
Yeah agreed if I lived in that dirthole state I couldn’t bring myself to buy an AR with that fin on the grip. The fact that fin law exists has to be one of the stupidest political moves in American history and I truly believe in the next 100 years even chimpanzees will be capable of seeing how ridiculous that concept is
The 20" AR is underappreciated and often overlooked these days
We cleared houses with them in Panama and I never felt like I needed a shorter rifle . I would have no issue with an 18.5 mini indoors .
M16 variants > M4 variants
Totally agree. When my unit switched from M-16's to M-4's, range days became a lot longer lol. Malfunctions easily tripled. One soldier may never have a problem with his but watching large groups firing, the reduced reliability was immediately obvious. The reduced accuracy wasn't as big a problem but didn't go unnoticed. Having deployed with both, the only benefit I could find was greater ease in getting in and out of vehicles. There are plenty of hypotheticals but in practice, the longer weapons just weren't a problem while clearing houses. Now as a civilian, the only reason I'm even thinking about an AR is that I've had lots of practice with them. Unfortunately, pickings are slim on the long ones and I will never consider a short one... Decisions, decisions
5.56 really likes the 20" barrel over a 16" barrel
I got a 24 inch ss bull barrel man
Did better with the mini. Love the combination of the wood stock and 223/556 Ammo with the mini. Like you said, it looks less evil to those who have no clue.
I want the Mini-14 .....such a fun and nice little rifle. Great home defence option.
1)mini 14 does not poop where it eats. AR will blow gas back into your eyes especially when suppressed. 2) mini 14 safety is superior. I have had the safety on the m16 come off safe while carrying it in a 2pt sling while standing in line for chow. the mini safety will not accidentally disengage. you would only be pushing the trigger safety forward when you are going to start shooting and it puts your finger further away from the trigger.
I have also had the m16 safety fail to disengage during a training exercise bc the thumb of the nomex glove I was wearing snagged on the safety and got me "kia" 3) rock and lock is stronger and more reliable way of ensuring that the magazine is the proper position to load rounds into the chamber. when the mag clicks, you know it's ready to rock. when loading a mag into the m16 with a closed bolt, you have to slam the full 30 round magazine into the magwell to ensure it is seated properly. Ask any soldier why they put 28 rounds into their 30 round mags. 4) i hate A2 grips on rifles bc you have to maintain same hand position regardless of LOP. With traditional hunting stock you have some flexibility in terms of wrist angle, hand position. 5) clearing the mini is simpler bc it's an open top design. no bolt overrides on a mini14. i have had 2 bolt overrides from shitty aluminum mags in an m16. 6) all ruger steel mags will work on mini 14s and not all 5.56 STANAG mags will run in all 5.56 STANAG rifles. i would be willing to pay the premium for a reliable US made steel magazine. 5 mags would last me a lifetime as long as i keep it clean and change out the springs.
John, you're making it hard for me not to buy my first Mini-14. Thanks for your info.
@@antoniodelrio1292 Buy both Antonio. I did, and I enjoy both equally.
John, I stood up and clapped when I read your words.
I prefer my mini over the ar because i am more partial to wrist grip ergo's Even my defensive shotty wrist grip all day, pistol grip does look better .. but ... i am old i love the m1 look so much so i have the m14 in lew of an Ar10. another mini advantage : (heaven help us it never comes to pass) but if WROL was to occur the mini could be cleaned in diesel fuel wiped down and put bearing grease on the slide and it will chunk all day. FYI i have 5 Tapco gen 2. 30 round polymer mags. 11 years now, still operate flawlessly, and i have my steel mags as well. and i shoot the same groups my buds do with ARs , and the 5lb trigger is awesome, no need for a trigger job , unless your a competition kinda guy then you probably wouldn't use a mini anyway different philosophy of use.
I disagree with the 4th point in some aspects, about the broom handle being better than a pistol grip. I think M14 and Mini 14 having pistol grips bring them to modern standards, and specially the M14 it make it a good alternative to other proven .308 battle rifles like FN FAL or HK G3
I have always hunted with rifles with a grip, semi autos, I just don't like bolt actions with a straight grip, matter of taste
I have a mini with a factory collapsing stock. I thought about selling it, then saw the value, decided to keep it.
