Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 2]
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- Опубликовано: 1 дек 2022
- Despite all the criticism, the Ruger Mini-14 is still around for the same reason any gun has a long production run -- people keep buying it. Last time, we looked at the Mini's history and why it became popular to begin with. In part 2, we're looking at why it's still popular today in a market with plethora of affordable alternatives. We also share our first hand experience with some of the Mini-14s more notorious flaws.
Part 1 in case you missed it: • Why Won't the Ruger Mi...
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Chris
I bought my Mini-14 around 1989. I had seen them at a hardware store near our lake house when I was a teenager. It was the Raquel Welch of guns. I remember In my 40's being at the gun range shooting steel targets at 300 yards with stock sights. A Range Office who was ex-Marine came by and bad mouth it. When he heard it hitting the steel, he said , Maybe you got one of the good ones!".
FU to him and I would never sell mine. Real gun guys don't disparage others gun choices.
Best quick accuracy improvement for the 14(and maybe the 30 too)- loosen the 4 hex head screws holding the gas block together. Reallign the halves to make sure the gap on each side is equal and tighten once again each to 45inch pounds. The screws are typically set from the factory at anywhere from 50ish to 60 lbs, but they're not consistent. This allows for a much more consistent barrel whip/flex.
Are not the gas block hex screws pinned in place ?? So undoing them is bad??
@@burtonkephart6239 they're 'staked' to prevent a potential walkout(that never happens, but for insurance purposes they might as well do it), but you can undue them and restake them if you chose to, or just put a small dab of loctite on them.
You are correct
Cheers🍻
👍
To be honest, it’s even simpler than aesthetics for me. I just like the way it sounds. When you’re firing the gun and when you’re manipulating the action, it has a satisfying mechanical charm to its sound that an AR doesn’t have. It’s consistent not just with the Mini-14, but most Garand action firearms. The M1 Garand, the M1 Carbine, the M14, etc.
Again muscle car vs daily driver analogy. AR15 feels like shifting a manual honda versus the mini14/30 or M1 which feel like driving a muncie behind a big block.
The AK has that mechanical charm to it too, since it's essentially a heavily modified Garand that's been flipped upside down.
You’re right.
I know what you mean just like the sound of a V8 or a chopper can listen to it all day lol sounds bad
It's comfortable and just all around fun to shoot
Wow. My Mini has NEVER malfunctioned like that. The only issues I've ever had with it was an unreliable ProMag magazine, and a Wolf mag spring and a follower from Midway fixed that mag.
Same.
Throw it away 😅
@@JeffreyRust-oq7rw Why? A couple replacement parts and now it's a reliable mag, and still cheaper than a Ruger factory mag.
Same
I've owned a Mini since the mid-80's. I've shot it a lot; burned up the original wood handguard and replaced it with a polymer one. I use 30 round mags I got from Paladin Press (remember them?) and I use every kind of ammo from new to reloads. And I can't recall ever having a malfunction.
Same here. Bought mine in 1979 and has never experienced a malfunction. Shot all kinds of ammo through it.
Wow, I wish I could say the same. I bought my mini only 3 years ago. The bolt locks back when there is still a round in the magazine. Can’t figure out why.
@@attackcamel13 Try cleaning and lubing the bolt hold open lever, or whatever it's called.
@@rpbajbClean only. Do not lube. 😊
@@attackcamel13 Remove the bolt and closely examine the left, rear side of the bolt and look for wear or a hole in the metal. The bolt stop/ejector may need some smoothing by a gunsmith to correct, if you find damage to the bolt. Ruger will replace and fix the problem IF that's the case.
The Ruger Mini-14 is a beautiful gun. In an age of tacti-cool I appreciate the throw back look and it helps that the gun has a non-threatening low profile.
Non threatening? Are you sure your not an undercover anti-gunner?
@@Floridaman1780_ I once got robbed at gun point, but I felt better once I realized the gun had furniture.
Got one mid 80s...goes bang just fine! No problem with my reloads eather cos I'm older,30'06 too heavy; but .223 just fine,no gagets,basic I'm a M 1 guy,corp qualified in '68 so there...
@@Floridaman1780_ Mini's are not listed on most Ban Lists...
I got one JIC and because of GREAT RELIABILITY B4 I bought my AR or MAK 90
And moreso than anything else is the sight clearance above the barrel. That means better shots on target at ranges under 75 yards.
Sight clearance 1ish inch above the barrel.
Almost no sight offset at point blank
Grew up in Northern California (unfortunately) so guns like this were the best we could do. I grew up shooting the mini 14 when I was real young and I do like the 80’s nostalgia of minis in the same configuration you have in the video.
I’m into collecting guns so I had to get one like yours for the sake of my collection and I appreciate it for what it is.
Remember that this was the rifle during the 80’s that gave the feds hell during the Miami Dade shooting.
All that said, when it comes to the business, it just doesn’t hold a candle to the Daniel Defense and BCM M4 carbines.
Oddly, "the best you could do" was superior to the AR plastic toy guns you can't get.
Let their ignorance blind them and enrich you.
For me, I love how different it is now days. If you bring an AR to the range nobody bats an eye. You bring a mini (especially with an archangel stock or something tactical) and people come to see / ask questions. Plus its tons of fun to shoot, something about the mechanical feeling from heavy bolt is awesome.
An M1 will draw a crowd too.
I live in Oklahoma and it’s 99 percent AR’s
I just got a mini 14 cause I like how it looks and I like old stuff.
Old cars, mechanical watches, vintage guns etc.
I plan on getting an AR as well but really like the mini 14 for what it is.
I have to admit that I initially bought my AR just to stick up my middle finger at the gun grabbers. But after shooting it a few times I fell in love with it. It's just a really well designed weapon, and fun to shoot.
Agree. I have a plain jane, carry handle retro version and I just cannot stockpile ammo! Too much fun shooting. I think I’m re-living my youth with my 1st bb gun.
👌
All guns are fun to shoot.
You should get a mini14,
The first time I shot one, I called my dad (who got me into shooting) and told him he needed to get one because it's like a .22 for grown ups.
