Not accurate either! I had 2, didn't learn from the first one, no. Loved the looks so had to try a SS model maybe no need to try a hundred different loads, ya right. Good god man, shot like crap no matter what I tried from factory to handloads same junk. I'll stick to AR's. They are eager to please.
@@armedfarm3429 where's a really good luck with him I shoot just a regular crap herter ammo most of the time for our competition guns they shoot great out to our 100 yard shots do I think they are some more accurate sometimes when the gun is built properly and overall design for that purpose but are they as reliable I will never agree to that statement the mini 14 of my opinion and in my experience is much much more reliable especially for the average person that doesn't take care of the guns properly most of the problems I see where they are are the people using them thank you for your comment
As an infantry marine who shot a whole lot the M16A4 and the M4 in combat, I will still choose the mini 14 over any of them. The ARs are great rifles and shoot great but the mini 14 is just fun to shoot. People complain about accuracy but the truth is that most gun fights occur within 200 meters. The mini will do just fine.
True, but I can’t talk shit because I’m stuck in Upstate NY until my Wife can retire in 2 years. Every hose up and down my street has a Mini-14 in it. Every house. The only lib tards are the down staters, but there’s enough of them to maintain a D vote in perpetuity.
I’m not a fan of the mini14. I’ve had several. It’s just not for me. I like the AR-15 in 5.56, I find them to be more accurate and more reliable. If I need to step it up I go to the M-14, M1a series, and for anti material use I’ll take the M1 Garand. I’m well versed in those platforms and for me the AR-15 has one advantage hardly any other rifle does. I can trade my light barrel 16” upper for a 20” heavy barreled upper in a matter of seconds, basically giving me two rifles in my kit without the extra weight or space concerns of actually carrying two complete rifles. An extra 4 1/2 pounds of gear gains me over500 yds of range. And With the 20” upper in 6.5 Grendel I gain a massive amount of down range hitting power.
I live in California… so I went mini 14. I grew up shooting ARs but I just don’t want to deal with any crazy laws… I think that’s the perfect compromise to an Ar especially for California Riffle owners.. good video and great points
I do agree when the tapco magazine company went out of business it did really hurt the mini-14 And I do wish at 15 mags fit in the mini great comment thank you for your comment
Just to bring up a point, They do make AR-15s in gas piston operated versions. In fact Ruger makes a very good one. I myself am like you and prefer the mini 14. When you say load your magazines so the last cartridge is on the left do you mean with the mag facing to be inserted into the rifle or looking at the cartridges tips first?
Meaning that if you pulled the magazine out of the rifle when it's on your shoulder so the tip of the bullets are facing away from you it would be on the left hand side make sure the last round is on the left hand side with bullets facing away from you hope this helps thank you for the comment
I enjoyed the A-Team reference - with the 183 series I bought in early 1984, I couldn't hit anything either. Had a lot of fun with it, but it was the least accurate rifle I've ever owned. With that vintage, putting an optic on it either meant using a side mount (replacing the stock bolt stop cover plate) or a mount that required replacing the guts of rear sight. My understanding is that Ruger has made significant improvements since then with regard to the barrel/accuracy, optics mounts, and others. I might not agree with all of your reasons, but I would rather enjoy banter regarding which rifle is better than listen to someone trying to tell me why I shouldn't own one (still not sure of the 9mm vs 45ACP debate was ever settled).
I would like to start by saying thank you for your comment I do agree that some of the early models had it seems pretty significant accuracy issues in my opinion they were on purpose they had one in 10 twist barrels for shooting ultra light 40 grain ammo they were hard to put optics on and some of them we're very inaccurate because the machinery had been worn out over the years I have two early versions that I've really really loved and that have shot very very well for me on the other hand I have heard people say that they've had some that are absolutely atrociously put together on average I get about one and a half to two and a half away out of any mini 14 I've ever had of the new ones the older ones it is hard to tell because like you said being able to put a scope or any kind of decent site that would be able to tell what the actual accuracy of them would be it's hard to find I found that the accuracy of these older rifles one compared to a iron sighted AR of the era are very similar but I have shot thousands and thousands and thousands of rounds through a mini-14 and several thousand through ARS I do really love the mini-14 and will continue to shoot them even though I own ARS I just don't like ARS but definitely thank you for your comment I really do appreciate it by the way 9 mm is way better than 45 or is it 45 is way better than 9 I'll have to watch a couple more RUclips videos to decide my own opinion LOL good luck on that one I think that's more dangerous bringing that up during dinner then politics
bought my Mini 14 in the early80s and still love it. was a saddle gun, now in my safe along with some AR15s. I've put upgrades on it and it looks like a real mean AR but shoots with confidence. will pas it on to my son. good video, thanks.