I really wish ruger would modernize the mini a bit like Springfield did with the M1A
The latest Mini 14 has a lot of improvements.
Better Barrel, Better trigger, More accurate, Newest synthetic stock is much stronger it doesn't need the metal reinforcement like older models. Better front sight.
Fixed stock Mini14 is legal
when I drive through States like the People's Republic of Maryland.
they have new ones every year
They have different set ups. Tactical, classic. Check out their website.
The M1A has accuracy problems, and is very expensive
If I could have found one I'd of got one. Put many rounds through a Mini, accurate and very reminiscent of my M14 in the service. The French carry the Mini 14. Just walk around Paris, good taste.
French LE replacing those with HK416s and HKG36s, just like US LE replaced the Mini / AC556 back in the late 1990s with M16s, M4s, MP5s, and UMPs.
Just a tip to reduce or in my experience eliminate the buffer twang. Coat the buffer and buffer spring with wheel bearing grease. I’ve done this to both of my rifles with great success. Combined probably have close to 15k rounds through them and neither has ever given me a single malfunction. I also use lithium wheel bearing grease to lube all my guns but that’s just me.
I use high temp grease and synthetic motor oil mixed to the consistency of honey in most of my guns. I picked it up from School of the American Rifle here on TH-cam. That guy knows everything there is to know about the AR platform.
Even a high quality weapons lubrication oil will do the job and it won't make a mess like Grease
China's Most Popular Liquor | BAIJIU
th-cam.com/video/NCrJePQz0YA/w-d-xo.html
Cutting oil works good... it can stand the heat.
Loved the recoil sound when I was shooting the M16A2 while in the Marines
sad that we have to worry about courts considering the aesthetics of a gun.
In Liberal Cali-cartel country for certain!
I have one of each...love them both!
It's called the "giggle switch". Amazing video, been on my watch later list for years, so glad I finally got to it. Your channel is amazing and I love the work you and your wife do for the local shelters.
You can get adjustable stocks, pistol grips, muzzle brakes and everything else anyone would like for theMini and they come with a rail and scope rings
True. All come with rings. The "tactical" version comes flash hider, and with rail and screws also.
Have always liked the mini. Good comparison of both rifles.
I have both but love the mini. It's just so damn fun to shoot. My 13 year old son prefers it over the AR as well. There's just something about it.
I totally agree. Both good rifles, but as you said, just more fun. Maybe it is the sound of the bolt slamming closed each time.
Do you have the wooden version? Can't decide which one to get wooden or synthetic black or steel
I have a mini 30, and it fits the niche I want. An action I like, it’s reliable, mine is accurate, and it feels more like a rifle to me. I’ve always looked at ARs as combat machines/ competition tools. As far as the manual of arms go, you just have to learn them. Tent the M16 to watch, and the Mini 14 (30) to the woods. Good hunting.
Yep, me too. My Mini 30 (Tactical, which is the poly stock with flash hider), is my main everyday truck gun rifle. 14 is fun, but that little extra of the 30 cal. is like you said, more of a rifle. Oh, and the Kalashnikov ammo is much cheaper.
Have you used your Mini-30 for deer hunting?
I built a couple of AR's and installed chrome silicon buffer springs. That removes the "sprong" sound and makes the cycling a bit more reliable.
I remember in 1984 when I went through basic training, firing the M-16 I always heard that "sprong" noise when I fired the rifle, and it's noticeably gone in both of those rifles now. The regular buffer spring should be replaced every 12,000 rounds, but the chrome silicon buffer spring can last upwards of several hundred thousand rounds. 650,000 to 700,000 are the life expectancy of the 2 I installed. I doubt I'll ever fire that much out of either gun.
I love my mini 14 it has the wood stock and its also blued like yours but mine also has the flash suppressor and came with 2 20 round mags... great video by the way👍
The majority of the felt recoil difference can be attributed to the gas system. Long stroke piston in the Mini 14 leads to more mass coming back into the shoulder as well as pushing the gun around .
4 names my friend. Hannibal, Face, Murdoch, and B.A.
Still waiting for the A-Team reference in favor of the Mini-14.
Yeah but they never hit anything with them. LOL
I pity the fool that disrespects the mini 14
Got one folding stock
I'd buy a Mini-14 if it was 200 or 300 bucks cheaper.
