I am an older shooter, 81 YOA. In 1963, at age 18, I joined the Army and volunteered for the Infantry. Did Basic training and AIT at Ft. Hood, Tx. Started off shooting the M-1 Garand and before my three years were up, was shooting the M-14. I was selected to be on the Battalion Rifle Team. The first year we fired the M1 and the second the M-14. Both were accurate, but the M-14 had an ammo problem. We had a spotting scopes on the rifle team and could see the bullets vapor trails when firing at 400 and 500 yards. The M-14 bullets would start tumbling at about 300 yards and would hit the targets sideways, backwards, and any other angle you can imagine, sometimes drifting away from the bull by three or four feet at 500 yards. Pretty aggravating during a rifle competition. The M-1 never did that! I still recall my M-1 battle sight setting, 11 clicks elevation and one click to the right, can't recall the M-14 setting. I missed the Vietnam unpleasantness.
I will always prefer the wisdom and advice of gentleman like this and will specifically go out of my way to find the 40 minute video essay as opposed to the 5 minute click-bait entertaining video.
I shot an M-14 in Army basic training in 1964 and really liked it. Near the end of basic training we got to shoot at some pop-up targets 500 yards away. We just raised the rear sight to the 500 yard mark and then got sighted in fairly close using tracer rounds. I was surprised how many pop-up targets we hit.
He really is. The mini 14 breakdown, cleaning, and lubing video is great for somebody who is new to the platform. Heck, it’s good for a first time firearm owner as the steps and instruction are clear.
Sunflower Ammo lists Mini 14 serial numbers with date of manufacture and twist rate. Started with 1:10, then 1:7 and then moved to 1:9. Check with them on the rifle you're looking to get. Mine was 1991 with 1:7 twist.
I have had mine a couple years. I replaced the plastic with a green laminate wood stock. Looks really good with the stainless. I rely on the iron sight with no scope. Thank you for your educated attention to the firearms you bring to us.
Absolutely awesome video. I'm a younger guy, so I am more versed in modern firearms; but I am getting very interested in these older garand style action rifles in all calibers as well as lever actions. Thanks so much for the info. Absolutely priceless info.
Me too, I’m in my early thirties. But I love the history and craftsmanship of the older rifles. Theres all kinds of interesting tips and techniques that you won’t learn about from the younger generations. I have a mini-14 and I just ordered the Garand web sling like the one he has and shows you how to install in another video. Glad I stumbled on this channel!
@@AZTLANSOLDIER13 In 1957, the basic AR-10 design was rescaled and substantially modified by ArmaLite to accommodate the .223 Remington cartridge, and given the designation ArmaLite AR-15.[2]
@@AZTLANSOLDIER13 You’re right for sure. I feel like the most that has changed has definitely been pistols. Rifles aren’t much different. They’ve made a few steps but they haven’t really changed. Lever actions are still the same. So are bolt actions. AR-10/15s (different materials being the main difference). AKs. You name it. Since the creation of all these weapons we still hold the same things. They evolved (from the very first gun to now like different kind/actions being made) but did so rather quickly. There’s hasn’t been a big “step” in gun evolution lately. So to say any of them are “modern” isn’t very accurate. Newly made, sure, but from old design. Another main difference being that you can chamber most of them in a wider variety. ARs, for example, can be made to take many more different kinds of ammo (for those that somehow don’t know...). Heck Pistols aren’t even much different. But you can argue more easily that more of them are closer to “modern” than really any rifle.
Excellent Video! I bought the same mini-14 about 3 years ago when they were in the $800 range. I have really enjoyed shooting this just as much as my AR-15. Two different platforms equal double the fun. Your previous mini 14 field strip and cleaning video was extremely helpful as I learned how to maintain the firearm when I first got it. I would recommend it to any new mini-14 owner. I have learned a ton from the videos on your channel - thank you!
This is one rifle I've never owned and I have never shot one either. I have owned and shot M1A's for many years. I still have one standard and one loaded model. Your explanation has cleared up many questions I have had for many years. I'm guilty of not delving into the subject myself. Thank you for covering this in such a thorough way.
You're welcome. Despite the contrary remarks, often from the uninformed or misinformed, the Mini-14 is as accurate as its issued military 7.62 namesake. In my testing of the 580 series, it's generally more accurate than the US Ordinance issue or M1A Standard, often by a significant amount. The as-issued M14 provided many GIs with Expert medals, which lends to its legendary mystique, but one must remember that a clean 100% military target with all 10s requires only Ordinance Department specifications of 4 average MOA or better for a battle rifle. Marines and US Army personnel never measured their groups; their scores were posted and pasted by guys in the target pit, just as in CMP competition. Technically, a Standard M1A could win the National Match in the hands of a good shooter. The NM guns bring in the X rings with others of the same calibre.
I love my Mini-14. Never an issue and zero accuracy problems. This is one of the easiest guns to disassemble and clean and with practice, field stripping and cleaning can be done very quickly as compared to many other firearms. Excellent video and thanks!
Extremely informative presentation! I looked at the Mini 14 several years ago and balked at buying it. Again, since then prices have risen like everything. But, this rifle is still on my radar! What make this rifle so great in these times we are in, isn't the rifle operating system, or the obivious function. It is the fact that it's appearance is so similar to an ordinary hunting rifle! People don't feel it's the "Black scary looking AR"! With a low capacity magazine it's just an ordinary Hunting Rifle! Again, a great presentation, Thank-you! Best to ya',,,,!
I added a variable gas port to my Mini 14. It makes a world of difference. I often close it completely while at the range, so I don't have angry neighbors or a need to chase my brass. All you do is turn a knob. That adjustable gas block is great for reloaders.
@@m118lr it allows you to restrict the gas flow to soften up the cycling. It has a completely off mode. Which essentially converts the gun into a straight pull. My uncle had a stainless mini 14 made some time in the early '80s that had a defective gas block which cracked. I tried to get a move these adjustable gas blocks in the late '90s are early 2000s but they were out of stock at the time.
I bought my first Mini for $175 on sale at Oshmans sporting goods. I didn't know anything about them or Ruger at the time. I didn't expect much out of it because that was back before ARs became popular, and the .223 was considered to be a light target round, and many people called it a mouse gun cartridge. I just bought it because it looked a bit like my old M1 carbine which I had really enjoyed. So after cleaning it, I took it out to the country and went plinking. I really did think it was just a glorified .22 mouse gun. Before I even got to my normal plinking area, I decided to take a couple of shots into the clay mud of the field I was crossing. I figured the thick clay might be a good test medium to get some idea of the performance of my new mouse gun plinker. So I fired three fast shots into the mud about 10 feet in front of me. I was shocked and amazed at the results! There were now three holes in the ground that you could stuff a watermelon into, and there were huge globbets of mud raining down all around, a lot of it being flung quite a good distance above, behind, and all over me. Luckily, it was very thick and I could brush most of it off of me. I couldn't believe the holes it left in the ground. My respect and liking for the .223/5.56 mm and the Ruger Mini -14 were sealed from that time onwards. Later a friend of mine slicked up the trigger and bedded the action, and mounted a Leupold gold ring 1.5x5 variable scope on it and it was a serious 1 to 1.5 MOA rifle from a sand bag rest if you did your part and let it cool down between groups. And since it had a five shot mag, we shot five shot groups. They may not be incredibly accurate out of the box, but they can be. Don't underestimate the Mini, it's a handy little carbine and for general use I find it lighter and easier to handle than my ARs. YMMV. 👀 Edit: I never had complaints about the distance of the brass ejection on my Minis, if I recall correctly it usually tossed it about five to eight feet to the right and a few feet slightly forward. Now, if you want to talk about a gun that tosses brass, get an HK or PTR 91, or 93. Those monsters can toss brass over thirty feet and chew it like bubble gum on the way out! I was out shooting my Mini at the range and there were a couple of guys that had some HKs sitting four benches away to our left and they were flinging brass well past our bench. Occasionally, some brass would hit our bench and then continue onward, but most of it was landing fifteen to twenty feet past us! Many people would have considered that annoying, but I instantly fell in lust with all things HKish. Makes me wish I still had my HK 93 and PTR 91, and all the Minis I've had in the past. Advice: if you buy it, don't ever sell it -- you will always regret doing it eventually. 🔫
I'm SO glad you are back discussing the Mini-14, especially using the very model I purchased a few years ago. In fact your Mini-14 cleaning and maintenance video is part of my library, to be used when I clean my Mini-14. I'm really excited about the Ruger Mini-14 Trigger Tuneup Demonstration. You're one of the few who I feel extremely confident in trusting when it comes to good common sense information about firearms. Thank you for all the fine videos you've produced over the years.