What always kills me is I think there is a real market for a gun that looks like this, uses AR mags, and functions better. Why doesn't it get made? Like you said there are some really advantages to the traditional style stock. There is I think one company that makes a traditional style stock lower but that still uses a different trigger and the stock is not wood.
You can get a wooden stock on a fightlite SCR
The Kel-Tec su16 comes close, in my opinion, but the lack of wood furniture holds it back. I haven't owned one, but I also hear that Kel-Tecs are not the most reliable guns, but maybe that's changed.
@@kerbalairforce8802 Not really reliable from what ive read. If you put a piston AR upper on it that could work though. BTW love the PFP and name.
@@PracticalReformation Reliable as you make them. Follow owner's manual and there should be no reason why they won't give you 100%. Ruger will be happy to address any issues.
@@star-spangledfemboy8114 The Su16 is a fairly clunky and awkward gun to use. The action is stiff, it's front-heavy because of the gas system and polymer stock, and the magwell doesn't even fit Kel-tec's own polymer magazines all that well, so good luck using anything except metal STANAGs. The only saving grace is that you can still get them for under $600-700, but I wouldn't pay a penny more than that.
Great video, and I'm definitely one of those people who likes the Mini-14's aesthetics. There's a certain sameyness you get with modern AR and downstream technology, and the Ruger has a classic look which bucks that trend.
kingozryk I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.
I am saddened to hear of the reliability issues. I bought a 181 series back in 1981 and while I never got better than 6" groups at 100 yards (I was shooting 6" groups at 200 yards with my M16A1 then), I must say that out of several thousand rounds, I never had a single failure to feed, fire or eject.
From what I've found on the internet, reliability issues on those generally come from the mags for most people. I have one that runs like a clock with Ruger mags, but if you try and stick any aftermarket mag in it it just isn't having it.
100% will not work with aftermarkets, if you can get it to load the first round, it will jam by round number 3. With factory mags which are admittedly really hard to get, the mini might as well have Singer on the barrel instead of Ruger cause mine runs just like a sewing machine.
The only non-ruger mags that work were from Precision Mags.
But the mag ban in Cali shut them down.
I own 5-40 round 4-30 round. They work without a problem.
You are correct sir
My experience is the same.
I had the same problem with my pre-ban Mini-14 in the early 1990s. Not a Ruger mag? Malf-o-matic. You could see the terrible build approach of the after-market mags.
One thing I have always liked about this channel is, unlike some others, I never feel like LuckyGunner is trying to sell me something. Channels like ClassicFirearms always feel like the sole purpose of the videos is "look how cool this is, you should buy one from us". I appreciate that these are just honest reviews of different firearms and products.
I believe they make videos to get money from youtube and advertise their product.
BTW darrelgardner I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.
My mini runs like a clock, I’ve never had the bolt locking issues that you had, that’s a weird occurrence for sure. The biggest advantage I think is that it vents the unused gas during the cycling process, making it a clean running platform. Other than boresnaking the barrel you have very little cleaning to do after shooting, I do a field strip and full cleaning maybe once a month, try that with an AR! At the end of the day it’s whatever firearm works for you, happy shooting y’all!
Honestly. I don't clean my ar or ak much. Maybe once two or three months or every 500 rounds. I have seen minis caked in crap too, they seem to be like the ar in loving running dirty
I simply don't and won't own a DI AR. Piston ARs always.
Yeah, he's GOOFY! Any one can post a video!
Yeah I was shocked when he mentioned that. From my experience they are super reliable
@olivervasquez7690 I'm still on the fence about buying one. Between this video and dozens of posts on the Mini 14 subreddit saying they've experienced the bolt getting stuck open, it's hard for me to pull the trigger, (pun intended).
Too bad to hear you had reliability issues. I do understand you’re likely not to get the same accuracy as you can with a well tuned AR but my experience with reliability with Mini-14s has been nothing but spectacular. Never had a feed or ejection issue ever.
1995
Fed : wolf h.p. Never a hiccup,
Always meat pot.
Same.
Same here, every time!
Bought mine in the 90s for $300 new. Fired 1000s of rounds. Never cleaned it (stainless version) and it's ALWAYS worked! Before you scoff at the price, my buddy was a gun dealer, that's why it was so cheap.
This is the guy that uses garbage bullets so he can say that the gun is not functioning correctly I've seen him before
Mini 14 is very reliable, never had a single issue over 20+ years. My first AR had issues and I had to replace buffer spring.
14:45 Haha.. nice subtle reference back to the 80s A-Team; the Mini-14 was practically a mascot for that series! Excellent Part 2, Chris!
As a mini 14 owner who admittedly purchased due to the restrictive gun laws, I have to say I have come to admire the Ruger as it performs remarkably with very impressive handling and none of the issues that you are having with the model you're using. I'm wondering if your comment addressing an inconsistency of manufacture is indeed what you are dealing with. I suppose I'll have to consider myself lucky to own the particular rifle that I purchased at my local gun shop. I enjoyed the 2 part series and thank you for the effort.
I owned a Mini bought in the late 70s and enjoyed shooting it very much, but it was left behind at a friends house in an early 90s move across country and sold before I could retrieve it. I was finally able to replace it last year and have again thoroughly enjoyed it. There is something so satisfying about the feel and handling that is akin to driving a Harley in comparison to a rice burning crouch rocket AR.
I made some mods to my Mini-14, and it consistently shoots less than 3 MOA, and, with quality ammo, I get 1.5" groups at 100 yards. (Accuracy mods= trigger upgrade, harmonic Barrel stabilizer, recoil spring poly buffer shim, reduced gas port, glass bedded receiver). As far as cycling issues, I replaced the ejector, polished feed ramp, and keep it shouldered securely.
I have AR's, but, in a SHTF, if I could only grab 1 rifle, I'm definitely taking the mini. It runs clean, field stripping and maintenance are simple, and it's a very solid rifle- zero plastic/ composites.
It's plenty accurate. Jams/ cycling issues are quick and easy to fix with the open action...and it's just a superior all around rifle.. ( and you should really use a scope, not a red dot, to accurately gauge moa.)
