I originally was set on getting an AR but when I went and held some I was turned off by the loose feeling stocks and hand guards. They felt like toys. Then I picked up the Mini and it just felt right.
Ar15 do have there place and u can get a lot more accessories and work very well. The mini-14 is very simplistic. Built like a tank but drives like and old pick up truck.
Was gonna ask- can the mini top load? I feel an ar makes more sense for “serious” use. But for more of a range toy/something that can do both I was looking at the mini 14 or 30 but I can’t tell if they top load. - a weird thing I like but I always thought the sks was really cool for being able to just have loose ammo loaded without more mags
The mini14 is what got me hooked on semiauto rifles back in 1979 when I shot one. Crisp,loud, powerful shot that shattered a cement block with a big fireball from the muzzle! Acquired many toys since then. USMC 1983-87
Love the Garand action. The first high-powered rifle I shot was an M-1 and fell in love with the action. I regret having to sell my Mini when work and living left me short one too many weeks in a row. Thats life.
I get that I had to sell 3 mini 14s one a team model 😢 I do have my mini GB though hopefully providence will shine and grocery money will be available lol
I have 180 series Mini 14 marked as bicentennial edition. I put the accustrut on mine also and it looks fabulous with its full wood stock. It’s a great ranch gun and I don’t mind taking it out to 200 meters for steel targets with my iron sights.
If your Mini-14 is a true 180 series, if you break down the trigger group and leave out the secondary sear spring when you put it back together, it will fire automatic, although it is not safe because the hammer is following the bolt back to home.
Redtra236: I tried it back in 1980 after I took it down and tried it. My leg was in a cast so I kneeled down holding the barrel with my crutch while my best friend pulled the trigger with 15 rounds in the 30 round preban magazine (don't remember what company made it). He pulled the trigger and held it and the rifle shot all 15 rounds. My friend is my witness.
Yes, I have my AR's and AK's, but when I hit the woods the Mini 14 and Mini 30 are just the best fit. My scoped Mini 30 can pretty much handle anything I'm going to run into in these parts and a lot less awkward in the woods than others
I've never hunted with mine but my mini thirty is equipt with a light so it's my go to night weapon when the coyotes are way to close. Never had to fire at them , usually just surprising then scares them off... unfortunately.
Check out Choate hand guards. They’re quality pieces. The other thing that’s nice about the mini 14/30 is they come tapped and ready for scopes. They even come with proprietary ruger scope rings. I have a Leupold 3-9 on my mini 30 using the included ruger rings. Great deer gun.
Man listen. I’ve had mini-14s back in the 90s , when I was in law-enforcement way back before they even thought about having magazine feed rifles in the mobile unit, all we had were 12 gauge pump, shotguns and revolvers. But anyway, I had two mini-14s on two different occasions, not really knowing what I had or just was unfamiliar with the weapons platform. I either traded or sold for a little to nothing now I have another one present day and it has a special place in my heart. Mines is the mini-14 tactical ,556 NATO.With a rogue rubber replacement stock from a black synthetic original stock, and also a heat shield over the top of the barrel with a SOCOM barrel stabilizer on mines, and I Really do like it a lot. And I know what I have and believe me you I will not be getting rid of this one. I also have AR’s but this mini 14 is near and dear to my heart…
I like the mini 14 but rather have the M-14 in 7.62 x 51 was the battle rifle i used in vietnam mounted with star-light scope. These were very hard to find in my 4th div. pleiku 1969.
I HAVE A MINI 30 in stailess with a black synthetic stock. I have a black leather sling on it. I have used it for a hasty sling by my elbow. I was doing this once when 3 youg shooters 20ish and they were perplexed by what I did
Everything you stated about the mini-14 is also the reason I love the rifle. Solid and unassuming, but just as dangerous and "scary" as those black rifles. Had mine way before the A-Team made them popular. I know a good thing when I see one. Didn't need a top tv show to tell me about it. Never cared to purchase an AR. Had my fill of that platform when I was in the military.
I think you would be pleasantly surprised with the A-TM folding stock. Doesn't degrade the shooting experience at all and turns the Mini into, probably, the best compact truck gun.
Great video. I also I love the little Mini 14 with the 10 sharp finger nails at the beginning of the film. I bet she is a very big helper around the house chores
I have used this rifle my entire time as a TN. Dept.of corrections officer and is a very good platform and can be transformed into many different tactical weapons systems.👍
Got mine all wood, much as yours. Just a comment on video, from rifle on shoulder on sling, to rifle to shoulder firing position. As the rifle rotates, left arm goes between rifle an sling, then left arm rotates clockwise around sling, left hand grip on forearm. Now raise both shoulders apply pressure left arm. Rifle is now much more stable. With some training you may also synchronise your trigger finger. Rifle comes level, take slack on trigger,up firm. now apply the press up left shoulder,when on target, the pressure from shoulders will activate trigger trip,shot fired. Very effective five second accurate shot. Learn to use that sling, it's easy. Thanks for the fun video. Usmc
The first rifle I ever bought was a M1A Scout Squad, because I grew up on war stories about the M14 from my Vietnam Vet father. When I decided that I wanted something in 5.56mm for when 7.62x51mm may be a little excessive, I went with the Mini-14 over the AR-15 for the similarities in the manual of arms between the two. Two great rifles.
I just bought a mini 14 for really 2 reasons.. First, I was a Gunners Mate in the Navy and was a Small Arms instructor and absolutely loved the M14... Second is, we have a AW ban in my State and can not buy a Center fire AR, so I bought mine for Home protection and if some bad stuff happens and I need more than my M&P 15-22., plus I just love the style, and it can get the job done no doubt.
I agree with all your points. I love my mini 14s and mini 30. I kinda wish Ruger would come out with some more calibers. I'd like to try the 300 blackout, but I think some other calibers would be cool too for different applications. A 350 legend would be pretty cool for people in straight wall cartridge deer hunting states.
Been itching to convert a Mini-30 to 6.5G. I don't think you'll see much from Ruger though. They are really expensive to make so they have to sell a ton before they get their money back. You might be able to find one of the older models made with the garbage barrels that someone would sell cheap and have it rebarreled.