Love this video! This is quite possibly one of the most well-argued and logically concluded vids advocating for the Mini. The reason for mechanical off-set and lower parallax of the irons on Mini vs. AR is spot on. In our 2A subculture, the Mini has somewhat developed a reputation as a "FUDD's gun," but it's truly refreshing to see you can still make good points for the Mini showing it can stand on it's own merits without just bashing ARs as "spooky assault weapons" which is the narrative the gun control freaks always stand on.
I like watching you on the mini 14 most informative because you know a lot about them with your enthusiasm, I have both minis and ARs I love my minis like my ARs
I have the 183 series stainless mini 14 that I bought new and have really enjoyed it! It’s my truck gun when I’m out and about shooting with my camera. I changed out the original peep sight and added a stainless Accu-Strut but that’s all. Never had a problem with it, it has always gone bang when pulling the trigger👍
This is why I love them I picked up one that hadn't been shot in about 3 years and went and shot a tournament with it didn't have a problem definitely thank you for your comment I really appreciate it
Good Info. Thank You. This from a Veteran that was Trained on and used a M14. And I liked ATeam. The 556 round concerns me. I would maybe go with the Mini Thirty.
Remember the 7.62X39 has the same trajectory as the 30-30. If you are right on at 100 you are quite low at 150 to 200. That is why the AK and the SKS have such easily adjustable for drop sights. You can check this for yourself on any ballistic calculator. A hit with a 556 is better than a miss with 30-06. The flatter trajectory the 556 gives you is one less thing to worry about. I love my Mini
@@stephenwhited1833 I would definitely go out and shoot both of them I do own a 30-30 there's not a tremendous drop a 150 200 yards are definitely going to see it larger drop but you will still be able to hit the target no problem as far as 762 by 39 I've never shot an AK over about so you may be right on that I know they do have similar ballistics but thank you very much you for the comment
What scope do you use on your Mini14s? I purchased an AR when I really wanted a Mini 14. Just purchased a Mini 14. Anxious to shoot it. Keeping the AR.
Nice videos, especially this one. Maybe it's because of the benefits you mentioned, maybe it's the old-school charm, or maybe because I had one before my AR, but I also find myself favoring the Mini-14.
Great video..I agree with you 100%...I like the 14 because it's not so springy like the AR..the 14 is more solid of a rifle...I don't plan to go into battle anytime soon..so I don't need a tight grouping...lol or to be able to change out my mag in under 2 sec. Lol. The 14 is an awesome rifle...but like you said...it's not a frightening looking black killer rifle.!!! Lol. Just..hey that guy is going hunting.....
Well we all can't make good decisions lol no both rifles are great as I always say the best rifle for you is the one you can shoot and you trust good luck thank you for your comment
How did you mount the rail for your fore grip and flashlight? On my wooden stock, I screwed and epoxied a small piece of rail to attach my light... turned out great.. used really short screws...
As you know there's a space in between the stock and the inside you can get little flat bolt washers that you countersink to inside of the gun a little bit to give it some support works great haven't had really at any problems other than that in my opinion it's easier to mount things to a wooden mini-14 than it is to do an AR because you can only put things where they give you spots and it wouldn't go and I can put things wherever I want
I agree. I love my Min14 Tac. I bought and ATI Stock and swap back and forth with the wood. Like a whole different gun with more of an AR feel. So much fun.
Good video, based on dispassionate common sense and experience. I've not yet owned a mini 14, although I've done plenty of shooting with them, and I currently own 3 ARs, a Colt, a Rock River, and a Windham, and of the 3, while I like them all, the Windham is my favorite. I liked what you mentioned at the beginning about the mini 14 being a comfortable gun to shoot from the standpoint of being used to the similar stock design of shotguns, and I have to agree with that. I have been considering purchasing a mini 14 for awhile and now I'm definitely going to look into doing so. I'm actually comfortable with both the AR and the mini, and some things are practical considerations as you point out and some things are personal preferences. As long as someone makes their choice based on logic and reason as to what they're most comfortable with, there's no problem either way, as long as if ones decides to go with the AR they choose a model from a manufacturer known for making a quality product, because there are some on the market that are more likely to give you problems. In regard to the mini 14, Ruger is known for the quality of all their products, so that's not an issue. Regardless of your choice, know your weapon, maintain it properly, and get sufficient practice with it, including switching out magazine drills, like you alluded to. No weapon will give you the optimal performance needed in a critical situation if you don't.