I agree with you........I added a barrel stabilizer , keep it clean & oiled & get similar performance. I own 2 & never had the issues described in this vid !!
So over $2K for a gun that doesn't even get over 1 M.O.A on its best day? That's ridiculous
@@BcFuTw9jt it's under 1k
I did the same mods with a 196 series in stainless and it's a good shooter
@@BcFuTw9jt a Mini costs around $900........it's a hobby, like any other hobby you can spend a ton of money on it !!!
Would love to see part 3 - How to mitigate the accuracy and reliability issues with after market parts and are they worth it.
Just buy an AR15. The Mini is flawed. You're paying twice as much trying to sink money into "tuning" the Mini and it still will be an inaccuracy and unreliable overpriced garbage rod.
My mini 30 had terrible reliability issues. Wouldn't fire Russian ammo and failed to go into battery with all ammo. Aftermarket firing pin took care of hard primers and new Ruger extractor took care of battery issue. The new and original extractors didn't even look like the same part
Yeah so would Ruger so they could produce it
could changing the barrel improve accuracy?
@Mustard Toast No. Gas system is the problem. Way over-gassed than what is necessary. Induced harmonics, barrel whip, improper lock timing/kinematics. The gas system needs to be redesigned.
I always liked the inside the trigger guard safety just because if you are shooting at a bad guy or dinner you can not forget to take the safety off.
With a proper grip on a AR-15 pistol grip, you thumb should automatically touch the safety selector. If you’re touching the selector, it means it’s safe. A simple flick down, and you’re off.
About as simple as a 1911 safety
@@nfaisnfgay not if you're a lefty
@@rockeyallen5920 Ambi selectors are like $20
Minor mathematical correction. If we assume rifle inaccuracy is uncorrelated with shooter inaccuracy, then the total standard deviation in accuracy of the rifle with the shooter is the square root of the sum of the squares of their separate standard deviations of accuracy. Since expected group accuracy is proportional to standard deviation, a 6 MOA shooter shooting from a 6 MOA gun would be expected to have an accuracy of approximately 8.5 MOA (sqrt(6^2 + 6^2) = 8.485).
Chris this is such an awesome series, thank you!
Practical accuracy run with a mini14?
@@_NotmyShadow_they already did one. It failed miserably
@@quentinarnold7349 oh snap. Missed that 1
@@quentinarnold7349 do you have a link?
@@thereloadingcraft ruclips.net/video/TjrvTGYauLE/видео.html
Very true. I've always wanted a mini-14, but never came to mind to go and buy one because I already had many AR-15s. But while visiting California I went to an auction and they had 8 minis for sale. I saw a nice stainless steel mini14 with a wood stock. I ended up winning it and transferred to a dealer in my state. I enjoyed the rest of my vacation knowing I had a nice rifle waiting for me back in my home state.
Had mine since 2000 and never had any malfunction that wasn't related to bad aftermarket mags. Thermolds were decent but ever since I got Ruger factory mags...never had a malfunction
I never saw the placement of the safety as dangerous or problematic on the Mini. It is very similar to the Garand and M14, which millions of veterans used without problems with accidental discharges. Saying it is problematic is just a lack of familiarity and being used to the thumb lever on AR-style rifles.
The mini-14 safety, just like the Garand and the M-14/M1A, is engaged by pkacing your finger OUTSIDE the trigger guard, and pushing it backward, toward the trigger. To disengage the safety and make the rifle ready to fire, you use your trigger finger to push the safety nub FORWARD, away from the trigger. So, the chances of an ND are pretty small, since the same finger that would fire the rifle cannot both move forward to disengage the safety, as well as move backward to trip the trigger - they are two separate motions by the same body part, in the same way that you cannot simultaneously pull something toward you and push it away with the same arm.
Compare that to an AR-15, where conceivably, a shooter coukd have their trigger finger engaging the trigger while their thumb is manipulating the safety.
Great break down on the Mini. While mine never had the amount of malfunctions you describe, it did have 5-6 MOA accuracy and that is why it's become a Safe Queen. Sentimental reasons (My First Personally Owned Rifle) keep it from being sold now since the 1980s.
Loved these two videos!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them!
@@micahh108 very cool stuff from them. One of the few who retool and rebarrel mini 14s and mini 30s if I’m not mistaken.
sounds like a fun accurizing project
that's exactly the boat i'm in as well. i "like" my Mini because i've had it forever and have a lot of nostalgia for it. that said though, i haven't shot her in years :-/
My older 180-series Mini was around 6 MOA. I sold it and bought the newer 580-series with the better redesigned and heavier barrel. It’s 1-2” MOA with iron sights and free-handling it on my shoulder. It’s really impressive how they did indeed improve accuracy. My Mini-30 on the other hand is an old one, I bought around 1992. It’s always been. 2 MOA rifle and that was good enough for what I wanted it for…. Coyotes and a tent camp carbine in bear country.
I have always been amazed how reliability can differ between Mini 14/30 rifles. Mine has been very reliable even with most off brand mags and the worst of the steel core ammo. When I bought my Mini 30 in the 90s, it did have several large burrs in the action that could have become problems. I also installed a plastic buffer and a Leupold scope which helps. My accuracy is a decent 2 inches at 100 yards with handloads for the first 2 or 3 shots but after that it opens up to 5 to 6 inches. I would pick an AR over a Mini 14/30 any day but the platform can work if you got one of the good once
Lots of myths here. I’ve got two newer minis and they shoot 2 MOA with target ammo and 1.5 with custom loads, never 6 MOA. The safety is another non issue, it’s been used on the M-14 forever safely. He mentioned ARs we’re more reliable? No way. My minis never jam with anything. And they do fly under the radar legally in CA. Glad I prefer them.
The position of the safety is actually in a very good place. You won't fumble around looking for the safety, a simple flick of your finger gets things right very fast, if needed.
These Mini-14 vids are by far my favorite videos you guys have posted. It's so refreshing to see a gun video that does more than just list the specs from on a website. I'll keep my fingers crossed 🤞that you'll make more vids like this on other rifles. Thx...
Hi djsity have you become a flat earther yet? If not I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.
