Having served 20 yrs in the Army, I bought an AR because it was the weapon I was most familiar with. I later bought a mini just because it was the same caliber and I just thought it'd be kinda cool to have. Now, my AR rarely sees the light of day and my mini goes everywhere with me.
Waylon K truth .. but they are plenty accurate for hunting and urban assault .. they are not sniper rifles for sure .. but in a home invasion you want a Mini-14 over a sniper rifle any day .. the AR-15 is more accurate but it is a finicky weapon and, like some girlfriends needs a lot of attention or it will come back to bite you
DNA Tech I also have a Smith & Wesson Governor with .410 shotgun shells at the beside .. (6 rounds) .. but home invasions frequently involve multiple assailants.. I would use the revolver in close combat but the rifle against multiple attackers .. and I suspect I would need to shoot through walls and furniture to get them
I've never owned an AR, but I was in the military for years and shot the M16, 50cal and a handful of other rifles. A few years ago I bought a Mini-14 from a friend who wanted to use the money for an AR and haven't regretted my decisions since. The Mini-14 action is smooth, I hit whatever target I aim at (provided it's not more than 200 yards away) and the ergonomics are comfortable. My Mini-14 is a great rifle I doubt I'll ever get rid of except, maybe, to buy a newer one as mine's circa 1999.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy full auto is alot harder on a weapon, no matter what it is, no one owns a full auto mini, and there would is no reason to own one anyway. They are reliable rifles, and hold up well. Comparing full auto operation to semi is comparing Chevy to Peterbuilt.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy you just pointed out one thing it does better than the AR, as dumb as gun grabbers are they never look at the mini, are there competitions for the mini? I don't know of one, so why bring it up. I understand you are an AR fanboy, just like the glock fanboys the AR is the greatest at everything, give it up, if a guy likes it oh well, I own two and love them, I own 3 AR's and they are good too, bought my last mini new for 535 out the door.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy I am the reason AR's are illlegal? I belong to the NRA, and Gunowners of America, own several AR's and have built my own, including 80% lowers, tell me again how I am the problem? I also said I own both rifles and both are good, I just don't hold my AR and beat off like AR tards, the only thing worse than an AR tard, is a glock tard.
Absolute Mini-14 fan. Shoots fantastic. Glad to see there are some of us still lovin' this rifle! If you ain't got one then you don't know what you are missing! I'm following Kame Bastard also and he has some nice videos as well. I won my 1981/82 Mini 14 20 some years ago on a 5 dollar raffle ticket. Came with a red dot scope, flash hider, bayonet, sling, (4) 30 rd. and (4) 40 rd. clips, collapsable polymer stock. And the original wood stock of course. It's true what they say....Five dollah make ya holla!!!!!!
The Mini-14 is a bad ass gun. I should have NOT sold the stainless 1980 model I had. Never a jam or miss fire with my own reloads. Live & learn as my old man used to say.
In 1978 I bought a 181 series Mini 14 while in Alaska. I carried it for that summer while fishing on the beach in Southwest AK, while trekking in the mountains north of Gillingham and when returning to the lower 48 I carried it in a scabbard under my leg on my motorcycle. In those days, yes, even through Canada with no problems. It was so handy I didn't mind strapping it to my backpack. Back here, I participated in DCM shoots in California and Nevada with that rifle. The only modifications made were to smooth up the trigger, put a hood over the front sight and replace the rear with a good micro adjustable peep sight. Oh, and put about a 3/4 inch butt extension. With 55 grain nozzler match bullets inc carefully worked up handholds at 100 and 200 yards and 70 grain sierra matchking boat tail spritzers at 300 yards using reduced targets (to simulate 600 yards... sort of) I was able to consistently shoot under 2 moa, but never under 1 1/2 moa, or 4 1/2 to 6 inches on a cool, calm day. When it was warm or a little breeze, groups would start to open up a bit. A lot if the wind were very strong. Could I compete against the hotshots with match grade M1s or M14s or even tricked out AR15s? Not even close. Did I have a ball? Yes! Did the rifle do everything I asked of it? Absolutely! Now, with much older eyes, it might be time to either put some type of optic on it, or finally turn it over to my son who's been trying to pry it away from me for the past fifteen years. I can't say enough good things about that rifle. I'm now looking for a stainless model in 6.8 Rem. SPC to carry on my sailboat where I now live. It's enough gun.
Miraculously it's somehow still non-restricted in Canada. Probably because it doesn't "look scary". It's one of the few sub-$1500 semi-auto .223 rifles that aren't restricted here. I'm not surprised you didn't get a lot of grief at the Border with it.
Enjoyed the video. In 1986 I bought a new full stock SS "GB" and carried it in my patrol car until I retired in 2006. When I bought this rifle I knew full well it was a utility rifle, not intended to be a counter sniper rifle, but very useful during close range situations where more firepower was needed. Thankfully I never had to use it on a human, but it has put many deer, coyotes, cows, and wild mustangs down after being hit by cars along the high desert highways of Nevada. It has never failed me. Even now, after 4000+ rounds thru it, the accuracy is the same as it was new, not great, but as accurate as it was intended to be as a reliable utility rifle. I can tell you this, I don't want anyone shooting at me with one of these Mini 14's (or anything else).
I've had one since the early 80s and won't part with it. Ruger sent me a taller rear aperture sight (for free) for longer range and it'll bang a 16" steel target at 400 yards all day long. That's all I can ask of it. Nice vid.
I bought one shortly after Sandy Hook because adding another AR was way too expensive at the time. I love my mini. I would feel very comfortable taking it into any SHTF scenario imaginable.
there was no AR-15 actually used in Sandy Hook. I watch that situation the entire day at least twice the police chief came on and said the AR-15 was found in the backseat of the car. The shooter never took it in the building with him
Love my Mini-14, never malfunctioned and just a blast to shoot. I love the feel of a rotating bolt semi-automatic. I also love the 10mm. I have a Model 20 Gen 2. Good video. Thanks
AR guys look at me as if I’m insane, but I love the Mini-14. My Dad bought one in stainless with wood furniture during mid 90s because it reminded him of the M-14 he used in the Corps. Reliable as the day is long, accurate, and comfortable. Spent a lot of quality father-son time around that rifle. My supervisor has one with a bump stock and high nickel barrel. He lived in another county not far outside Philly and his neighbor was always calling the police even though target shooting on your own land in that township is legal. I got mine from the Hershey, Pa State Police Academy. It was used as a training rifle. I’ve never regretted that purchase
Thanks for this video. I have a 182 series I bought new and still use. It just plain works. No need for a charge handle or anything like that since it doesn't jam or misfire. Yea, the AR snobs always bad mouth the gun, well, until their's start jamming and mine just keeps shooting. Many small countries use the select fire version of this rifle to this day. The big thing I like about this rifle is the ergonomics. The stock fits and it drops down enough at the shoulder so I can use the sights properly. Also the sights on my gun are easy to adjust for elevation and windage. I find the Mini to be a quick to point and shoot carbine that is more then accurate enough out to 100 - 200 yards. I hear the newer ones are more accurate then my 35 year old one.
I have had the Mini 14 (pre ranch) and the mini 30 (ranch) for many years and I have no problem with them at all, work every time. Carried M4s while deployed with the military and they work fine as well. I like them all. The Mini was my first 223 rifle, I still have it and I also have a few ARs and a variety of others military style weapon. No real favorites, they all have a place.
Thanks for sharing your video on your Mini-14. I fell in love with the Mini-14 back in 1976, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I finally bought one. I wish I had bought it years ago. The problem was that in 1976 I was a young, beginning farmer and was not flush with cash. Over the years, when I got a little money ahead, there were always more important things that needed money, so a Mini-14 was always on the back burner. I was disabled in 2003, so it stayed on the back burner until a few years ago. This spring I had managed to squirrel away enough money to buy a Ruger GP100 and that old Mini-14 itch came back again and this time I decided to scratch. My Mini is a wood and stainless steel series 186, manufactured in 1994, and I absolutely love it. I installed an Accu-Strut and an Amega scout rail. I didn't like the side scope mount, which was one of the reasons for the Amega scout rail. I ended up attaching a 15 slot bridge with a half inch rise and it put my scope in perfect position for using a cheek riser I had installed when I was trying to use the crappy side mount. One advantage of using the bridge is that it protects the scope from flying cartridge cases as I'm shooting. I have a Lead Sled, but I wasn't able to use it with my shooting table, so I sighted my Mini in resting the fore end on a bag. Even with this not so steady rest, I managed a 1.625 inch group at 100 metres. I'm sure that the group would have been much closer if I had been able to use my Lead Sled, but it's good enough for calling in coyotes. And it's about the same grouping I get with my Colt M4 Blackhawk and my Ruger SR556 piston drive.
Simple, yet very informative video! Personally I’ve shot one these on many occasions. No jams, just pow pow pow 💥! And the iron sights are pretty damn accurate. I was taught to shoot by a retired Marine as a kid, IRON SIGHTS!
Thanks for the honest evaluation, the best I have seen. I have had 2 mini 14/ranch rifles, sold the first one a 180 series the 2nd a new all weather 5.56. I have an AR and reload. I find I need to chamber every round in the AR to make sure it will chamber before I feel it is dependable enough to put in a magazine, even though I bought a small base resizer. The Ruger eats everything. I trust my life with it and can't say the same about the AR.
I am 150% pro Mini-14. It was the first semi-auto rifle higher than a .22lr that I bought years back. Over a couple of years I changed the gun up a lot. I changed the stock out to the archangel sparta, threw a red dot and co witnessing flip ups on them. I have put well over 5000 rounds through this rifle throughout the years and I rarely had any malfunctions. The only issues I had were with shoddy ammo and the gun never got dirty as shit when I used it, unlike the AR platform. However, I have to say that I am leaning more toward the AR platform but since I live in NY I can't get a standard AR and the compliant ones feel uncomfortable to shoot. The reason I am leaning more towards an AR is for its versatility. You pretty much build the lower that is perfect for you and you can change the upper to anything you want (barrel length to even changing calibers) pretty damn easy. On top of that, the AR is very light. I'm a big dude so the weight doesn't bother me much, and I am not soldier so I wont be on patrol with it and all that so yeah let's all save the comments about its weight lol. The Mini-14 has much less felt recoil because of the weight difference, which means less effort to reacquire your target after a shot. Whatever, I'm babbling. Yeah in closing, I think the Ruger Mini-14 is 99.99999999% reliable, much easier to maintain and you said it best when you said you just need to run a bore snake through it and get all the shit out and you're good.