Definitely love your comment thank you so much I agree I think the biggest thing is know your weapons be comfortable with them learn how to work on them and learn how to use them and pick the one that works for you both are great guns I own both as much as I like to joke about it but I really love my mini-14s
Good comments. I agree with you comment on the Windham. Quality manufacture and the employees are all cross trained on each phase of assembly. I have owned a Windham, good rifle!
Loved your comment I cannot agree more and know your weapon know how to maintain it and know how to shoot it as much more important than the one you pick thank you for comment I really appreciate it
While I’m good with ARs AKs and that “assault style weapon” setup (pistol grip and whatnot) when it comes to rifles with traditional stocks like the mini 14 I am an incredibly wicked shot. No idea why, just am, even though I have more experience with “assault style” weapons. I’ve wanted a Mini 14 for decades and I think it’s time I go and buy one.
@Wimmig - interesting, because I can relate to that as well. I find that I am a bit better with a traditional stock. I thought it was just me. Maybe it's because that's what most of us usually start with when we are first learning.
The Mini-14, the most accurate rifle out of the box I have ever owned! This rifle fired 1" groups @ 100 yards right out of the box! My Colt H-bar took 1,500 rounds before it was anywhere near that accurate, and I've never put optics on the Mini-14...
I'm a big fan of the 1to6 Scopes but I also have several without anything on them I'll work well but I agree great shooting guns across the board I usually shoot them at least once a month at a tournament and do not have any problems thank you for your comment
🤣🤣🤣🤣 you shot 1" groups with a Mini? You sir are full of shit, especially when you consider that their target models dont get those groups. The mini 14 has the worst fucking accuracy available out of any semiauto gun averaging 3-5" groups at 100 yards. Unless you can show the world live your 1" group your getting out of your magical Mini14 lets just say your comment was enthusiastic at best.
Ruger makes the PCC carbine 9 mm version of this gun doesn't operate the same it operates more like a 10/22 with a 9 mm but will work with either the Ruger or Glock magazines it also breaks down which is really nice
My first rifle was a mini 14. I love having the connection to American military history with the operating system. Plus, trigger guard safeties are the best, every rifle should have them. An addendum to your list: factory mags are best and cogburn arsenal sells stripper clip guides. Keep your one 20rd mag locked in and reload with stripper clips. Lighter packing and keeps costs down.
This too - common sense, with a guy with common decency. Gotta love someone willing to post who also isn’t engaging with the simple troll comments. Class act
Excellent video. I have significant, professional experience with both rifles. For me, the rocking mag is a clear advantage if your heart rate is 200+ and something terrible is happening. The bolt design is quite important as well. Both designs are good. But in a combat situation, I would prefer the Ruger.
the exposed action is part of the reason why the m14 was the worst battle rifle. also, I love my AKs much much more than my ARs, but I can't see a single a situation where a rock n lock mag would be easier. Better, sure in a cold or extremely dirty environment, but not faster under stress
Great video. Made 8 solid reasons why I should purchase one. I've had one, "A team" which was my first purchase of a rifle. Should never had traded it. I'm older Kno and thinking going back to my roots. The mini 14. Thank you for the presentation.
Glad you like the video definitely always recommend them we are out shooting them today at a three gun match three of us had them three of them ran perfect
Everybody and their mother has an AR15, that's why I don't. Everyone and their mother has tattoos, that's why I don't. I've never followed the followers. I run my own show. PS, I like the finish on your mini 14. Is that satin or gloss?