Look on Gun Auction. I see some for 350. You can probably snag one at one point for under 500
It used to be until the sandy hook shooting I remember seeing the mini floating around 500 to 600 for the parkerized version and 600 to seven for the stainless steel and wood option. Ever since that shooting and all the talks of assault weapons bans being brought up the gun went up in price and it stayed their also doesn’t help that Ruger announced and launched their Ar15 carbine bummer really I should have bought it when I had the chance but I said no kinda regretting it now.
Buy a used one. They have a transferable lifetime warranty. 580+ series with the heavier barrel are more accurate. The pencil barrel ones aren't bad. You can buy a barrel stabilizer for them and it makes the accuracy better,I've head it makes it alot better.
@@Thundarr995 I actually did buy a used Mini 580 series since I made that comment. lol
They really took off in price . I picked one up a few years back online for around $600, by shopping around. Today nothing is cheap but Ruger is cranking them out so they are at least available
I can hear the nutnfancy table top review, telling me the mini 14 is just as capable.
"no need for more than 30 rounds in home defense" .............Unless you're John Wick! LOL!!
I feel like John wick would need less than 5 rounds to fend off 7 attackers
Just the neighbors interrupting the video deserves a like, but overall an awesome video
Nice review. The Mini has a lot of adaptions and can use a folding stock without a lot of brouhaha. There are excellent 30 round mags for them for $20. The mini also doesn't need a forward thumb assist and doesn't have the t-handle bolt lever. The rifle stock is easier to use prone and is more "pointable" than a pistol grip, and stows in a smaller case.
Great comparison. I really like the fact that you brought up the court defense aspect. I've always said when you use a real tactical gun for self defense be prepared for trial. I also feel having punisher grips and the like on a self defense handgun will leave you explaining your motives.
How about having "smile and wait for flash" engraved in it?
@@brianpartlow5530 All of MINE have that engraved on a little sign out by the muzzle.
Jury: “That mini 14 looks like the gun my grandpa used to shoot coyotes with… not guilty.”
I have both and I love both. I thoroughly enjoy shooting my M4 but I really love shooting the Mini. The main complaint I have of the Mini is when using the iron sights after like two or three mags the heat mirage is brutal. Besides that she's a beast.
It was nice to have an honest comparison between the AR15 and the Mini-14. Thanks.
One of the nicest mods to my Mini was an adjustable gas block. Easy to acquire and install.
Love the review! I got a Mini last year as well, being in CA and all. It was discounted and so it saved my broke student ass some money, and I didn’t expect much out of it, just wanted a banproof 5.56 rifle. But it performs way better than I thought, just avoid using ProMag mags and buy only Ruger mags. John Masen mags feed fine but need some sanding down to release smoothly. Also bought a ton of 20 rders recently:)
So you're ready to manage for sure
Guess what? Democrats will ban the Mini as well.
Promag steels with a $5 Ruger follower are just as good as the overpriced as fuck Ruger mags
Always wanted a mini. Finally found one that was in excellent condition and the right price. I show it to a non shooting person and they think it’s cute. Oh what they don’t know about this firearm and it’s history.
I like the A2 because of the rear sight adjustment. I'm thinking about getting a mini 14 just for truck gun
That's an expensive truck gun lol
What state do you live in? Most states don't allow loaded long guns in vehicles
2:07 That safety is a design taken from the M14 of which this rifle was designed. It would be sacrilege to put a different safety on that. If you did put a different safety it would equate to the cross bolt safety people hate on lever guns.
Ruger did that HISTORICALLY CORRECT and it isn't a bad decision to do so. yes, I'm older in my 50s and if this gun had a modern safety it would mess up the vibe.
Actually the Garand had the safety in the trigger guard first. My garand actually has a hole in the safety to put a lock in it.
@@oldmangreywolf6892 I know, I wasn't stating when the first trigger safety in the guard was, I was stating the Mini-14 was designed after the M-14 which saw service after the Garand.
Ruger designed it as a Mini M-14 hence the name Mini-14
Also, To complain about the safety location on the Mini-14 highlights ignorance.