Couldn't agree more but carrying that thing at low ready for hours on end isn't fun compared to the AR. Just an update though, I am thinking of buying a survival rifle kit that my buddy linked me to - I'll throw the link in the next comment. It is an entire easy to assemble multi-caliber / barrel setup. Looks sick af and I would rather buy that than an AR.
Gtf out Abe Lincoln??! If youre gonna qoute someone at least credit it to the write one! It was Gen. George Washington. After being interviewed by cspan in Deleware. Read your history
I just happened to see this video pop up on my feed and im glad it did. I thoroughly enjoyed the information and i agree with you. I have Ar's that I love but in 223, the mini 14 is my pick. Ive always lived the reliability and feel of them. I bought my first mini over 20 years ago and ive never had any sort of malfunction. Great video. You have a new subscriber.
I have a 1980 Ruger min -14 with a folding stock and I love it, People at the range that I attend ask me all the time can they shoot my min-14. One guy offered me $900. for the riffle I just couldn't at the time depart with it. Nice video keep up the good work.
My buddy and I went to the market to get an ak. For two hundred dollars cheaper I could get a mini 14. I chose the mini 14 for a little over five hundreds out the door. I’d a payed over seven for the ak. I was not disappointed in myself but I was conflicted. My buddy assured me, it was a good choice but he would of got the ak, “ that’s what you went there for....” lol. It was a golden moment. But let me tell you that mini was a beast. No jamming, no failures..... like watching a machine. It was hypnotizing, the noise and the feel of that action as it cycled bullets and spitting brass like it was chewing tobacco.... I hear about m4’s jamming every so often. Double feeds, fte, ftf, you know. Heck I had a shell get stuck in my stag; had to push it out with a rod. I can’t think of a time I’ve heard of a mini failing. It is a reliable gun, I never cleaned it at first and I shot it all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever had to be concerned with cleaning it. It just works. And looks good doing it.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy But people do use weapons with incredibly different methods of operation, like bolt actions and lever action, don't they? As I said, I don't really know about this. I'll come back with something If I find it, suppose. Only thing that comes to me right now is a story I read on the Ruger. Some woods living person wrote all about how the shape of the Ruger is more comfortable on horseback. I'll get back to you on that.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy Certainly not. But how exactly do they half ass it? If I get a pump action shotgun, shoot that once in a while, and fire an AR or AK variant at about the same intervals, would *that* influence my shooting in the same way?
@@JohnDavis-im1oy 1: Is the competitive equal to the defensive? 2: What is the quantifiable difference between half-assed and full-assed? 3: Your point on shooting in the outdoors is correct. But If I were a 'casual' gun owner I would certainly like what the shotgun has to offer for me. I don't think cover would be an issue unless I was going to terminator march on some poor hobo hiding behind a rock. And I don't see what exactly would outrange me. Of course, if I was a tacticool home knight I would consider fighting with armed intruders, fighting in cover and probably pick an AK or something. But If I cared enough about that, got enough money to train for that, I might as well go full on and spend the money to maybe even train with multiple guns consistently. My overly casually and unscientifically argued point is that the skill gap that grows between two guns isn't that impactful, at least to my untrained eye. If I could point the shotgun well enough and manage the recoil, I think that would be enough. If I could aim the rifle at a target a good distance away, it would be enough. I don't see how somewhat different manipulation can ruin the ability of the shooter. Half the stuff you mention isn't even necessary in a home defence situation. When was the last time someone reloaded a full magazine in a home invasion? How can someone not completely oblivious fail to realize the safety is in a different spot for so long as to cause him death? It seems the most important parts of armed home defence aren't in the shooting bits.
I have had a good appreciation for what a ruger mini 14 can do in the hands of a skilled tactical operator. on april 11 1986 I went on a ride along with the miami dade police. we responded to that scene and we were within the first dosen units to arrive. wow what a day at the office.... been a cop down here for 29 years now. I've actually studied the whole shooting to the agents what they did there possitoning as well as the offenders. its all available on the internet. anyway thanks for sharing brother. I might get a mini 14 one day......
That's the reason I collect guns so my kids will be able to give their kids something with history from me as well as them. I just hope my kids share the same views after I'm gone.
I have owned maybe 5 mini 14's since they came out and my favorite of all was a SS Mini 14 GB with the factory folding stock and factory mags. Not one of them ever jammed or had any other problems. I wish I still had them. Good informative video!
Adjusted for inflation thats about $500 in todays money. If you had just put that money into an index of the Dow Jones Industrial Average you would have $3000 and wouldn't have to store the guns, and would be much easier to sell.
After watching the video and reading a bunch of the comments, i thought i'd add my .02 cents worth. I'm not one the fancy gun folks that brag about 1 or 2 moa shooting, and the nearest i've come customising my mini 14 is putting a sling on it. I got it sometime in the late 70s for around $200.00 and because it fits my needs i'm still shooting it, And I have found that it is something that i can count on working every time i pull the trigger. It's helped feed my family for a whole lot of years. and it's a great little deer gun if you use it properly. I shot a mattel toy in Vietnam back in '65 - '66 and even though they may have got all of the bugs fixed, i wouldn't have a AR if someone gave me one. I guess that i'm old school, but i like my rifles made out of wood and steel, and that feel like a gun with no plastic unless it's a lens cap.
I was going to say...what were you feeding your family...squirrels??? But then I thought...there's no way to even hit a squirrel with the old style mini-14 beyond about 25yds!!!
Maybe he threw the Mini 14 at the animals he fed his family. Possibly clubbed them to death. He didn't specify, we only know his Mini wouldn't have been able to shoot one.
Vietnam issues with the rifle was more with the ammo. It was specifically designed for use with IMR powder but the bean counters decided that they could save 2 cents a round by using Winchester ball powder which turns to gum due to it's high cellulose content. FN put a rotating port system on their firearm specifically for bullet weights and powder charges to effectively "tune" it. Personally my first "big gun" automatic past the 10-22 was a Russian AK just because of using the "Mattel toy" in the service. First kill was a 200 lb wild hog in East Texas. Second kill was an engine block headed for the scrapyard.
In 1981 I traded my snowmobile for $500 cash and a 181 series mini 14. I bought 2000 rounds of 55gr. sp ammo from Black Hills Ammo for $80 per 1000. I have a 4 power Weaver scope mounted on it and it has been my coyote rifle for the past 35 years. Bash em or love em. It makes me no difference. I'm keeping mine..:)
Yeah...you might be able to hit a Coyote sized animal at a hundred yards with one...but that's about it...lol!!! I bought one in the late 90's...took my 4X12 Nikon scope off of my .75 moa Ruger M77 mk2 300 Win mag and put it on the Mini...and was horrified by the complete lack of accuracy. The best group I probably ever got was about +/-5 moa!!! I tried everything...different ammo...cleaning regimens...bullet weights etc. Nothing worked...so I asked my gunsmith if anything could be done to tighten the groups up...he laughed and said "Yeah...sell that pos and buy an AR-15 or a 223 bolt gun"!!! So I took his advice and sold the mini. A few years later when the internet really took off...I looked on some of the shooting forums and realized that everyone was saying the same thing about them. Now...I have heard better things about the newer ones with the thicker barrels...but people are still talking 3+ moa for most of them. To me...if a rifle can't hit a pop can at fifty yards...it's obviously a poorly designed firearm!!! I love Ruger firearms...I still own the 300 mag...and a few years ago I purchased the Ruger 556 AR...which are at least 1 moa rifles. I guess if the smallest game you're after is Coyote size or bigger the mini will work...but today with really nice AR's being sold in the 550-600 dollar range...spending $700 on a mini seems absolutely insane!!!
@Paul C: Yes...I was exaggerating...hence the "lol". But I don't expect to have to measure my rifle accuracy by minute of coyote...lol!!! I want tight groups from all my rifles...regardless of action type. The AR platform proved that semi-autos don't have to shoot sloppy groups.
You , have the best review on a Mini 14 I have seen and I have watched a bunch in the last few days. You gave us the history and cover everything I had questions on and then some. ~Best to you~
It's the man behind the gun that counts most. I have a mini 14 and a Ruger AR556 and I can put lead on a paper plate at 200 yards reliably with either one. Two completely different guns that can both do whatever you need them to do
I remember when the first mini 14 hit the market but didn't have the money to buy one. Luckily times have changed and should have one soon. Thumbs and subscribed. Great video, keep me coming.
Thanks for watching, I should have some more videos like this in the future. I have already decided which gun is next, I've just been busy at work lately. As soon as my hog trap video is wrapped up I'll do the next gun review video. Its always a good day when you can buy a new gun, thanks for the sub!!!
Bottom line on the mini-14, the damn thing works. It didn't need a bunch of bandaids to become a great rifle. It's simple, rugged, reliable, and easy to keep running, 'cuz it doesn't sh*t where it eats.
Already have an M1, and an M1A, both in their "natural" calibers (.30-06 and .308/7.62mm), but I had no 5.56mm/223 long gun. Since I HATE the AR platform rifles, from my experiences in Vietnam, I will never buy any rifle which requires a dustcover to keep the action clean. That left only the Ruger Mini-14 as my affordable option in that caliber. And that it has a Garand action, it falls into formation with my other Garand action battle rifles. I expect to take possession of my new Mini-14 (stainless steel) any day now, as soon as it arrives at my local gun store from the source store in Texas. Good video. Thanks.