30 Reasons why the Mini-14 is superior to the AR-15. 1. Exempt from a pending assault firearms ban bill in my state. 2. Beautiful looking according to my wife (my opinion as well). 3. Gas piston operated. Doesn’t fart where it feeds. 4. Easier to clean and inspect. 5. Weird difficult to clear AR-15 jams such as the gas tube jam and charging handle channel jam can’t happen. 6. Wide open breech for jam clearance access. 7. Upgrade path to 7.62 NATO by buying a companion Springfield Armory M1A-M14 makes more sense and is more popular than an AR-10. 8. WW2 lineage and classic looks. 9. 20rd mags are curved for more reliable feeding of the tapered rounds. 10. Magazines held much more securely in place. 11. Better stock trigger doesn’t need replacement or necessarily need honing. 12. Full stainless steel option. 13. No buffer tube spring twang ringing in your right ear. 14. Folding stock ready. 15. Standard sling mounts. I highly recommend a sling and “African Carry”. 16. No accessories needed to start shooting out of the box. 17. Can’t forget to extend a collapsing stock. 18. Butt stock less fragile. 19. More intuitive and ergonomic manual safety. 20. Low sight axis. 21. Often lighter when fully equipped. 22. Used by the A-team. Used by the Family Ties dad Michael Grossman and David Soul in the infamous Miami FBI shoot out re-creation movie. Silly reason, I know. 23. Mags gravity drop free faster because they are made of steel (when the release lever is operated correctly as in the manual). 24. Stock can be glass bedded to the receiver like a traditional bolt action rifle. 25. Costs twice as much as a basic AR-15, for one-up manship. 26. Faster (one second) presentation from shouldered African Carry to a sling-wrapped accurate aiming stance. The AR-15’s tacticool accessories, protruding 30rd mag, and pistol grip get in the way. In the sitting sling-wrapped stance, I shoot any rifle much more accurately than from the bench rest. So when people report their bench test results as the very best a rifle can produce, I am highly dubious. 27. Far more logical, easier to learn, and simplified manual of arms. I use a simplified manual of arms that makes the shooting operation of this rifle much more logical, intuitive, and easier to learn. Basically the left hand holds the fore end stock and presses the butt into the shoulder (usually with a wrapped sling as mentioned in the African Carry post) and the right hand does all of the manipulations: working the action, working the safety, trigger, and magazine removal/insertion. The AR-15 is designed more for the right hand to stay on the pistol grip. If you use an AR-15 manual of arms with a Mini-14 you’ll end up doing mag swaps wrong and not how it’s recommended in the owner’s manual. If I were to use my left hand, I would have to come out of my aiming set position, unwrap the sling from my left arm, and use my left thumb to press the mag release lever and then pull the mag out against resistance. Besides losing my sling-steadied sight picture, this means dropping your thumb off the lever mid process and the inner portion of the lever pressing on the partially loosened mag. Therefore you must rip the mag out with friction and mechanical resistance since it is engaged in front by a peg in the magazine retaining hole. This is bad form and not what the owner’s manual recommends. Instead one should use the right hand to apply constant forward pressure on the mag release lever and the mag will gravity drop free with no friction or mechanical resistance. This manual of arms is much easier to learn than newbies trying to figure out which hand does what with an AR and which ambi AR controls may or may not be installed on any particular AR. The logical and constant sight picture manual of arms for the Mini is very similar to a classic lever action rifle. Some people lower the rifle when working the lever, but the proper way is to have the left hand press the butt stock into the shoulder, maintain constant sight picture, and use the right hand for all manipulations. 28. Integrated scope rings are included and work well. The peculiar geometry of the AR-15 requires a proprietary 3rd party forward-offset scope mount for proper eye-relief. Cottage industries have been created to correct this shortcoming. 29. Included detachable 1913 top rail makes it optics ready, yet can be removed in case future laws focus on "tactical rails" being assault weapon features. 30. The Ruger 10/22 Takedown stainless rifle makes for a good survivalist companion rifle, a "Mini Me" for the Mini-14.
This is an amazing list I definitely like everything you said I can agree with everything you said thank you for the comment I'm glad somebody else isn't stuck in the AR-15 loop
I also live in Cali, i dont own an AR but was looking at an M&P Sport 2 model from Smith and Wesson. I may still get that one day, but for now i definitely want the MINI14!
Thank you for a well thought out review. Liked and subscribed. P.S. I would have been interesting to a chamber cleaning comparison between the Mini and the filthy AR.
Mine is all stainless with plastic stock. For preppers, corrosion resistance ought to be serious issue. More so than several of your main reasons. Shtf isn't going to end after a week or two.
Yeah we do end up shooting in the rain a lot and I do appreciate the fact that is one of the only guns you can get fully stainless steel including internals thank you for your comment
@@thegeth4293 it's easy enough to paint them takes 5 seconds and I have plenty of guns that aren't stainless but I tend to shoot the stainless just because of the corrosion resistance and all the areas we shoot but if I had my choice I would still buy a stainless steel and paint it versus buying a blued gun and have to worry about rust
Great vid! I own both AR and MINI-14, and love them both. I have noticed increased accuracy with the AR however. Any recommendations on a (old pencil barrel) fix? Thanks!