@@flat-earther bro what 😂😂😂
@@AcornFox It might be shocking to learn that we were all duped into believing such a huge lie(the globe).
I suggest watching the series to learn stuff you may have not heard before.
@@flat-earther i’m so sorry your mother couldn’t control her drinking while pregnant with you
Quit buying junk ammunition
Some people say the mini 14 safety is potentially unsafe. Over 5.4 million m1s have that safety ad does the 6.5 million m1 carbines 2.4 million m14s Ruger has made well over 1 million min 14s and mini 30s springfield armory has made well over 1 million m1as and several hundred thousand other m1as.
Well done on both parts!! I’ve owned 2 mini 14’s, the first one was a stainless folder with all the bells and whistles ( flash hider, bayonet lug, folding stock) and I traded it for a couple vintage lever guns to a friend. The second one is a 184 series I bought brand new in 1986 and still own to this day. The only remarkable trait of this one was the factory folding stock, I paid $325.00 brand new. In 2009 I sold just the stock for $475 to some guy in NY. Anyway, I’ve fired thousands of .223 and 5.56 through mine mini and I can only recall it misfiring ( jamming) two or three times. For what I use the gun for it is plenty accurate and has become a part of me as your boyhood .22 does. After I sold the factory folder, I picked up a marked surplus police stock and then a Choate nylon folder. I own over 30 guns and my mini is still one of my favorites. Great unbiased video, I’ll be a new subscriber for sure!!
I have had 2 of them for decades, and never run into the jamming issues. At least that weren't related to bad aftermarket magazines. The accuracy issues, on the other hand, are pretty much what you guys were seeing.
We love it when a Lucky Gunner series come together. 😉
I purchased my Mini-14 in ‘79, and loved it. At that time it was a lot less than the AR-15, and I liked the ‘low key’ aspect of the rifle. I sanded and refinished the stock, and it was beautiful. A person had to look twice to realize what it was. I shot it all the time, pretty much as my ‘daily driver’, because it shot well (much better than my 22LR) yet the ammo was relatively cheap. When I really wanted to hit something, I used my 25-06. I miss my Mini-14, and would purchase another one, except now they cost more than a good bolt action, and about twice what an AR-15 costs. Joe
I dont know about others, but function has never been an issue with my stainless mini 14. I've had it since the early 80s. Bought and used in sitka alaska,Washington state,ohio,New Mexico,Florida and now resides in Texas. Minimum of 20k of rounds through it. Surely the barrel is shot out by now but still functioning without issues.
Mags is the biggest issue they have.
WOW! I guess I'll have to go back and read the comments from the first video cuz I've watched several videos on the Mini 14 from "other big names" and they pretty much said this gun RUNS! I guess it then begs the question... is a failure to fire every 70th round WAY HIGHER than an AR-15? Which is easier to get back in battery, the Mini or an AR? Was it the ammo? I know Minis have never been known for pinpoint accuracy BUT to go from 2 MOA to 6-7 MOA leads me to think: Is it the ammo? I know they say if a pistol consistently has a failure to fire, start with the magazine! Again, this video leaves alot of unanswered questions for me!
I’ve owned 2 over the last 30 years. I shoot surplus ammo and honestly I havnt had a single jam that was related to the rifle. The last problem I had was 20 ish years ago with the funky polymer cartridges. My experience is that it’s iron clad reliable and I trust my life with it.
I installed a variable gas block on my Mini. Works great to make the brass fall right next to you. You can even turn it off completely and make the rifle a single shot. Sitting at a shooting table manually cycling the bolt keeps me from picking up brass when shooting just paper. All you do is turn a knob a few clicks to adjust it until you get what you want.
Love all the subtle A-Team references! Great vid, thanks.
The Mini14 or mini30 are some of my favorite guns to shoot. I didn't experience any reliability problems with my guns when I had them. The Mini14 just cost to much for what it is.
The one thing I’ve experienced differently than you was in reliability. I’ve had my Mini for over 10 years and it’s been more reliable than my AR. Maybe this is a QC issue with newer production? That is one of the main reasons I still keep mine. I’ve been able to run whatever trash ammo I can find and it still ejects the spent cases 30 ft
Or a magazine issue?
It’s possible. I’ve had a few good and bad experiences with aftermarket mags. Rugers have always run great for me.
Mini's are famous for depositing spent brass into the next county.
Exactly I have Ruger factory 30 rounders and in 800 rounds I have had one malfunction. And I get 2 MOA, not 6.
@@yakivpopavich My experience with my Mini versus the AR platforms was exactly the opposite of what's alleged in this video. The ammo we used in the military was very dirty and you were lucky to get through a qualification without cleaning it. And what a pain in the ass to clean.
A very informative video. I happen to have a mini-14. I have probably shot only about 1,000 rounds through it, but I've never had a stoppage of any kind...knock on wood. As far as accuracy goes, mine probably averages about 3-inches at 100 yards. It's not as accurate as my AR, but it doesn't carry the same stigma either.
Another well done video full of helpful tips and info. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks Chris for these videos, I'm always entertained and educated. The biggest draw of the Mini-14 for me would be nostalgia, 2nd would be the 'something different' but I don't own one because I like the M1 Carbine even better, though the new Ruger LC Carbine scratches that 'different' itch as well.
Also, I dig the brown jean jacket you've been sporting for the 2 years or so.
I carry my M1 with me every day im in the bush here in Alaska for the last 40 yrs. it is the perfect carbine in my opinion for outdoor activities.
I’m a new shooter and I’ve felt repelled from buying the AR-15 for reasons I hadn’t ever formulated from feelings into words. The description of not wanting to buy a lifestyle alongside a gun (or be perceived that way) was spot on! I’m impressed by your research.
Except the total sales for AR15s being the most popular rifle suggest you're either not a legitimate gun owner or in a very obscurity minority of gun owners called Fudds.
I was a gun owner/enthusiast for 20 years before I bought my first AR. I had always avoided it for all of the reasons that Chris stated, including not wanting to be counted n the “Tactical Timmy” camp. My curiosity got the better of me when they became plentiful and affordable. Now I own 5 of them. I still refuse to buy a battle belt or plate carrier and I don’t pretend to be a suburban “operator”. You can own an AR without drinking the cool-aid.