I have a 188 series and 584 series Mini 14. They are both fantastic rifles. The simple rotating bolt design and open receiver is more appealing to me than other rifle designs I own.
Thanks for the information. I have a Ruger mini 14 and I have used all types of 223 ammo and it has never failed. I also took it apart for cleaning after 4 years of use and it was not bad dirty at all. Very good design and functional.
Thanks for going into such great detail. I've had my wood stocked, blue Mini for almost 4 decades now, and never really thought about how close it was to the full M-14 other than at first glance they look very similar! The only drawback I've ever heard about the Mini is they are supposedly not as accurate as AR-15's, but that must have something to do with the difference in popularity (many AR aftermarket improvements available), and barrel length. I remember my old Seabee days of carrying the M-14 around, then in mid 67 we received new M-16's, and what a difference in weight and recoil that made! Had Bill Ruger had his Mini ready to go when our military was looking to downsize, it could have been Ruger versus Stoner looking for that big contract.
Thank you for your service. I too am an ex Seabee (MCB-4) I was a Machinery Repairman 1/c assigned to MCB-4 and worked in the mobile machine shops on two deployments in country. I may be wrong but we were the last or at least one of the last battalions to have the M-14. When we were relieved in Da Nang, Nov 1967, the relieving battalion did have the M-16. My assignment to MCB-4 was one of the best assignments of my 10 year Navy career.
I have a 40 year old mini 14. It is light and reliable, but not accurate. Effective range is IMHO only one hundred yards. I understand that Ruger has improved this with newer models.
@@ken9503 I was in the Navy in the eighties and qualified on the M-14 and in the fleet it was still the standard issue rifle the gunners mates kept in the armory, we used to use them at sea shooting inflatable targets from the fantail and during security alerts we would be issued them for topside areas. When clearing the inside of the ship during a security alert it was either a 45 or a 12 gauge shotgun, the m-14 wasn't much good in tight passageways and stairwells. I have been thinking about picking up a mini 14 because i liked the M14 a lot plus i can load it and handle it in the dark very familiar with it. Boatswains mate 2/c 3rd fleet 84-88
@@Tom-mu7zy The old Minis (like yours) were 6-12 MOA rifles at 100m. The newer ones are about 2-3 MOA in stock config, give or take...which is perfectly accurate for anything outside of a competition.
The original Mini-14 upper hand guard was wood and had the same profile as the M-14 (exposed operating rod). Bought my Mini-14 in 1980 and recently gave it to my eldest son.
Another very interesting firearms video. I've always admired the Mini 14. Bill Ruger was genius in his designs. Thank you for sharing and hope Bennie is doing well. Stay well and God Bless you and your family.
Fantastic video, wow .... really enjoyed the comparisons. I have a 5812 model Mini-14 Law Enforcement model with he Government Barrel GB designation. I have easily 5000+ rounds through it with only one malfunction I attributed to a weak round.That is amazing. I could not live without this rifle ... furthest I can shoot on private land is 200 yards and this plinks 18" gong at that distance easily standing free hand.
I also own a GB variant Mini-14, 185 series and mine was from Texas DPS where it was used as a prison gun, wouldn’t let it go under any circumstance. Not interested in other variants or newer types, just the GB.
I love my 580 series. I installed an Ultimak Rail, installed a Nikon Active Target scope after installing a Hoague Stock, Wolff XP springs, and a trigger job. It’s awesome. My scope is low mounted so I had to install a brass deflector to protect it. Riveted it to the Picatinny, and it works exactly as it should.
Recently picked up a nearly perfect mdl 187 with the original wooden folding stock. My older friends just laugh at me for the A-Team nostalgia, the younger shooters are " what ghe heck is that??" Waht a great gun, if one presents itself - grab it like your first prom date and never let it go! This one I will pass on to my children
It's always a pleasure watching your videos GunBlue490 and I always learn something. I have a 195 series Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle from 1999 and the rifle is utterly reliable as you've stated. You have to make sure no one is sitting to your right when at the range or hot brass is coming their way! Only until recently Ruger started printing 5.56 NATO on the receivers, but Ruger confirmed just as you did, that all Mini-14's with the exception of their target Mini-14, can shoot either .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO.
Have both a 580 series Mini-14 and Mini-30 with many fired rounds and many mods with each. I replaced scopes with a forward-mounted red dot, replaced the slick birch stock with the factory plastic stock and dumped the aftermarket barrel struts. Each is now a quick, light handy, compact and fun ~100 yard rifle (oh, and just as long as one uses brass/boxer ammo in the Mini-30!).
I have a 184 series and can produce 1" groups at 100 yards with 55 grain bullets and only shooting 3 rounds at a time. With the older pencil type barrels they heat up faster and point of impact will shift. Great video.
When I was in the navy, when I was honer guard wait on for my first ship they had us use the M-14. It is a interesting gun . I was looking for one after I got out could not find one. It is nice to see the guns you showing brought back the memories. Gave me some ideas now. Thank you
Paul, They never allowed the 14 sold in the states. Norinko makes a perfect copy but China is not allowed to import arm's into the u.s. I saw 14's when I vacationed in Venezuela in the early 70's carried by there ARMY.
@@libertyman3729 Thank you for letting me know , because at the time I was told you could get them at the military surplus store . Now I know that they lied about it . Also why I can not find any .
You can buy the civilian version of the M14. It’s called the M1A and is available from Springfield Armory, as well as a couple of other smaller manufacturers.
@@claytynan8795 Thank you for letting me know , I seen the M1A . I was just looking at the real one , not the off make , it is something to think of for what you stated , Thanks
Its wonderful to have a Master still available with just a key stroke, your lessons are and insights priceless, and reassuring to lot who have made purchases that reflect on your approval
I love Garand's design. I own an M1A, Mini 14 and Mini 30. These are reliable, functional and for me intuitive to handle. Thanks for the education on the differences. Great video!
Nice bit of education. Thanks. My first .223 caliber rifle was a mini-14. Wish I had known of you then. Fun to shoot, reliable as you stated, never went below 2-3 inch groups at 100 yds. Researched what was available back then, common thread was a peculiar barrel harmonic that kept the kind of precision I wanted from happening without modifications that were very costly. You may have had a solution. Sold it, occasionally have regrets, but the AR platform rifle I replaced it with gets 1/2 moa.
I have the older Mini 14 with wood stock…this is my favorite rifle of the my vast collection. Thanks so much for the extremely informative and interesting videos you produce! 👍🏻
I have the same 5804 model rifle in the mini thirty caliber 7.62x39. Personally, l prefer the mini thirty and the larger 7.62x39 cartridge. I use mine for deer hunting. With my eyes not being what they once were, I put an affordable Leopold Freedom scope on it and it’s a fantastic deer gun for the NH woods. Also the 7.62x39 ammo is very cheap, especially the Chinese or Russian stuff. I use Tula 154 grain soft points for hunting and took a buck with it last year. At 50 cents a round you can’t beat it. I would recommend replacing the hand guard with a Choate handguard for a more comfortable guard. The Choate guard is similar the the guard on the M1A and does not cover the action rod. It’s also ventilated. I considered getting an M1A scout squad model but they are heavy and twice the cost of the mini thirty. Thanks for another great video. Say hi to Benny!