I have purchased the stainless steel Mini-14 in 5.56mm/.223 chambering, so it will reliably utilize either cartridge safely. I'm as happy as a bug in a rug with my new purchase. Went as far as buying two 20 round magazines for it, to supplement the two 5 round mags it came with. The Garand style action is a big selling point for me.
Thanks for your service. My father served there too. My question is did you have the M-16 or the M-16A1? My father had the M-16A1 and said he didn't have problems with reliability with it, but he knew it had to be cleaned. He didn't like the 5.56 being a deer hunter. Because I'd heard bad stories, I was prejudiced against the platform. Just to learn the battery of arms, I bought a cheaper one, an M&P-15 Sport without a dust cover. It doesn't jam. I like the gun more than I thought I would. I just picked up the Ruger and like it too, but I've had to work at becoming a better shot with it. I would that the trigger was a bit lighter and less creepy. Also have to use an Allyn wrench to adjust the rear peep sight is a bit klugey, but I like the action and the ruggedness of the firearm. In terms of durability, my impression is it has the AR platform beat.
Not sure which variant I was issued. Only know it didn't work worth beans for me. Some of the problems turned out to be the propellant used in the cartridges, which didn't burn cleanly, and was cycled back into the action by the "direct impingement" method used in the piece. I will not quibble with the AR platform rifle's function nowadays, since it has lasted well over 40 years as the main battle rifle in our Armed Forces, but I cannot discount the reliability issues I had with it. I'll stick to an action I'm good with, the Garand action. Some of the newer AR platform rifles now use gas pistons in the cyclic system to initiate reloading. That would make them, in my estimation, more reliable. The choice would have to be up to you.
I cannot say I blame you. If I'd had a bad experience in practice, I'd probably avoid it too. My favorite rifle is my M1A, a joy to shoot. Wonderful trigger, great caliber and the best stock iron sights on any of my guns. It is a laser beam.
As an Aussie I'm impressed by this guy's no nonsense and lucid approach to what is one of the world's finest semi auto .223 sporters. Certainly the best value for quality you can buy. But then again Ruger has been known for bang for your buck firearms. Semis all banned in Aus since 96 unfortunately but that's another story. Good work my friend you picked up on the practical technically details well and I do like the delivery.
I used to have a Ranch Rifle but like you, I sold it during a brain fart storm. Two years ago I picked up a mini-30 and let me tell you, THAT is one kick-ass rifle. My 223 is a Ruger American bolt action ranch rifle. I have become a big fan of Ruger Americans and have them in several calibers for toting around my ranch. We have a lot of large predators out here and I usually keep my .450 Bushmaster handy when I’m in the woods. I guess I’m just saying you can’t go wrong with a Ruger rifle.
Just finally bought a mini 14. When I always seen a mini 14 in the past and even now days first thing and only thing came to my mind is the WW2 carbine and the M2a Garand that my real hero's used from WW2 to Vietnam. And also what Safari said in beginning of this video.NOT SOME 1980'S PROGRAM A-Team.
@@stansinclair5521 Ya, I saw that a little while ago. I am just continuing to look for an 80's model mini 14. But I just might have to go for the new one and get the folding stock.
I bought a used Mini 14 many years ago. I was the third owner. The only cleaning that the second owner ever did was the barrel and receiver. I believe it was made in the middle of the 80s. I took the Rifle completely down and was shocked at how dirty the piston and gas tube was. I gave it a thorough cleaning and scrubbed all the carbon out. The funny thing is that I shot the rifle a few hundred times and never had a failure to fire. No telling how many rounds have been fired through it before I got it. I love the Mini 14 and I also love my Ar 15. They both have their place in my opinion.
I looked at an AG Model today at a pawn shop, turned out to be total junk. The bolt was sticking about halfway and the stock was worn out. When asked how much he wanted, he looked me and said I won't take less than $700. Well needless to say I got a good laugh out of it and he is still the proud owner of an AG Mini 14.
I agree. Unfortunately these days they are hard to come by. So I settled for the tactical version with synthetic stock and stainless barrel. Absolutely love it and no regrets for purchasing it
@Dogman tossed my salad wow You're a lucky guy. 300 black ammo is much easier to come by. That is an incredible opportunity to shoot it. Bet it cracks like a whip
actually they all have the same type of gas system. The M1 rifle, M14, M1 carbine, and Mini 14 all have slightly different "op-rods". but all of them have a forward gas block that exhaust gas towards a piston.
many years ago a friend of mine fired 500 round while cleaning he cleaned the gas action we found 1 single flake of burnt powder that was all that impressed the heck out of me and the adjust for the gas action to compensate for varying powder loads was also impressive to me i have always liked it stainless is the only way to go.
I would NOT trade MY Ranch Rifle for ANY of those "AR" looking things!!! I like GOOD and then SIMPLE with Firearms. This one is BOTH, therefore reliable. BB
Hale-FN-luyah. Finally someone has spoken with SOME insight. Yes, every rifle is different just as every person is different. Not everyone is suited to every firearm. Thank you, Tommy, for bringing a valid point to this discussion.
Yeah...I'm not spending $700+ on a 3+moa gun!!! I owned an older model back in the 90's and couldn't get any better groups than 5moa...My Ruger AR-556 shoots 1moa and has been just as reliable. And oh yeah...it only cost me $550 brand new!!! The only reason I wish I had held onto the mini...is so I could sell it today and get three times what I sold it for back in the early 2000's lol!!!
i bought one last summer, i love it. i put a red dot on it, and an adjustable gas block. initially it would throw brass 35'. i have it dialed down to a far more reasonable 5' now. my eyes aren't great anymore, so the red dot is a must for me. this gun runs great and has given me no issues so far.
Bought a Mini 14 back in 79, when I owned ranch property in the mountains of Northern Cal, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set it up with a 3-9X scope, as my eyes aren't that good, and never missed a shot at deer, coyotes, or whatever. Sold the ranch in '82, and sold the mini shortly thereafter. The Mini 14, along with my Browning T-bolt .22, and my Marlin 336 (30-30) provided me many hours of enjoyable shooting and a great feeling of safety and security.
And now Ruger makes a budget AR...the AR556. I own one and it is decent rifle. Would love to own a Mini14. Ruger created their own headaches by giving the gun that name. Good video, very informative.
Great presentation. I had been considering one of these for a long time as my go to ...you hit all the points i was considering and more. Thanks for taking the time to make this vid.
I've hear the newer models are more accurate and have a heavier forged barrel than the older models. I have been told the most common mistake is people taking the Mini-14 for what it is not. It was never meant to be a tactical weapon, it was designed to be a gun you could carry in the truck while out on the ranch or strap to the back of an ATV when you couldn't carry a full size weapon alongside. It was meant to be a quick pull and shoot gun when you encountered a coyote or some other varmint. But even some police departments carried the Mini-14 in their arsenals in the 70's and 80's. I'm glad there are people who still sing the praises of the Mini 14, If i had the money I would go and buy one right now.
I said the exact same thing. It's like the numskulls who try to turn a Kalashnikov into a sniper rifle. You and I see guns in the same way, a tool that in the right hands has a variety of uses, out in the brush a gun can be your best friend, around the house its a protector, and when hunting it is just one of the ways to bag your game. For me the Mini 14 would function as a varmint rifle, typically coyote. Though I would use it against the two legged varmint variety should the need arise.
Your right and wrong, it was meant to be a tactical rifle. Thousands of these turned up in Central America in the 80's. The stocks did not hold up well and would have been better with a synthetic stock but they did quite well as a weapon for freedom fighters during the time. I still have a 180 series from 1974 that is almost as accurate as my AR.
The mini 14 was my first Centerfield rifle. It was an mid-90's model that I sold a while back. It worked well enough, but it was a 5 or 6 moa rifle on a good day. I have a 584 series mini 14 in stainless and synthetic stock. I know the barrel was improved, but it's still a 3 or 4 moa rifle. It also gets very hot after 30 or so rounds and accuracy drops considerably. Given the cost of minis today, $750 for a basic ranch rifle, it's no longer a value alternative to an AR--especially when you add in the cost of magazines. I have PSA premium rifle that I built for about $700, including raptor charging handle, nickle boron bolt, upgraded trigger group, ambidextrous safety, BAD lever, magpul moe furniture and other goodies. I get under 2 moa with PMC bronze and wolf gold. I have also never had failure to fire or feed, something I can't say for the mini. The mini also doesn't like steel ammo, never an issue for my AR. Also, you can find good cheap magazines for $10 or less--a third of what you will pay for the mini 14. So, while I appreciate the mini 14 for its classic looks and operation, the AR that is available today for the same money or less is the superior rifle.
Huh, I have 2 mid-90's Mini's in .223/5.56 and they get 2MOA and eat tula, wolf, and Monarch steel case ammo all day. You might have had a problem with yours and should have sent it back to ruger. They would have taken care of ya.
if that is the best you can shoot you really need to go back and learn to aim, it is not the rifle. and i have shot a ton of steel through my 580 series. you know they have a lifetime warranty if in fact you had a flawed weapon.
I bought a ranch rifle 1 year ago instead of an AR. I love it! A lot was said about the accuracy... I put a scope on my mini and somewhat easily pulled 2" groups at 100. Sometimes just under. It has the thicker barrel. I almost regretted putting the scope on it because it feels SO incredibly accurate with iron sites. I did a lot of reading about this rifle and ARs. if you want a gun that is built rock solid, this piston rotating bolt gun is simple but highly effective technology. Now even some AR companies are giving ARs piston systems instead of DI because this older technology is so great (AK is another example). Thanks for the video! I agree. A trained person will be just as deadly with this gun as an AR.
Mini 14 action is 100% stronger/better. No carbon build up in the action. No gas block to break off or screws to come loose, and it's rotating bolt is STRONG ! It IS like a scaled down Garand, which by most is considered the best battle rifle ever designed !
lieu Gebo the a team did not use the ac556 they use Factory folding stock semi-auto Mini-14s and pulled the trigger is really quick. Look it up I'm not joking
Great video! I've had my Mini 14 for 30 years and put a lot of Black Hills and other brands of rounds through it. Stove piped one time on a reloaded shell. I think that's pretty good for several thousand rounds! I wouldn't sell it for anything!