I've been considering buying an AR for quite some time... just never found one I really liked that much. When I looked at the mini 14's, something clicked. I haven't purchased one yet, but after watching your video, I'm leaning much harder toward purchasing one. I really agree with everything you said about yours, and I love the way it looks, quite a sexy rifle it is! Love the wooden stock as well... in my opinion, it makes the gun! Wondering if yours is a newer model or an older one? I see a lot of used minis for sale, I just haven't decided whether or not I want to buy new or used. I really appreciate your reviews. I commented on your review of the CZ P07 as this is my EDC... the longer I carry it and the more I shoot it, the more I LOVE it! Thanks for your input LeverBoy, you are quickly becoming one of my favorite gun guys on TH-cam! 👍
Hey thanks Bill! Love your comment! I got some other Mini 14 vids that can help push you more in the direction Lol They are a blast to shoot and I’ll be making alot more vids featuring this gun. I’d recommend buying a newer made Ruger Mini bc the accuracy did suffer a lot more on the older models. Cheers!
I have owned 3 mini-14's and love them. No, they aren't as accurate at long ranges as an AR-15 (300-500 yards) BUT the reason I sold my AR and kept the mini is it is more than accurate enough out to 300 yards and I can shoot all the crap ammo (Wolf and the dirty import stuff) and it just keeps on running. Try shooting wolf ammo though you AR and see how long it lasts. My Bushmaster would jam after about 3-5 rounds. It would shoot clean high dollar ammo fine but not the cheap stuff. The mini is kind of a shtf gun and I want it to be able to shoot ANYTHING i put in it and it does. I agree about the 20 round and their just perfect, the 30 & 40 round mags make shooting prone hard. I used 20 round Ruger mags and kept a couple of 10 rounders around also. A company called Itek (I think thats right) makes an aluminm top piece to replace the oem cover thats a piccatny (thats spelled wrong probably) rail thats pretty nice
Agreed 💯 % the ruger mini-14 is still one of my favorite guns that I oun. I have the Smith&Wesson ar15 with suppressor and thermal for hog. But it just feels more like a tool and it is. The mini-14 is more alive in sorts or was alive with wood, steel and leather. More natural in ways, a warmth and balance where as the ar15 Plastic and steel feels cold to the touch.
I really like the 5 round low profile magazine you can put in the gun when carrying it on your back. You can always put the 30 round magazine in your pocket and swap it out when you finish your hike. It is a lot easier to move the gun around with a low profile magazine. I would rather have four 5 round magazines instead of one 20 round magazine. You can also put different bullets (soft points vs. FMJ, ect.) in each magazine if you want versatility.
nice set up for rifle. agree with the 20 rders vs 30. have placed rls magpul sling with swivels. the rls has a feature of using loops around support arm to stabilize when firing. what happened to your buttstock pouch. last i think the wings on front sight are just to protect middle post from being bent. i did not think you use it for sighting.
I've been a fan of the mini-14 ever since I watched Hannibal Hayes carrying one on the A-Team. Yours is just as cool w/o the folding stock, and you're right, the wood stock definitely makes it more "family friendly". Ditto on the 20 round magazine. Is that magazine the same as the original M-16 metal magazines ? Not to be too offensive, but Burt Reynolds called & he wants his Smokey & the Bandit gloves back
There were a few companies that made mags that were supposed to work both with Mini 14 and AR platform. I had one made of a clear polymer. I only had a Mini then and never tried it in an AR. Some miscreant decided they needed the mag more than I did.
Always a pleasure big man , Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours , Buy ammo , after January 1st it's going to go to the moon , a firearm without ammo is nothing more than a club . IMO.
maybe a video idea for the future but I think itd be really cool to see like your alternative take on like a combat kit of sorts, without the tacticool. just a thought
I bought the leather sling that you linked to, but it was too wide at 1 1/4", so I returned it and bought a 1" wide one. It still has a very hard time going through the Mini 14 swivels because they seem to not only be a little narrow, but also closed down so that the leather thickness can't pass through very easily. I like the leather for this rifle so I'm going to oil the sling down and see if it slides better.
Love the Mini. Not my first choice (that would be my Tikka, Finns make a good bolt action), but definitely beautiful. I want to get some Mini-14 sights and then have a local gunsmith bubba them onto my Tikka because they’re pretty good. I was thinking of doing the same as you with the nail polish actually
@@leverBoyluke The T3x I have in .270 is a damn fine shooter. Haven’t tried any accuracy testing yet but it’s pretty good. Stock is a black, plastic stock that’s ugly as sin and I want some muzzle threads and some iron sights, but overall it’s a great gun. I picked it up for the price of a Savage Axis so it was a steal XD
I am seriously considering this type of weapon as a potential truck gun. Though admittedly I still want a pistol grip bc I have more experience with ARs. Though the modular stocks seem to make that easier. The A-Team frame and folding buttstock look cool as well.
My main beef about the Mini 14 is the cost of the Ruger Mags. Way over priced but they know they have you by the short hairs because most others don't perform well in the mini.
Dont forget to lessen that gas system; taking apart the barrel clamp will expose the little gas pipe they have in the barrel and then replace it with one of those aftermarket gas pipes, makes the gun put out more velocity since less gas is used over working the action, and the brass just drops at your feet, and the gun runs smoother adjusting the gas system so its less jerky in recoil.
I own several “scary black rifles”. I also have a modern Ruger mini 14. My mini 14 is topped with a red dot sight. I prefer the thirty round magazines. The rifle came with two five round magazines.
I have both an AR and a Mini-14. Carried an M16 in Nam and hated it. Bought an AR kind of accidentally. I will carry the Mini-14 anytime but the AR I never use. I can’t stand them. Mini-30 is next.
The ergonomics of an AR style are better especially in rapid fire. A smaller or weaker person can shoot an AR much easier and better in general. I have lost a lot of my upper body strength due to spinal probs so I would most likely go to it in a need situation. I still have my Mini and a Garand and certainly like all 3 and wouldn't feel at a disadvantage with either one. Nothing wrong with a Mini if no one else needs to shoot one of them. Needs.