The Mini 30 will not reliably cycle steel case berdan primed ammo. So, your story sounds suspect. Yes, there's aftermarket mods for a longer firing pin and extra power hammer spring. However, these still don't always work, and any modifications plus any use of steel case ammo voids your Ruger factory warranty. Tula is, in fact, the worst quality, 7.62x39, and their soft points can not be guaranteed to reliably expand and typically behave like fmj rounds. U.S. 7.62x39 soft point ammo is far better quality.
And FYI: The Chinese import ammo was banned in the 1990s. So I don't know where you are finding that, plus it was all corrosive. And Biden banned Russian import ammo last September. So no more of that after the current supply runs out with distributors. I would say ditch the commie caliber and look at either an AR15 in .300 Blackout. Or the Mini 14 .300 Blackout version if you really like the inferior accuracy of the Mini over the AR.
@@Enjoyer.762 You are correct about the ammo and the Berdan primer problem. The steel case ammo I shoot is Russian not Chinese being Tula and Red Army Standard. When I first got the gun I had two light primer strikes with the Red Army ammo. Both rounds did fire when I reloaded them. I replaced the hammer spring with a Wolf spring and haven’t had any light strikes since. Admittedly I have not shot hundreds of rounds trying to test the gun but it seems to run fine. As for the Tula soft points not expanding, all I can say is it dropped my buck. I don’t know if the bullet expanded as it passed through the deer and wasn’t recovered. I have run brass case ammo with zero issues. Bottom line is I still love my mini thirty, and if I’m using it in a life and death situation I’ll simply load it with Winchester Power Points. Otherwise it’s Tula fmj for me for fun at the range though I’ll probably use the Winchester power points next year for deer hunting. I’d hate to have a light primer strike when trying to take a deer and seeing how I have good ammo I might as well use it. One last thing, if anyone reading this tries to replace their hammer spring, a word of advice. Do not try to do it unless you have access to a drill press to compress the spring. You will not be able to do it without a drill press or similar device.
Fantastic video. My first patrol rifle was a 188 series wood stock. Loved it until the trigger guard fell out during a range session, then I was issued a Ranch Rifle which I did not like as much. I have found a new found interest in the Mini and looking to acquire one (wood stock) hopefully very soon.
I've owned Mini-14s for many years, and I commend you on an excellent comparison and explanation of the brilliance of Mr. Ruger. I'm looking forward to your next video on the trigger.
My favorite part of my entire arsenal is this trio: M1, M1A, Mini-14. There's just something about the action I love, and I don't think many out there can say they've got all 3.
Respectfully, what you dont have is all FOUR, or actually, FIVE, being the M1 Carbine and the M1A. Each of these Garand based designs, though of common ancestry, has individual characteristics of its own. Try them, you'll like them! 😁😊
Thanks for your comparison. I enjoyed shooting the M-14 in the past except for the weight to pack around. I do like the decreased weight of my ranch and shoot it much more that I did the M-14. Of course the M-14 stayed with the department when I retired mores the pity. .223 is a bit cheaper than .308 so no worries...
Thank you creating a fantastic video that explains the similarities, and the differences between the M14 and the mini-14. But you didnt stop there. You also explained the logic of why Bill Ruger made some changes to the mini-14. Thanks again and as always I look forward to your next video.
I'm fascinated by Bill Ruger's gas system . Seems to me the gas port is basically a fixed piston and the slide a movable cylinder ,where the gas port/ piston inserts somewhat into the end of the slide( the opening it is inserted in basically a cylinder bore. So ,like you point out the gases vent and the carbon goes with it not being trapped inside a closed piston system as the M14 has. Brilliant!
Excellent video. One thing to mention is the gas system of the Mini 14 is similar to the gas system in the AK47. The AK is famous for reliability. It will fire under the worst conditions. I have built from scratch my own AR15. They are fun to play with. When it was adopted, by the Air Force, they started trying to fix it. And it still is not perfect. If I was going into combat I would carry a Glock and a Mini 14. Reliability and dependability will keep you alive
I just came across this video, and I literally just purchased a mini 14 the same gun that he has today, I'm going to hold off and enjoy this tonight---Can't wait!
As Polish-American you explained very clearly in simple words the similarities and differences of both rifles as well as pros and cons - Thank you very much it was a feast ...
Thank you for your very informative video. The range I belong to has shooting benches that are exposed to each other so when brass was ejected by my mini 14, it would fly out and often hit the next bench shooter. I changed the orifice to a smaller diameter size using the Accuracy Systems Ruger Mini 14 Gas Reduction Bushing Kit and it solved the problem. I did not have any issues with malfunctions so I am happy with the mod.
@@Enjoyer.762 the video producer said the mini 14 was an improvement on m14! I Have no experience with m14. I Have mini 14s, m1 carbines, AR15s and Beretta ARX 100 but alas no super duper m14😅❗️
Another tremendous video on 2 awesome firearms…unfortunately my government decided to band them this past year and we can no longer purchase or own them ☹️ Your dept of knowledge is a gem to the shooting community everywhere. God bless.👍
Great video. I have one of the newer wood stock versions. It will hit a 14 inch target a 200yds with iron sights. Don't know the moa. I put a strut on it but haven't tested it yet. Great reliable rifle.
awesome video! most informative comparison ive seen. i still have my old mini14 with a 30+ mag. great target rifle and fun as heck competition rifle. cant wait for this season im gunna be bringing it back out to ping some targets! have a great day Sir thank you for the awesome video
As always , A great video. Enjoyable to listen to. I have a stainless Mini-14 as well, an awesome little rifle.I never get tired of that Garand style action.
Fantastic video!!; I've been just one of your many followers, and still am sure you deserve at least 100X subbers. Many thanks for, (again!), sharing such a wealth of info regarding two of the most respected gun designs in the world, as well as they are so fun to use and mantain. Many thanks & Blessings!!.. 😊🇺🇲🙏🙏🙏
I’ve had a couple Mini 14s. I wish Ruger would have used the short stroke gas system of the M14/M1 Carbine instead of having that big heavy block in the op rod slam against the gas block and gas tap. That has to be part of what causes the barrel to undulate erratically and shoot flyers. I’ve tried rebarreling, bedding and other mods and I could never get it to shoot small round groups like my M1As or ARs.
@@whiskeytango9769 Yes but there are barrel vibrations (harmonics) that affect bullet exit. Things that hang on the bottom of the barrel can effect harmonics. The best example of this is a barrel tuner. I’ve used muzzle tuners to cut my groups in half the inverse is also possible. Look at the Ruger Mini with a big tuner. Apparently Ruger found it to be effective. ARs don’t have the same issues because they can run fatter barrels and don’t have anything lose touching the barrel forward of the chamber. M14s that are properly built and bedded have built in barrel pressure on the stock ferrule to dampen harmonics.
I am eagerly looking forward to your mini-14 trigger video. Your videos always provide relaxation, education and enjoyment. May God bless you, Benny and your family.
I had my Ruger mini-14, for about 4 or 5 years now, picked it up for a steal at a great time before covid19 lockdowns, Floyd riots etc... from a clearance sale. I did not need another rifle, but from what the price was on it, just could not pass the deal up, and at time knew if I did pass the deal up, know I would be kicking myself. Mine is the wood. Paid about or just over $600.00 new, out the door. Great rifle. Not bad mouthing ar-15, m-16 etc... but overall will take the Ruger mini 14 way before the ar-15 etc... Only nice thing I like about ar-15 is its much lighter than Ruger mini-14. 5.56mm is a great caliber, but since I am usually in a higher populated urban area for my purposes would rather have Ruger mini-14 in like a 44 Mag, or 450 BM, instead of the 5.56mm.