Did you have a bunch of products out there for the meeting 14 pencil barrel versions the ones iRunner called them the morod this bolts to the barrel and allows it to cool quicker and have less within the barrel it does help quite a little bit thank you for comment
I have AR's have built them, in every configuration, I bought an AK because I love guns and like how they were built, restore old guns and appreciatte them all. The first gun I ever shot was my dad's Ruger Security Six Police revolver chambered in 357. I have always loved Ruger! My first rifle was the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch! I have since acquired the folding stock version. :) Hands down my favorite rifle! Call me prejudiced. Ruger puts out quality. You have to pay more, and understand them, but there you go. You do not see the market proliferated with easy to buy and build Ruger Mini-14's! And yes, they are not scary to people that do not know guns. Until they are. I love old guns.
Good video. I have a nice Wyndham Weaponry AR and a Mini-14 tactical. I love them both, but if I could only keep one, it would be the Ruger. I am just a sucker for the old school charm of that action. It is rock solid!
Piston driven guns are better but I'm an AK GUY. SKS makes a better ranch rifle. Having said that I've all ways wanted a mini 14 &30. I've been saving a little here and there for a M1a socom16 . I have a m1 carbine and I love it!!!!
I’m buying a mini 14 because I don’t want to break open my rifle to drop the magazine and I dnt want to have to steal with a fin on my pistol grip. With the mini 14 I can change a magazine fast with no issues. Thanks California.
Eugene Stoner wanted the AR 10 for Vietnam but the powers that be had invested in the AR15 so as the story goes we had .22 caliber the enemy had .30 caliber.
Just picked up a stainless 1985 mini 14. Mint condition. Had one years ago, always hoped I'd get another. But a downside is the magazines are basically 40.00, compared to 15-20 for an AR.
Yes but they are better magazines and you can leave them loaded forever because they are steel just remember if you do get some of the steals make sure you use them a couple times and I recommend before you use them the first time to leave them loaded for 4 or 5 days this will help set the spring and always load them with the last round on the left hand side if you were looking at it from the back of the magazine this will help them be easier to load and be more reliable
I've shot ARs and Minis, and my heart belongs to the mini 100%. In my opinion, the fact that they can come from the factory in stainless steel is another advantage over the AR, especially in humid climates or as a boat gun or truck gun.
I don't quite understand the but if we were talking about mini 14s being California okay then you will still have to wait the ten-day waiting period and have background check for anyone who purchases in California
It comes with a 5 round magazine , there is no forward pistol grip and no option for a flash suppressor …buy it stock then get a few 10 round Ruger magazines tough as nails 9:04 good to go friend
I’ve shot both the AR and the Mini 14 many times. I own the mini 14 for a reason. A blast to shoot. Although a drawback is that the mini 14 is significantly louder than the AR. However I stick to 9mm pistols and carbines for home defense. I also own an M1A Scout. Love the old school platform. 👍
How is the Mini in 7.62x39 with steel case ammo? Only the 7.62x39 version interests me because I already have an AK, but it's an AK pistol and it would be nice to get a full size rifle in 7.62x39. I tried an AR in 7.62x39 but had nothing but issues.
Can not buy Russian ammo because it requires a harder hammer strike to set chambered round off. So every Russian ammo goes off a certain number of rounds will not go off. AK have harder hammer strikes thus Russian ammo works all the time.
So far I've had good luck with my 580-series mini 30, although I've only been able to put about 200 rounds through it so far. I threw in a little bit of everything, from steel-cased wolf ammo to expensive brass-cased ammo, and also little baggies of mystery steel-cased ammo I found at the local surplus store. My mini 30 ran all of them well and only had 1 malfunction which may have been user error.
Because it isn’t on the assault weapons ban list! And yes, I live in CA haha. But honestly, I love the mini 14 and have never cared for the AR style or ergonomics
I will definitely agree with you and just like shooting the mini-14 is better I don't know if it's the way they sound or cycle but I definitely like them the best I have both and shoot both could have given the choice I will always go for the mini thanks for the comment I really appreciate it
Given your circumstances, I think your reasons are valid. I always hear people complaining of the high prices of the factory magazine, honestly honestly how many magazine does a person need? Very good and informative video BTW.
Thank you very much I really appreciate the comment Yes the factory magazines are great but like you said how many do you really need if you're ever in a firefight what do you need more than 30 rounds You're probably pretty screwed anyways but saying that buy as many as you can you can never have too many LOL
I think that is definitely an advantage of a mini-14 is that it can come in a pure stainless steel gun I definitely recommend buying it and stainless and your 10 22in stainless when you're out hunting in the woods are leaving in your truck you don't have to worry about this much thanks for your comment hope this helps
The ar15 uses a linear piston, not direct impingement, and it’s not plumes of smoke and pressure you’ll get overgassing issues with a long stroke piston as well with suppressors
I really appreciate the comment found several ars and do not enjoy shooting saying that I'm not getting ready any of them soon they're good guns when they work I hope I never have to use one of these for any other reason but shooting at steel but if I do I will be carrying a mini-14 they just tend not to break at least for me
Too bad Tapco doesn't make those 5rd mags anymore. They are reliable and good for people in ban states because in an extreme disaster type emergency you can take them apart and convert them into standard capacity.
