It is our primary rifle at the CA Dept Of Corrections. We qualify with it at 50 yards and 100 yards with iron sights. Great rifle! I own two of them myself.
It's a semi-auto rifle that takes detachable mags and is chambered in a variety of intermediate cartridges. I think it's probably the best option for people in a ban state.
The only people who make these claims are literally those in the 18-25 age demographic and think the AR platform is perfect in every way shape and form, and no rifle of any other operating type or platform can ever come close. Which is just false. Is a Mini 14 as modular, and is there literally millions of aftermarket parts for it?. No. Does it have the same out of the box ergonomics?, No. However just like an AR if you put some money into it you can get damn near the same accuracy and efficiency.
How much does a Mini 14 cost? 1000-1200? More if you want the tactical model. How accurate is it? Not that accurate? Not more accurate than a mid grade AR? I dont like the word obsolete when it comes to firearms. It implies that whatever you're talking about is completly useless. The mini 14 isnt obsolete but it's not the optimal choice. That's the word, optimal. "Is the mini 14 the optimal choice over the ar15" is what the video should be titled, and the answer is no. Do not confuse me, there is many people who use the mini 14 and like it and prefer it over the AR15, mainly for 2 reasons, 1.) it's different and you wanna be a hipster because AR15 is to mainstream. 2.) It doesnt look "scary tactical" as I like to call it, which isnt everybody's cup of tea and has it's own advantages. Guys, It's not nearly as modular, it costs quite a lot for what it is, afterall you can build an AR that's more accurate and more modular for less than 1000 bucks. So ultimately what does the Mini14 do better than the AR15? Nothing. I guess theres something to be said about it's less imposing silhouette, especially if you're using a ranch model with a wood stock. The sheeple would be less afraid of a mini 14 than an AR, little do they know shoots the same round and you have 20-30 round magazines for it too... but other than that, I see no advantages over the AR platform.
Very Good Review of a cool rifle ! Sadly for those of us in Canada This rifle is included in the 1500 gun list of now banned rifles and accessories. A person can go to jail for just having the mag. Keep on fighting for your freedoms in the US !
Just finished up shooting a Smith & Wesson AR15 and a Ruger Mini-14. The mini-14 was so fun and accurate for me. I actually preferred it to the AR! I understand the versatility of the AR platform, but man, the mini made me smile more! Cheers!
I usually shoot outside, but went to an actual range today with my Mini 14. It's first gun I bought about two years ago. All the older guys wanted to talk about it and how much they love the gun. It made me laugh because I'm fairly new to gun ownership and just thought the Mini was the gun for me.
ME TWO!!! I don't think a comparable AR can eat a Heavy Diet of Tula and Golden Bear Laminated Steel like our Mini 14 's can!!! I love Cheap functional ammo and they say most AR's can't take steel. My Mini shoot's Tula well enuff that I can count on it and hoard up on it for SHTF and save my Brass for bartering if needeed. One day lead will be more precious than Gold!!!
@@tballstaedt7807 I'm not saying it WON'T fire, just that the lacquer in a DI dirties the chamber and the Steel can cause extractor and Bolt issues... even barrel issues later on Check out "Tula 223 killed my Guns " by Late Boy Scout and LUCKY GUNNER's website LABS 10000 round torture test That's why I went MINI... 2 moa is OK with me for reliability issues and cheaper ammo solutions in a SHTF ... Mini 14 in 556, SKS for 762x39 for THE BAD TIMES... I still like AR's... just isn't a priority My next purchase will PROBABLY be a Ruger or Savage Scout Rifle in 7.62 NATO.... THEN I'll get a Budget AR like a M&P Sport 2 or Palmetto or Ruger 556...
I was weary about purchasing one due to the reputation of them being inaccurate but after hearing you mention the changes and improvements and seeing you shoot it I'm sold, I really appreciate that style of rifle over an AR honestly
The OLD ones were inacurate due to a pencil thin barrel that wobbled after continuous firing and heating up. The new ones in both the ranch and tactical forms are much better and accurate. I own an old and new one. These new ones are great. I would suggest getting one.
The Mini 14 has always worked with 556. They used to mark them as 223 for export reasons because some countries bamned 556. The manual has always said you could shoot 556. Some newer target models are the only exception.
Nope, Paul Harrell has a nearly hour long presentation on the subject: Some highlights include More traditional sights Allowed in more restrictive states compared to the AR Based on a solid operating system Some people just don’t like ARs or AKs for that matter
I used to have one. My buddy still has the one he bought after shooting mine in the late 80's. I have a video of him doing a mag dump with the flash hider off. He could bump fire it and dump 30 rounds in about 2.5 seconds and there's a four foot long fireball the whole time. He's done that so many times that his barrel has no rifling until about half way down, and now the bullets tumble in flight, and yet I don't think that rifle has ever malfunctioned once.
There serial numbers you could find out your rate of twist and that would tell you what grain of bullet to use found that out on there ruger mini 14 forums
My mini-14 as my go-to rifle. I have owned one since 1980. I often.carry it In my car. My 1980 Mini 14 will shoot 2 inch to 1 inch groups on a regular.basis With the right with the right ammunition I have shot 3/4 inch groups at a hundred yards I think my mini 14 will stack up against any AR.
The old ones weren't that bad, with mine I can hit a clay pigeon every shot at 100 yards, no it's not a precision rifle but it's certainly hunting varmits accurate.
I just bought some tec Sights for my 583 series Mini... I could "hit " with the factory sights but the would loosen up and shift so bad after a few dozen rounds I HAD to change... Just came yesterday but the picture is great! what series is yours?