Those guys are uncommon, they're just _really_ loud online. The AR-15 is now basically the "default" semi-auto rifle. The vast majority of AR owners are not going to be like that.
Plus, why deprive yourself of an accurate, ergonomic rifle just because a small number of people that also own that rifle are dicks? Reminds me of Michael Bolton from Office Space. "Why should I change it? He's the one who sucks."
@Christian Constitutionalist Yeah, I fully agree with you, but I like to meet people where they're at if I can.
Eugene Stoner designed a lightweight, accurate, ergonomic and - in my opinion - _beautiful_ rifle. There's a reason the AR platform is ubiquitous - it really is just that damn good.
Who cares what people think
Very interesting two parter. Thank you so much.
Love the "A-Team" font at the start. What a throwback!
I love it when a plan comes together
I love the title of the video. I work in law enforcement and my department finally got rid of the Mini-14s a few months ago in favor of the AR. I was told the reason for picking the Mini was that it looked less aggressive and it was easier for non gun people to learn. That last part might have been true 30 years ago, but most of my coworkers are veterans or already own an AR. The only reason I was comfortable with the Mini was because I have an M1 Carbine and an M1A.
illegalclown I suggest watch a 13 part series called _What on earth happened_ by Ewaranon to learn that the earth is not a globe. I got it in my about tab.
So, I will ask you in LE, why do you need weapons of war? Are you at war? With who? Don't misunderstand me, I just do a back flip every time I hear that. But they ignore that question. When they say they want them off the streets, do they forget about LE?
I had a stainless model. Never had 1 issue. Except once with steel cased ammo but with brass it ran like a champ I loved it so much❤
My mini 14 has not suffered accuracy or reliability problems. But, mine is in a Sage EBR chassis. It came from Ruger with this chassis/stock an an LE model. It is not light, but it is fun, reliable, and fairly accurate. it gets 1.5-2 moa on average with a few groups using match ammo that were better.
Great review. And I like the end of comparing it to the M1 carbine. Which the M1 carbine is a great farm and rural defence gun for predators.
But i wouldn’t mind a part 3 and discussing the mini thirty and how it was developed to take advantage of surplus ammo and shoot the 7.62x39. Along with a accuracy comparison and how it handles the cartridge with comparison to the original sks and AK platforms.
Inland (no relation to the WWII Inland) makes modern M1 Carabines and oddly enough a AR looking firearm using the M1 action it seems in .30 carbine
@@Bidimus1 I seen the Chiappa’s that are in 9mm based off the M1. Interesting and cheap.
To shoot steel ammo reliably you unfortunately gotta get an aftermarket firing pin for the Mini 30
@@LMTran aftermarket firing pin realistic is a very small part to replace. After all in this review they added a whole upper piece and stock system to show the availability of aftermarket and customization options.
@LMTran you might be right but I think it's the hammer spring you gotta replace for a stronger one
Thanks for this great run down on the Mini 14. I like my Mini 14 for sentimental reasons. It belonged to my father who used one at work. I have the commemorative version he received at his retirement. I have shot about 100 consecutive rounds through it without any malfunctions so it seems I got a good one. I have kept it ready for home defense sometimes when I lived in California. Now I have a different rifle rated for 5.56 and easier to mount an optic on. I just hang on to the Mini for the reasons above and in case I find myself in California again.
it's a very nice looking gun to. also it doesn't have the "scary" look the AR, and AK platforms do.
I appreciate this set of videos! I was looking at Minis literally last night- but 1/70 malfs @ 6MOA tells the tale I needed to hear.
I graduated from an old style military school in the day with faculty, who were WWII and Korean War vets. The Civilian Marksmanship program had enough M1s for a Platoon and probably more. These were cleaned and used at occasional trips to an outdoor range. Also anybody could go downtown and buy an M1 carbine for $100. Although I ended up a first Lieutenant as a Senior and was never issued an M1. Owning a mini-14 is nostalgia for me and being left side dominant I have Stag arms lefties too.
Great content as always. Thanks
Thanks!
I can honestly say that the Mini14 I owned in the 90's and the Mini30 I currently own....has never, ever not even once failed to "run" or cycle properly.
Video sums up my experience with my late 2000’s mini -14. After market mags were garbage, factory mags were way more reliable but would also fail like he mentions in the video. Some times the riffle would strip the copper jacket off the bullets as they were chambered, found out because the range called a cease fire, and I ejected the round instead of firing it. I had an Amega upper handguard/rail and a brace on the barrel to improve accuracy. It had about 2.0 inch 3 round groups but would quickly open up as the barrel heated. Sold it, wish I hadn’t mostly because I like the look.
thank you for excellent review and demos
I have a 181 series (1979) mini. I'm pretty sure the Mag problems appeared in later models as they tightened them up. I bought it purely for the looks as it was the first gun I wanted when I was a kid... Saw it in the gun rack at JC Penny's !! The single blade front sight is hard to find when in the sun, but I'm usually only shooting rocks in the desert.... It's a fun gun for me...
I still like the aesthetic of the wood stocked Mini. Especially like your set up with the Samson rail and mini red dot. I have had three since the late 80’s. I sold my last one (a newer tactical model) and finally joined the AR crowd a few years ago. The deciding factor was when the extractor completely failed (never found it) during a 3 gun match.
I also had to correct some issues with the factory Ruger magazines to prevent the last two or so rounds from nosediving and causing malfunctions. I’m also picky about cheek weld, and the factory stock drop at comb is too low for any kind of optics for my liking. I would limit a reliable Mini to close range work.
I absolutely love my mini-14. Its 70s 181 series mini that my grandfather bought way back in the day. He had put about 200 rounds through it over the years until I came along and started shooting with him. He has passed on now and I have taken ownership of his mini. It may not be the most accurate, or reliable rifle but its is a great deal of fun to shoot and always makes me feel connected to my grandfather when I shoot it.