I have done a little tuning on my Mini 30, along with hand loading my own ammo, and have shot a three shot group of 3/4" at 200 yards. It is my favorite rifle and will be the last one I will part with.
Jon Lucas I have never seen a mini 30 or any rifle that will shoot 7.62 x39 that will shoot sub 3/4 groups at 100 specially not at 200. 3 inch groups are the norm for mini 14s. Least that's what I've seen. I'm not hating on them. The recoil is very good. And they are reliable. But the ar s have proven reliable to me. If the mini 14 works for you by all means get one. But no one has the right to say my firearm is better without being battle proven. I do like the m1a. Outstanding weapon. Wished they would come out with one in a target heavy barrel. I have an ar10 with an aero precision upper. 300 rounds without a hiccup. But that's shooting match ammunition. Very accurate. My two cents.
Lucas: You wouldn't be fibbing a little bit there would ya??? A 3/4" group at 200 yds is .375moa...I'm sorry but I have to call bs on that claim...few bolt guns achieve that kind of accuracy...much less one of the most notoriously inaccurate rifles in modern history!!!
Thank you for this video. I own a 580 series Mini-14 ranch rifle with a walnut stock that I had built and customized to my spec by Accuracy Systems in Colorado. The build ended up totally $1800 by the time I was done. I haven't fired it yet to this day as it has been a safe queen, but I look forward to it. With that being said I have fired AR15's all my life but have never fired a Mini-14, and hope it's just as fun
I, too, prefer the Ruger Ranch Rifle, but, I will never discount the AR platform. It has it uses and performs very well. For its design, it does the job.
How do you know "Bella" is a woman? Ever heard of Bela Lugosi (movie star) or Béla Károlyi (gymnastics coach). There are a lot more. I'm not saying Bella Kaldera is a woman or a man, but so what??
It's a shame how that rifle got its fame, but I love my Mini 14 also. I believe mine is an early 90's model. It likes 69 grain bullets. My hand loads are able to produce a .476" 3 shot group at 100 yds. People say this is known as a "spray and pray" rifle, I disagree, if you happen to be smarter than the rifle, and know how to pinpoint what recipe it likes. Don't get me wrong, I like my AR's, I've got 5, 4 AR15's and 1 AR10, in various calibers, none in 223 or 5.56. .25-45 sharps, 2 in .300 blackout, .50 Beowulf, and 375 Raptor. Love 'em all. Excellent video! Thanks for posting.
Had one of these classics with the factory folding stock. Thing was in mint condition and never failed me at the range. Of course , I sold it...like a stupid Fucker.
1988 vintage mini 14 in the gun safe. has never misfired, jammed or failed to load after thousands and thousands of rounds. shoots as well today as the day I pulled it out the box
Love my M&P 15, but I'm getting a Mini. The reason being is I bought an M1A and am now a believer in the system. That and I think it looks cool. The brilliant thing they did with the Mini was the dust cover that keeps you from grabbing the op-rod. The bad thing they did was make internal pins and small parts on the bolt catch that could be lost and make stripping the gun more complex than an M1A. That I don't like, but it is still my next gun.
I have the M&P 15 and the mini 14 with the newer barrel. Both are great but the Mini 14 is and all around better gun IMO. Not better at grouping but better in the fact it is over built tough as nails. The Mini can take abuse more than most ar15's ever can. And for the record I have owned 5 different AR-15s, but the Mini-14 is hands down my go to gun if SHTF.
So I got into with this guy who claims the bolts don't go an AR's after 10k rounds and they are rugged like AK. Don't get me wrong, love my AR, but I'm not betting it is as rugged as my AKM.
Ok yeah it is handy, rugged and badass. (Just unboxed) The trigger pull is not as nice as the M&P stock trigger, which they pretty much nailed, but it is not bad. Breaks cleanly at least, but heavier and the take up is a tad gritty on mine. It is snowing, but I might hit the range anyway.
I own the mini 30 for the last 7 years now , never had a problem with it.Although Steelcase ammo does hiccup once in a while as long as you use brass cased ammo never have a problem with it
I have a Ranch Rifle and I love it. According to you, mine is older than 1987 because my barrel is not tapered. It has a scope and I think it shoots rather well. You sure know guns. Good video. I agree with you.
I bought my Mini-14 back in '82. I've never had a malfunction, it eats anything I put through it (including steel case). By far, the best most reliable rifle I have ever owed!
Hey Man great video and I loved it,,I to mentioned the mini 14 back in January of 2012 being the star weapon in the wonderful movie "In The Line Of Duty ---The FBI Murders" I think that was the name of it with Micheal Platt and William Matix,,,try to imagine what them FBI agents had to face that day,,in the movie he had 40 round mags and 2 of them taped together back to back reversed,,,imagine had he had a scope on it ? sadly there would have been all the FBI agents killed instead of 2,,I haven't watched the movie in a few years but I think the 2 agents killed was Ben Grogan and Jerry Dove who was a rookie,,,very very sad and buddy they were for sure out gunned that day,,I appreciate your video and you done a great job and like me I will never want another high powered multi round weapon rather than the mini 14 or 30,,, the mini 30 is my favorite,,you simply cannot beat a Ruger mini 30 or 14 and I will never be without one,,,,check out my mini 30 video's and several of my pistol video's here on youtube. later Dude,,, Rick N.
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/1.gif)
Having served 20 yrs in the Army, I bought an AR because it was the weapon I was most familiar with. I later bought a mini just because it was the same caliber and I just thought it'd be kinda cool to have. Now, my AR rarely sees the light of day and my mini goes everywhere with me.
In my humble opinion. This is the best, simplest; most reliable all around semi auto rifle in 556/223. End of story. No response needed. Thank you.
This is my “go to” weapon for home defense .. for good reason .. just always fires and never complains
The Mini-14 seems to be the "American AK." Reliable, rugged old-fashioned design, and not overly accurate.
Waylon K truth .. but they are plenty accurate for hunting and urban assault .. they are not sniper rifles for sure .. but in a home invasion you want a Mini-14 over a sniper rifle any day .. the AR-15 is more accurate but it is a finicky weapon and, like some girlfriends needs a lot of attention or it will come back to bite you
DNA Tech I live in a rural area
DNA Tech out of curiosity, what weapon have you chosen that doesn't shoot through drywall?
DNA Tech I also have a Smith & Wesson Governor with .410 shotgun shells at the beside .. (6 rounds) .. but home invasions frequently involve multiple assailants.. I would use the revolver in close combat but the rifle against multiple attackers .. and I suspect I would need to shoot through walls and furniture to get them
I've never owned an AR, but I was in the military for years and shot the M16, 50cal and a handful of other rifles. A few years ago I bought a Mini-14 from a friend who wanted to use the money for an AR and haven't regretted my decisions since. The Mini-14 action is smooth, I hit whatever target I aim at (provided it's not more than 200 yards away) and the ergonomics are comfortable.
My Mini-14 is a great rifle I doubt I'll ever get rid of except, maybe, to buy a newer one as mine's circa 1999.
I switched from an AR to a Mini in 1996 as a duty weapon. All my rifle problems left. Ruger’s always go bang!
Hell yeah bro
What kind of ar did you have?
@@maxlumens9085 Colt
@@richardbumpuscjf347 sweet, thanks for the quick reply.
I have had mine for 34 years. I have never had a malfunction. One of the best rifles ever made
So you don’t think Boomer would not shoot 3,000 rounds in 35 years?
@@JohnDavis-im1oy how many people own a full auto mini 14? That is just a dumb argument.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy full auto is alot harder on a weapon, no matter what it is, no one owns a full auto mini, and there would is no reason to own one anyway. They are reliable rifles, and hold up well. Comparing full auto operation to semi is comparing Chevy to Peterbuilt.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy you just pointed out one thing it does better than the AR, as dumb as gun grabbers are they never look at the mini, are there competitions for the mini? I don't know of one, so why bring it up. I understand you are an AR fanboy, just like the glock fanboys the AR is the greatest at everything, give it up, if a guy likes it oh well, I own two and love them, I own 3 AR's and they are good too, bought my last mini new for 535 out the door.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy I am the reason AR's are illlegal? I belong to the NRA, and Gunowners of America, own several AR's and have built my own, including 80% lowers, tell me again how I am the problem? I also said I own both rifles and both are good, I just don't hold my AR and beat off like AR tards, the only thing worse than an AR tard, is a glock tard.
Absolute Mini-14 fan. Shoots fantastic. Glad to see there are some of us still lovin' this rifle! If you ain't got one then you don't know what you are missing! I'm following Kame Bastard also and he has some nice videos as well. I won my 1981/82 Mini 14 20 some years ago on a 5 dollar raffle ticket. Came with a red dot scope, flash hider, bayonet, sling, (4) 30 rd. and (4) 40 rd. clips, collapsable polymer stock. And the original wood stock of course. It's true what they say....Five dollah make ya holla!!!!!!
You might be the only human on the planet with a bayonet lug on a Mini.
@@ptownrat3811 I'm getting one since he has one
@@kuhdiejay guess there'll be two. get the WWI bayonet for the 1903. it's like 4 feet.
kuhdie jay (
You lucky bastard! Sounds like a real treat to shoot.
Been proud owner of mini14 for years....and still like it. Never cared for M16's. Thanks for the video.
The Mini-14 is a bad ass gun. I should have NOT sold the stainless 1980 model I had. Never a jam or miss fire with my own reloads. Live & learn as my old man used to say.