A semi auto 5.56 with a 30 round magazine, 2 MOA. Nothing to complain about. I find the ergos of the Mini more familiar and friendly than an AR. Guess it's just a question of how much trigger time you have on each system.. to me the Mini is more intuitive.
@ Steven Miller: Tough to beat the clean lines of a Mini-14 when it comes to actually slinging one or carrying it in the field. Old-school ergonomics. And the short-stroke gas piston system is both reliable and rugged.
@@woblesocket3215 If ruger was nice enough to offer a glock mag adapter for the pc carbine, I'm sure they will do the same for a future product that will accept AR mags. You just need the demand and they may consider it.
I purchased one, which was in .223 caliber, at the base PX on 29 Palms, California while in the Marine Corp in 1978. Still have it to this day. Don't shoot it very often anymore, but will hang on to it nonetheless, as it holds much sentimental value. Is a great shooter, extremely reliable and fairly accurate.
When I bought my 580 series Mini-14 Tactical with the flash hider, it came with a black polymer stock which I replaced with a Ruger birch wood stock and also bought an ATI Strikeforce tactical stock which is the same tactical stock Ruger uses on their tactical style. I like the changes to suit mood that day.
I have a 184 series pencil barrel mini-14. I put a barrel strut on it and a scout mount and it went from minute of barn to sub moa with reloads, a very sweet shooter.
That's so crazy that you posted this video, I've been looking at these for a few days tryna decide rather I want one or not. And again sootch drops another great review. Thankyou sir.
Hey sootch put a barrel strut on your mini from ruger. The strut's are integrated it's all one peace. you don't have to worry about it slipping. The strut's don't have the little set screws. I went from 3 moa at 100m to 1moa at 100m .
223 DMR Did you purchase it directly from Ruger? Or somewhere else. I have been thinking about getting one for my mini 14 for years. Your experience sounds really good
Finally a good review of a mini 14! I have the 583 series and I love it. Especially here in California where the restrictions on an AR-15 don’t really apply to a MINI-14.
Bro just move. Red states will welcome you as crappifornia is trying to relocate liberals to red states to try to swing them during elections. Cali can rot on their own stupid policies.
My Mini-14 (583 series Ranch Rifle) is my go-to rifle. Selected over the AR platform for a couple of reasons: 1) my admittedly old-guy preference: grew up with wood stocks against my shoulder and it's still my preference today. 2) people/neighbors who absolutely freak out over the appearance of an AR don't look twice at a Mini-14, even in a very gun-friendly state. So far as accuracy, 2 MOA is plenty good for me and for the vast majority of shooters out there. Not saying the Mini-14 is better than the AR. Just saying that it's better for me.
That's what we used at Angola when I worked there years ago and that's what they still use. I liked it so much I bought one and used it for hunting for the kids and as secondary option for myself
Great vid Sootch... I went with the Mini 14 over an AR for it's rep for reliability due to Piston Actuation and ability to consume steel or Brass... I just thought it a better SHTF option due to lower cleaning intervals and less finicky with ammo regarding functionality~~~~ Was I wrong???
Great guns, that one has a beautiful stock. I have a 580 series mini 30. Gonna get the Samson folder. Love it. I forgot, my friend had a mini 14 in 222 remington years ago in the 1980s
Given that the Marine Corps is transitioning toward piston-driven M4's in the form of the M27, I'd say the Mini-14 is definitely not obsolete! It's basically the same as an AR in terms of functionality, and the difference in weight is miniscule. The Mini-14 is basically just a modern combat rifle for people who prefer a traditional stock. I personally am more accurate with a traditional stock than a pistol grip, so I might be buying one of these as a main go-to rifle at some point!
@@chadhaire1711 What makes you say 5k? I know some people who've had Mini 14's for many years, and although I don't know how many rounds they've put through the Mini's, they still work. The Garand and M14 the design is derived from are definitely combat rifles, btw!
The Ruger mini 14 is an iconic and yes still relevant rifle. I own one in 5.56 and I really should add a mini 30 to the collection. I think 6.8 and 300 black would also be nice, but maybe a bit redundant. Great video.
@@bronxwarrior319 Hell yes I would, mine has been way more reliable than any of my AR15s. Yes it's a 3 moa rifle but it's definitely hunting varmits accurate. It's more accurate than most shooters, it's just not going to win any precision contests, but it wasn't made for that!
I'm retired from a state DOC and we used the Mini-14. I shot it a lot and I really liked shooting it. At some point they changed their rear sight to where you had to adjust the windage by manipulating two opposing set screws and the elevation was adjusted by screwing the sight up or down. Even then, you had to really tighten down on the screws to ensure it didn't come loose from excessive vibrations. The previous sights, which I liked better, did require a sight adjustment tool but it was more reliable in it's settings. As much as I would like to own a Mini-14, I think it's rather over priced in gun stores (new and used).
It might be of a somewhat antiquated design, but it is a Simi Auto detachable box mag fed carbine. It'll only truly become obsolete when the 5.56 cartridge becomes obsolete. Just like the AKM, they'll be used, and used effectively, as long as ammunition is made for them.
Good Video ........... I have two Mini-14's but there old, one I bought 35 years ago, and then bought a ranch about 28 years ago, both still work great
aaronsbraga Aaron, the gun goes bank is an American idiom which means that the gun functions properly. Thanks for your vigilance though. We need more people policing the RUclipss letting us know when we stray from the true path of physics.
Birdie_ Obsolete is when something no longer has a purpose usually because something new has been invented. Wood burning cars are obsolete. Typewriters are largely obsolete. Phones attached to the wall are obsolete.