I wanted one for a while just because my dad has always liked them, and I have inherited that like of them from his stories. What finally got me to buy one was for a road trip rifle. It's not my ideal rifle for most things but with ten round mags it is the least likely to interfere with my vacation plans if I'm out traveling, especially when I'm visiting friends in ban states. It also looks more like a hunting rifle which is typically not a pro to me but if someone happens to see it for whatever reason in a less gun friendly area than I live in its less likely to draw negative attention which is sadly a concern. With a 1-6x and the right load it's capable enough for self-defense and hunting/camping.
I really liked the Video. I am a New Yorker who refused to purchase a NY legal bastardized AR rifle that would remind me of my forced obedience every time I picked it up, so I went with the Mini-14. I have grown fond of the rifle, although I have found that it does have an occasional stoppage, particularly when you add the plate for the scope. I think that the Garand action is really nice. I have bought every part and spring that I can from Accuracy Systems Inc., and it has really helped make it a nice trigger pull and more reliable rifle, and their Nickel plating is amazing. So if I could, I would buy an AR platform and then get a Mini-14 as a second rifle. Accuracy for many people is not a big deal for home defense and for Plinking, but the limitations are there. My only Bill Ruger complaint is that he also should have copied the M1 Carbine Magazines that slide in easily, rather than these expensive proprietary ones, see my M1 video showing how easy they work. The biggest risk to the Mini-14 is the Supreme Court rendering the AR Ban unlawful, then the Mini would be on Forgotten weapons, discontinued but loveable. My Mini-14 setup is here: ruclips.net/video/cCTcXQh35SI/видео.html
its accurate enough to put food on my table every year....
im guessing itd be accurate enough for defense as well...
i dont know what this millennial is talking about.
I'm in California and went with Minis over ARs for the same reason as you: I can't abide alterations to a gun which serve no functional purpose other than to annoy me.
@@NathanLGrossman Agreed! It's also easy to disassemble and clean with help from a youtube video. Do it once and you become an expert! So glad you got it!
Just do what we all do in NY, buy the AR with a pinned magazine and just remove the pin. Also you can still find websites that will ship you 30 round magazines too. Do not comply with unconstitutional laws at the State level. Just disregard them entirely.
@Kevin Hart Both of their actions are the similar, Grand action. The M1 uses the .30 carbine Ammo that is bigger and slower than the Mini-14, but much smaller than the M1 Garand. The carbine was designed for shorter ranges and is lighter and less powerful. The 556 is a lighter but Faster round. See my videos on the M1 carbine. I line the two rifles up.
I bought my mini around 2020, I did find it was extremely over gassed. I got an aftermarket gas bushing kit and run .050 and put a copper bushing to keep the op rod from smacking the receiver so hard. Good gun but even with a good scope I get fliers that turn a 2 moa group into a 6 moa. Nice review!! 👌
A hard rubber 'shok buff' from a 1911 style pistol is a great option also, check em out when you get a chance!
Great 2 Part Series. I love my Mini's as much as my 'Black' guns. I put my Samson folding on my stainless with a nice sling and looks great. I also record The A-Team and watch regularly. What a hoot. I tend to look and worship my weapons more than i get out and shoot. Great videos, regardless.
Great video series parts one and two! I think a big reason for it being still on the market is older guys like me have a fondness for the M1 Garand, M14 and 30 carbine. The Mini 14 is just a cool fun gun to shoot and is more assthectically pleasing to the eye of older gun folks, like me than the more modern AR style rifles.
@ Jason Miller - The rifles and carbines you just mentioned appeal to many people, and not just old-school types, because they are slick and don't have everything but the kitchen sink hanging off of them like so many ARs do these days. Old-school meaning that you kept the rifle as stripped down and basic as possible, so that it maintained its balance, ease of pointing and aim, and was easily-slung or unslung. A basic unadorned Mini appeals to those sentiments in a lot of their owners.
@GeorgiaBoy1961 I agree, the ar15 is a very nice rifle model, it has a lot of perks... but it's just kind of boring. everyone at the range has one.
the traditional wood stock just has something to it that screams classy and unique these days.
I was looking at an AK because it's different than my ar 15, but it still has that militaristic feel that AR platform has (that won't stop me from buying an AK though)
I picked up a mini around 2007 or so mainly because I didn’t really want to be that “AR guy” at the time although times have changed now and AR style platforms are much more mainstream now. At any rate, mine never jams and has always seemed accurate enough for me screwing around in the fields. Unless the world really went to hell in a bad way, a .223 would never be my self defense round of choice anyway.
Great 2 part series. Thanks.
What would your choice of round be for defence?
I have always wanted a AR 10 in .308 for the Long Range Shots. I have one Custom AR15 and one Stock AR15, but would still love to have the AR10.
Ever since I've seen this video, I've gone out and bought a Mini 14 with the Samson stock, rail, and mini red dot. It's basically just like the one in the thumbnail. It's just so damn aesthetic that I had to make one!
The earlier comment by Railfanning Points 2.0 is spot on. When Bill Ruger downscaled the M14 he simplified the gas system and thereby stuffed the accuracy. I had a mini-14 until the Govt in Australia confiscated it in 1996; I tried custom, heavier barrels for limited improvement; one day I tried it as a single shot by blocking the gas port (solid plug instead of tube connecting barrel and gas piston) and the groups shrunk from 2.5" @100yds to 0.75" @ 100 yds. That's when I realised that the Ruger system causes the barrel to start whipping while the bullet is still in it. The M14 system delays movement of the parts until bullet is well clear of barrel. Added advantages; softer and longer 'push' on gas piston, which is why M14 gets by with much lighter operating rod than the Mini-14. Sure the Mini-14 gas system may be 'self-cleaning', but I'd swap great accuracy for self-cleaning any day, especially if I was shooting less than 50 rounds per session.
Any 'fixes' that do not re-engineer the gas system and operating rod are just fiddling around the edges. Whoever designed the M14 made a damn fine rifle, that was hindered by weight and ergonomics. The Mini-14 could have overcome the weight and most of the ergonomic issues.
I loved my mini! It was my first 223 and it was the one with the chrome folding stock. Every time I see one it brings me back to when I was in high school.
“Based on certain features like pistol grips adjustable stocks”.....