People should know- Don't put your trigger finger inside the trigger well until you're ready to fire.... on any gun... so, when you're ready to fire the Mini-14, put your finger in the trigger well and push the safety forward, then pull the trigger back to fire...
really- people need to grow some balls and stop complaining about the Mini-14 trigger/ safety
It is the same safety as the M-1 Garand, and M-14. Many thousands of American soldiers used it safely in battle. @@Solidbuilthomes
@@Mrelindio42 I had to edit my comment to correct some grammar and verbiage
I had a Mini-14 a little over 20 yrs. back that I bought used for $350 with a case, (2) 30 rd. mags and a pile of .223's. It saw 90% of its action East of South Florida in an offshore setting. Crazy the things one finds from time to time drifting up the Gulfstream to use as target practice LOL. A very solid performer that I would not hesitate to stake my existence on- so don't let the A-Team fool you, it had ZERO problems finding the target! Something about stainless and the wood that makes it look nautically cool too IMO...
Having shot both kinds of rifle I prefer the Mini-14. I just shoot it better. It's the rifle I've had the most time with. Maybe given more time with AR-15's I'll like them more.
Edit: Great video by the way
@@graynotescartridgebox The AR is potentially more accurate. There are variables to consider such as the abilities of the operator and the quality of the rifle itself. A mini 14 may be less accurate than a higher end AR but the Ruger will out perform a budget AR all day long and be more reliable.
@@graynotescartridgebox at 47, I also have grown up with, own and shoot both. My opinion is mine, based on my experiences with both platforms. I am a very accomplished shooter. With my Colt Canada AR, I am dead nuts accurate out to 500 yds, with my Ruger, I'm confident out to about 350. However, when compared to a regular Colt AR (half cost of Colt Canada rifle) the Ruger is more accurate for me.
@@graynotescartridgebox Truth be told, I love all guns that'll run reliably. Don't care about cost, popularity or the perceived tacticoolness of it (I think I just invented a word 🤨)
Love my Ruger Mini14 and Mini30 as much but differently than my Colt Canada AR15 and Stag Arms AR10. Have a great night brother.
@@graynotescartridgebox The newer Mini 14 with the heavier barrel is a 2-3 moa gun out of the box, and easily the more reliable and well built choice than a cheap AR.
With some minor tweaking and quality ammo my 580 series is sub 2 moa shooter. That puts the accuracy on par with a mid level AR, but I also get piston driven reliability, a cleaner running gun that doesn't need any babying, and a lifetime warranty from a company that stands by their product. The Mini has a lot more going for it than people give it credit for.
In Massachusetts you have to get a fixed mag AR or a pre ban but you can get any Mini you want
I own both and have for over twenty five years, I cannot see choosing one over the other. They both have their place and function!
However as far as magazines, for the Mini I ordered mags from Gander Mountain in the 80's and got two 20 round and two 40 round in stainless to match the rifle...
This is the first non biased video about the Mini 14. Usually everybody just shits on the mini and talks about their great AR
I have never had a mini jam. Every M-16 I used ,both A-1 and A-2 jammed on multiple times.
I recently built an Air Force M-16 clone and love how light it is, 6.5 lbs empty and how smooth it shoots.
Just bought a mini 14 ranch that was a friend's father's. Thanks for the review.
If memory serves the M-16 A1 and the original had a hole that was drilled into the carry handle and cold head manufactured a base that locked on into that handle and had a integral four power scope they were trying Vietnam but the seals on the scopes could not last long in that kind of humidity you can still find those things for sale there’s still some companies that make those scopes and mounts for the older cars that have a type of system.
By the way I love your channel loved watching you getting out there in and giving us the info on the guns along with your wife’s perspectives to that’s helped us with my wife because she doesn’t have some of the hand strength that I do to handle certain weapons love your channel keep up the good work man
The safety on the mini 14 is a positive for me . I will say mag swaps on my new mini have a learning curve
Yeah, never quite got the safety thing people complain about. Some handguns have absolutely no safety to speak of. I feel like having it there in the trigger guard makes it easy to give a quick flick when you're ready to shoot. Takes no extra time at all (or at least less than an AR safety), so I don't see how it'd be a worry.
Either have it on, and turn it off when you're ready to shoot; or have it on and keep it on cause you're not ready to shoot.
The safety is just like most of the rest of the gun. It’s a miniaturized M14 (M1A). The safety is the same on the M14 and the M1 Garand. Wasn’t a problem for the US Army. Don’t take the safety of until you got something to shoot.