I wish someone would make a 223/350 legend open-top carbine with a forged receiver which is actually accurate and gas adjustable. The mini-14 just lacks a few things I want...a clip guide for larping being one.
All mini 14 rifles have always been able to shoot 5.56. If people would read their owners manuals it clearly states that they will chamber and shoot 5.56. i love the mini 14, they're awesome rifles.
I have the exact one as you, but mine still has the synthetic stock. I want to get a wooden stock so bad. It definitely makes the gun look better. I did the same thing with my 10/22.
Their guy at the range i go to he's in his 70's or 80's and he served in Vietnam and he has alot of ar 15 including some full auto's but i talking to him about the mini 14 i just curious what he thought of it and it surprised me when he said he own and he bought in 2014 i think and barrel harmonic device and the reason he said he bought one for a coyote gun because here in Tennessee there starting to become more problem but use when he goes and checks on his chicken and hog because of how light weight it is
Bill Ruger Designed the Mini 14 to be a Light Handy Reliable utility carbine. some understand this concept while others insist on hanging every gadget and devise they can find on the little carbine until it no longer can fill it's intended purpose. It's really to bad because they are great little guns if used properly.
Well this is an honor good sir! You have done an incredible job with your Accu-strut! Id be very happy to attach it to any other Mini I get down the road. Im happy we got similar looking Minis, its my favorite semi auto rifle! Email me if you would ever like to collaborate!
Damn, love me Mini-14 videos! Also i have a question: do all Mini 14s (specifically the 16 inch carbines like yours) come with 1:9 twist or are there models/barrels for 1:7 (maybe aftermarket or straight from the factory) and also what is your opinion on the side folding stock for Minis (like A Team style)
stuck on if I want to buy an AR or mini 14. Like he said, I prefer the wood and ergonomics, but I do like the way ARs look as well. Might get the mini. not sure if they will try to ban these with AR's since you can get a 30 round mag for them
Love the videos and the Mini 14. I had several with wood stock but unfortunately, I had to sell them during some hard times. Now I have the tactical with plastic stock (do not like it) do you still have the original stock that came with the rifle? I believe it is wood with some kind of paint or coating on it, is it for sale?
I always wanted a Ruger Mini 14. . but I have an m1 carbine and a Springfield M1A/M14 . . .So I couldn't justify the expense. . . . That Accu-Strut . . . is so cool . . . .It balances out the visual esthetics SO much . . . . .Do they sell a bipod that grips it ?
Mini -14 is a fine rifle and the Garand action is more robust than an AR, neither system will function well in extreme cold however, hammer spring becomes too weak to ignite the primer. One gripe i have us finding good mags to the weak point is the locking tab on the back side, whether steel or plastic, if the bottom edge of that tab wears down by repeated use you will have problems, mag wont lock, bad alignment for feeding, or a slight hit or bump to the mag dislodges it. Ruger mags are great but pricey, Tapco is making some really good polymer mags with a re-inforced steel front tab and rugged rear locking tab, Ramline makes great Mini-14 mags. Since you mentioned replacing the handguard i would recommend the Hannibal rail adapter, it gives you the option of mounting optics/dot sights scout style. I personally feel that is one area where the AR is better, mounting any optic right above the bolt creates an obstruction during case ejection, which to say the least is robust on the Mini-14. When i had a Burris mounted over the action it was rare but occasionally an ejected case would bounce back into the action and prevent the bolt from closing. Cheers
I have the 14 tactical and a SS 30. Much prefer the 30. Rear Tech sight. Amega forward rail with a red dot. I have a shotgun scope in Ruger rings set up and sighted in on standby. Enhanced firing pin handles steel just fine. Agree on the 20 round mags. Stay away from Ruger 10 round mags for the Mini 30 as they have bad followers. Gas piston is a much better system than DI on the AR15.
I have one of the first mini `14' in stainless. I did the accu strut thing and it chopped the groups way more than 50% I have found that only Ruger magazines work 100% reliably You are absolutely correct on perception... The whole 'tacticool' thing is a bit embarrassing to me in any case... and most of those into it feed the problem making us all look like nut jobs at worse and just 'a little off' at best. I do own an Ar but it is not tacticooled out. In fact it is 300 blackout with open sights. When the mini has its ten round mag in it looks almost harmless. Like a 22 plinker.. It is interesting to take newbies out shooting. They all want to shoot an AR... but most? don't really notice the mini until offered to shoot it. I think most actually like shooting the mini more... then.... I bust out the Garrand. No way that old beat up thing could compare with a black rifle! after one or two shots they are like "holy crap" And yes... I do inform them that the 30-06 it fires is near twice the power of the .223/556
Haha that’s awesome man! I’d be right there in line to shoot that beautiful Garand! The Mini is a great rifle and I just don’t understand the complaints ppl have over them, they function and are reliable. And yes I only buy Ruger mags, I suppose that’s the biggest con about them is the factory mags are pricey.
I agree with point 3. It's less scary than an AR-15 and it was my Fiancés gateway into guns. Plus, I'm a sucker for wooden stocks, so it was a no-brainer.
I've got a California bro n law, I showed him AR and Hi-Point carbine, he said the Hi-Point is scarier 30 rnd mag I don't like, when I'm out shooting I rarely shoot more than 5 rnds at a time, and trying to shoot from prone position is not good Pistol grip vs traditional rifle, when shtf you may be in close combat, to perform butt stroke then shoot you must change hand positions My AR may not hold together for a butt stroke.......the original would but these new short things
You've mentioned wanting another Mini and also getting an ATM stock, well apparently, now you can order the Mini already with the ATM stock directly from Ruger. I just found out about it recently but I don't know the price. It might be cheaper to buy it direct from Ruger or it might be cheaper to buy the regular Mini from Ruger and then purchase the ATM stock from Samson. Since you have the Mini-14, are you thinking about getting a Mini-30? They are fantastic and the ammo "used to be" a lot cheaper than 5.56, lol. Anyway, the ATM stock fits on either the Mini-14 or the Mini-30 rifle. I don't think I've ever seen a wooden cover on a Mini, sounds cool. Great video. 👍
Before you rush out and buy a Mini-14, keep in mind that earlier models were designed for open sights. Trying to mount a rail or a scope on an older Mini-14 requires an aftermarket mount or adapter. All of them are expensive and none of them work very well.