In 1978 I bought a 181 series Mini 14 while in Alaska. I carried it for that summer while fishing on the beach in Southwest AK, while trekking in the mountains north of Gillingham and when returning to the lower 48 I carried it in a scabbard under my leg on my motorcycle. In those days, yes, even through Canada with no problems. It was so handy I didn't mind strapping it to my backpack. Back here, I participated in DCM shoots in California and Nevada with that rifle. The only modifications made were to smooth up the trigger, put a hood over the front sight and replace the rear with a good micro adjustable peep sight. Oh, and put about a 3/4 inch butt extension. With 55 grain nozzler match bullets inc carefully worked up handholds at 100 and 200 yards and 70 grain sierra matchking boat tail spritzers at 300 yards using reduced targets (to simulate 600 yards... sort of) I was able to consistently shoot under 2 moa, but never under 1 1/2 moa, or 4 1/2 to 6 inches on a cool, calm day. When it was warm or a little breeze, groups would start to open up a bit. A lot if the wind were very strong. Could I compete against the hotshots with match grade M1s or M14s or even tricked out AR15s? Not even close. Did I have a ball? Yes! Did the rifle do everything I asked of it? Absolutely!
Now, with much older eyes, it might be time to either put some type of optic on it, or finally turn it over to my son who's been trying to pry it away from me for the past fifteen years. I can't say enough good things about that rifle.
I'm now looking for a stainless model in 6.8 Rem. SPC to carry on my sailboat where I now live. It's enough gun.
They let you run in and out of Canada with it, its probably a little harder nowadays.... cool story
Never Never Safari . Yep,. those were the days! lots of time and changes since then.
keep up the good work.
Keith Somers hey Keith, I also own a 181 series mini 14. What kind of rear sight did you put on your rifle?
Miraculously it's somehow still non-restricted in Canada. Probably because it doesn't "look scary". It's one of the few sub-$1500 semi-auto .223 rifles that aren't restricted here. I'm not surprised you didn't get a lot of grief at the Border with it.
Thought I was the only one. Bought my 181 late 70's in Alaska and still have it. Added a stabilizer bar recently.
Enjoyed the video. In 1986 I bought a new full stock SS "GB" and carried it in my patrol car until I retired in 2006. When I bought this rifle I knew full well it was a utility rifle, not intended to be a counter sniper rifle, but very useful during close range situations where more firepower was needed. Thankfully I never had to use it on a human, but it has put many deer, coyotes, cows, and wild mustangs down after being hit by cars along the high desert highways of Nevada. It has never failed me. Even now, after 4000+ rounds thru it, the accuracy is the same as it was new, not great, but as accurate as it was intended to be as a reliable utility rifle. I can tell you this, I don't want anyone shooting at me with one of these Mini 14's (or anything else).
You shoot wild mustangs? That's garbage, you should be ashamed of yourself.
@@maxlumens9085 Those that had been hit by vehicles and needed to be put down. I made my comment easier to understand, thanks for pointing it out.
@@maxlumens9085 Shut up moron and read his actual comment before posting nonsense.
I've had one since the early 80s and won't part with it. Ruger sent me a taller rear aperture sight (for free) for longer range and it'll bang a 16" steel target at 400 yards all day long. That's all I can ask of it. Nice vid.
I bought one shortly after Sandy Hook because adding another AR was way too expensive at the time. I love my mini. I would feel very comfortable taking it into any SHTF scenario imaginable.
I think people overlook the mini because they don't have any experience with it and the fact they all their buddy are telling them to buy an ar.
there was no AR-15 actually used in Sandy Hook. I watch that situation the entire day at least twice the police chief came on and said the AR-15 was found in the backseat of the car. The shooter never took it in the building with him
I recently bought a 583 model mini 14 and I couldn't be more satisfied with the gun. Nice video on the history of the gun.
I think it's one of the best looking semi-auto rifles ever made.
Love my Mini-14, never malfunctioned and just a blast to shoot. I love the feel of a rotating bolt semi-automatic. I also love the 10mm. I have a Model 20 Gen 2. Good video. Thanks
AR guys look at me as if I’m insane, but I love the Mini-14. My Dad bought one in stainless with wood furniture during mid 90s because it reminded him of the M-14 he used in the Corps. Reliable as the day is long, accurate, and comfortable. Spent a lot of quality father-son time around that rifle.
My supervisor has one with a bump stock and high nickel barrel. He lived in another county not far outside Philly and his neighbor was always calling the police even though target shooting on your own land in that township is legal.
I got mine from the Hershey, Pa State Police Academy. It was used as a training rifle. I’ve never regretted that purchase
Thanks for this video. I have a 182 series I bought new and still use. It just plain works. No need for a charge handle or anything like that since it doesn't jam or misfire. Yea, the AR snobs always bad mouth the gun, well, until their's start jamming and mine just keeps shooting. Many small countries use the select fire version of this rifle to this day.
The big thing I like about this rifle is the ergonomics. The stock fits and it drops down enough at the shoulder so I can use the sights properly. Also the sights on my gun are easy to adjust for elevation and windage. I find the Mini to be a quick to point and shoot carbine that is more then accurate enough out to 100 - 200 yards. I hear the newer ones are more accurate then my 35 year old one.
I have had the Mini 14 (pre ranch) and the mini 30 (ranch) for many years and I have no problem with them at all, work every time. Carried M4s while deployed with the military and they work fine as well. I like them all. The Mini was my first 223 rifle, I still have it and I also have a few ARs and a variety of others military style weapon. No real favorites, they all have a place.
Thanks for sharing your video on your Mini-14. I fell in love with the Mini-14 back in 1976, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I finally bought one. I wish I had bought it years ago. The problem was that in 1976 I was a young, beginning farmer and was not flush with cash. Over the years, when I got a little money ahead, there were always more important things that needed money, so a Mini-14 was always on the back burner.
I was disabled in 2003, so it stayed on the back burner until a few years ago. This spring I had managed to squirrel away enough money to buy a Ruger GP100 and that old Mini-14 itch came back again and this time I decided to scratch.
My Mini is a wood and stainless steel series 186, manufactured in 1994, and I absolutely love it. I installed an Accu-Strut and an Amega scout rail. I didn't like the side scope mount, which was one of the reasons for the Amega scout rail. I ended up attaching a 15 slot bridge with a half inch rise and it put my scope in perfect position for using a cheek riser I had installed when I was trying to use the crappy side mount. One advantage of using the bridge is that it protects the scope from flying cartridge cases as I'm shooting.
I have a Lead Sled, but I wasn't able to use it with my shooting table, so I sighted my Mini in resting the fore end on a bag. Even with this not so steady rest, I managed a 1.625 inch group at 100 metres. I'm sure that the group would have been much closer if I had been able to use my Lead Sled, but it's good enough for calling in coyotes. And it's about the same grouping I get with my Colt M4 Blackhawk and my Ruger SR556 piston drive.
Simple, yet very informative video! Personally I’ve shot one these on many occasions. No jams, just pow pow pow 💥! And the iron sights are pretty damn accurate. I was taught to shoot by a retired Marine as a kid, IRON SIGHTS!
Thanks for the honest evaluation, the best I have seen. I have had 2 mini 14/ranch rifles, sold the first one a 180 series the 2nd a new all weather 5.56. I have an AR and reload. I find I need to chamber every round in the AR to make sure it will chamber before I feel it is dependable enough to put in a magazine, even though I bought a small base resizer. The Ruger eats everything. I trust my life with it and can't say the same about the AR.
I am 150% pro Mini-14. It was the first semi-auto rifle higher than a .22lr that I bought years back. Over a couple of years I changed the gun up a lot. I changed the stock out to the archangel sparta, threw a red dot and co witnessing flip ups on them. I have put well over 5000 rounds through this rifle throughout the years and I rarely had any malfunctions. The only issues I had were with shoddy ammo and the gun never got dirty as shit when I used it, unlike the AR platform. However, I have to say that I am leaning more toward the AR platform but since I live in NY I can't get a standard AR and the compliant ones feel uncomfortable to shoot. The reason I am leaning more towards an AR is for its versatility. You pretty much build the lower that is perfect for you and you can change the upper to anything you want (barrel length to even changing calibers) pretty damn easy. On top of that, the AR is very light. I'm a big dude so the weight doesn't bother me much, and I am not soldier so I wont be on patrol with it and all that so yeah let's all save the comments about its weight lol. The Mini-14 has much less felt recoil because of the weight difference, which means less effort to reacquire your target after a shot. Whatever, I'm babbling.
Yeah in closing, I think the Ruger Mini-14 is 99.99999999% reliable, much easier to maintain and you said it best when you said you just need to run a bore snake through it and get all the shit out and you're good.
ruger mini 14
Couldn't agree more but carrying that thing at low ready for hours on end isn't fun compared to the AR. Just an update though, I am thinking of buying a survival rifle kit that my buddy linked me to - I'll throw the link in the next comment. It is an entire easy to assemble multi-caliber / barrel setup. Looks sick af and I would rather buy that than an AR.
Great points in this video. Once I purchased a mini 14 and tested it myself I’ll never go back to plastic. 😁👍🏻
"Every man, woman and child should own a Ruger Mini 14. Its the bees knees." -Abraham Lincoln
😂
It’s the bees knees
Gtf out Abe Lincoln??! If youre gonna qoute someone at least credit it to the write one! It was Gen. George Washington. After being interviewed by cspan in Deleware. Read your history
"My BAR M1918 was based upon the genuis design of the Ruger Mini-14". -John Browning
shoulda had one in the theatre
I just happened to see this video pop up on my feed and im glad it did. I thoroughly enjoyed the information and i agree with you. I have Ar's that I love but in 223, the mini 14 is my pick. Ive always lived the reliability and feel of them. I bought my first mini over 20 years ago and ive never had any sort of malfunction. Great video. You have a new subscriber.
I have a 1980 Ruger min -14 with a folding stock and I love it, People at the range that I attend ask me all the time can they shoot my min-14. One guy offered me $900. for the riffle I just couldn't at the time depart with it. Nice video keep up the good work.
I probably wouldn't sell mine either .