Thanks for the education. I carried an M-14 for the Marines. I own a later model Mini-14. Tricked out in a few ways that I find fun or effective. Adjustable gas port, barrel strengthener, Leupold scope, trigger. Bottom line, it will hit a teacup or a clay pigeon at 225 yards. Not shabby for a 'truck' gun. Love my Mini.
I have 2 Minis, a blued 181 series set up to look like a truly mini M14, and a 580 stainless Ranch Rifle. With good mags they do not jam. I also have ARs and love them too, but for the purpose Minis are built for, Minis are superior to an AR except in accuracy. Even then, with a cold barrel and only a few rounds fired at a time the difference isn’t that much. I know several ranchers and farmers that use Minis for truck and even saddle guns. In many cases these guns are beat to hell and rarely or never cleaned and they still run fine. I greatly prefer the Mini for an actual ranch rifle which is what I use it for. It’s lighter, leaner, and more snag free. Points more naturally and faster to get on target for snap shots. These qualities are most important for my use as the critters that need shooting don’t usually give you a lot of time to pull out your gun and take aim and shots are usually close. Also, the Mini just has nicer lines and are built like tanks. I do prefer an AR for night hunting due to the modularity for optics, lights, etc. and they have their place also. It’s also nice that I can usually find my brass to reload haha. Wish they had not waited so long to update the Mini a bit to be more competitive with the current market, but Bill really got it right from the start and for a long time there wasn’t much need to change anything. Great rifle. Thanks for giving the Mini some much needed attention!
My fascination with the m14 came after my grandfather told me he fought in war, then video games, and to this day, this weapon has been my favorite rifle in every game, so dangerous at far distance but I wonder if it is as dangerous in real life
Very good video sir. My M1a Scout Squad has been a faithful companion for about a decade. I love the M1A sights. The family has banged hundreds of rounds on steel to 600 yards. I took the strip guide off; didn't need it or the weight. Now this video has me thinking about a Mini 14. Not that I need it, but it sure seems like it would be fun. I hate the damn safety on both.
A well done video as usual. I have liked the Mini-14 since I first saw it, I think the first time I saw it was in the TV show A-Team. I would like to clarify that the M1 Garand did not have a provision for loading or topping off using stripper clips. I think it was because of the en-bloc clip design. Keep up the great work, I always look forward to watching your video's.
Thank you very much for sharing your vast knowledge and experience. You are correct. Ruger customer service is very responsive. I discovered this fact because I had to return my Mini 14 three times. (My rifle is exactly like yours.) After 3 strikes they sent me a new replacement, which is better than the first but still not reliable. Unfortunately, this experience has made me lose any enthusiasm to take it to the range. Between return 2 and 3, I changed my mind about the platform and bought an AR-15. It shot first time, and shoots every time without fail.
Bought a 190 series stainless Ranch Rifle for Y2K LOL. That rifle was the most inaccurate rifle I ever owned. 3-4" MOA. So it sat in the safe for years. A friend of mine was doing 10-22 triggers on ebay with a dream of becoming a full gunsmith one day. So I asked one day, have you thought about doing mini's because they have a cult following similar to the 10-22. Brimstone Gunsmithing was born sometime after that. I have the first Mini done by David. With proper work they fall in at 2.5 pound clean snap. I cut my pencil barrel down to 16.25" recrowned it put a flash hider on. The rifle was transformed into a consistent 1.5" MOA. Not picky with ammo either. Great video as usual GB.
Great review and comparison. Thank you for such informative analysis! I was contemplating a Bula Defense “M14” but now you’ve given me pause. Maybe will just stick with my M1s including one in .308. Looking forward To your next RUclips video.
very cool, learn somthing new every day! I am very familiar with Garands, m14, & M1 Carbine but have never owned a mini14, I dint even realize how similar they are!
I was able to purchase one that was originally purchased for state troopers, so it has the government use only markings, flash hider and bayonet lug. And the Ontario OKC 3S USMC bayonet fits like a glove. Are you going to do a video on tightening up the rear sight on the mini like you did on the M1A1?
I know of a story, from a reliable source that told me his dad , who was a Detroit police officer, who made shots at a rock that was paced off at just over 700 yards! A testament to the accuracy of the mini14 and why it's one of the firearms on my wish list.😉
In Army basic training, the drill sergeant taught us how to pronounce "Garand." Other gun shows have their presenters pronouncing "Garand" as though they had marbles in their mouth. You got it right. THANKS!
Bennie was missing for a few video's and I didn't have the heart to ask about if he was OK. Last video he was included and I was very happy to see you had your buddy with you and he was running and sniffing like a pro!!
I’ve always heard mini’s were notorious for being consistently innacurate. It (supposedly) went beyond just firing “different brands” of the same caliber ammo. It was the inconsistency between firing rounds on target, mag to mag. Mind you, I’ve HEARD it for a long time from different owners. Edited to add: I’m REAL interested in seeing YOUR vid on the Mini’s “Trigger Job”..even though I’m a TOTALLY content M1A owner.
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EzyGl_w-IXg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/tr.png)
I am an older shooter, 81 YOA. In 1963, at age 18, I joined the Army and volunteered for the Infantry. Did Basic training and AIT at Ft. Hood, Tx. Started off shooting the M-1 Garand and before my three years were up, was shooting the M-14. I was selected to be on the Battalion Rifle Team. The first year we fired the M1 and the second the M-14. Both were accurate, but the M-14 had an ammo problem. We had a spotting scopes on the rifle team and could see the bullets vapor trails when firing at 400 and 500 yards. The M-14 bullets would start tumbling at about 300 yards and would hit the targets sideways, backwards, and any other angle you can imagine, sometimes drifting away from the bull by three or four feet at 500 yards. Pretty aggravating during a rifle competition. The M-1 never did that! I still recall my M-1 battle sight setting, 11 clicks elevation and one click to the right, can't recall the M-14 setting. I missed the Vietnam unpleasantness.
I entered the Army in 1961 and exited in 1963!
My father got out in 64 also. Thank you gentlemen for your service 👍
Thanks so much for your service!
I will always prefer the wisdom and advice of gentleman like this and will specifically go out of my way to find the 40 minute video essay as opposed to the 5 minute click-bait entertaining video.
I shot an M-14 in Army basic training in 1964 and really liked it. Near the end of basic training we got to shoot at some pop-up targets 500 yards away. We just raised the rear sight to the 500 yard mark and then got sighted in fairly close using tracer rounds. I was surprised how many pop-up targets we hit.
I use a mini-14 and I am real proficient with the plain sights for me it feels nostalgic. Haha.
Did you use the M14 in Vietnam?
True US design and USA made rifle (trough generations) - the USA Made speaks for itself .....
I waited my whole life to get a mini-14 and your videos are worth their weight in gold for their info.
He really is. The mini 14 breakdown, cleaning, and lubing video is great for somebody who is new to the platform. Heck, it’s good for a first time firearm owner as the steps and instruction are clear.
Sunflower Ammo lists Mini 14 serial numbers with date of manufacture and twist rate. Started with 1:10, then 1:7 and then moved to 1:9. Check with them on the rifle you're looking to get. Mine was 1991 with 1:7 twist.
You don't have to say: "thanks for watching"....we all have to say: "many thanks for showing"!
So: Many thanks for this video!
I have had mine a couple years. I replaced the plastic with a green laminate wood stock. Looks really good with the stainless. I rely on the iron sight with no scope. Thank you for your educated attention to the firearms you bring to us.
Oh I bet that green laminate wood stock is a beaut on the beast
You're a national treasure. Thanks for the educational video.
👍
Absolutely awesome video. I'm a younger guy, so I am more versed in modern firearms; but I am getting very interested in these older garand style action rifles in all calibers as well as lever actions. Thanks so much for the info. Absolutely priceless info.