I agree I hope somebody does pick up the molds and make them again just remember though the five round magazines have weaker feedlips than the standard capacity ones I have broke a couple of them the regular ones I've had very good luck with though but they were super old so I have no idea if the new ones are just bad or the Old one's were better but I have a very good luck with the ones I've had for many years but I have had problems with the five rounders cracking on the right hand side lips
Yeah unfortunately you described a side folder stock on a mini when the Ruger folder is a underfolder and surprise the Mini also comes a Full auto version too AKA the AC556 also while you at it why not mention how flicking expensive the magazines are compared to AR mags
You did a great job, and i'm in complete agreement with you. The only things i would add is that the Mini 14 is right out of the box more accurate (1 MOA with good ammo) than the average AR-15, and the Mini 14 reliably shoots steel cased ammo while most AR's will not. Live long and prosper, brother!
Very good analysis. Good technical knowledge of the rifle. Good job! I sold my AR and this will be its replacement. I know a guy was a Sgt. in Vietnam early on and was constantly finding dead comrades with their Colt AR’s apart. They were trying to clean and clear them when killed. We all know the stories about how that early Colt was rushed in design and manufacturing. He told me he had seen enough. He got the quartermaster to get him M-16’s for the soldiers under him. Never failed and gave all a better chance of survival.
Would have to agree the M16 did have a ton of problems with maintenance at the beginning where the M14 was definitely a much better gun and when that came to shooting and reliability overall I still believe that's probably the case thank you for your comment I really appreciate them
Uh your Sgt buddy lied because the problem wasn't with the weapon itself it was the crappy powder that the Army decided to use over what they were designed to use and we never used actual AR15 in Vietnam they were modified AR15 lowers (still marked AR) but given the third hole for the auto sear pin and yes soldiers died but it wasn't the guns fault it was the army's fault for stupidly using the wrong powder that caused fouling and no cleaning kits to deal with the excess fouling
I found that if you're actually using them and practical actress either accurate enough for what you need they are not bench guns but we shoot them a lot of competitions and they do great
The Mini is my favorite to shoot the AR is my favorite to build. Now SHTF I'd have to take the AR because the popularity of the platform not just civilian but police and military. If the zombie hordes are coming over the hill it's nice to be able to share mags and spare parts with any cops and soldiers that might be by your side. With that said I prefer the Mini for home defense and to take camping because like you mention it's a much more "innocent" looking rifle. Like a sweet little old grandpa in gun form. And honestly despite what people say you can't go wrong with it as long as you learn the platform, train and maintain.
I agree with everything you said I would still stick with my minis I've seen too many r's go down in the field other than that I agree with you completely
My experience over many years with the Mini- 14's was as a LE officer beginning in the mid 1970's. It was always my observation that the Mini-14's tolerated a lot more of the "benign neglect", that cops do to their shoulder guns, than the AR platform patrol rifles did at the time. Of course any professional gun handler needs to have a boot briskly applied to his ass if he isn't properly maintaining his weaponry. I like to think we maybe are better about this now. But we'll always be faced with having to arm and train people who have little interest in learning. As far as effectiveness goes, the average application was at across-the-street distances at most, and the Mini-14's had ample accuracy for that. The .223/5.55 ammo might be just about the perfect urban police load. It sure hits conclusively when decently aimed.
Thank you very much that was interesting I know they've been used in LA and in a lot of the sheriff's departments all over the United States for years and years I'm not heard one of them say they were bad rifles like you said if you're making defensive shots you're not making shots from 4 miles away thank you for your comment
As an avid contrarian, I love the Mini 14 because it's not an AR. AR's just got fully legal in Sweden so EVERYONE is buying them. That means I have to buy something else, haha.
You can definitely agree with all those things as far as jamming I don't have many and usually it's my fault or crappy magazine thank you for your comment and they really do help
How many cops in states like ny and cali would even recognize a 20 round mini14 mag as "high capacity" I think most people have a picture in their head of the 30rd ar15 mag as the high cap mag, you think they would gloss over a 20 rounder?