My buddy and I went to the market to get an ak. For two hundred dollars cheaper I could get a mini 14. I chose the mini 14 for a little over five hundreds out the door. I’d a payed over seven for the ak. I was not disappointed in myself but I was conflicted. My buddy assured me, it was a good choice but he would of got the ak, “ that’s what you went there for....” lol. It was a golden moment. But let me tell you that mini was a beast. No jamming, no failures..... like watching a machine. It was hypnotizing, the noise and the feel of that action as it cycled bullets and spitting brass like it was chewing tobacco.... I hear about m4’s jamming every so often. Double feeds, fte, ftf, you know. Heck I had a shell get stuck in my stag; had to push it out with a rod. I can’t think of a time I’ve heard of a mini failing. It is a reliable gun, I never cleaned it at first and I shot it all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever had to be concerned with cleaning it. It just works. And looks good doing it.
Turns out the Mini14 and the AK operate the same way and both have large almost-single-piece bolts. I've got one of each and love them both.
I just wish they were as accurate as my AR’s. You know folks you can like both, it’s ok.
Most of the people I see bitching about the Mini 14 being a 3 MOA gun are 6 MOA shooters.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy That doesn't sound right. I wouldn't know, though. Do you have experience with this?
@@JohnDavis-im1oy But people do use weapons with incredibly different methods of operation, like bolt actions and lever action, don't they?
As I said, I don't really know about this. I'll come back with something If I find it, suppose. Only thing that comes to me right now is a story I read on the Ruger. Some woods living person wrote all about how the shape of the Ruger is more comfortable on horseback. I'll get back to you on that.
@@JohnDavis-im1oy Certainly not. But how exactly do they half ass it? If I get a pump action shotgun, shoot that once in a while, and fire an AR or AK variant at about the same intervals, would *that* influence my shooting in the same way?
@@JohnDavis-im1oy 1: Is the competitive equal to the defensive?
2: What is the quantifiable difference between half-assed and full-assed?
3: Your point on shooting in the outdoors is correct. But If I were a 'casual' gun owner I would certainly like what the shotgun has to offer for me. I don't think cover would be an issue unless I was going to terminator march on some poor hobo hiding behind a rock. And I don't see what exactly would outrange me.
Of course, if I was a tacticool home knight I would consider fighting with armed intruders, fighting in cover and probably pick an AK or something. But If I cared enough about that, got enough money to train for that, I might as well go full on and spend the money to maybe even train with multiple guns consistently.
My overly casually and unscientifically argued point is that the skill gap that grows between two guns isn't that impactful, at least to my untrained eye.
If I could point the shotgun well enough and manage the recoil, I think that would be enough. If I could aim the rifle at a target a good distance away, it would be enough.
I don't see how somewhat different manipulation can ruin the ability of the shooter. Half the stuff you mention isn't even necessary in a home defence situation. When was the last time someone reloaded a full magazine in a home invasion? How can someone not completely oblivious fail to realize the safety is in a different spot for so long as to cause him death? It seems the most important parts of armed home defence aren't in the shooting bits.
I have had a good appreciation for what a ruger mini 14 can do in the hands of a skilled tactical operator. on april 11 1986 I went on a ride along with the miami dade police. we responded to that scene and we were within the first dosen units to arrive. wow what a day at the office.... been a cop down here for 29 years now. I've actually studied the whole shooting to the agents what they did there possitoning as well as the offenders. its all available on the internet. anyway thanks for sharing brother. I might get a mini 14 one day......
WOW, that must have been the best and worst ride along ever. Thanks for your service as a police officer and for taking the time to watch my video!!!
Love my Mini 14, hope to be able to pass it down once I'm gone.
That's the reason I collect guns so my kids will be able to give their kids something with history from me as well as them. I just hope my kids share the same views after I'm gone.
I have owned maybe 5 mini 14's since they came out and my favorite of all was a SS Mini 14 GB with the factory folding stock and factory mags. Not one of them ever jammed or had any other problems. I wish I still had them. Good informative video!
In 1980 they cost $149.95 should've bought a 100!
Yeah, I should have bought a create for sks 10 years ago when they were 120 buck ea.
No joke, 1989, SKS was $89.00.
That cost the same as today with inflation
Dusty Todd - I did
Adjusted for inflation thats about $500 in todays money. If you had just put that money into an index of the Dow Jones Industrial Average you would have $3000 and wouldn't have to store the guns, and would be much easier to sell.
After watching the video and reading a bunch of the comments, i thought i'd add my .02 cents worth. I'm not one the fancy gun folks that brag about 1 or 2 moa shooting, and the nearest i've come customising my mini 14 is putting a sling on it. I got it sometime in the late 70s for around $200.00 and because it fits my needs i'm still shooting it, And I have found that it is something that i can count on working every time i pull the trigger. It's helped feed my family for a whole lot of years. and it's a great little deer gun if you use it properly. I shot a mattel toy in Vietnam back in '65 - '66 and even though they may have got all of the bugs fixed, i wouldn't have a AR if someone gave me one. I guess that i'm old school, but i like my rifles made out of wood and steel, and that feel like a gun with no plastic unless it's a lens cap.
I was going to say...what were you feeding your family...squirrels??? But then I thought...there's no way to even hit a squirrel with the old style mini-14 beyond about 25yds!!!
Maybe he threw the Mini 14 at the animals he fed his family. Possibly clubbed them to death. He didn't specify, we only know his Mini wouldn't have been able to shoot one.
Vietnam issues with the rifle was more with the ammo. It was specifically designed for use with IMR powder but the bean counters decided that they could save 2 cents a round by using Winchester ball powder which turns to gum due to it's high cellulose content.
FN put a rotating port system on their firearm specifically for bullet weights and powder charges to effectively "tune" it.
Personally my first "big gun" automatic past the 10-22 was a Russian AK just because of using the "Mattel toy" in the service. First kill was a 200 lb wild hog in East Texas. Second kill was an engine block headed for the scrapyard.
Very informative and the format is spot on. Will keep watching.
Thank you for your review. Your knowledge of the history of the Ruger mini 14 is outstanding. Thanks for the lesson.
thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
Smile you nailed it. Thanks much for giving my favorite rifle a giant kiss
I purchased a Ruger Mini-14 in 556 in 2020... love it. Southern California. 🇺🇲
In 1981 I traded my snowmobile for $500 cash and a 181 series mini 14. I bought 2000 rounds of 55gr. sp ammo from Black Hills Ammo for $80 per 1000. I have a 4 power Weaver scope mounted on it and it has been my coyote rifle for the past 35 years. Bash em or love em. It makes me no difference. I'm keeping mine..:)
Yeah...you might be able to hit a Coyote sized animal at a hundred yards with one...but that's about it...lol!!! I bought one in the late 90's...took my 4X12 Nikon scope off of my .75 moa Ruger M77 mk2 300 Win mag and put it on the Mini...and was horrified by the complete lack of accuracy. The best group I probably ever got was about +/-5 moa!!! I tried everything...different ammo...cleaning regimens...bullet weights etc. Nothing worked...so I asked my gunsmith if anything could be done to tighten the groups up...he laughed and said "Yeah...sell that pos and buy an AR-15 or a 223 bolt gun"!!! So I took his advice and sold the mini. A few years later when the internet really took off...I looked on some of the shooting forums and realized that everyone was saying the same thing about them. Now...I have heard better things about the newer ones with the thicker barrels...but people are still talking 3+ moa for most of them. To me...if a rifle can't hit a pop can at fifty yards...it's obviously a poorly designed firearm!!! I love Ruger firearms...I still own the 300 mag...and a few years ago I purchased the Ruger 556 AR...which are at least 1 moa rifles. I guess if the smallest game you're after is Coyote size or bigger the mini will work...but today with really nice AR's being sold in the 550-600 dollar range...spending $700 on a mini seems absolutely insane!!!
I put an accustrut on mine - loved it! I oen both
I can destroy a Sprite bottle at 50 yds with my 583*** mini14 just bought a mini30 can't wait to take it out
@Paul C: Yes...I was exaggerating...hence the "lol". But I don't expect to have to measure my rifle accuracy by minute of coyote...lol!!! I want tight groups from all my rifles...regardless of action type. The AR platform proved that semi-autos don't have to shoot sloppy groups.
You , have the best review on a Mini 14 I have seen and I have watched a bunch in the last few days. You gave us the history and cover everything I had questions on and then some.
~Best to you~
Thanks for watch, glad i could help
Watch Paul Harrell's video on it, he's a real expert
It's the man behind the gun that counts most. I have a mini 14 and a Ruger AR556 and I can put lead on a paper plate at 200 yards reliably with either one. Two completely different guns that can both do whatever you need them to do
Which do you prefer?
I remember when the first mini 14 hit the market but didn't have the money to buy one. Luckily times have changed and should have one soon.
Thumbs and subscribed.
Great video, keep me coming.
Thanks for watching, I should have some more videos like this in the future. I have already decided which gun is next, I've just been busy at work lately. As soon as my hog trap video is wrapped up I'll do the next gun review video. Its always a good day when you can buy a new gun, thanks for the sub!!!
Bottom line on the mini-14, the damn thing works. It didn't need a bunch of bandaids to become a great rifle. It's simple, rugged, reliable, and easy to keep running, 'cuz it doesn't sh*t where it eats.
Boots on the ground and he didn't even touch on the government contract select fire Mini-14 either
@Purple Haze A very small number. of tiny countries. Bermuda.is one...french national police,(mostly law enforcement/corrections)
John Davis You really spend a lot of time cramming your opinions down people’s throats, don’t you.
Already have an M1, and an M1A, both in their "natural" calibers (.30-06 and .308/7.62mm), but I had no 5.56mm/223 long gun. Since I HATE the AR platform rifles, from my experiences in Vietnam, I will never buy any rifle which requires a dustcover to keep the action clean.
That left only the Ruger Mini-14 as my affordable option in that caliber. And that it has a Garand action, it falls into formation with my other Garand action battle rifles. I expect to take possession of my new Mini-14 (stainless steel) any day now, as soon as it arrives at my local gun store from the source store in Texas.
Good video. Thanks.
partriarch
I have purchased the stainless steel Mini-14 in 5.56mm/.223 chambering, so it will reliably utilize either cartridge safely. I'm as happy as a bug in a rug with my new purchase. Went as far as buying two 20 round magazines for it, to supplement the two 5 round mags it came with. The Garand style action is a big selling point for me.