Already have plenty of ARs and AKs, and always wanted a Mini 14, but for the price I couldn't bite. Then a couple years ago my Walmart had a Mini 14 that had been sitting in the display case for over a year originally 749.99 on rollback 599.00. Bought it, snuck it into the gun safe while my wife wasn't home, then bought ten 30 round and ten 20 round Ruger magazines from Natchez. My daughter has her 10/22, but now she wants my Mini 14.
Back in the late 80s I bought a Ruger Mini 14 as the first rifle I bought for myself. It was much less expensive then an AR-15, and didn't have the stigma of the black rifle.... and looked like a bunny gun, which means stealth firepower. Wow has the World changed since then. Back then, it was the "Ranch Rifle", and I think that was sound, it's a great coyotes gun. Butler Creek made a great folding stock for it, and the 10/22. The TV show, the A-Team made the SS with aluminum folding stock famous and cool. I agree it was about 2 MOA. I recall lining up some spent 12 gauge rounds at 50 yards and shooting them with no problem. .300 AAC Blackout would be a great caliber for this rifle.
I put a barrel strut from strum ruger on mine . The strut is integrated so it's all one peace. So no set screws. My groups are alot smaller. At 100m I'm at half MOA awesome rifle now.
Love me the mini. My old skool SS was the first rifle I ever took a deer with, and was let me down the rabbit hole I know today. Mine is mid 90’s model and still holds 2” groups at 100 after all these years. Still love it. Much more class than all my ars
Outstanding review of this riffle.. I bought one recently since I live in California.. I kinda grew up on ARs well M16A2 in the Corp. the was assigned an M249 SAW.. I hate the Saw 😂 long story In civilian life I like the idea 💡 of a 50 state legal riffle.. I’m not at all regretting this as my home defense/ Target 🎯 shooting riffle. I love ARs and if I leave California then I’ll get one .. for now my 556 mini feels like ol’ reliable..
im german, i own an hk mr556 and a mini-14, and they are both great and capable. The mini is nice and light and has little recoil. Mine is old yet accurate enough ( 8cm on 100 Meters).
No its not obsolete. I have the same exact Ruger bought it 6 months ago. Not to mention it has a cool sound when shooting you can also run this dirty similar to an AK in that reguard, I also love my AR but this is a rugged rifle. I love it fun to shoot
I love 💘my mini 14 and its audits enough for the 100 yard and under shots I usually take with it !I just love it for some reason lol I still have a bunch of AR15s in different configurations but shoot my mini often also I'm a big fan of this channel and the 0430034 channel ! Keep up the good work !
I have a 582 series with TechSights, an Accu-Strut, and a Brimstone 3.5 lb. trigger job. I have a Colt LE6920 with a BCM bolt, Geisselle trigger, and Troy battle rail. It's like a reliable old pickup truck vs. a Porsche. For some reason, I just favor the Mini-14. It's a tank. It's intuitive for dim wits like me to understand how it works. I can disassemble it with my eyes closed. The only drawbacks are the proprietary mags and needing to ship it back to Ruger for repairs.
i wanted one of these but the only one i could find had ben used hard and was in not great condition, it was an early mod with the pencil barrel & ugly sights and on top of that it was priced at a premium! i saved three hundred dollars and went with a good parts build on an ar15. but i still love these! and the m1 carbine!
I bought a Mini 14 back in 1986. Most of the finish was gone and the wood stock had been painted black. I gave $100 for it. It was ugly, but shot decent and was reliable. I ended up trading it for some mag wheels for my Nova.
holy shit, that's a BEAUTIFUL stock, sootch! it is absolutely NOT obsolete, but WHY are they still so damn expensive? Sometimes I can't even find one under $1k
My first observation, "Man, what a beautiful laminated stock!" So I have an older Mini-14 that I have never shot. It is a 186 prefix number. Sad story, my step father (Ret. Lt Colonel U.S. Army "Air Cavalry") was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a while back. As part of that the doctor's recommendation he suggested that my step-dad sell his guns. My mom asked that I come and get some so I gave my mom and step dad $6k for a few of the guns. One of which was the Ruger Mini 14. A friend of mine helped me create a price list for the remaining guns and I've helped my mom with the process of selling them. One day I hope to get out and shot the Mini-14, but I just have not had a chance yet. I'd love to see how the old gun shoots.
Great video. I've always loved the mini. Have a few myself. I have the older style 180 series. With good ammo I can get 2MOA out of it. Until it gets hot. I added an accustrut, and it's helped considerably. I also have the 580 series mini 14 and mini 30 in 7.62x39. My 14 I can get consistent 1.75 to 2MOA. I also added an accustrut to that as well. They're very capable rifles, if used for their intended purpose. I Have optics on all of them. My 580 14 I have a Burris RT6 on it. The two together run very well. Overall, I'd say they're excellent rifles.
In NY and CA, this is still king. Featureless ARs are trash. That being said everywhere else it’s “obsolete” but being outdated or obsolete doesn’t mean ineffective. Technically AKs are obsolete compared to a lot of things out now but I don’t wanna stand in front of one of those, or a mini. As with all things, train with what you got and you’ll be fine.
Love my Mini 14 Tactical!! Has been 100% reliable. Got rid of the upper hand guard with the op rod shroud and replaced it with a Choate upper hand guard leaving the op rod exposed. Much much better!!
Samson is distributing a tubular folding stock almost identical to the original ones on the AC-556. Seems well made. Does need some grip tape on it as the metal surface is quite slick and tends to slide about on the shoulder.
Beautiful stock. The mini 14 works just fine and as far as I'm concerned better than any garbage Eugene Stoner invention out there perfect cartridge for that firearm and a great choice for just about anything you can use that round for.