Me too, I’m in my early thirties. But I love the history and craftsmanship of the older rifles. Theres all kinds of interesting tips and techniques that you won’t learn about from the younger generations. I have a mini-14 and I just ordered the Garand web sling like the one he has and shows you how to install in another video. Glad I stumbled on this channel!
Modern rifles? The AR/M16 was designed in the early 60s 🤣 That's a an almost 70 year old design
@@AZTLANSOLDIER13 In 1957, the basic AR-10 design was rescaled and substantially modified by ArmaLite to accommodate the .223 Remington cartridge, and given the designation ArmaLite AR-15.[2]
@@BilgePump proves my point even more
@@AZTLANSOLDIER13
You’re right for sure. I feel like the most that has changed has definitely been pistols. Rifles aren’t much different. They’ve made a few steps but they haven’t really changed. Lever actions are still the same. So are bolt actions. AR-10/15s (different materials being the main difference). AKs. You name it. Since the creation of all these weapons we still hold the same things. They evolved (from the very first gun to now like different kind/actions being made) but did so rather quickly. There’s hasn’t been a big “step” in gun evolution lately. So to say any of them are “modern” isn’t very accurate. Newly made, sure, but from old design. Another main difference being that you can chamber most of them in a wider variety. ARs, for example, can be made to take many more different kinds of ammo (for those that somehow don’t know...).
Heck Pistols aren’t even much different. But you can argue more easily that more of them are closer to “modern” than really any rifle.
Excellent Video! I bought the same mini-14 about 3 years ago when they were in the $800 range. I have really enjoyed shooting this just as much as my AR-15. Two different platforms equal double the fun. Your previous mini 14 field strip and cleaning video was extremely helpful as I learned how to maintain the firearm when I first got it. I would recommend it to any new mini-14 owner. I have learned a ton from the videos on your channel - thank you!
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This is one rifle I've never owned and I have never shot one either. I have owned and shot M1A's for many years. I still have one standard and one loaded model. Your explanation has cleared up many questions I have had for many years. I'm guilty of not delving into the subject myself. Thank you for covering this in such a thorough way.
You're welcome. Despite the contrary remarks, often from the uninformed or misinformed, the Mini-14 is as accurate as its issued military 7.62 namesake. In my testing of the 580 series, it's generally more accurate than the US Ordinance issue or M1A Standard, often by a significant amount. The as-issued M14 provided many GIs with Expert medals, which lends to its legendary mystique, but one must remember that a clean 100% military target with all 10s requires only Ordinance Department specifications of 4 average MOA or better for a battle rifle. Marines and US Army personnel never measured their groups; their scores were posted and pasted by guys in the target pit, just as in CMP competition. Technically, a Standard M1A could win the National Match in the hands of a good shooter. The NM guns bring in the X rings with others of the same calibre.
Do you like Ruger guns better than S&W guns
I love my Mini-14. Never an issue and zero accuracy problems. This is one of the easiest guns to disassemble and clean and with practice, field stripping and cleaning can be done very quickly as compared to many other firearms. Excellent video and thanks!
Extremely informative presentation! I looked at the Mini 14 several years ago and balked at buying it. Again, since then prices have risen like everything. But, this rifle is still on my radar! What make this rifle so great in these times we are in, isn't the rifle operating system, or the obivious function. It is the fact that it's appearance is so similar to an ordinary hunting rifle! People don't feel it's the "Black scary looking AR"! With a low capacity magazine it's just an ordinary Hunting Rifle!
Again, a great presentation, Thank-you!
Best to ya',,,,!
I added a variable gas port to my Mini 14. It makes a world of difference. I often close it completely while at the range, so I don't have angry neighbors or a need to chase my brass. All you do is turn a knob. That adjustable gas block is great for reloaders.
..? Could you expand on THAT a bit?
@@m118lr it allows you to restrict the gas flow to soften up the cycling. It has a completely off mode. Which essentially converts the gun into a straight pull. My uncle had a stainless mini 14 made some time in the early '80s that had a defective gas block which cracked. I tried to get a move these adjustable gas blocks in the late '90s are early 2000s but they were out of stock at the time.
I added one to my M1A. Wonderful
More similar to each other than the M1 carbine and the M1 Garand
Excellent video. The Mini 14 is probably my favorite rifle. I look forward to seeing what else you have planned for it.
It’s a good end to a Monday when a GunBlue video pops up on your notifications. Thank you sir!
I carried M-14s in Vietnam and Germany. I have one now. I have owned several Mini's. Great rifles. Thanks for the vid.
I bought my first Mini for $175 on sale at Oshmans sporting goods. I didn't know anything about them or Ruger at the time. I didn't expect much out of it because that was back before ARs became popular, and the .223 was considered to be a light target round, and many people called it a mouse gun cartridge. I just bought it because it looked a bit like my old M1 carbine which I had really enjoyed. So after cleaning it, I took it out to the country and went plinking. I really did think it was just a glorified .22 mouse gun. Before I even got to my normal plinking area, I decided to take a couple of shots into the clay mud of the field I was crossing. I figured the thick clay might be a good test medium to get some idea of the performance of my new mouse gun plinker. So I fired three fast shots into the mud about 10 feet in front of me.
I was shocked and amazed at the results! There were now three holes in the ground that you could stuff a watermelon into, and there were huge globbets of mud raining down all around, a lot of it being flung quite a good distance above, behind, and all over me. Luckily, it was very thick and I could brush most of it off of me. I couldn't believe the holes it left in the ground. My respect and liking for the .223/5.56 mm and the Ruger Mini -14 were sealed from that time onwards.
Later a friend of mine slicked up the trigger and bedded the action, and mounted a Leupold gold ring 1.5x5 variable scope on it and it was a serious 1 to 1.5 MOA rifle from a sand bag rest if you did your part and let it cool down between groups. And since it had a five shot mag, we shot five shot groups. They may not be incredibly accurate out of the box, but they can be. Don't underestimate the Mini, it's a handy little carbine and for general use I find it lighter and easier to handle than my ARs. YMMV. 👀
Edit: I never had complaints about the distance of the brass ejection on my Minis, if I recall correctly it usually tossed it about five to eight feet to the right and a few feet slightly forward. Now, if you want to talk about a gun that tosses brass, get an HK or PTR 91, or 93. Those monsters can toss brass over thirty feet and chew it like bubble gum on the way out! I was out shooting my Mini at the range and there were a couple of guys that had some HKs sitting four benches away to our left and they were flinging brass well past our bench. Occasionally, some brass would hit our bench and then continue onward, but most of it was landing fifteen to twenty feet past us! Many people would have considered that annoying, but I instantly fell in lust with all things HKish. Makes me wish I still had my HK 93 and PTR 91, and all the Minis I've had in the past. Advice: if you buy it, don't ever sell it -- you will always regret doing it eventually. 🔫
I'm SO glad you are back discussing the Mini-14, especially using the very model I purchased a few years ago. In fact your Mini-14 cleaning and maintenance video is part of my library, to be used when I clean my Mini-14. I'm really excited about the Ruger Mini-14 Trigger Tuneup Demonstration. You're one of the few who I feel extremely confident in trusting when it comes to good common sense information about firearms. Thank you for all the fine videos you've produced over the years.
I have a 188 series and 584 series Mini 14.
They are both fantastic rifles.
The simple rotating bolt design and open receiver is more appealing to me than other rifle designs I own.
Thanks for the information. I have a Ruger mini 14 and I have used all types of 223 ammo and it has never failed. I also took it apart for cleaning after 4 years of use and it was not bad dirty at all.
Very good design and functional.
Thanks for going into such great detail. I've had my wood stocked, blue Mini for almost 4 decades now, and never really thought about how close it was to the full M-14 other than at first glance they look very similar!
The only drawback I've ever heard about the Mini is they are supposedly not as accurate as AR-15's, but that must have something to do with the difference in popularity (many AR aftermarket improvements available), and barrel length.