And grenade launchers
DONT FORGET the grenade launchers
Gotta keep those off our streets
I have an underbarrel 37mm flare launcher. Intended for signaling or smoke screening only.
Don't forget the chainsaw bayonets. Although with my dense woods, I am probably one of the few people on the planet who might find one of those imaginary creatures useful!
I really enjoyed this series. While I've never owned a Mini-14 they've figured prominently in my life. As a teen they were quite popular around me (cheaper than an AR at the time). In my early LEO days, we had two issued out in my old dept. One had some huge plastic "tacti-cool" stock that was all the rage back in the '80s. Another officer had the "Mini-30" when it came out. On what would turn out to be my last trip to the range with a very dear friend and former LEO partner before his untimely death, I got to shoot the AC556 full-auto Mini14 his department had issued him. We also shot his new J-frame (lightest .38 S&W ever made ... ouch). Anyway, I've shot several Minis, never liked them enough to own one. Hated the way they seemed to blow the gases back at me. But, I can't say I don't like them. Just not enough to lay out the cash for one when I have "better" already.
If anything blows the gas back at you , it’s an AR and not a Mini .
@@Rancherinaz - Having shot many samples of both, of various configurations including full auto, I must disagree with you.
I own both an AR15 and a Mini14, both great rifles but I prefer the Mini 14. I like the classic looks, the wood furniture and it upsets the crazies less.I have had very few feeding issues with the Mini14 in the 40 years that I have owned it. I bought the Mini 14 from J.C Penney's in 1982 for approx. $180.00 .Just my opinion!!!
That’s wild that you got it from jc pennys
As a long time M-14/mini-1 fan...great video, well done.
I bought a Mini 8 years ago for the nostalgia. The first rifle I ever owned - saved up my paychecks from the steak house - was a Mini. My dad and I used to go shooting with it. I sold it not long after going on active duty. Dad passed in 2015, and when I got the opportunity to get another Mini, I had to, just for the memories.
Awesome videos, as usual! I've owned a Mini 14 as a "kid" in Nevada and never had any problem dispatching coyote, jackrabbits, or hundreds of cans with it and now as an "almost senior" I own a stainless Mini 30 for hog here in Florida. Always considered them more of a ranch rifle than assault rifle, but admittedly they are a scaled down and improved version of the M14. Granted there have been some evil people that put them to horrible use (ex. Norway 2011: 69 killed), but I think they appeal to a different user group than the black guns do. I don't need all the periferals attached to my Mini to gain the advantage on a hog, coyote, or jackrabbit at the ranges she's meant for. Now if there's foreign paratroopers landing in my neighborhood, might be time for a black gun...
I like “do all” guns so I have a tavor (Israeli 5.56 bullpup rifle) set up for home defense but also with a magnifier for longer ranges hunting etc… but if I was going to have separate guns for both I’d probably go with something like a mini 14 mini 30 or ruger American ranch bolt action
Apparently instead of worrying about paratroopers, worry about paragliders.
@@SamP-in4drOof, lol
It won't die because it's a proper classic. It's good. It performs. And it looks good doing it.
And very light weight
Its totally not good, its garbage. The M1 carbine is far better. LOL
@@witchywoman165 generally I agree, but you can't get an M1c at that price point, and also the ammo is a lot harder to find. I own a Marlin lever 30 carb, it's great.
A $500 AR take a dump on a $1000 mini
@@Mason-zp8yb yes, but the mini would still have more style 😁. They just look good and sound good. It's a feel-thing.
Thank you for this excellent video. Excellent objectivity and just the facts. No gushing about the love of the rifle.
Great series... Thanks so much!
Chris, great two part series. I wish more retailers put out excellent content like this.
Your experience with the Mini 14 could not be further from my experience with it. Mine puts bulk M855 on a 2 inch popper at 100-140 yards all day (my closest range has steel targets all over up to 140 yards and the berm at 150) and consistent Sub-MOA groups with Match ammo. I would never trust a heat shield mounted red dot optic to give me reliable accuracy results. I say a true turreted reciever mounted scope is unmatched in that regard. Now, mine is a 16 inch Tactical model and has an Archangel Sparta chassis with picatinny rail sections bolted on, foregrip, bipod, Leatherwood Hi-Lux 1-4x24 LPVO (the older model without illuminated reticle. Wanna upgrade to 1-8x LPVO), flip up BUIS and Cogburn Arsenal finger push mag release. Still has the factory gas port. The reliability is excellent in my experience. Never ever experienced the bolt locking back on its own on a good loaded mag. I solved my own mag reliability issues by buying a bunch of Promag steel 30 rounders and put Ruger OEM followers (Ruger followers sit a little higher and have the anti-tilt extension underneath) in the Promag bodies. The result was Ruger mag reliability for less than half the price. But compared to any other 5.56 mag that isn't an AR/STANAG mag, its a steal. I have also obtained about 20 Thermold mags that feed 100% reliably after smoothing the contact surface of the mag body in front of the bullets. But the Thermolds are prone to splitting under mild abuse like dropping on a hard surface, so those are range/practice abuser mags. Also got one of those Ram-Line Mini 14/AR combo mags that is also very good. This is all just my experience, but I make a habit of studying my guns to find out what makes em tick and if I notice any problem, I immediately set out to diagnose the issue and fix it ASAP instead of whining about how bad the gun is (not directed at anyone, just a casual observation). Unsurprisingly, all of my Mini 14's issues had been the result of bad mags. Promag polymer mags having insufficient feed angle and Promag steel mag followers allowing rounds to nosedive to name a couple very specific examples. I am kinda pissed about missing out on the Tapco Gen 2s, but I have always preferred metal mags because of the inherent issue of polymer feed lips wearing out (yes I know the Tapco Gen 2 was a hybrid mag), so the fixed steel Promags are my go-to. Again, all just my personal experience, but in my opinion, a very educated and researched experience.
Discussed Mini14 with Okla Corrections Officer and told me that they had some rifles that wouldn't hold a group on butcher paper at 75yds. Seems tower guards would constantly clean their rifles out of boredom and completely wear rifling from last 6" of barrel.
I’ve had a mini 14 since late 1980’s. Still love it and being in NY they leave me alone.