@@MrJhappold Exactly! That's what I say. I mean different preferences for different people I guess, but I kinda like it. Just seems more intuitive, idk
@@dudeinadoughboy4327 I’m no operator by any stretch . That being said more than a few times I’ve forgotten to take off the safety . If I do that with my mini it’s less of an issue , especially with hogs or coyotes involved.
I disagree, a Safety that requires inserting a finger anywhere close to the trigger is a poor location, and data of accidental shootings backs that up.
Points not mentioned:
_______________________________
#1 Low sight offset.
*A. Point of aim = Point of impact.*
This is important for close range speed/precision/point shooting. Hostage shots, minimally exposed targets, etc.
*B. Minimal Exposure / Silhouette.*
Your entire head isn’t sticking up above the gun. That’s bad.
Overlooked today, but not historically
_- for firing prone/hole/trench/cover/etc_
_(similar to taking a bladed stance)_
Of course you _never_ want to be poking your head over _anything,_ but keep your head down and don’t get your head blown off are sound advice.
What would that target size be?
_• Eyes to Top of Head_
*+*
_• Bore to Sights (eye level)_
____________________________
_Eyes to top of head target size:_
_US Males Eye Height Stature_
_50th %ile 64.57” 69.09”_
_95th %ile 69.02” 73.62”_
_Ref Gordon, Claire C, et al (2014) 2012 anthropometric survey of US Army personnel_
_Roughly, 4-1/2”_
____________________________
Sight Offset:
_• An M1 Carbine’s sights are 3/4”_
_(Mini might be 7/8”)_
_• AR15 2-1/2”_
_• AR15 + high mount or piggyback 4”_
Target sizes:
_• M1: 5-1/4”_
_• AR: 7” +33%_
_• AR+HiMount: 8-1/2” +62%_
Is that significant? In combination with bore offset? Some of us may have seen some footage of a moving target with an M1 pattern rifle slipping shots over cover.
_______________________________
_______________________________
#2 The Traditional Stock
_Yes, the fudd stock has some advantages._
*A. Retention.*
The traditional stock is much easier to execute retention techniques with, fight with, draw close to the body beneath the arm, and fire.
We’ve all recently watched the most well documented self defense trial in history. It involved a rifle. In the most dynamic positions possible.
All of it was firing from retention up close.
*B. Point shooting*
Yes. Not firing from the sights. Firing from retention. It exists.
Again, in the self-defense case mentioned, not a single shot was fired using the sights.
The other incident mentioned, involving an M1 pattern rifle, involved advancing, while crouched, firing.
This point shooting position? That’s your high ready.
_______________________________
_______________________________
#3 It’s a simple gun.
I would argue more intuitive than the AK with its safety/fire selector.
Most people can be introduced to the mini and understand it pretty intuitively. The AR15 is a more complex design for someone unfamiliar with firearms.
Having your head up in the air like a turkey looking around is a no no! Also, most people don't know how to point shoot, but a lot of us do.
I don't see many videos of people shooting from any position other than standing or crouched. Are the more stable positions banned in the usual states?
I love retro M-16/AR-15s!
I like all the options and ease of access to parts for the AR. Some guns you have to wait and special order, then there is the waiting lists just for parts. Mags and ammo can be hard to come by.
In the book, Mekong Delta, a biography of John Tyler, a Navy SEAL, said the first thing they did in Vietnam was get rid of their M16's and get an M14. He said the M16's rounds deflected too much. The needed a heavier round in the jungle.
Great review!
I own both and I like both of them. I know. If you are only talking bang for your buck, then the AR will be your thing. AR's can shoot great. Their reputation is well deserved. Mini's aren't cheap. But to me they're worth it.
I would like to say the way both guns perform out of the box is not a end all conclusion by any means.