I found that my mini-14 was dead-on with the first round. Then, oddly, it would string out horizontally. It was a 582 series with the new tapered barrel, and I've often wondered if the 16" barrel would be more accurate given less barrel oscillation. There are several things I prefer the AR-15 over the mini, however the mini shoulders like a dream. It just feels natural.
I have the 186 series Mini-14. I installed an Accu-Strut and an Amega scout rail, and I get 1.25 inch groups at 100 metres. I like the stainless and wood. I thought about getting a folding stock, but I just a basic stock kind of guy. That said, I do have three AR15's. I've strongly thought about getting a retro AR15. It's what happens when you come of age during the Viet Nam war. My favorite AR15 is the Ruger SR556 piston drive. Anyway, I enjoyed your video today. Take care and keep your barrel clean. Bo Leggs.
It is our primary rifle at the CA Dept Of Corrections. We qualify with it at 50 yards and 100 yards with iron sights. Great rifle! I own two of them myself.
Oh wow that’s awesome thanks for sharing that! 👍🏼
Details?
What models?
What caliber ?
@@rontate7719 Just a standard Mini 14 .223 with a 20 round mag. Very simple.
@@totljag1 .223
In california, the mini 14 is way better than the featureless ar15.
Amen!
Ssssshhhhhhh!
@@piknick111 Yes... not so loud, the politicians will hear you.
More expensive tho isn’t it
Ooo Oooo not if you bought it in the 80’s when I did.
It's a semi-auto rifle that takes detachable mags and is chambered in a variety of intermediate cartridges. I think it's probably the best option for people in a ban state.
Amen Bigg Hoss.
Yep just bought one in commiefornia
@@Mikethecoolguyhow do you like it so far? I’m in Commiefornia as well
@@saulpaul7263I'm in CT, same BS. I have one. It’s fun to shoot and works fine.
@@eatdafat7101 nice! I’ll be getting one soon!
Anyone who thinks the Mini-14 (or other variant) is obsolete, should give me theirs.
Better than your bare hands.
Yes sir
I own a mini I don’t mind having more lol
The only people who make these claims are literally those in the 18-25 age demographic and think the AR platform is perfect in every way shape and form, and no rifle of any other operating type or platform can ever come close. Which is just false. Is a Mini 14 as modular, and is there literally millions of aftermarket parts for it?. No. Does it have the same out of the box ergonomics?, No. However just like an AR if you put some money into it you can get damn near the same accuracy and efficiency.
How much does a Mini 14 cost? 1000-1200? More if you want the tactical model. How accurate is it? Not that accurate? Not more accurate than a mid grade AR?
I dont like the word obsolete when it comes to firearms. It implies that whatever you're talking about is completly useless. The mini 14 isnt obsolete but it's not the optimal choice. That's the word, optimal. "Is the mini 14 the optimal choice over the ar15" is what the video should be titled, and the answer is no.
Do not confuse me, there is many people who use the mini 14 and like it and prefer it over the AR15, mainly for 2 reasons, 1.) it's different and you wanna be a hipster because AR15 is to mainstream. 2.) It doesnt look "scary tactical" as I like to call it, which isnt everybody's cup of tea and has it's own advantages. Guys, It's not nearly as modular, it costs quite a lot for what it is, afterall you can build an AR that's more accurate and more modular for less than 1000 bucks.
So ultimately what does the Mini14 do better than the AR15? Nothing. I guess theres something to be said about it's less imposing silhouette, especially if you're using a ranch model with a wood stock. The sheeple would be less afraid of a mini 14 than an AR, little do they know shoots the same round and you have 20-30 round magazines for it too... but other than that, I see no advantages over the AR platform.
Very Good Review of a cool rifle ! Sadly for those of us in Canada This rifle is included in the 1500 gun list of now banned rifles and accessories. A person can go to jail for just having the mag. Keep on fighting for your freedoms in the US !
Oh snap absolutely 😬
the struggle is real!
Quick reminder that California’s gun control all started with the attempts to disarm the black panthers.
Dont think you are off the hook either. You are in charge of your own liberty as well. Do NOT comply!
Do they only let you folks keep hunting models (even though the majority of people who buy a gun don’t hunt)
Just finished up shooting a Smith & Wesson AR15 and a Ruger Mini-14. The mini-14 was so fun and accurate for me. I actually preferred it to the AR! I understand the versatility of the AR platform, but man, the mini made me smile more! Cheers!
I usually shoot outside, but went to an actual range today with my Mini 14. It's first gun I bought about two years ago. All the older guys wanted to talk about it and how much they love the gun. It made me laugh because I'm fairly new to gun ownership and just thought the Mini was the gun for me.
No it’s not obsolete. I own one. It’s one hell of a gun
Obsolete means they don't make them anymore. So you are correct.
Thanks
ME TWO!!! I don't think a comparable AR can eat a Heavy Diet of Tula and Golden Bear Laminated Steel like our Mini 14 's can!!!
I love Cheap functional ammo and they say most AR's can't take steel.
My Mini shoot's Tula well enuff that I can count on it and hoard up on it for SHTF and save my Brass for bartering if needeed.
One day lead will be more precious than Gold!!!
@@jpb1231000 your AR doesn't shoot Steel cased ammo? Mine sure does. You should try a chamber mop on the next cleaning.
@@tballstaedt7807 I'm not saying it WON'T fire, just that the lacquer in a DI dirties the chamber and the Steel can cause extractor and Bolt issues... even barrel issues later on
Check out "Tula 223 killed my Guns " by Late Boy Scout and LUCKY GUNNER's website LABS 10000 round torture test
That's why I went MINI... 2 moa is OK with me for reliability issues and cheaper ammo solutions in a SHTF
... Mini 14 in 556, SKS for 762x39 for THE BAD TIMES...