One major flaw to the ar. If a round does not chamber completely the assist makes a bad problem worse. The mini, take the heel of your hand and hit the operating rod. It will seat the round
I hike on the National Forest and the granola crunchers are a lot less uneasy when we meet on the trail when they see the Mini versus an AR. I have both and just find the Mini to be a better gun for me, for a lot of reasons. All of which are poo pooed by the Mall Ninjas, of course.
I will never poo poo on your reasons good sir bc I probably will agree with most of them. You carry anything you want to carry and let the mall ninjas make all that crybaby fuss ^_^
I originally was set on getting an AR but when I went and held some I was turned off by the loose feeling stocks and hand guards. They felt like toys. Then I picked up the Mini and it just felt right.
Yes some of them feel like plastic toys. Got to have that solid foundation in your weapon to have confidence in it.
Ar15 do have there place and u can get a lot more accessories and work very well. The mini-14 is very simplistic. Built like a tank but drives like and old pick up truck.
The Marines called the M 16 the Mattell toy in Vietnam,the stock was indeed plastic made by the Mattell toy company
For serious use the AR-15 outclasses the FUDD mini-14 in every way
Was gonna ask- can the mini top load? I feel an ar makes more sense for “serious” use. But for more of a range toy/something that can do both I was looking at the mini 14 or 30 but I can’t tell if they top load. - a weird thing I like but I always thought the sks was really cool for being able to just have loose ammo loaded without more mags
The mini14 is what got me hooked on semiauto rifles back in 1979 when I shot one.
Crisp,loud, powerful shot that shattered a cement block with a big fireball from the muzzle!
Acquired many toys since then.
USMC 1983-87
Hell yeah brother!
Love the Garand action. The first high-powered rifle I shot was an M-1 and fell in love with the action. I regret having to sell my Mini when work and living left me short one too many weeks in a row. Thats life.
Get another when you can!
I get that I had to sell 3 mini 14s one a team model 😢 I do have my mini GB though hopefully providence will shine and grocery money will be available lol
I have 180 series Mini 14 marked as bicentennial edition. I put the accustrut on mine also and it looks fabulous with its full wood stock. It’s a great ranch gun and I don’t mind taking it out to 200 meters for steel targets with my iron sights.
If your Mini-14 is a true 180 series, if you break down the trigger group and leave out the secondary sear spring when you put it back together, it will fire automatic, although it is not safe because the hammer is following the bolt back to home.
@@lewis9888 Thats some fuddlore.... it's just gonna get a light strike on the second round 99% of the time if you do that.
Redtra236: I tried it back in 1980 after I took it down and tried it. My leg was in a cast so I kneeled down holding the barrel with my crutch while my best friend pulled the trigger with 15 rounds in the 30 round preban magazine (don't remember what company made it). He pulled the trigger and held it and the rifle shot all 15 rounds. My friend is my witness.
Yes, I have my AR's and AK's, but when I hit the woods the Mini 14 and Mini 30 are just the best fit. My scoped Mini 30 can pretty much handle anything I'm going to run into in these parts and a lot less awkward in the woods than others
Absolutely 💯 for the woods the Minis are the best choice!
I've never hunted with mine but my mini thirty is equipt with a light so it's my go to night weapon when the coyotes are way to close. Never had to fire at them , usually just surprising then scares them off... unfortunately.
Everyone should have at least one in their home !
Definitely!
Check out Choate hand guards. They’re quality pieces.
The other thing that’s nice about the mini 14/30 is they come tapped and ready for scopes. They even come with proprietary ruger scope rings. I have a Leupold 3-9 on my mini 30 using the included ruger rings. Great deer gun.
I got the rings and I’d love to slap a scope on mine as well! 👍🏻
@@nicks2581 Thanks brother!
I have a 14 and a 30 in stainless love em both.
Man listen. I’ve had mini-14s back in the 90s , when I was in law-enforcement way back before they even thought about having magazine feed rifles in the mobile unit, all we had were 12 gauge pump, shotguns and revolvers. But anyway, I had two mini-14s on two different occasions, not really knowing what I had or just was unfamiliar with the weapons platform. I either traded or sold for a little to nothing now I have another one present day and it has a special place in my heart. Mines is the mini-14 tactical ,556 NATO.With a rogue rubber replacement stock from a black synthetic original stock, and also a heat shield over the top of the barrel with a SOCOM barrel stabilizer on mines, and I Really do like it a lot. And I know what I have and believe me you I will not be getting rid of this one. I also have AR’s but this mini 14 is near and dear to my heart…
2-A, all day 👍🏾
You have the absolute coolest mini 14 I've ever seen. I have always thought an actual 556/ 80 percent size garand would be freaking awesome.
Thank you man!
If given the chance I would totally buy something like that
Yes the vicious recoil of the 5.56😂
so vicious
I like the mini 14 but rather have the M-14 in 7.62 x 51 was the battle rifle i used in vietnam mounted with star-light scope. These were very hard to find in my 4th div. pleiku 1969.
I think we all love the M-14!
M-14 is an awesome weapon
I HAVE A MINI 30 in stailess with a black synthetic stock. I have a black leather sling on it. I have used it for a hasty sling by my elbow. I was doing this once when 3 youg shooters 20ish and they were perplexed by what I did
Them youngsters don’t know! You gotta teach them LOL
Everything you stated about the mini-14 is also the reason I love the rifle. Solid and unassuming, but just as dangerous and "scary" as those black rifles. Had mine way before the A-Team made them popular. I know a good thing when I see one. Didn't need a top tv show to tell me about it. Never cared to purchase an AR. Had my fill of that platform when I was in the military.
That’s awesome brother! You have loved the platform for a very long time
I think you would be pleasantly surprised with the A-TM folding stock. Doesn't degrade the shooting experience at all and turns the Mini into, probably, the best compact truck gun.