I remember my old Seabee days of carrying the M-14 around, then in mid 67 we received new M-16's, and what a difference in weight and recoil that made! Had Bill Ruger had his Mini ready to go when our military was looking to downsize, it could have been Ruger versus Stoner looking for that big contract.
Thank you for your service. I too am an ex Seabee (MCB-4) I was a Machinery Repairman 1/c assigned to MCB-4 and worked in the mobile machine shops on two deployments in country. I may be wrong but we were the last or at least one of the last battalions to have the M-14. When we were relieved in Da Nang, Nov 1967, the relieving battalion did have the M-16. My assignment to MCB-4 was one of the best assignments of my 10 year Navy career.
I have a 40 year old mini 14. It is light and reliable, but not accurate. Effective range is IMHO only one hundred yards. I understand that Ruger has improved this with newer models.
@@ken9503 I was in the Navy in the eighties and qualified on the M-14 and in the fleet it was still the standard issue rifle the gunners mates kept in the armory, we used to use them at sea shooting inflatable targets from the fantail and during security alerts we would be issued them for topside areas. When clearing the inside of the ship during a security alert it was either a 45 or a 12 gauge shotgun, the m-14 wasn't much good in tight passageways and stairwells. I have been thinking about picking up a mini 14 because i liked the M14 a lot plus i can load it and handle it in the dark very familiar with it.
Boatswains mate 2/c 3rd fleet 84-88
@@Tom-mu7zy The old Minis (like yours) were 6-12 MOA rifles at 100m. The newer ones are about 2-3 MOA in stock config, give or take...which is perfectly accurate for anything outside of a competition.
The original Mini-14 upper hand guard was wood and had the same profile as the M-14 (exposed operating rod). Bought my Mini-14 in 1980 and recently gave it to my eldest son.
Great rifles always enjoyed shooting the Mini-14 looking forward to the follow-up video thanks for sharing
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Another very interesting firearms video. I've always admired the Mini 14. Bill Ruger was genius in his designs. Thank you for sharing and hope Bennie is doing well. Stay well and God Bless you and your family.
Just another fantastic explanation of one of Bill Ruger’s more notable contributions. Thank you so much.
Fantastic video, wow .... really enjoyed the comparisons. I have a 5812 model Mini-14 Law Enforcement model with he Government Barrel GB designation. I have easily 5000+ rounds through it with only one malfunction I attributed to a weak round.That is amazing. I could not live without this rifle ... furthest I can shoot on private land is 200 yards and this plinks 18" gong at that distance easily standing free hand.
I also own a GB variant Mini-14, 185 series and mine was from Texas DPS where it was used as a prison gun, wouldn’t let it go under any circumstance. Not interested in other variants or newer types, just the GB.
@@echohunter4199 Super awesome, that is excellent! I would not mind having one myself! Very nice...
@@megatrends it had a $700 price tag on it and I nearly put my hand through my pocket to get my wallet! I just couldn’t believe it.
Every pickup truck back home had a Ruger Mini 14 in it, and either some kind of a shotgun, or a .30-30 or a .30-06.
I love my 580 series. I installed an Ultimak Rail, installed a Nikon Active Target scope after installing a Hoague Stock, Wolff XP springs, and a trigger job. It’s awesome. My scope is low mounted so I had to install a brass deflector to protect it. Riveted it to the Picatinny, and it works exactly as it should.
Recently picked up a nearly perfect mdl 187 with the original wooden folding stock. My older friends just laugh at me for the A-Team nostalgia, the younger shooters are " what ghe heck is that??" Waht a great gun, if one presents itself - grab it like your first prom date and never let it go! This one I will pass on to my children
It's always a pleasure watching your videos GunBlue490 and I always learn something. I have a 195 series Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle from 1999 and the rifle is utterly reliable as you've stated. You have to make sure no one is sitting to your right when at the range or hot brass is coming their way! Only until recently Ruger started printing 5.56 NATO on the receivers, but Ruger confirmed just as you did, that all Mini-14's with the exception of their target Mini-14, can shoot either .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO.
Excellent review. Had a M-14 my whole time in U.S. Army. Always loved that rifle. Thanks for your video.
Have both a 580 series Mini-14 and Mini-30 with many fired rounds and many mods with each. I replaced scopes with a forward-mounted red dot, replaced the slick birch stock with the factory plastic stock and dumped the aftermarket barrel struts. Each is now a quick, light handy, compact and fun ~100 yard rifle (oh, and just as long as one uses brass/boxer ammo in the Mini-30!).
I have a 184 series and can produce 1" groups at 100 yards with 55 grain bullets and only shooting 3 rounds at a time. With the older pencil type barrels they heat up faster and point of impact will shift. Great video.
When I was in the navy, when I was honer guard wait on for my first ship they had us use the M-14. It is a interesting gun . I was looking for one after I got out could not find one. It is nice to see the guns you showing brought back the memories. Gave me some ideas now. Thank you
Paul, They never allowed the 14 sold in the states. Norinko makes a perfect copy but China is not allowed to import arm's into the u.s. I saw 14's when I vacationed in Venezuela in the early 70's carried by there ARMY.
@@libertyman3729 Thank you for letting me know , because at the time I was told you could get them at the military surplus store . Now I know that they lied about it . Also why I can not find any .
You can buy the civilian version of the M14. It’s called the M1A and is available from Springfield Armory, as well as a couple of other smaller manufacturers.
@@claytynan8795 Thank you for letting me know , I seen the M1A . I was just looking at the real one , not the off make , it is something to think of for what you stated , Thanks
Try the NRA
Well...because of you I had to take a break and enjoy a great 39 minutes of my life for a great video, thank you Sir
Its wonderful to have a Master still available with just a key stroke, your lessons are and insights priceless, and reassuring to lot who have made purchases that reflect on your approval
I love Garand's design. I own an M1A, Mini 14 and Mini 30. These are reliable, functional and for me intuitive to handle. Thanks for the education on the differences. Great video!
Nice! Now where’s your m1 carbine !!??
Nice bit of education. Thanks. My first .223 caliber rifle was a mini-14. Wish I had known of you then. Fun to shoot, reliable as you stated, never went below 2-3 inch groups at 100 yds. Researched what was available back then, common thread was a peculiar barrel harmonic that kept the kind of precision I wanted from happening without modifications that were very costly. You may have had a solution. Sold it, occasionally have regrets, but the AR platform rifle I replaced it with gets 1/2 moa.
Nice info. ive had my mini 14 since 1978 and it has never failed to load and fire.
I have the older Mini 14 with wood stock…this is my favorite rifle of the my vast collection. Thanks so much for the extremely informative and interesting videos you produce! 👍🏻
Thank you. Learned quite a bit about my Mini 14 from this. Looking forward to learning more about the trigger work you've done.
I have the same 5804 model rifle in the mini thirty caliber 7.62x39. Personally, l prefer the mini thirty and the larger 7.62x39 cartridge. I use mine for deer hunting. With my eyes not being what they once were, I put an affordable Leopold Freedom scope on it and it’s a fantastic deer gun for the NH woods. Also the 7.62x39 ammo is very cheap, especially the Chinese or Russian stuff. I use Tula 154 grain soft points for hunting and took a buck with it last year. At 50 cents a round you can’t beat it. I would recommend replacing the hand guard with a Choate handguard for a more comfortable guard. The Choate guard is similar the the guard on the M1A and does not cover the action rod. It’s also ventilated.
I considered getting an M1A scout squad model but they are heavy and twice the cost of the mini thirty.
Thanks for another great video. Say hi to Benny!
The Mini 30 will not reliably cycle steel case berdan primed ammo. So, your story sounds suspect. Yes, there's aftermarket mods for a longer firing pin and extra power hammer spring. However, these still don't always work, and any modifications plus any use of steel case ammo voids your Ruger factory warranty.