I still like AR's... just isn't a priority
My next purchase will PROBABLY be a Ruger or Savage Scout Rifle in 7.62 NATO.... THEN I'll get a Budget AR like a M&P Sport 2 or Palmetto or Ruger 556...
No rifle is obsolete that still has ammunition, hands to use it, and a rifleman's eye to aim it.
@@Gabthar better than a rock
@It’s ya boy that's what the A-team said
Charles Cline...Well said my friend 👏. If i didn't know any better, I'd think i was listening to the sage wisdom of a Marine ??
@It’s ya boy yeah watch the A-Team tv series that's all they use AC556 auto mini 14
"Full auto's"...."ar15 fights"??? You guys are delusional.
I was weary about purchasing one due to the reputation of them being inaccurate but after hearing you mention the changes and improvements and seeing you shoot it I'm sold, I really appreciate that style of rifle over an AR honestly
The OLD ones were inacurate due to a pencil thin barrel that wobbled after continuous firing and heating up. The new ones in both the ranch and tactical forms are much better and accurate. I own an old and new one. These new ones are great. I would suggest getting one.
The Mini 14 has always worked with 556. They used to mark them as 223 for export reasons because some countries bamned 556. The manual has always said you could shoot 556. Some newer target models are the only exception.
Nope, Paul Harrell has a nearly hour long presentation on the subject:
Some highlights include
More traditional sights
Allowed in more restrictive states compared to the AR
Based on a solid operating system
Some people just don’t like ARs or AKs for that matter
Literally the only valid point you mentioned is some people just don't want a modern firearm.
@@Megames2012 Who Says the AR 15 or AK 47 is modern. Lol. Both old platforms in terms of design.
@@Megames2012 You can get AR15 on a C&R licence, modern?
@@DS..69 Yeah. M-Lok handguards are so old! 😂
The part about it being legal in restrictive states is valid and makes this rifle a good option. But an AR is a better choice if this isn't an issue.
My Mini 14 doesn’t get a whole heckuva lot of range time, but I do enjoy shooting it.
@@wwshwfars2824 como chingas
Good Enough for the ATeam.
Stainless with folding stocks but if you noticed., they never hit anyone!
Tom D. Or they hit exactly what they were aiming at.
I pity the fool!
The Unsophisticated Platypus You got a point there.
I PITTY THE FOOL !!
Mini-14 Ranch Rifle....one of the most "fun" rifles I've ever owned...!!!
Picked up in the early 80's to use for that purpose....on the ranch.
@@wwshwfars2824 ya sabemos
I used to have one. My buddy still has the one he bought after shooting mine in the late 80's. I have a video of him doing a mag dump with the flash hider off. He could bump fire it and dump 30 rounds in about 2.5 seconds and there's a four foot long fireball the whole time. He's done that so many times that his barrel has no rifling until about half way down, and now the bullets tumble in flight, and yet I don't think that rifle has ever malfunctioned once.
There serial numbers you could find out your rate of twist and that would tell you what grain of bullet to use found that out on there ruger mini 14 forums
My mini-14 as my go-to rifle. I have owned one since 1980. I often.carry it In my car. My 1980 Mini 14 will shoot 2 inch to 1 inch groups on a regular.basis With the right with the right ammunition I have shot 3/4 inch groups at a hundred yards
I think my mini 14 will stack up against any AR.
I love it when a plan comes together....
The modern mini 14's are an excellent minute of badguy rifle.
The old ones weren't that bad, with mine I can hit a clay pigeon every shot at 100 yards, no it's not a precision rifle but it's certainly hunting varmits accurate.
Yep, accurate to MOBG. Minute Of Bad Guy...
My buddies call me “old iron sites”, because I can hit just about anything with my mini 14 with no optic.... GREAT RIFLE
Old iron “Sights” ?
@@SilentButDudley 😂😂👍
Okay Francis
Rodger that.
I just bought some tec Sights for my 583 series Mini...
I could "hit " with the factory sights but the would loosen up and shift so bad after a few dozen rounds I HAD to change...
Just came yesterday but the picture is great!
what series is yours?
A semi auto 5.56 with a 30 round magazine, 2 MOA. Nothing to complain about. I find the ergos of the Mini more familiar and friendly than an AR. Guess it's just a question of how much trigger time you have on each system.. to me the Mini is more intuitive.
@ Steven Miller: Tough to beat the clean lines of a Mini-14 when it comes to actually slinging one or carrying it in the field. Old-school ergonomics. And the short-stroke gas piston system is both reliable and rugged.
This is probably my favorite firearm of all the ones I own. Lot of fun to shoot.
I've had 4 minis, currently still have 2, along with 2 ar's...NEVER had problems, accurate enough and LOVED them!!
I personally like the classic features similar to the M1 Garand and it's compact style
If they made these to fit AR mags they would be selling loads of them!
Ruger made their 9mm PCC accept glock mags they should try and make a changeable mag well to fit AR mags for the mini 14
@@alfredodelacruz1864 Imagine.... a takedown mini-14 with the capability of using AR mags.......
@@toasty925 that's a great idea it'll sell like hot cakes its already lightweight wow imagine takedown I'd buy one
But how would Ruger then be able to sell its $50 mags......
@@woblesocket3215 If ruger was nice enough to offer a glock mag adapter for the pc carbine, I'm sure they will do the same for a future product that will accept AR mags. You just need the demand and they may consider it.