I’d love to get another Mini and slap that A-TM sock on it so I always have both setups ready to go 👍🏻
Yea and cost nearly as much as the rifle
@ViktoriousDead you can now buy the rifle with the a-tm stock but your gonna pay an extra 200$ more than a standard mini 14 tactical
Great video. I also I love the little Mini 14 with the 10 sharp finger nails at the beginning of the film. I bet she is a very big helper around the house chores
Hah she’s destroys rather than helps
I have used this rifle my entire time as a TN. Dept.of corrections officer and is a very good platform and can be transformed into many different tactical weapons systems.👍
That’s awesome Chris!
I used the M-14 during Vietnam after learning to hate the M-16.
The Ruger Mini-14 is a great weapon!
Wow! Thank you for your service
Got mine all wood, much as yours. Just a comment on video, from rifle on shoulder on sling, to rifle to shoulder firing position.
As the rifle rotates, left arm goes between rifle an sling, then left arm rotates clockwise around sling, left hand grip on forearm.
Now raise both shoulders apply pressure left arm. Rifle is now much more stable. With some training you may also synchronise your trigger finger. Rifle comes level, take slack on trigger,up firm. now apply the press up left shoulder,when on target, the pressure from shoulders will activate trigger trip,shot fired. Very effective five second accurate shot. Learn to use that sling, it's easy. Thanks for the fun video. Usmc
Thanks for the advice Tango! Appreciate you!
The first rifle I ever bought was a M1A Scout Squad, because I grew up on war stories about the M14 from my Vietnam Vet father. When I decided that I wanted something in 5.56mm for when 7.62x51mm may be a little excessive, I went with the Mini-14 over the AR-15 for the similarities in the manual of arms between the two. Two great rifles.
@@mattkilgore5328 Hell yeah man! 👏🏻
I agree on your 3 reasons. I, too, love my 14 and 30. Your 14 with that 16.xx” barrel really looks sharp.
I just bought a mini 14 for really 2 reasons.. First, I was a Gunners Mate in the Navy and was a Small Arms instructor and absolutely loved the M14... Second is, we have a AW ban in my State and can not buy a Center fire AR, so I bought mine for Home protection and if some bad stuff happens and I need more than my M&P 15-22., plus I just love the style, and it can get the job done no doubt.
That’s some great history! Thank you for sharing. I got some more Mini 14s videos coming for you 👍🏻
I don't want no teenage queen just give me my Mini 14. Get some tech sights on that rifle.
Hah Yes sir!
I agree with all your points. I love my mini 14s and mini 30. I kinda wish Ruger would come out with some more calibers. I'd like to try the 300 blackout, but I think some other calibers would be cool too for different applications. A 350 legend would be pretty cool for people in straight wall cartridge deer hunting states.
A lot of ppl want that 350 Legend 👍🏻
The Mini has been made in 300 BO. I don't know if it's still a current offering.
@@markwellsfry9843 It is.
Been itching to convert a Mini-30 to 6.5G. I don't think you'll see much from Ruger though. They are really expensive to make so they have to sell a ton before they get their money back. You might be able to find one of the older models made with the garbage barrels that someone would sell cheap and have it rebarreled.
350 legend or 6.5 grendel would make me buy one
I used to own one of the first mini-14s and I liked the fact that it looked like a real firearm instead of the Mattel look of the ar15.
Absolutely man!
I've been considering buying an AR for quite some time... just never found one I really liked that much. When I looked at the mini 14's, something clicked. I haven't purchased one yet, but after watching your video, I'm leaning much harder toward purchasing one. I really agree with everything you said about yours, and I love the way it looks, quite a sexy rifle it is! Love the wooden stock as well... in my opinion, it makes the gun! Wondering if yours is a newer model or an older one? I see a lot of used minis for sale, I just haven't decided whether or not I want to buy new or used. I really appreciate your reviews. I commented on your review of the CZ P07 as this is my EDC... the longer I carry it and the more I shoot it, the more I LOVE it! Thanks for your input LeverBoy, you are quickly becoming one of my favorite gun guys on TH-cam! 👍
Hey thanks Bill! Love your comment! I got some other Mini 14 vids that can help push you more in the direction Lol They are a blast to shoot and I’ll be making alot more vids featuring this gun. I’d recommend buying a newer made Ruger Mini bc the accuracy did suffer a lot more on the older models. Cheers!
I have never liked ARs from the get go, but many like the cool modular features of them.
M14 & mini 14 highly under rated
Agreed!
I have owned 3 mini-14's and love them.
No, they aren't as accurate at long ranges as an AR-15 (300-500 yards) BUT the reason I sold my AR and kept the mini is it is more than accurate enough out to 300 yards and I can shoot all the crap ammo (Wolf and the dirty import stuff) and it just keeps on running. Try shooting wolf ammo though you AR and see how long it lasts. My Bushmaster would jam after about 3-5 rounds. It would shoot clean high dollar ammo fine but not the cheap stuff.
The mini is kind of a shtf gun and I want it to be able to shoot ANYTHING i put in it and it does.
I agree about the 20 round and their just perfect, the 30 & 40 round mags make shooting prone hard. I used 20 round Ruger mags and kept a couple of 10 rounders around also.
A company called Itek (I think thats right) makes an aluminm top piece to replace the oem cover thats a piccatny (thats spelled wrong probably) rail thats pretty nice
Thanks for the feedback Leon! Love hearing those real world results
There is a reason the M-14 used 20 round magazines!
nice job explaining these features about your Mini-14 rifle.
@@frenchieboisseau thanks brother!
The traditional stye on a mini 14 is an important factor in gun unfriendly jurisdiction
Yes I’ve definitely heard this.
Put that in the dictionary
#3 Ditto. I fully support everyone's 2A right to buy and carry a scarry looking gun, but I am a "discretion is the better part of valor" guy!
Agreed 💯 % the ruger mini-14 is still one of my favorite guns that I oun. I have the Smith&Wesson ar15 with suppressor and thermal for hog. But it just feels more like a tool and it is. The mini-14 is more alive in sorts or was alive with wood, steel and leather. More natural in ways, a warmth and balance where as the ar15 Plastic and steel feels cold to the touch.