I have owned my mini since I left the Canadian Navy in 1982, I have found it more reliable than the AR platform. It is just as easy to accessorize as the AR. But those of us that use the mini just love it.
The only problem I had was with some magazines. Accuracy was a matter of finding the the ammunition that worked best, I also went to a peep sight and that improved my accuracy more. The bouncing around to different stock’s probably didn’t help you accuracy any. GunBlue490 has some good videos on his Mini 14, I guess people can’t help but to compare them to the AR but they’re two completely different things. I find it strange you said you had to keep it clean for dependability when I’ve heard so many times the opposite. If I wanted a gun that would shoot 223/556 and my funds were limited I’d buy an AR that being said by all the upgrades one usually does the cost eventually gets up there too. In my opinion they both are fun.
Some people might not like how the AR operates and prefer a more traditional cocking handle.
When you shoulder the Mini, the sights are so close to the bore that your brain can easily integrate/calculate where the rifle is pointing so the shooting experience is more internally satisfying. The AR on the other hand has sights that are so high that the barrel isn't in your fov and there's a less connected feeling.
Excellent, informative & educational video, especially those last 2 seconds…..
This was a great 2-part series. For many years, I have been wanting to justify the expense of buying a Mini-14. The rifle has an intoxicating blend of “American Can-Do” nostalgia as it is related to the M1 Garand & M1 Carbine. As a kid, in my mind, it was the ultimate rifle to carry in the jungle as I was searching for gold just as soon as I became old enough to do so.
As someone who has carried firearms as a professional, I realize objectivity must take precedence over nostalgia. After seeing Chris’s objective and well summarized review, I’ll go with other rifle options (for now). Thank you and well done!
My original Mini 14, my 2nd one is currently on layaway waiting for me to pay it off, and I've had pretty good luck with it. It's a 581 series so it doesn't have the drilled and tapped upper for the picatinny rail mount. But I haven't had a stoppage similar to what this Mini is having, and its accuracy is around 2 to 3 moa. I do run it scoped so it's a bit better with the scope.
I also have a socom stabilizing brace on it from Accu-Strut. That gives it a bit more rigidity in the barrel which helps accuracy.
Man I love your walk and talk camera explaining super cool. I used to be in a video production class 2014 my 12th grade and I see all the camera/ production efforts 🤌🫡🍻Cheers from CA
What kind of AR build was shown in the video? Love the content! Nice to see videos like this.
I would respectfully point out the following:
1) I've owned a Mini 14 along with multiple AR15s for a very long time. I purchased the Mini-14 in 1990. I've used both Minis and ARs extensively. The Mini-14 is extremely reliable right out of the box. In my experience, if good magazines are used, the Mini-14 is every bit as reliable as an AR15.
2) The M1 Garand and M14 safeties work exactly the same way as that of the Mini-14. The Mini-14 safety does not simply block the trigger. It lifts and completely blocks the hammer. With the safety engaged, the trigger is rendered absolutely useless and cannot fire the gun. This is different from a cross-bolt safety, which simply blocks the trigger. The Garand style safety's design is so strong that it might be considered one of the safest "safeties" ever designed. It seems to have served us well in main battle rifles from WWII to Vietnam without being an issue. I understand that this young man doesn't like it, but that is a personally preference issue only. There is nothing wrong with the Mini-14's safety or its location. It is very safe.
3) The price comparison is not an accurate comparison.
a. The Mini-14 is a gas piston gun, rather than the direct impingement of the average AR. The Mini doesn't crap where it eats. The AR does.
b. The Mini-14 is offered in stainless steel. In the stainless Mini, all metal parts, including springs, are stainless steel.
If you price a gas piston AR made entirely of stainless steel, you will be making a more accurate price comparison with the Mini-14.
4) In my experience, the average Mini-14 is less accurate than the average AR15. The issue is easily correctable. Still, I agree that the rifle should be more accurate out of the box. This has been a consistent problem from the beginning. By bedding the stock on my 1990 Mini-14 and adding an Accu-Strut, I got the average group down to 2 MOA using cheap range ammunition and reloads with mixed brass. With good factory self-defense or hunting ammunition, that drops to 1.5 MOA and 1 MOA depending upon ammunition used. That is well within fighting accuracy requirements out to 300 yards.
Point #1 and #2 I agree with.
Addressing point #3:
A gun being gas piston operating does not mean it is inherently better. Even lower end DI AR-15s have zero issues with their systems. 1000s upon 1000s of rounds can be fired through an AR that is lubed correctly and not cleaned without issue. I know many people and many guntubers who do it.
About 85% of the reason you'd want a gas piston system is for suppressor usage and most Mini barrels do not come threaded. The systems may be cleaner or whatever benefit you think you're getting, but that doesn't mean anything when the system is not as tried and optimized as the AR-15's DI system is.
If you're comparing a stainless steel Mini to an AR-15, that makes sense, but the regular-ass Mini is STILL more expensive. Your point is moot.
Addressing Point #4:
Why do I have to work on my $1000+ rifle out of the box? That's horse shit. There are dozens of guns that if you put TLC into will run just as well as the gold standard in their class, but why? Save money and stop beating a dead horse.
If you want a Mini for aesthetics, ban state compliance (I live in Maryland so I know more about it than most), or some other reason, go for it. But don't act like it's as good without spending double the moolah unnecessarily.
I’ve found the mini 30 in 7.62x39 to be actually really reliable.
Mine is too, never a single hickup. The vast majority of functioning problems with the Mini-series are due to aftermarket magazines that aren't factory spec. Your rifle might tolerate it, & mine might choke on it, it just varies. Factory mags are the only surefire way, & if your gun balks with those, it's got bigger problems, & needs repair.
Great review. I agree with your conclusions. I would like to see what you think of the Mini Tactical 30 as it’s a totally different cartridge and a slightly different configuration. Thanks Chris you rock!
I have the 30 cal. mini and I love it. I bought it because everybody and their grandma has an AR or AK and I like wood and steel. It runs well but the bolt will stick open on rare occasions. I've never tested the accuracy, but it seems to hit what I'm aiming at.