ARs are fine weapon, but in some states the ARs have a non renewable magazine which means you load with a stripper clips just like that old sks,there are no restitution on the mini-14 !!!
I would choose the mini-14 over all the other guns in all states but I am definitely in the minority on that one but especially in California where ARS are so heavily guarded I definitely love the mini-14 thank you for your comment
The state you live in does not change the function of the rifle. A few police forces around the world have or had used the mini-14 at some point but real numbers are what they are. The sheer numbers of police forces and civilian use of the AR-15 can't be denied. The flexibility of the AR-15 from barrel length to number of calibers that can be used from one lower can't be matched by the mini. Accuracy anyone? Some of your opinions can be viewed as a preference or choice. Outside of running cleaner, which is factually true, the Mini-14 doesn't add up to better reliability.
As I've seen many many times ars going down in classes ars going down in during three gun matches did you not have problems with my knees as far as police forces the sheriff's departments and many other departments around the world have used the mini and had great success including the LA sheriff's department in sac county sheriff's department also the French have used the full auto version for years and still do they have also been used in Africa saying that you are correct with many of your statements AR-15s are much easier to convert to other rounds and can be cheaper in certain areas as far as accuracy my mini-14 is usually shoot right around 1 and 1/2 to 2 in m o a and the ARs I see on average that are not interested in everything else shoot about the same have I had ARS that have shot worse than that yes if I had many four teams that have shot worse than that yes most of my minions have shot very well over the years and impractical accuracy work just fine they are not as accurate as a $5,000 they are unless you have them accurized then I've seen him shoot half inch groups is all what you're willing to spend on any gun you have we shoot with a bunch of guys that have shot these much more accurate versions in three gun competitions for years because we do live in California and most of them will tell you if they didn't eventually just wear them out shooting shooting tens of thousands of rounds for them over 20 or 30 years they would still be using them today saying that if I have my choice which I do because I own several ARS I really do just like the mini-14 better I am one of those guys I'm one of the guys that would picked an M14 over an AR-10 I may be crazy but that's what I like but thank you very very much for your comment it really does help out my channel and like I said you're right on most of your topics
I have both the AR & Mini. My first was a mini in 1981. Used the AR on duty for 25 plus years. No issue with either. In my personal experience the Mini just feels better. For most the AR offers more options. One isn't better than the other. My 3 cents.
Since I'm ethnically Jewish, I'm thinking of suing my home state for banning the Galil and Uzi on the basis that they are Israeli guns so clearly the state must be anti-Semitic.
Mini's rule. Another thing: With the gun shouldered, try to pull the bolt back on an AR. It's not really intuitive or even possible. It's a natural movement on the mini and quite easy. Same with the mag release. On the mini it's right at your finger and natural, less motion needed. The whole platform is simple and rugged.
I definitely agree and if you grew up shooting 10:22s it even makes it easier everything's just where you left it on the gun your dad gave you 40 years ago
I tend to agree with what you're saying I really love the way the mini-14 feels of course I am a shotgun shooter at heart and all my shotguns have the same basic ergonomics of mini-14s this thing is a real help when shooting between different types of platforms also it has the same feel of a 10/22 the most popular 22 caliber rifle of all time thank you for your comment it really does help my channel
The mini 14 is a fun gun for sure, but is no ready for prime time against targets that shoot back. I have both, inherited the Mini and it is fun, but that's all.
Can you explain more on your opinion lemony 14 has been used in law enforcement for most of it's life and was picked up by a couple militaries in Africa and the French still use it today I think it definitely has a a history of reliability
Maybe it's just me but having owned many guns, I found the mini 14 to be the most intuitive to use. I owned one of the older mini's before the newer barrel and it sucked accuracy wise especially when hot. Newer versions, no issues. People who rave about the ar being better have never shot a mini let alone actually maintained one.. Price wise, you get what you pay for. A higher class AR is easily as pricey as a mini.