Yep yep! I’m a hunter as well and I guess we just have our preferences when it comes to rifle designs:)
I got my anti-gun daughter in-law to shoot the mini one day. I think she liked it. Most likely the only gun she's ever held or shot.
I really like the 5 round low profile magazine you can put in the gun when carrying it on your back. You can always put the 30 round magazine in your pocket and swap it out when you finish your hike. It is a lot easier to move the gun around with a low profile magazine. I would rather have four 5 round magazines instead of one 20 round magazine. You can also put different bullets (soft points vs. FMJ, ect.) in each magazine if you want versatility.
Sleek gun is always easier to carry! Makes it more handy
Another great video. I hope your audience continues to grow!
Thank you my man!
nice set up for rifle. agree with the 20 rders vs 30. have placed rls magpul sling with swivels. the rls has a feature of using loops around support arm to stabilize when firing. what happened to your buttstock pouch. last i think the wings on front sight are just to protect middle post from being bent. i did not think you use it for sighting.
Appreciate your feedback!
I'm probably going to get an accu strut for mine, is it necessary to dimple the gas block?
You will love it! No sir you do not.
Another awesome video - thank you! You'll love the replacement sites, they make a huge difference. Merry Christmas!
Thanks brother! Merry Christmas!
I've been a fan of the mini-14 ever since I watched Hannibal Hayes carrying one on the A-Team. Yours is just as cool w/o the folding stock, and you're right, the wood stock definitely makes it more "family friendly". Ditto on the 20 round magazine. Is that magazine the same as the original M-16 metal magazines ? Not to be too offensive, but Burt Reynolds called & he wants his Smokey & the Bandit gloves back
The Minis take a proprietary magazine. It's a rock & lock, just like the original M-14 and AK family.
There were a few companies that made mags that were supposed to work both with Mini 14 and AR platform. I had one made of a clear polymer. I only had a Mini then and never tried it in an AR. Some miscreant decided they needed the mag more than I did.
How about Uncle Teardrop in winters bone? Good movie , great weapon.
Always a pleasure big man , Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours ,
Buy ammo , after January 1st it's going to go to the moon , a firearm without ammo is nothing more than a club . IMO.
Merry Christmas Tom! Ugh I really hope it doesn’t go up again 😭
maybe a video idea for the future but I think itd be really cool to see like your alternative take on like a combat kit of sorts, without the tacticool. just a thought
Copy that man! Thank for the feedback!
Love your video! Can you pls let me know brand of the gloves that you are wearing pls?
Got a link for you in the description
I bought the leather sling that you linked to, but it was too wide at 1 1/4", so I returned it and bought a 1" wide one. It still has a very hard time going through the Mini 14 swivels because they seem to not only be a little narrow, but also closed down so that the leather thickness can't pass through very easily. I like the leather for this rifle so I'm going to oil the sling down and see if it slides better.
@@TaureanDokk Mine was the same way, it was very difficult to pass through the Mini swivels.
Love the Mini. Not my first choice (that would be my Tikka, Finns make a good bolt action), but definitely beautiful. I want to get some Mini-14 sights and then have a local gunsmith bubba them onto my Tikka because they’re pretty good. I was thinking of doing the same as you with the nail polish actually
Always heard good things about Tikkas but I’ve never shot one. Bubba that thing!
@@leverBoyluke
The T3x I have in .270 is a damn fine shooter. Haven’t tried any accuracy testing yet but it’s pretty good. Stock is a black, plastic stock that’s ugly as sin and I want some muzzle threads and some iron sights, but overall it’s a great gun. I picked it up for the price of a Savage Axis so it was a steal XD
My mini14 is decked out with an ATI strikeforce stock, accustrut, and a sig sauer romeo red dot. Might save up for the ebr stock from sage
That’s awesome brother! Great setup!
That's a fine looking shop-cat
Haha thanks man!
I am seriously considering this type of weapon as a potential truck gun. Though admittedly I still want a pistol grip bc I have more experience with ARs. Though the modular stocks seem to make that easier. The A-Team frame and folding buttstock look cool as well.
Yeah that A Team stock gets a lot of love, think its called the ATM Samson stock. Short AR or Mini with folding stock would make a great truck gun.
My main beef about the Mini 14 is the cost of the Ruger Mags. Way over priced but they know they have you by the short hairs because most others don't perform well in the mini.
I agree
Dont forget to lessen that gas system; taking apart the barrel clamp will expose the little gas pipe they have in the barrel and then replace it with one of those aftermarket gas pipes, makes the gun put out more velocity since less gas is used over working the action, and the brass just drops at your feet, and the gun runs smoother adjusting the gas system so its less jerky in recoil.
@@gkauto1959 Roger 👍🏻
I bought and installed a Shilen barrel from Brownells. Man it groups nut tight at 200 yards. Get one 😉 .
Man that’s awesome!
I own several “scary black rifles”. I also have a modern Ruger mini 14. My mini 14 is topped with a red dot sight. I prefer the thirty round magazines. The rifle came with two five round magazines.
Thats great man!
I have both an AR and a Mini-14. Carried an M16 in Nam and hated it. Bought an AR kind of accidentally. I will carry the Mini-14 anytime but the AR I never use. I can’t stand them. Mini-30 is next.
We definitely feel the same about that
owners manuals say 556 or 223 for all of them my 3 all say that
Copy that
I used white nail polish for my front sightand also installed a mini-14 tech sight
Roger that!
Was active duty Marine during the switch from M-14 to M-16 an believe the Mini-14 would have been a better choice.
I love hearing that!
The ergonomics of an AR style are better especially in rapid fire. A smaller or weaker person can shoot an AR much easier and better in general. I have lost a lot of my upper body strength due to spinal probs so I would most likely go to it in a need situation. I still have my Mini and a Garand and certainly like all 3 and wouldn't feel at a disadvantage with either one. Nothing wrong with a Mini if no one else needs to shoot one of them. Needs.