Thanks for your service. My father served there too. My question is did you have the M-16 or the M-16A1? My father had the M-16A1 and said he didn't have problems with reliability with it, but he knew it had to be cleaned. He didn't like the 5.56 being a deer hunter. Because I'd heard bad stories, I was prejudiced against the platform. Just to learn the battery of arms, I bought a cheaper one, an M&P-15 Sport without a dust cover. It doesn't jam. I like the gun more than I thought I would. I just picked up the Ruger and like it too, but I've had to work at becoming a better shot with it. I would that the trigger was a bit lighter and less creepy. Also have to use an Allyn wrench to adjust the rear peep sight is a bit klugey, but I like the action and the ruggedness of the firearm. In terms of durability, my impression is it has the AR platform beat.
Not sure which variant I was issued. Only know it didn't work worth beans for me. Some of the problems turned out to be the propellant used in the cartridges, which didn't burn cleanly, and was cycled back into the action by the "direct impingement" method used in the piece. I will not quibble with the AR platform rifle's function nowadays, since it has lasted well over 40 years as the main battle rifle in our Armed Forces, but I cannot discount the reliability issues I had with it. I'll stick to an action I'm good with, the Garand action. Some of the newer AR platform rifles now use gas pistons in the cyclic system to initiate reloading. That would make them, in my estimation, more reliable. The choice would have to be up to you.
I cannot say I blame you. If I'd had a bad experience in practice, I'd probably avoid it too. My favorite rifle is my M1A, a joy to shoot. Wonderful trigger, great caliber and the best stock iron sights on any of my guns. It is a laser beam.
Also like the idea that this guy is 10mm fan. My favorite pistol as well. Tanfoglio Witness!
I carry that 10 mm in the winter months! Nothing like a 15 round mag of 10mm to fuck someone's day up!
Hell yeah. I have a Colt Delta elite and a Glock 20. Love the 10mm. Best caliber for bowling pin matches, plenty of knockdown power.
Love my Mini 14...183 series. Put a MO ROD on it, and it brought the group in by a half an inch at 100. Lots of fun to shoot.
As an Aussie I'm impressed by this guy's no nonsense and lucid approach to what is one of the world's finest semi auto .223 sporters. Certainly the best value for quality you can buy. But then again Ruger has been known for bang for your buck firearms. Semis all banned in Aus since 96 unfortunately but that's another story. Good work my friend you picked up on the practical technically details well and I do like the delivery.
I used to have a Ranch Rifle but like you, I sold it during a brain fart storm. Two years ago I picked up a mini-30 and let me tell you, THAT is one kick-ass rifle. My 223 is a Ruger American bolt action ranch rifle. I have become a big fan of Ruger Americans and have them in several calibers for toting around my ranch. We have a lot of large predators out here and I usually keep my .450 Bushmaster handy when I’m in the woods. I guess I’m just saying you can’t go wrong with a Ruger rifle.
You can also get mags in 100 rounds. I've had no issues with my new mini 14 as a tactical rifle in 4 years of shooting often at the range.
You're awesome to point out about the A-Team trivia!!!
I used to watch the A-team as a kid
I love mine and likewise, never had a single problem with it...
I have a 78 model and has always worked. Love this thing and will always be my go to when it comes to rifles
Ever since the A-Team, I have wanted one of these rifles. Hoping to add one to my collection some day.
Just finally bought a mini 14. When I always seen a mini 14 in the past and even now days first thing and only thing came to my mind is the WW2 carbine and the M2a Garand that my real hero's used from WW2 to Vietnam. And also what Safari said in beginning of this video.NOT SOME 1980'S PROGRAM A-Team.
A company makes the folding stock so you can go full A Team
@@stansinclair5521 Ya, I saw that a little while ago. I am just continuing to look for an 80's model mini 14. But I just might have to go for the new one and get the folding stock.
I bought a used Mini 14 many years ago. I was the third owner. The only cleaning that the second owner ever did was the barrel and receiver. I believe it was made in the middle of the 80s. I took the Rifle completely down and was shocked at how dirty the piston and gas tube was. I gave it a thorough cleaning and scrubbed all the carbon out. The funny thing is that I shot the rifle a few hundred times and never had a failure to fire. No telling how many rounds have been fired through it before I got it. I love the Mini 14 and I also love my Ar 15. They both have their place in my opinion.
I love it, saving up for one now, wood stock for me
I looked at an AG Model today at a pawn shop, turned out to be total junk. The bolt was sticking about halfway and the stock was worn out. When asked how much he wanted, he looked me and said I won't take less than $700. Well needless to say I got a good laugh out of it and he is still the proud owner of an AG Mini 14.
I agree. Unfortunately these days they are hard to come by. So I settled for the tactical version with synthetic stock and stainless barrel. Absolutely love it and no regrets for purchasing it
@Dogman tossed my salad wow
You're a lucky guy. 300 black ammo is much easier to come by. That is an incredible opportunity to shoot it. Bet it cracks like a whip
Love it straight stuff no BS great delivery the president could take lessons from you
It might look like a M1 Garand and M14 but the action actual gas system is a M1 Carbine style.
actually they all have the same type of gas system. The M1 rifle, M14, M1 carbine, and Mini 14 all have slightly different "op-rods". but all of them have a forward gas block that exhaust gas towards a piston.
many years ago a friend of mine fired 500 round while cleaning he cleaned the gas action we found 1 single flake of burnt powder that was all that impressed the heck out of me and the adjust for the gas action to compensate for varying powder loads was also impressive to me i have always liked it stainless is the only way to go.
I would NOT trade MY Ranch Rifle for ANY of those "AR" looking things!!! I like GOOD and then SIMPLE with Firearms. This one is BOTH, therefore reliable. BB
Hale-FN-luyah. Finally someone has spoken with SOME insight. Yes, every rifle is different
just as every person is different. Not everyone is suited to every firearm.
Thank you, Tommy, for bringing a valid point to this discussion.
Most people who hate it had a 80's or 90's mini 14. The new ones are solid and accurate.
yeah they are stuck on the fact that the older gun was less accurate so they don't even give the newer models a chance
Yeah...I'm not spending $700+ on a 3+moa gun!!! I owned an older model back in the 90's and couldn't get any better groups than 5moa...My Ruger AR-556 shoots 1moa and has been just as reliable. And oh yeah...it only cost me $550 brand new!!! The only reason I wish I had held onto the mini...is so I could sell it today and get three times what I sold it for back in the early 2000's lol!!!
Groups almost as well as your shotgun right?
i bought one last summer, i love it. i put a red dot on it, and an adjustable gas block. initially it would throw brass 35'. i have it dialed down to a far more reasonable 5' now. my eyes aren't great anymore, so the red dot is a must for me. this gun runs great and has given me no issues so far.
No one talks trash about my Mini 14... At least not while I'm holding it!
haha for sure!
I will if I’m holding my AR! 🤣 nah jk the mini-14 is a beast
Inaccurate POS.
Bought a Mini 14 back in 79, when I owned ranch property in the mountains of Northern Cal, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set it up with a 3-9X scope, as my eyes aren't that good, and never missed a shot at deer, coyotes, or whatever. Sold the ranch in '82, and sold the mini shortly thereafter. The Mini 14, along with my Browning T-bolt .22, and my Marlin 336 (30-30) provided me many hours of enjoyable shooting and a great feeling of safety and security.
And now Ruger makes a budget AR...the AR556. I own one and it is decent rifle. Would love to own a Mini14. Ruger created their own headaches by giving the gun that name. Good video, very informative.
Robert Cairns ruger 556 is a piston drive so it’ll run for ya always
Great presentation. I had been considering one of these for a long time as my go to ...you hit all the points i was considering and more. Thanks for taking the time to make this vid.
I've hear the newer models are more accurate and have a heavier forged barrel than the older models. I have been told the most common mistake is people taking the Mini-14 for what it is not. It was never meant to be a tactical weapon, it was designed to be a gun you could carry in the truck while out on the ranch or strap to the back of an ATV when you couldn't carry a full size weapon alongside. It was meant to be a quick pull and shoot gun when you encountered a coyote or some other varmint. But even some police departments carried the Mini-14 in their arsenals in the 70's and 80's. I'm glad there are people who still sing the praises of the Mini 14, If i had the money I would go and buy one right now.
yes it's a tool not a sniper rifle
I said the exact same thing. It's like the numskulls who try to turn a Kalashnikov into a sniper rifle. You and I see guns in the same way, a tool that in the right hands has a variety of uses, out in the brush a gun can be your best friend, around the house its a protector, and when hunting it is just one of the ways to bag your game. For me the Mini 14 would function as a varmint rifle, typically coyote. Though I would use it against the two legged varmint variety should the need arise.
Your right and wrong, it was meant to be a tactical rifle. Thousands of these turned up in Central America in the 80's. The stocks did not hold up well and would have been better with a synthetic stock but they did quite well as a weapon for freedom fighters during the time.
I still have a 180 series from 1974 that is almost as accurate as my AR.
Interesting. I never knew that.
Same problem with the M14 and the M40 rifles in Vietnam. Tropical weather, high humidity. Wood warped and that's all she wrote.
I agree with your opinion I have a mini 14 and mini 30 love both of them
The mini 14 was my first Centerfield rifle. It was an mid-90's model that I sold a while back. It worked well enough, but it was a 5 or 6 moa rifle on a good day. I have a 584 series mini 14 in stainless and synthetic stock. I know the barrel was improved, but it's still a 3 or 4 moa rifle. It also gets very hot after 30 or so rounds and accuracy drops considerably. Given the cost of minis today, $750 for a basic ranch rifle, it's no longer a value alternative to an AR--especially when you add in the cost of magazines. I have PSA premium rifle that I built for about $700, including raptor charging handle, nickle boron bolt, upgraded trigger group, ambidextrous safety, BAD lever, magpul moe furniture and other goodies. I get under 2 moa with PMC bronze and wolf gold. I have also never had failure to fire or feed, something I can't say for the mini. The mini also doesn't like steel ammo, never an issue for my AR. Also, you can find good cheap magazines for $10 or less--a third of what you will pay for the mini 14. So, while I appreciate the mini 14 for its classic looks and operation, the AR that is available today for the same money or less is the superior rifle.