I purchased one, which was in .223 caliber, at the base PX on 29 Palms, California while in the Marine Corp in 1978. Still have it to this day. Don't shoot it very often anymore, but will hang on to it nonetheless, as it holds much sentimental value. Is a great shooter, extremely reliable and fairly accurate.
Old school, not obsolete. This gun will always be loved.
When I bought my 580 series Mini-14 Tactical with the flash hider, it came with a black polymer stock which I replaced with a Ruger birch wood stock and also bought an ATI Strikeforce tactical stock which is the same tactical stock Ruger uses on their tactical style. I like the changes to suit mood that day.
My first Mini 14 back in 1987 was a hell of a shooter. I wish I never sold it. Was very easy to "file" the secondary sear catch!
I have a 184 series pencil barrel mini-14. I put a barrel strut on it and a scout mount and it went from minute of barn to sub moa with reloads, a very sweet shooter.
Aftermarket support or not, obsolete in minds or not - This is still a firearm I intend to purchase.
I love its look. It’s a need I have.
That's so crazy that you posted this video, I've been looking at these for a few days tryna decide rather I want one or not. And again sootch drops another great review. Thankyou sir.
Hey sootch put a barrel strut on your mini from ruger. The strut's are integrated it's all one peace. you don't have to worry about it slipping. The strut's don't have the little set screws. I went from 3 moa at 100m to 1moa at 100m .
Wow. What is your rate of twist? I've a 1:7 thats one of the pre-improvement models. Goint to need an Acu-strut eventually.
Ruger makes a barrel strut for the mini 14???
223 DMR Did you purchase it directly from Ruger? Or somewhere else. I have been thinking about getting one for my mini 14 for years. Your experience sounds really good
@@ruiz212 I don't know if Ruger does but I know of 2 that exist, the acu-strut and the har-bar. I've got a har-bar on my mini
@@ruiz212 No... It's aftermarket..
Accu-Strut, Mo Rod, and True Shot all make them
Finally a good review of a mini 14! I have the 583 series and I love it. Especially here in California where the restrictions on an AR-15 don’t really apply to a MINI-14.
Bro just move. Red states will welcome you as crappifornia is trying to relocate liberals to red states to try to swing them during elections. Cali can rot on their own stupid policies.
@@ez56789 trust me I want to! I lived in Texas for a while and absolutely loved it
The biggest advantage of the Ruger is that I can buy it at Big 5 in CA.
Anybody else notice Robbie in the background plugging his ears walking around?😂😂
Great video
My Mini-14 (583 series Ranch Rifle) is my go-to rifle. Selected over the AR platform for a couple of reasons: 1) my admittedly old-guy preference: grew up with wood stocks against my shoulder and it's still my preference today. 2) people/neighbors who absolutely freak out over the appearance of an AR don't look twice at a Mini-14, even in a very gun-friendly state. So far as accuracy, 2 MOA is plenty good for me and for the vast majority of shooters out there. Not saying the Mini-14 is better than the AR. Just saying that it's better for me.
That's what we used at Angola when I worked there years ago and that's what they still use. I liked it so much I bought one and used it for hunting for the kids and as secondary option for myself
What where you doing in Angola? I bet its it's quite the story.
@@tactical_sasquatch
Angola
Louisiana State Penitentiary
I was a corrections officer at rank of Sargent
@@jimmieburleigh9549 Cool! Thanks for sharing.
That's a hell no!! If anything it's more relevant than ever given that it has fewer "scary" features than an AR.
I love the mini 14 it’s soooo beautiful if I could that would be one of the fist guns I would buy. It’s like a modernised M1 carbine
Great vid Sootch...
I went with the Mini 14 over an AR for it's rep for reliability due to Piston Actuation and ability to consume steel or Brass...
I just thought it a better SHTF option due to lower cleaning intervals and less finicky with ammo regarding functionality~~~~
Was I wrong???
HELL NO YOU ARENT
@@ironhorse127 Thanks BRO!!!
I always heard they couldnt run steel
@@missouripatriot6926 that's the MINI 30 in 7.62x39... Light primer strikes... The 556 Mini 14....
HOLD MY BEER!!!
The 30 can do steel with a stronger hammer spring.
You can also add a barrel stabilizer that improves accuracy a little and looks very cool.
Great guns, that one has a beautiful stock. I have a 580 series mini 30. Gonna get the Samson folder. Love it. I forgot, my friend had a mini 14 in 222 remington years ago in the 1980s
Given that the Marine Corps is transitioning toward piston-driven M4's in the form of the M27, I'd say the Mini-14 is definitely not obsolete! It's basically the same as an AR in terms of functionality, and the difference in weight is miniscule. The Mini-14 is basically just a modern combat rifle for people who prefer a traditional stock. I personally am more accurate with a traditional stock than a pistol grip, so I might be buying one of these as a main go-to rifle at some point!
Issue I have is it does not have a easy immediate action drill and if it goes down. Parts hard to find.
@@chadhaire1711 What makes you say 5k? I know some people who've had Mini 14's for many years, and although I don't know how many rounds they've put through the Mini's, they still work. The Garand and M14 the design is derived from are definitely combat rifles, btw!
The Ruger mini 14 is an iconic and yes still relevant rifle. I own one in 5.56 and I really should add a mini 30 to the collection. I think 6.8 and 300 black would also be nice, but maybe a bit redundant. Great video.
Obsolete? Hell no! And I don’t care about all the naysayers.
Would you trust your life too it?