The Mini 14 leaves the factory WAY OVERGASSED! Because of this the action is way more violent than it needs to be. Ejecting the empties into the next County is not necessary. For about $25 you can get a gas bushing kit from Accuracy Systems that allows you to change out the bushings for smaller ones that tame the recoil and the violence of the action. Now we're talking about an ejection of 15 ft instead of 15 yards. This improves the accuracy tremendously! Also if you even up the gaps and properly torque the gas block screws, accuracy will improve. A barrel stabilizer will help with the accuracy of the Mini as well. I run a Ultimak Rail with a Holosun circle dot setup on mine. It will ring steel out to 200+ no problem. It shoots like a friggin dream! I have a couple of Buddies who served in the Marines who own AR's and they love my Mini 14! It was matching their modded AR's. One is getting a Mini 14 soon.
I like the Mini and the AR, but if I had to choose 1 for SHTF it would be the Mini hands down any day of the week.
Good review of both rifles. I have owned and shot both and yes, they are both good rifles. A couple of points that were not mentioned in the video but worth noting: 1) when you buy magazines for the Mini-14 get Ruger brand magazines. Use factory magazines only, aftermarket magazines are hit and miss (no pun intended). 2) the best feature about the Mini-14 was one you didn't mention, that is the Garand action. This action is supremely reliable and will continue to work even in the worst sub-zero weather. In the Korean War in that first winter, every weapon system the Army had on the ground froze up and became useless...except for the M-1 Garand. That Garand action is simply more robust and more reliable than the M-16 action. A third benefit to the Mini-14 is that is not classified under California law as an "assault rifle" because it lacks a pistol grip. Yes, I know it's a small technical thing, but in California right now I don't want to be under the microscope of the DOJ. Owning a Mini-14 gives you the firepower of an M-16 but without the "assault rifle" classification. You alluded to that point in the "courtroom" example but didn't fully flesh it out. Thanks!
I have a 581 series Mini 14 that is the tactical with the flash hider and is all black. I bought a wood stock and switch to whatever mood I'm in since it takes less than a minute to change them. Both look great ... would prefer the black synthetic for purposes of being more resilient to damage from actual use in the field.
Also I'm in my 50s and so I can sight better use a Red Dot mounted on a picatinny that the newer tactical and I am assuming the non-tactical all come with now with the mounts on the receiver. I also use the iron sights since the standard removable rail is raised enough to see under it and believe Ruger includes the rail as well as scope rings now if one wants a hunting scope on it.
As a left handed shooter the mini 14 is perfect!
I feel the same way! Don't have brass burning the $hit out of me, if I don't have a brass deflector.
Why is the Ruger better than an AR for left handed shooters?
@@MrMarnold6 because the charging handle is on the right side and the safety is easy to access as well. It’s simple and more ak like to operate. With a little practice though I don’t have any trouble with an ar, just not as natural. I’d rather adapt myself than change the rifle.
Living in California, the Mini 14 is the answer to our AR (Assault Weapons Ban) issue. At the range, no one gives me a second look as I pull out Dad's hunting rifle
Skinner sights makes an easy light mount for the mini now. Mini also ships with scope rings and a bridge pic rail stock. Mini can come with a flash hider, synthetic stock, and in stainless. My 580 minis are about the same accuracy as my 16" ar-15s. Both have served me just fine with 100% reliability. I would take either to "war".
I have to respectfully disagree about the safety on the mini 14. I think it has the best safety ever designed for any rifle. You can tell if it is on safe by simply checking in front of the trigger guard with your index finger. If it is on safe, reaching into the trigger guard to take it off safe presents no hazard at all...none. Taking it off safe is done by pushing away from the trigger. This allows the user to keep the firearm on safety until the moment you are ready to fire. It's actually genius. Excellent video.
3:08 .... I swear you youngsters are strange. The rock in magazine is like the M14 that this gun was designed directly from as a homage to the M14. WE want the magazine to rock in like the M14 did ... that was kind of the point.
In my opinion, the mini14 has an advantage if you have to go to court.
Love the simple safety on Mini 14 , me being a lefty , AR is a knuckle wriggle.
I have a Stainless 582 series. It was good from the factory, Customized minea little. . Added a bolt buffer lowered the gas pressure for less recoil. I lowered the gas pressure by removing the
0.80 orifice from the gas block and replaced it with a 0.50 orifice. Ditched the plastic guard on top, replaced it with an nice anodized black aluminum one. Took off the front sight and replaced it with a Mo Reaper. I really like my Mini-14,I don't have any complaints about it. I bought it used for less than half the price of a new one. It was in almost new condition. Probably sat in somebody's closet most of the time.