I will admit my AR does shoot softer than my Mini does but the Minis recoil is still nothing to me so i dont mind it.
I wish someone would make a 223/350 legend open-top carbine with a forged receiver which is actually accurate and gas adjustable. The mini-14 just lacks a few things I want...a clip guide for larping being one.
I love my mini-14's. I have the ATI stock on one, and regular stock on the other.
Those ATI stocks and Samson ATM stocks get used a good bit on the Mini 14s.
Wooooo love the mini 14. Cheers from Australia mate
Hey my man! We the same! Cheers!
The accu-strut is not necessary on a modern mini-14. As mentioned, it's for aesthetics. The adjustable gas port is handy.
It was all about the looks ❤
All mini 14 rifles have always been able to shoot 5.56. If people would read their owners manuals it clearly states that they will chamber and shoot 5.56. i love the mini 14, they're awesome rifles.
👍🏻
Accept the target model.👍🏻
Men are not allowed to read instruction manuals!
I have the exact one as you, but mine still has the synthetic stock. I want to get a wooden stock so bad. It definitely makes the gun look better. I did the same thing with my 10/22.
Hell yeah man love the shorter barrel on these versions
Awesome video. I'm a dedicated Mini 14 man, myself.
@@darrenwilson157 Hell yeah bro! #Mini4Life
Beautiful kitty 🤗
I love my mini 14 tactical !!
Im currently looking for a nice wood stock for it
Thank you! It’s the best look if you ask me!
@@leverBoyluke
Yes sir !!
Their guy at the range i go to he's in his 70's or 80's and he served in Vietnam and he has alot of ar 15 including some full auto's but i talking to him about the mini 14 i just curious what he thought of it and it surprised me when he said he own and he bought in 2014 i think and barrel harmonic device and the reason he said he bought one for a coyote gun because here in Tennessee there starting to become more problem but use when he goes and checks on his chicken and hog because of how light weight it is
Yes a coyote gun or just a farm gun made for critters. Works great
Bill Ruger Designed the Mini 14 to be a Light Handy Reliable utility carbine. some understand this concept while others insist on hanging every gadget and devise they can find on the little carbine until it no longer can fill it's intended purpose. It's really to bad because they are great little guns if used properly.
Get a Choate hand guard to see the full action. That’s half the reason I bought mine over an AR. That’s all she’s missing.
Copy that!
I'm not sure of going with a scope or a red dot The farthest I'll be shooting will be 300 ft what do you suggest
It depends on what you are shooting. Small game might need a scope but larger game you’ll be good with Dot
I like that the mini 14 has a traditional stock rather than the straight pipe design of the AR. It’s much more comfortable to shoot.
@@bensatterwhite5694 I feel the same way
Inventor of the Accu-strut here. So glad you like the product. Beatiful Mini. My personal Mini looks very similar.
Well this is an honor good sir! You have done an incredible job with your Accu-strut! Id be very happy to attach it to any other Mini I get down the road. Im happy we got similar looking Minis, its my favorite semi auto rifle! Email me if you would ever like to collaborate!
@@leverBoyluke Glad you like it! Well, let me know if I can send you an evaluation unit.
Damn, love me Mini-14 videos!
Also i have a question: do all Mini 14s (specifically the 16 inch carbines like yours) come with 1:9 twist or are there models/barrels for 1:7 (maybe aftermarket or straight from the factory) and also what is your opinion on the side folding stock for Minis (like A Team style)
That’s a good question but I’m not entirely sure about the answer. I would think they are the same but I could be wrong.
I wish they had the 1in8 twist the happy medium with the Wildy chambering would be a better choice.
All the 5.56 Mini-14s are 1:9.
@@reohorse42the mini-14 is already a Wylde chambering design.👍
@@reohorse42the 1:9 twist is also a better twist rate for the most common bullet weights too, those being 55gr and 62gr
What muzzle brake is that? Is it threaded or slip on? Thanks
It came stock on the tactical Mini 14 version. Sorry not sure what the official name is.
stuck on if I want to buy an AR or mini 14. Like he said, I prefer the wood and ergonomics, but I do like the way ARs look as well. Might get the mini. not sure if they will try to ban these with AR's since you can get a 30 round mag for them
If you cant decide just get both but get whichever one you really are interested in first.
Love the videos and the Mini 14. I had several with wood stock but unfortunately, I had to sell them during some hard times. Now I have the tactical with plastic stock (do not like it) do you still have the original stock that came with the rifle? I believe it is wood with some kind of paint or coating on it, is it for sale?
Yes I still have it 👍🏻 Check out some local gun shows they might have a used stock
I want one….Unfortunately the stock LOP is too long for a shorty like me 😢
I always wanted a Ruger Mini 14. . but I have an m1 carbine and a Springfield M1A/M14 . . .So I couldn't justify the expense. . . . That Accu-Strut . . . is so cool . . . .It balances out the visual esthetics SO much . . . . .Do they sell a bipod that grips it ?
Thanks man I agree! Not sure about the bipod tho
Definitely 💯 my favorite rifle ‼️
Good good I need this kind of feedback. More mini coming
The gas ports in the barrel band can get really hot. I almost dropped mine when I got the barrel band in my hand after shooting.
Yes they do get hot
Where do you get a acu strut?
The website is called "Accu-Strut"
Mini -14 is a fine rifle and the Garand action is more robust than an AR, neither system will function well in extreme cold however, hammer spring becomes too weak to ignite the primer. One gripe i have us finding good mags to the weak point is the locking tab on the back side, whether steel or plastic, if the bottom edge of that tab wears down by repeated use you will have problems, mag wont lock, bad alignment for feeding, or a slight hit or bump to the mag dislodges it. Ruger mags are great but pricey, Tapco is making some really good polymer mags with a re-inforced steel front tab and rugged rear locking tab, Ramline makes great Mini-14 mags. Since you mentioned replacing the handguard i would recommend the Hannibal rail adapter, it gives you the option of mounting optics/dot sights scout style. I personally feel that is one area where the AR is better, mounting any optic right above the bolt creates an obstruction during case ejection, which to say the least is robust on the Mini-14. When i had a Burris mounted over the action it was rare but occasionally an ejected case would bounce back into the action and prevent the bolt from closing. Cheers
Valid points man thanks for sharing!