Tula is, in fact, the worst quality, 7.62x39, and their soft points can not be guaranteed to reliably expand and typically behave like fmj rounds. U.S. 7.62x39 soft point ammo is far better quality.
And FYI: The Chinese import ammo was banned in the 1990s. So I don't know where you are finding that, plus it was all corrosive.
And Biden banned Russian import ammo last September. So no more of that after the current supply runs out with distributors.
I would say ditch the commie caliber and look at either an AR15 in .300 Blackout. Or the Mini 14 .300 Blackout version if you really like the inferior accuracy of the Mini over the AR.
@@Enjoyer.762 You are correct about the ammo and the Berdan primer problem. The steel case ammo I shoot is Russian not Chinese being Tula and Red Army Standard. When I first got the gun I had two light primer strikes with the Red Army ammo. Both rounds did fire when I reloaded them. I replaced the hammer spring with a Wolf spring and haven’t had any light strikes since. Admittedly I have not shot hundreds of rounds trying to test the gun but it seems to run fine. As for the Tula soft points not expanding, all I can say is it dropped my buck. I don’t know if the bullet expanded as it passed through the deer and wasn’t recovered.
I have run brass case ammo with zero issues. Bottom line is I still love my mini thirty, and if I’m using it in a life and death situation I’ll simply load it with Winchester Power Points. Otherwise it’s Tula fmj for me for fun at the range though I’ll probably use the Winchester power points next year for deer hunting. I’d hate to have a light primer strike when trying to take a deer and seeing how I have good ammo I might as well use it.
One last thing, if anyone reading this tries to replace their hammer spring, a word of advice. Do not try to do it unless you have access to a drill press to compress the spring. You will not be able to do it without a drill press or similar device.
Fantastic video. My first patrol rifle was a 188 series wood stock. Loved it until the trigger guard fell out during a range session, then I was issued a Ranch Rifle which I did not like as much. I have found a new found interest in the Mini and looking to acquire one (wood stock) hopefully very soon.
Love your videos especially on the mini 14. You're a good man. Ive learned a lot.
I've owned Mini-14s for many years, and I commend you on an excellent comparison and explanation of the brilliance of Mr. Ruger. I'm looking forward to your next video on the trigger.
My favorite part of my entire arsenal is this trio: M1, M1A, Mini-14. There's just something about the action I love, and I don't think many out there can say they've got all 3.
Respectfully, what you dont have is all FOUR, or actually, FIVE, being the M1 Carbine and the M1A. Each of these Garand based designs, though of common ancestry, has individual characteristics of its own. Try them, you'll like them! 😁😊
Thanks for your comparison. I enjoyed shooting the M-14 in the past except for the weight to pack around. I do like the decreased weight of my ranch and shoot it much more that I did the M-14. Of course the M-14 stayed with the department when I retired mores the pity. .223 is a bit cheaper than .308 so no worries...
Great video on the Mini-14. I’m looking forward to your trigger smoothing work on the Mini.
This guy fulfills my love of knowledge of gun culture.
I have a 584 series Mini 14 and a Mini 30. I'm looking forward to your trigger job video.
Thank you creating a fantastic video that explains the similarities, and the differences between the M14 and the mini-14. But you didnt stop there. You also explained the logic of why Bill Ruger made some changes to the mini-14. Thanks again and as always I look forward to your next video.
I'm fascinated by Bill Ruger's gas system . Seems to me the gas port is basically a fixed piston and the slide a movable cylinder ,where the gas port/ piston inserts somewhat into the end of the slide( the opening it is inserted in basically a cylinder bore. So ,like you point out the gases vent and the carbon goes with it not being trapped inside a closed piston system as the M14 has. Brilliant!
Very informative video. Better yet, your vocabulary is a refreshing change from most presenters.
Excellent video. One thing to mention is the gas system of the Mini 14 is similar to the gas system in the AK47. The AK is famous for reliability. It will fire under the worst conditions. I have built from scratch my own AR15. They are fun to play with. When it was adopted, by the Air Force, they started trying to fix it. And it still is not perfect. If I was going into combat I would carry a Glock and a Mini 14. Reliability and dependability will keep you alive
I just came across this video, and I literally just purchased a mini 14 the same gun that he has today, I'm going to hold off and enjoy this tonight---Can't wait!
As Polish-American you explained very clearly in simple words the similarities and differences of both rifles as well as pros and cons - Thank you very much it was a feast ...
Awesome video with great information. Some trigger time videos would be amazing. Thank you for your time. God bless...
It's currently winter here with 2 feet of snow and temps to zero. Trigger time will come when the sap starts flowing.
Thank you for your very informative video. The range I belong to has shooting benches that are exposed to each other so when brass was ejected by my mini 14, it would fly out and often hit the next bench shooter. I changed the orifice to a smaller diameter size using the Accuracy Systems Ruger Mini 14 Gas Reduction Bushing Kit and it solved the problem. I did not have any issues with malfunctions so I am happy with the mod.
Great video as always. Hope to see glass bedding. I remember seeing how accurate your last Mini-14 was.
Coming soon.
There's no point in glass bedding a turd. It will never be as accurate as the M1 Garand nor an M14.
@@Enjoyer.762 that’s crude !! Why do think the m14 is so superior to the mini?? Asking seriously !
@@burtonkephart6239 Your question isn't serious
@@Enjoyer.762 the video producer said the mini 14 was an improvement on m14! I Have no experience with m14. I Have mini 14s, m1 carbines, AR15s and Beretta ARX 100 but alas no super duper m14😅❗️
Thank you this gave me a real new outlook on my Ruger Mini 14
This week I just purchased a Mini-14 and an M1A. Probably two of the most interesting guns in my collection.
Another tremendous video on 2 awesome firearms…unfortunately my government decided to band them this past year and we can no longer purchase or own them ☹️ Your dept of knowledge is a gem to the shooting community everywhere. God bless.👍
What county you live in
Probably Canada
Great video. I have one of the newer wood stock versions. It will hit a 14 inch target a 200yds with iron sights. Don't know the moa. I put a strut on it but haven't tested it yet. Great reliable rifle.
awesome video! most informative comparison ive seen. i still have my old mini14 with a 30+ mag. great target rifle and fun as heck competition rifle. cant wait for this season im gunna be bringing it back out to ping some targets! have a great day Sir thank you for the awesome video
As always , A great video. Enjoyable to listen to. I have a stainless Mini-14 as well, an awesome little rifle.I never get tired of that Garand style action.
Thanks for another excellent video and sharing your knowledge with us. Glad Benny is doing well. God bless and you are truly a gift to us all.👍🇺🇸🐶
Excellent video I learned a lot from it easily&was able to retain the knowledge. You are an excellent teacher
Excellent and informative....your videos in a class by themselves. Thank you. I was surprised that you selected the non wood stock version.
As always thank You for Your meticulous analysis. Also best regards and health to all the members of Your family!
Fantastic video!!; I've been just one of your many followers, and still am sure you deserve at least 100X subbers. Many thanks for, (again!), sharing such a wealth of info regarding two of the most respected gun designs in the world, as well as they are so fun to use and mantain. Many thanks & Blessings!!.. 😊🇺🇲🙏🙏🙏
Best video on this subject I have ever watched. Excellent! :)
I’ve had a couple Mini 14s. I wish Ruger would have used the short stroke gas system of the M14/M1 Carbine instead of having that big heavy block in the op rod slam against the gas block and gas tap. That has to be part of what causes the barrel to undulate erratically and shoot flyers. I’ve tried rebarreling, bedding and other mods and I could never get it to shoot small round groups like my M1As or ARs.
There is a shop that mills the Op Rod from Titanium and a fitted gas port. Isn’t it TJ’s Custom Guns I think. They do that with a match barrel re-fit.
The bullet is long gone before the action [or barrel] moves at all.