Bronx Warrior
10-4
@@bronxwarrior319 Hell yes I would, mine has been way more reliable than any of my AR15s. Yes it's a 3 moa rifle but it's definitely hunting varmits accurate. It's more accurate than most shooters, it's just not going to win any precision contests, but it wasn't made for that!
@@wmwm2194 if your happy then I am happy. We bought them for patrol rifles. Nothing but issues. All guns are made for all people. Stay safe
@@bronxwarrior319 I willing to bet all your issues could be traced back to aftermarket magazines
Obsolete? Ask Hannibal, Murdock, B.A. and Face.
I'm retired from a state DOC and we used the Mini-14. I shot it a lot and I really liked shooting it. At some point they changed their rear sight to where you had to adjust the windage by manipulating two opposing set screws and the elevation was adjusted by screwing the sight up or down. Even then, you had to really tighten down on the screws to ensure it didn't come loose from excessive vibrations. The previous sights, which I liked better, did require a sight adjustment tool but it was more reliable in it's settings. As much as I would like to own a Mini-14, I think it's rather over priced in gun stores (new and used).
It might be of a somewhat antiquated design, but it is a Simi Auto detachable box mag fed carbine. It'll only truly become obsolete when the 5.56 cartridge becomes obsolete. Just like the AKM, they'll be used, and used effectively, as long as ammunition is made for them.
I love my mini 14. That stock is gorgeous
Pmag needs to make mags to boost popularity....
Good Video ........... I have two Mini-14's but there old, one I bought 35 years ago, and then bought a ranch about 28 years ago, both still work great
If it goes bang followed by lead and copper exiting the muzzle then it is not obsolete.
Tom Olofsson the bang comes after the bullet. Not before
aaronsbraga Aaron, the gun goes bank is an American idiom which means that the gun functions properly. Thanks for your vigilance though. We need more people policing the RUclipss letting us know when we stray from the true path of physics.
Yep
I’m not sure you understand what obsolete means
Birdie_ Obsolete is when something no longer has a purpose usually because something new has been invented. Wood burning cars are obsolete. Typewriters are largely obsolete. Phones attached to the wall are obsolete.
"Be strong..be of good courage..God bless America..long live the Republic." Words to live by especially in these mixed up times.
Got one last year with wood stock on clearance at Wally 200
Used? New years ago it was 600 and has gone up since then.
Already have plenty of ARs and AKs, and always wanted a Mini 14, but for the price I couldn't bite. Then a couple years ago my Walmart had a Mini 14 that had been sitting in the display case for over a year originally 749.99 on rollback 599.00. Bought it, snuck it into the gun safe while my wife wasn't home, then bought ten 30 round and ten 20 round Ruger magazines from Natchez. My daughter has her 10/22, but now she wants my Mini 14.
Back in the late 80s I bought a Ruger Mini 14 as the first rifle I bought for myself. It was much less expensive then an AR-15, and didn't have the stigma of the black rifle.... and looked like a bunny gun, which means stealth firepower. Wow has the World changed since then. Back then, it was the "Ranch Rifle", and I think that was sound, it's a great coyotes gun. Butler Creek made a great folding stock for it, and the 10/22. The TV show, the A-Team made the SS with aluminum folding stock famous and cool. I agree it was about 2 MOA. I recall lining up some spent 12 gauge rounds at 50 yards and shooting them with no problem. .300 AAC Blackout would be a great caliber for this rifle.
It's available in 300blk too. 7.62x39 as well.
They make it in 300 blackout
This is on my list after I heard they were reintroducing the folding stock double sold! But need to save up the cash
Beware the Man with only One Gun ..... He just might know how to Run it ..... 😎
I’ve heard that quote my whole life, and I’ve never found it to be true. Quite the opposite honestly.
I put a barrel strut from strum ruger on mine . The strut is integrated so it's all one peace. So no set screws. My groups are alot smaller. At 100m I'm at half MOA awesome rifle now.
The ol ranch rifle. Love that thing
Love your outro- great rifle that served from the A team all the way to Rhodesia
If anyone doubts what a mini 14 can do, check out honest outlaw Ruger Mini-14 first shots... impressive
Love me the mini. My old skool SS was the first rifle I ever took a deer with, and was let me down the rabbit hole I know today. Mine is mid 90’s model and still holds 2” groups at 100 after all these years. Still love it. Much more class than all my ars
Man!! I've been wanting one of those!! Out of stock everywhere I search, online and locally.
If they're considered "obsolete," wonder why everyone in the friggin country is buying them.
All can have their AR and AK platforms. They are amazing
But give me this and the m1a
Outstanding review of this riffle.. I bought one recently since I live in California.. I kinda grew up on ARs well M16A2 in the Corp. the was assigned an M249 SAW.. I hate the Saw 😂 long story
In civilian life I like the idea 💡 of a 50 state legal riffle.. I’m not at all regretting this as my home defense/ Target 🎯 shooting riffle. I love ARs and if I leave California then I’ll get one .. for now my 556 mini feels like ol’ reliable..
I just gifted my niece a brand new factory Tactical Mini 14 😜🤙🏻
im german, i own an hk mr556 and a mini-14, and they are both great and capable. The mini is nice and light and has little recoil. Mine is old yet accurate enough ( 8cm on 100 Meters).
No its not obsolete. I have the same exact Ruger bought it 6 months ago.
Not to mention it has a cool sound when shooting you can also run this dirty similar to an AK in that reguard,
I also love my AR but this is a rugged rifle. I love it fun to shoot
I love 💘my mini 14 and its audits enough for the 100 yard and under shots I usually take with it !I just love it for some reason lol I still have a bunch of AR15s in different configurations but shoot my mini often also I'm a big fan of this channel and the 0430034 channel ! Keep up the good work !