Who sells the Aluminum Handgaurd?
I love your review and honest disclaimer "I am a little biased..." which is okay to me. In the end you showed the potential of each weapon as good for home defense and left the decision to the buyer. I worked overseas in Kuwait as an armed Security Officer for the US Army. At the shooting range I never noticed any true difference between the recoil of both the M16A2 (yes 3 round burst select) vs. the M4 carbine. However, I can vouch after 12 hours of armed duty (with an M9) at active entry gates and inspection lanes in the scorching 120+ Kuwaiti 🇰🇼 heat (90°F on a summer night). We all preferred the M4 to carry vs. the full length infantry M16A2. Combat operations is different. However, Stateside the Mini 14 probably has more utility for overall use vs. the civilian AR-15. I enjoyed your evaluation, not long at all with content and honesty. Love your neighbors driving by...real hometown feel video. As said in Hawai`i, my home State, "Mahalo. "
Nice Video. Favor my 1985 mini. Prefer the wood/stainless design. IMO I think all rifles should have a garand style safety.
I bought a Mini-14 just like that, it came with scope rings, and a rail.
I am using a Bushnell Banner 3×9×40mm
I live in California, where AR's are nuetered a bit. I have a Mini 14 that I like a lot. The biggest drawback for me is the magazines. The Rifle came with a discount coupon from ruger for a one time purchase of accesorries at a 20% discount. Turns out, quite strangly that though Ruger will happily sell me a gun in California, they won't ship the accessories to California. Seriously Ruger, WTF? The rifle came with 2, 5 round mags. Ca. is limited to maximum 10 round mags, I tried a few Pro-Mag 10 rounders, they look great but none of the 3 would function. ( even though Pro Mag has been making them for decades, WTF Pro Mag? ) So, I had to pay full MSRP for 10 round Ruger mags at $40.00 each. Other than that, I really like the gun.
You can put optics on newer Mini's. They have cuts in the receiver for Ruger specific scope rings. Later models are also drilled and tapped for a pic rail. I own both rifles, but I prefer my Mini 14 stainless tactical. It has a threaded muzzle and a flash hider and you can put whatever muzzle device you want on it. Another cool trick is I put a Wilson Combat 1911 shock buffer behind the recoil spring on the op rod. Other than that, the only "mod" i've done to my Mini is a Choate hand guard.
I have always wanted a Mini-14, but so expensive. The Mini -14 looks less "evil," but an AR is more affordable
The mini 14 you can own in California and AR15 have to be turned into featureless.
Mini14/30 is all steel. AR15 is mostly aluminum. Steel requires heavier duty equipment to manufacture. At least a partial influence on cost.
In the early 80s I opted for the Mini because I didn't want to look like a 'prepper' when I was hunting, and because I was told that it was "just like the M14" (it isn't), but I fell in love with the guns simplicity, and still have it.
I have the Ranch mini 14 with a barrel stablizer and the Colt 6920 Magpul M4. I love both.
Having the safety in the trigger guard doesn't make it more prone to user error since you shouldn't be placing your finger into the trigger guard until you're ready to fire anyway.
Upstate NY living in a village of 800 on a mountain side the Mini-14 is king for an all purpose rifle. Mine have the Hogue stock as well as the ultimak rail however most of my neighbors retained the wood stock. The mini with the Nikon Active Target scope are a great combination. Coyotes and CoyDogs want to eat my cat. Oh, and the temperature today is 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
On same day trying out my A R 15 and my 14 ,they both jammed,it was much easier to clear the Mim 14 over the A R 15 , I had to break my 15 completely down.
The 14 only took seconds.
The garand action is intended to be used with stripper clips. You only need one mag.
The branch Davidians needed 30 round mags to defend against a home invaders.
I have a Ruger Mini-14 that I believe some of the criticisms leveled herein do not apply. I Installed an M-14 style flash suppressor and front sight years ago as well as a target rear sight years ago. Your review got me thinking about getting an aftermarket barrel stabilizer strut and an Accuracy Systems Ultra Match Barrel replacement (only $ 499.00) in a 7"-inch twist so as to use 65 gr bullets for even better accuracy. There are a ton of aftermarket rails I can get for passive sights available for Brownells and other providers. and still not get accused by semi-automatic haters of having a a so-called assault rifle. I do have a Civilian M-14 for those times that something firing .223 just is not enough.