@@whiskeytango9769 Yes but there are barrel vibrations (harmonics) that affect bullet exit. Things that hang on the bottom of the barrel can effect harmonics. The best example of this is a barrel tuner. I’ve used muzzle tuners to cut my groups in half the inverse is also possible. Look at the Ruger Mini with a big tuner. Apparently Ruger found it to be effective. ARs don’t have the same issues because they can run fatter barrels and don’t have anything lose touching the barrel forward of the chamber. M14s that are properly built and bedded have built in barrel pressure on the stock ferrule to dampen harmonics.
I am eagerly looking forward to your mini-14 trigger video.
Your videos always provide relaxation, education and enjoyment.
May God bless you, Benny and your family.
Extremely reliable very dependable and I've seen that type of action work in cold weather where other guns would not !!!
❤best review/comparison ever, by far !!
Great video! I always wondered how closely designed the Mini 14 was to the M14. Thanks👍🏼
You're welcome. Yes, very closely. In fact, Ruger's gas system is more efficient, easier to clean, and uses fewer parts.
I had my Ruger mini-14, for about 4 or 5 years now, picked it up for a steal at a great time before covid19 lockdowns, Floyd riots etc... from a clearance sale. I did not need another rifle, but from what the price was on it, just could not pass the deal up, and at time knew if I did pass the deal up, know I would be kicking myself. Mine is the wood. Paid about or just over $600.00 new, out the door. Great rifle.
Not bad mouthing ar-15, m-16 etc... but overall will take the Ruger mini 14 way before the ar-15 etc... Only nice thing I like about ar-15 is its much lighter than Ruger mini-14.
5.56mm is a great caliber, but since I am usually in a higher populated urban area for my purposes would rather have Ruger mini-14 in like a 44 Mag, or 450 BM, instead of the 5.56mm.
Thanks for the education. I carried an M-14 for the Marines. I own a later model Mini-14. Tricked out in a few ways that I find fun or effective. Adjustable gas port, barrel strengthener, Leupold scope, trigger. Bottom line, it will hit a teacup or a clay pigeon at 225 yards. Not shabby for a 'truck' gun. Love my Mini.
A big thank you as I did very much enjoy your comparison of two great rifles.
I have 2 Minis, a blued 181 series set up to look like a truly mini M14, and a 580 stainless Ranch Rifle. With good mags they do not jam.
I also have ARs and love them too, but for the purpose Minis are built for, Minis are superior to an AR except in accuracy. Even then, with a cold barrel and only a few rounds fired at a time the difference isn’t that much.
I know several ranchers and farmers that use Minis for truck and even saddle guns. In many cases these guns are beat to hell and rarely or never cleaned and they still run fine.
I greatly prefer the Mini for an actual ranch rifle which is what I use it for. It’s lighter, leaner, and more snag free. Points more naturally and faster to get on target for snap shots. These qualities are most important for my use as the critters that need shooting don’t usually give you a lot of time to pull out your gun and take aim and shots are usually close. Also, the Mini just has nicer lines and are built like tanks.
I do prefer an AR for night hunting due to the modularity for optics, lights, etc. and they have their place also. It’s also nice that I can usually find my brass to reload haha.
Wish they had not waited so long to update the Mini a bit to be more competitive with the current market, but Bill really got it right from the start and for a long time there wasn’t much need to change anything. Great rifle.
Thanks for giving the Mini some much needed attention!
My fascination with the m14 came after my grandfather told me he fought in war, then video games, and to this day, this weapon has been my favorite rifle in every game, so dangerous at far distance but I wonder if it is as dangerous in real life
Just got a scout and got bunch of goodies coming for it. Can't wait to warm her up soon.
Very good video sir. My M1a Scout Squad has been a faithful companion for about a decade. I love the M1A sights. The family has banged hundreds of rounds on steel to 600 yards. I took the strip guide off; didn't need it or the weight. Now this video has me thinking about a Mini 14. Not that I need it, but it sure seems like it would be fun. I hate the damn safety on both.
Nicely done.
A well done video as usual. I have liked the Mini-14 since I first saw it, I think the first time I saw it was in the TV show A-Team. I would like to clarify that the M1 Garand did not have a provision for loading or topping off using stripper clips. I think it was because of the en-bloc clip design. Keep up the great work, I always look forward to watching your video's.
The original for me.. M1 Garand for the win! Mini 14 and m1a/ m14 are awesome. But a good running m1 is a thing of beauty. Pure art in a rifle.
Thank you very much for sharing your vast knowledge and experience. You are correct. Ruger customer service is very responsive. I discovered this fact because I had to return my Mini 14 three times. (My rifle is exactly like yours.) After 3 strikes they sent me a new replacement, which is better than the first but still not reliable. Unfortunately, this experience has made me lose any enthusiasm to take it to the range. Between return 2 and 3, I changed my mind about the platform and bought an AR-15. It shot first time, and shoots every time without fail.
Bought a 190 series stainless Ranch Rifle for Y2K LOL. That rifle was the most inaccurate rifle I ever owned. 3-4" MOA. So it sat in the safe for years. A friend of mine was doing 10-22 triggers on ebay with a dream of becoming a full gunsmith one day. So I asked one day, have you thought about doing mini's because they have a cult following similar to the 10-22. Brimstone Gunsmithing was born sometime after that. I have the first Mini done by David. With proper work they fall in at 2.5 pound clean snap. I cut my pencil barrel down to 16.25" recrowned it put a flash hider on. The rifle was transformed into a consistent 1.5" MOA. Not picky with ammo either. Great video as usual GB.
Great review and comparison. Thank you for such informative analysis! I was contemplating a Bula Defense “M14” but now you’ve given me pause. Maybe will just stick with my M1s including one in .308. Looking forward To your next RUclips video.
I've thought about those bulas but really the 12 rounds extra doesn't make the M14 that much of a better rifle than the m1
I have always been a big fan of the Mini 14. Great video 👍
Hats off to you Sir…you explain the whole concept to a T❤
very cool, learn somthing new every day! I am very familiar with Garands, m14, & M1 Carbine but have never owned a mini14, I dint even realize how similar they are!
Very well said and enjoyed the comparison
I was able to purchase one that was originally purchased for state troopers, so it has the government use only markings, flash hider and bayonet lug. And the Ontario OKC 3S USMC bayonet fits like a glove. Are you going to do a video on tightening up the rear sight on the mini like you did on the M1A1?
I know of a story, from a reliable source that told me his dad , who was a Detroit police officer, who made shots at a rock that was paced off at just over 700 yards!
A testament to the accuracy of the mini14 and why it's one of the firearms on my wish list.😉
The first time I was using a Mini14 I looked down after I was done and wondered where the brass was.
It’s probably still in low orbit lol
To keep up with the brass you have to be in the yankee stadium on second base then you might not find all of it
Please somebody explain what does this mean 😂😅
A mini-14 is my main defense at home. So, it's ok??
@@mikebeddingfield2144 the mini14 throws brass... vigorously
@@davidmccaughey3070 o i know very very well! I love how mine slings the brass near as far and fast as the bullets! LOL
In Army basic training, the drill sergeant taught us how to pronounce "Garand." Other gun shows have their presenters pronouncing "Garand" as though they had marbles in their mouth. You got it right. THANKS!
Forgot to mention. I still like the Garand and the cartridge it fires better than the M14.
Bennie was missing for a few video's and I didn't have the heart to ask about if he was OK. Last video he was included and I was very happy to see you had your buddy with you and he was running and sniffing like a pro!!
Another great video from a Master. But I miss seeing Benny.
I’ve always heard mini’s were notorious for being consistently innacurate. It (supposedly) went beyond just firing “different brands” of the same caliber ammo. It was the inconsistency between firing rounds on target, mag to mag. Mind you, I’ve HEARD it for a long time from different owners. Edited to add: I’m REAL interested in seeing YOUR vid on the Mini’s “Trigger Job”..even though I’m a TOTALLY content M1A owner.