Huh, I have 2 mid-90's Mini's in .223/5.56 and they get 2MOA and eat tula, wolf, and Monarch steel case ammo all day. You might have had a problem with yours and should have sent it back to ruger. They would have taken care of ya.
if that is the best you can shoot you really need to go back and learn to aim, it is not the rifle. and i have shot a ton of steel through my 580 series. you know they have a lifetime warranty if in fact you had a flawed weapon.
I bought a ranch rifle 1 year ago instead of an AR. I love it! A lot was said about the accuracy... I put a scope on my mini and somewhat easily pulled 2" groups at 100. Sometimes just under. It has the thicker barrel. I almost regretted putting the scope on it because it feels SO incredibly accurate with iron sites. I did a lot of reading about this rifle and ARs. if you want a gun that is built rock solid, this piston rotating bolt gun is simple but highly effective technology. Now even some AR companies are giving ARs piston systems instead of DI because this older technology is so great (AK is another example). Thanks for the video! I agree. A trained person will be just as deadly with this gun as an AR.
I'd take it over an Ar 15 any day. The action is awesome !
I could not agree more, been considering getting the AR15, but I am now leaning to the Mini14--thanks for sharing
Mini 14 action is 100% stronger/better. No carbon build up in the action. No gas block to break off or screws to come loose, and it's rotating bolt is STRONG ! It IS like a scaled down Garand, which by most is considered the best battle rifle ever designed !
Moron
Chris Hill lmao yes he is ! The Ateam used AC556'S THE SELECT FIRE VERSION. Not very well versed
dave rodkey AWE HELL YEAHH!!
lieu Gebo the a team did not use the ac556 they use Factory folding stock semi-auto Mini-14s and pulled the trigger is really quick. Look it up I'm not joking
The gas block on a Mini-14 is literally screwed together onto the barrel. So, I'm not sure what you mean.
Good stuff. My 90s mini 14 is my "little friend". Easy to carry, compact, and can light it up just fine.
Great video! I've had my Mini 14 for 30 years and put a lot of Black Hills and other brands of rounds through it. Stove piped one time on a reloaded shell. I think that's pretty good for several thousand rounds! I wouldn't sell it for anything!
Zero hate here! Absolutely love it to death! I have owned one since the early 80's.
I do have a few mods on mine, but it shoots with most AR's.
I have done a little tuning on my Mini 30, along with hand loading my own ammo, and have shot a three shot group of 3/4" at 200 yards. It is my favorite rifle and will be the last one I will part with.
Jon Lucas I have never seen a mini 30 or any rifle that will shoot 7.62 x39 that will shoot sub 3/4 groups at 100 specially not at 200. 3 inch groups are the norm for mini 14s. Least that's what I've seen. I'm not hating on them. The recoil is very good. And they are reliable. But the ar s have proven reliable to me. If the mini 14 works for you by all means get one. But no one has the right to say my firearm is better without being battle proven. I do like the m1a. Outstanding weapon. Wished they would come out with one in a target heavy barrel. I have an ar10 with an aero precision upper. 300 rounds without a hiccup. But that's shooting match ammunition. Very accurate. My two cents.
Lucas: You wouldn't be fibbing a little bit there would ya??? A 3/4" group at 200 yds is .375moa...I'm sorry but I have to call bs on that claim...few bolt guns achieve that kind of accuracy...much less one of the most notoriously inaccurate rifles in modern history!!!
Perhaps he meant 3 - 4". That would still be fairly impressive for a Mini-30.
He meant to say he owns a Mini 30 and shot a 3/4" group at 200 yards with his AR15.
B U L L S H I T.. NICE TRY THOUGH. LOL
Thank you for this video. I own a 580 series Mini-14 ranch rifle with a walnut stock that I had built and customized to my spec by Accuracy Systems in Colorado. The build ended up totally $1800 by the time I was done. I haven't fired it yet to this day as it has been a safe queen, but I look forward to it. With that being said I have fired AR15's all my life but have never fired a Mini-14, and hope it's just as fun
Love it.
Never had a misfire or jam in mine either.
I own both the mini 14 and the mini 30 (583 series) and absolutely love both of them .
Ive never owned a mini 30,maybe one day ill pick one up
I want one, I’ll need to get plan together.
I 110% agree with you it is most definitely the best .223 and I even love the Mini 30 too!
I too am a Mini 14 fan and never liked the AR, even when I was in uniform.
I, too, prefer the Ruger Ranch Rifle, but, I will never discount the AR platform.
It has it uses and performs very well. For its design, it does the job.
Kyle Shepard You have issues
Kyle Shepard yep your an idiot. I served in the infantry. And I didn't care for it. Hence the reason I don't own an AR-15. Buying a Mini-14
How do you know "Bella" is a woman? Ever heard of Bela Lugosi (movie star) or Béla Károlyi (gymnastics coach). There are a lot more.
I'm not saying Bella Kaldera is a woman or a man, but so what??
Even if she is a woman , I would love it if my wife liked shooting as much as I do . I would make shooting dates instead of dinner dates lol
It's a shame how that rifle got its fame, but I love my Mini 14 also. I believe mine is an early 90's model. It likes 69 grain bullets. My hand loads are able to produce a .476"
3 shot group at 100 yds. People say this is known as a "spray and pray" rifle, I disagree, if you happen to be smarter than the rifle, and know how to pinpoint what recipe it likes. Don't get me wrong, I like my AR's, I've got 5, 4 AR15's and 1 AR10, in various calibers, none in 223 or 5.56. .25-45 sharps, 2 in .300 blackout, .50 Beowulf, and 375 Raptor. Love 'em all. Excellent video! Thanks for posting.
You got a bad attitude!!!!!! I like it!!!! Lol
Liked and subscribed
me too
This dude is just real. Its not attitude
Might have been a good video. I stopped watching after the second F bomb.
Got the 5817 love it!
Mini’s are awesome. Been shooting that GB model for 25 years.
Had one of these classics with the factory folding stock. Thing was in mint condition and never failed me at the range.
Of course , I sold it...like a stupid Fucker.
yeah, the prices on those are getting out of hand nowadays.
1988 vintage mini 14 in the gun safe. has never misfired, jammed or failed to load after thousands and thousands of rounds. shoots as well today as the day I pulled it out the box
Simple gun, accurate and light and reliable. I like mine very much. Good review.
thanks for watching and commenting
Used mini 14 for tower post looking over the prison yard. Flawless operation during training and all requalifications. A fine all around weapon.
Love my M&P 15, but I'm getting a Mini. The reason being is I bought an M1A and am now a believer in the system. That and I think it looks cool. The brilliant thing they did with the Mini was the dust cover that keeps you from grabbing the op-rod. The bad thing they did was make internal pins and small parts on the bolt catch that could be lost and make stripping the gun more complex than an M1A. That I don't like, but it is still my next gun.
I have the M&P 15 and the mini 14 with the newer barrel. Both are great but the Mini 14 is and all around better gun IMO. Not better at grouping but better in the fact it is over built tough as nails. The Mini can take abuse more than most ar15's ever can. And for the record I have owned 5 different AR-15s, but the Mini-14 is hands down my go to gun if SHTF.
Going to pick mine up right now. Like.you I'll have both in a few mins. Ruger makes solid guns.
So I got into with this guy who claims the bolts don't go an AR's after 10k rounds and they are rugged like AK. Don't get me wrong, love my AR, but I'm not betting it is as rugged as my AKM.
Ok yeah it is handy, rugged and badass. (Just unboxed) The trigger pull is not as nice as the M&P stock trigger, which they pretty much nailed, but it is not bad. Breaks cleanly at least, but heavier and the take up is a tad gritty on mine. It is snowing, but I might hit the range anyway.
Blues Brother what has your favorite AR been?
I own the mini 30 for the last 7 years now , never had a problem with it.Although Steelcase ammo does hiccup once in a while as long as you use brass cased ammo never have a problem with it
I owned a '76 and a '94... two the best guns I've ever owned.
I have a Ranch Rifle and I love it. According to you, mine is older than 1987 because my barrel is not tapered. It has a scope and I think it shoots rather well. You sure know guns. Good video. I agree with you.
Say it! I much prefer mine over my AR-15...love the ergonomics and controls
I do as well, but I still own a few ar15's and ar10's though.
The mini-14 safety is one of the best and most intuitive out there in my opinion.
I bought my Mini-14 back in '82. I've never had a malfunction, it eats anything I put through it (including steel case). By far, the best most reliable rifle I have ever owed!
i know when i take my mini out im not going to have any issues with it
00:09 in and I can already tell this is going to be a great video.
First watching of this channel.
same
Good guy, great video. Very simple basic, so everything a man needs ✌🏼😁
Hey Man great video and I loved it,,I to mentioned the mini 14 back in January of 2012 being the star weapon in the wonderful movie "In The Line Of Duty ---The FBI Murders" I think that was the name of it with Micheal Platt and William Matix,,,try to imagine what them FBI agents had to face that day,,in the movie he had 40 round mags and 2 of them taped together back to back reversed,,,imagine had he had a scope on it ? sadly there would have been all the FBI agents killed instead of 2,,I haven't watched the movie in a few years but I think the 2 agents killed was Ben Grogan and Jerry Dove who was a rookie,,,very very sad and buddy they were for sure out gunned that day,,I appreciate your video and you done a great job and like me I will never want another high powered multi round weapon rather than the mini 14 or 30,,, the mini 30 is my favorite,,you simply cannot beat a Ruger mini 30 or 14 and I will never be without one,,,,check out my mini 30 video's and several of my pistol video's here on youtube. later Dude,,, Rick N.
thanks for taking the time to watch, when I get a chance ill stop by your channel !
Have a 82 stainless, my favorite rifle, buffed it up, refinished the stock, best looking gun i have