Yeah, I did the same thing back in my younger days until one came back and got me in the calf. '' guess that broke me from pinging.''
I love how you guys play music with one another. This is romantic. I mean that. Thank you brother for the SOLID revue.and I recycle.
That retro look of that AR brings back good memories. To be young and invincible again...LOL
Used M16A2 in the marines plus have a mini 14 since 1991 both are very good
I added a barrel stabilization system to my Ruger. Helps make it more accurate
Same here. More accurate
My buddy's dad worked for Ruger back when the ar15/m16 first cam out and ruger had blue prints for a mini 15 that had pistol grip a built in forward grip and was able to take m16 mags with a polymer body and select fire ...but do to them trying to use the locking bolt like the m16 they couldn't acquire the license so they scraped the idea ....wish it had happened
I like the Mini 14
Nice to see you all are thawing out there.
Nice video ,very well done, I've carried M16 m14s in the military, the M14 was a little heavy little long, but far more reliable, then the early M16 but that was due to improper ammunition and improper cleaning, ARS are still a bit sensitive to their cleaning need, mini-14s are very good rifles right up there with the ARs, and if you know what you're doing there's no difference between an AR and a mini in performance !!!
Name me anyone who won a Camp Perry match with a Ruger Mini 14 lol?
I have both. Red dot on the AR and good scope on the mini 14. Have killed four10 point bucks at from 100 to 200 yds, one shot each, along with does for freezer, one shot each. The AR is fun to shoot but not as good of a hunting rifle. I do have a green light mounted on it for shooting armadillos and other varmints at night. Both good guns but if I could only have one it would be the mini-14
5:07 You can get aftermarket wood furniture for ARs. "I like wood on my guns!" ~R. Lee Ermey
Hannibal Smith used a Mini-14; nobody's perfect.
On the advice of my son, I have a mini 14 for a SHTF rifle. It doesn't look as 'scawy' as an AR type which is a good thing in Commiefornia.
Had one back in the early 80's. When it got hot the zero would wander. Got rid of it and got a Colt AR15A2 HBAR and still have it.
Nice video man. Kudos to your wife and yourself for making these. Very informational!
I think it's worth noting that the mini 14 has a far superior gas system. I've had the gas system fail on an m16a2 when I was in the army. I know. Showing my age. But back on point. The gas impingement system pushes hot dirty gas against your bcg. If you've over oiled it. That burning oil goes directly into your eyes, and the tube can fill with carbon and fail. A weapon that doesn't work no matter how accurate. Will not help you in a firefight.
I want both as usual... Great vid, thank you.
See if the mini 14 had a magpul stock and was black/coyote tan or something ..... then everyone would be terrified of it . Wood stock = okay that’s just a rifle . Black = MY LORD IT IS A KILLING MACHINE
Mini-14 throws the brass forward more so a brass deflector isn't needed like on the M-16 for us lefthanded shooters. I still have burn scars from firing the M-16 in the military.
Yup, same. USAF training on the M-16, hated it! Lol.
I live in Westchester NY & ARs are LEGAL but you need to have the non pistol grip stock on & a lot of people are prejudice. Ruger mini no one gives a shit. I have a stainless ranch that I bought last year. I wanted it years ago but ALL rifles were sold out nation wide & all I could get was an auto ordnance carbine (yeah handguard flies off mine too). Well last year I was looking for a Kel Tec because my FFLs business partner (himself a retired cop) said it was awesome) FFL couldn't get them BUT he when I asked about Rugers they were stacked in the corner like candy bars. I'm left handed so the safety & mag release work better for me & the bolt is easy for either hand. I am NEVER buying an AR
With the bolt locked back on the Mini, stripper clips can be inserted from the top to reload ammo in a pinch if of course you practiced that move.
Definitely the mini-14 for me. But I found really interesting from your video was the distinct sound difference from the mini-14 and the AR-15 with the same cartridge. It's kind of interesting they have a different sound. Thank you 👍
One had flash hider. The other did not. That accounts for the difference in report. Mechanically, they sound different due to different operating systems. The M-16 clone(AR-15), has a looser almost clangy slidy sound, The Mini has a more like a hammer striking sound.