One of the best rifles ever made. :)
I love my mini 14. Nice to see a newer video about one, they are a lot of fun to shoot.
Wish Ruger would make them to accept AR mags....
The Ruger Mini-14 is an absolute hidden jem in this day and age.
I have a 582 series with TechSights, an Accu-Strut, and a Brimstone 3.5 lb. trigger job.
I have a Colt LE6920 with a BCM bolt, Geisselle trigger, and Troy battle rail.
It's like a reliable old pickup truck vs. a Porsche. For some reason, I just favor the Mini-14. It's a tank. It's intuitive for dim wits like me to understand how it works. I can disassemble it with my eyes closed. The only drawbacks are the proprietary mags and needing to ship it back to Ruger for repairs.
i wanted one of these but the only one i could find had ben used hard and was in not great condition, it was an early mod with the pencil barrel & ugly sights and on top of that it was priced at a premium! i saved three hundred dollars and went with a good parts build on an ar15. but i still love these! and the m1 carbine!
I bought a Mini 14 back in 1986. Most of the finish was gone and the wood stock had been painted black. I gave $100 for it. It was ugly, but shot decent and was reliable. I ended up trading it for some mag wheels for my Nova.
Outdated? Yes
Obsolete? Nope
holy shit, that's a BEAUTIFUL stock, sootch!
it is absolutely NOT obsolete, but WHY are they still so damn expensive? Sometimes I can't even find one under $1k
My first observation, "Man, what a beautiful laminated stock!" So I have an older Mini-14 that I have never shot. It is a 186 prefix number. Sad story, my step father (Ret. Lt Colonel U.S. Army "Air Cavalry") was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a while back. As part of that the doctor's recommendation he suggested that my step-dad sell his guns. My mom asked that I come and get some so I gave my mom and step dad $6k for a few of the guns. One of which was the Ruger Mini 14. A friend of mine helped me create a price list for the remaining guns and I've helped my mom with the process of selling them. One day I hope to get out and shot the Mini-14, but I just have not had a chance yet. I'd love to see how the old gun shoots.
Get out there. It’s worth it and a lot of fun. The Ruger Mini 14 is my favorite and my go to war rifle
@@eddiedunne1085 Will do. I love shooting guns at steel.
The Mini-14 was the first gun I ever bought. I do miss it. I’ll have to buy another one some day. Really fun to shoot.
Oh nice. A damn neat gun
I'm usually more for the classic look myself, but that looks fantastic.
Hell no, it’s not obsolete! I prefer a mini-14 over an AR15 any day...
Great video. I've always loved the mini. Have a few myself. I have the older style 180 series. With good ammo I can get 2MOA out of it. Until it gets hot. I added an accustrut, and it's helped considerably. I also have the 580 series mini 14 and mini 30 in 7.62x39. My 14 I can get consistent 1.75 to 2MOA. I also added an accustrut to that as well. They're very capable rifles, if used for their intended purpose. I Have optics on all of them. My 580 14 I have a Burris RT6 on it. The two together run very well. Overall, I'd say they're excellent rifles.
I love that stock.
In NY and CA, this is still king. Featureless ARs are trash. That being said everywhere else it’s “obsolete” but being outdated or obsolete doesn’t mean ineffective. Technically AKs are obsolete compared to a lot of things out now but I don’t wanna stand in front of one of those, or a mini. As with all things, train with what you got and you’ll be fine.
dope mini 14, I really like the stock
Right.that thing is beautifully crafted
Love my Mini 14 Tactical!! Has been 100% reliable. Got rid of the upper hand guard with the op rod shroud and replaced it with a Choate upper hand guard leaving the op rod exposed. Much much better!!
We need a Resurgence of the mini 14 and mini 30
Samson is distributing a tubular folding stock almost identical to the original ones on the AC-556. Seems well made. Does need some grip tape on it as the metal surface is quite slick and tends to slide about on the shoulder.
Ty for all you do..
Just put one of the Samson A-TM stocks on mine. In a world where everything seems to be an AR variant they're at least some refreshing variety.
Beautiful stock. The mini 14 works just fine and as far as I'm concerned better than any garbage Eugene Stoner invention out there perfect cartridge for that firearm and a great choice for just about anything you can use that round for.
English?
I found that my mini-14 was dead-on with the first round. Then, oddly, it would string out horizontally. It was a 582 series with the new tapered barrel, and I've often wondered if the 16" barrel would be more accurate given less barrel oscillation. There are several things I prefer the AR-15 over the mini, however the mini shoulders like a dream. It just feels natural.
Try keeping the bullet weight around 55 gr. to 62gr.
Wish ruger would make the mini14 in 6.5 grendel
Why? So you can tell people
Why? So they could sell three of them?
@@OGsDangerShow haha so true
My first center fire rifle. I bought new in 1977 for just $175 but the 20 round factory mags were expensive and hard to get.
Beautiful wood.
That's what she said.
Obsolete....never....hell no ! One sweet firearm. Awesome rifle. Gotta love Ruger. 🇺🇸
Cue all the bench rest nerds and gun counter cowboys... It's time to trash the mini 14 again.
I have the 186 series Mini-14. I installed an Accu-Strut and an Amega scout rail, and I get 1.25 inch groups at 100 metres. I like the stainless and wood. I thought about getting a folding stock, but I just a basic stock kind of guy. That said, I do have three AR15's. I've strongly thought about getting a retro AR15. It's what happens when you come of age during the Viet Nam war. My favorite AR15 is the Ruger SR556 piston drive. Anyway, I enjoyed your video today.
Take care and keep your barrel clean.
Bo Leggs.