I really like your furry assistant, Ripley.
Thanks man! I got plenty more of her in my other vids!
I love my mini 14 even when I get an AR, I’m sure my mini would be my favorite. ww2 really interest me so that garand style just does it for me.
@@keepinitsk8a516 I love that Garand style action as well
Mine gets so hot after 3 shots you can't touch the barrel. Any suggestions?
Dont touch the barrel LOL
@@leverBoyluke cute thanks for nothing
I have the 14 tactical and a SS 30. Much prefer the 30. Rear Tech sight. Amega forward rail with a red dot. I have a shotgun scope in Ruger rings set up and sighted in on standby. Enhanced firing pin handles steel just fine. Agree on the 20 round mags. Stay away from Ruger 10 round mags for the Mini 30 as they have bad followers. Gas piston is a much better system than DI on the AR15.
Appreciate that feedback man!
I have one of the first mini `14' in stainless. I did the accu strut thing and it chopped the groups way more than 50% I have found that only Ruger magazines work 100% reliably You are absolutely correct on perception... The whole 'tacticool' thing is a bit embarrassing to me in any case... and most of those into it feed the problem making us all look like nut jobs at worse and just 'a little off' at best. I do own an Ar but it is not tacticooled out. In fact it is 300 blackout with open sights. When the mini has its ten round mag in it looks almost harmless. Like a 22 plinker.. It is interesting to take newbies out shooting. They all want to shoot an AR... but most? don't really notice the mini until offered to shoot it. I think most actually like shooting the mini more... then.... I bust out the Garrand. No way that old beat up thing could compare with a black rifle! after one or two shots they are like "holy crap" And yes... I do inform them that the 30-06 it fires is near twice the power of the .223/556
Haha that’s awesome man! I’d be right there in line to shoot that beautiful Garand! The Mini is a great rifle and I just don’t understand the complaints ppl have over them, they function and are reliable. And yes I only buy Ruger mags, I suppose that’s the biggest con about them is the factory mags are pricey.
I'd keep the peep... can you remove, clean/degrease the threads and put a bit of blue locktite?
Roger that
I agree with point 3. It's less scary than an AR-15 and it was my Fiancés gateway into guns. Plus, I'm a sucker for wooden stocks, so it was a no-brainer.
Im also a sucker for those beautiful wooden stocks
I've got a California bro n law, I showed him AR and Hi-Point carbine, he said the Hi-Point is scarier
30 rnd mag I don't like, when I'm out shooting I rarely shoot more than 5 rnds at a time, and trying to shoot from prone position is not good
Pistol grip vs traditional rifle, when shtf you may be in close combat, to perform butt stroke then shoot you must change hand positions
My AR may not hold together for a butt stroke.......the original would but these new short things
Valid points!
Do the M-4s have a bayonet lug?
@@Mrelindio42 yes
Where can you find the wood gard
Not sure but let me know if you find one!
Mine is old, had it over 30 decades. Still gets used often. Have a red dot on mine and wouldn't be sad if it was the only one i could grab.
Right on! Ill prob slap a dot on mine as well
See’s a sweet cat and guns instantly likes and subscribes
🤙🏻
Welcome aboard!
That panther looks like a weapon.
@@StevenHughes-hr5hp 🤣 I’m sure she believes that too 🐈⬛
Love my mini and also your appreciation for it 👍👍🇺🇲🇺🇲
Thanks Joe!
Adding a shock pad makes the charging handle a little harder to lock the bolt back. But it makes a noticeable difference in recoil.
Recoil is negligible. It's only firing NATO 556
Roger that man thanks for sharing
Would like to see you do a video on the Samson A-TM folding stock
I’d like to get one some day and test it out!
I love my M1 Garand. You are right about the rifle.
Love the Garand!
You've mentioned wanting another Mini and also getting an ATM stock, well apparently, now you can order the Mini already with the ATM stock directly from Ruger. I just found out about it recently but I don't know the price. It might be cheaper to buy it direct from Ruger or it might be cheaper to buy the regular Mini from Ruger and then purchase the ATM stock from Samson. Since you have the Mini-14, are you thinking about getting a Mini-30? They are fantastic and the ammo "used to be" a lot cheaper than 5.56, lol. Anyway, the ATM stock fits on either the Mini-14 or the Mini-30 rifle. I don't think I've ever seen a wooden cover on a Mini, sounds cool. Great video. 👍
I have a mini 14 with the wooden top cover on it. It is the 50th anniversary year edition. Looks great
@@shadetree134
Yeah, I got a chance to look it up. They look great. Congrats on the 50th. Anniversary Edition.
You do know they make a side charging handle set-up upper assembly for AR's....right ???
Nope! I didnt know
A friend moved down to Tennessee from new York and their family has alot of mini 14 though all the internals have upgraded with accuracy systems parts
Very nice!
@@leverBoylukemy friend dad bought or looked at ar 15 but he still use a mini 14 because thats what he is use to
Before you rush out and buy a Mini-14, keep in mind that earlier models were designed for open sights. Trying to mount a rail or a scope on an older Mini-14 requires an aftermarket mount or adapter. All of them are expensive and none of them work very well.
I only go for those newer Mini 14s personally
right. Buy one new so you get rails with it
You should try the Mini 14 peep sights from TechSights. They’re supposedly very solid.
Absolutely I’ll be getting them very soon! Thanks!
One major flaw to the ar. If a round does not chamber completely the assist makes a bad problem worse. The mini, take the heel of your hand and hit the operating rod. It will seat the round
Exactly. Preach
I hike on the National Forest and the granola crunchers are a lot less uneasy when we meet on the trail when they see the Mini versus an AR. I have both and just find the Mini to be a better gun for me, for a lot of reasons. All of which are poo pooed by the Mall Ninjas, of course.
I will never poo poo on your reasons good sir bc I probably will agree with most of them. You carry anything you want to carry and let the mall ninjas make all that crybaby fuss ^_^