I could not agree with everything you said I do find them very intuitive if the malfunction happens it's just like all the other guns we shot as children 10 22s m1 carbines hell a Remington 1100 or an automatic shotgun still has a charging handle on that right side so they definitely went in the shoot ability category in my opinion as far as urgent Dynamics it's set up just like a shotgun and most people that don't shoot all the time shoot either hunting rifles or shotguns will have no problem grabbing on to the gun and making it feel like their own I really appreciate your comment thank you very much
Great video, I'm old school, I've always liked the mini-14 and have been on the fence here lately on purchasing one, I have an AR and love it, I don't have it loaded up with all the bells and whistles, just a carry handle iron sight, it brings me back to my military days, loved the M16, the Mini-14 does have advantages but it's cool factor/history/design is way cooler than an AR in my opinion, love the M14 style action, and you make a great point with the rock and lock magazines, they teach you in the military to slap the magazine hard twice on the M16 once you load in a magazine cause they definitely can tend to not engage resulting in falling out, especially in high stress, situations, rock and lock solves that problem, one disagreement with your list of reasons as others have commented on is screw the idiots who are intimidated by an AR, or any gun for that matter, but California says it all, another comment from a reply is that in a SHTF situation AR magazines will be plentiful, sure, but you will have to reload them eventually, the way I see it is if everybody is using the same ammo that's not an issue, once again great video, you made very viable points!
One of the best, straightforward Mini videos I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you for putting this out there. As a leftist in a red state, this is an excellent rifle for me - reliable, great shooter, and it doesn’t scare off my non-gun friends.
I've been on the fence about getting one, but you've made some really good points. I live with and near friends and family who automatically associate ARs with mass shooters and AKs with terrorists and the bad guys in movies. A Mini with a wood stock is more likely to register in their minds as "grandpa gun", so less stress all around. Any opinion on the Mini-30? Specifically, the issue with feeding it steel ammo. I was looking at that too as 7.62 is supposed to be a better round for deer hunting, should I ever get into that (I'm a newish shooter). I'd hate to have it fart out on me at a bad time because I could only get my hands on steel cased stuff in a shtf scenario. Anyway, good stuff! You got a subscribe.
I'm glad you like the video as far as the mini 30 they have some heavier-duty aftermarket springs that can help with steel cased ammo saying that unless I was going to plan on hunting with it I would probably stick with the mini-14 ammo for the mini 30 is becoming much more expensive and is heavier and harder to find magazines for so I would definitely just stick with a mini-14 unless you are planning on hunting with it saying that in a grid down situation 223's a great hunting round just most places will not allow you to hunt with it
I love my mini, I have the ATI stock for it so it has a front grip, light/laser combo, and I still have a 2 rails for other attachments is needed but not really. I've put over 3,000 rounds through it, never had a problem, and it does not need cleaning every time you go shooting either, just a dab of lube on the points of friction and your gold. It has eaten every type of ammo I've put through it too, except one type I bought, would not cycle and found out that ammo was best in bolt action rifles, had to do with the psi the bullet produced, didn't have enough to cycle the gun properly, but everything else it ate like a champ, and no, not every mini14 is the same, every rifle is unique as it creates its own personality in how YOU take care of it.. but hey, I'm just a mini14 owner, what do I know..
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EzyGl_w-IXg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/tr.png)
Black gun: scary killing machine and weapon of war…
Brown gun: not scary
That's what they keep saying on CNN LOL
Not accurate either! I had 2, didn't learn from the first one, no. Loved the looks so had to try a SS model
maybe no need to try a hundred different loads, ya right. Good god man, shot like crap no matter what I tried from factory to handloads same junk. I'll stick to AR's. They are eager to please.
@@armedfarm3429 where's a really good luck with him I shoot just a regular crap herter ammo most of the time for our competition guns they shoot great out to our 100 yard shots do I think they are some more accurate sometimes when the gun is built properly and overall design for that purpose but are they as reliable I will never agree to that statement the mini 14 of my opinion and in my experience is much much more reliable especially for the average person that doesn't take care of the guns properly most of the problems I see where they are are the people using them thank you for your comment
As an infantry marine who shot a whole lot the M16A4 and the M4 in combat, I will still choose the mini 14 over any of them. The ARs are great rifles and shoot great but the mini 14 is just fun to shoot. People complain about accuracy but the truth is that most gun fights occur within 200 meters. The mini will do just fine.
Couldn't agree more thank you for your comment
Ride up marine👍
Very very outstanding video. Great job. Keep up the good work. Thanks a lot friend. SC Navy vet. Clean language too. Thanks for that.
Thank you for the wonderful comment
When you start the defense of your firearm choice by saying, "I live in California" 😁
True, but I can’t talk shit because I’m stuck in Upstate NY until my Wife can retire in 2 years. Every hose up and down my street has a Mini-14 in it. Every house. The only lib tards are the down staters, but there’s enough of them to maintain a D vote in perpetuity.
That’s the only reason I’m buying a mini 14 and not and AR. California 🤦🏻
@@americantopgunner5102 exactly. It’s a rifle you can bring out in daylight and not get red flagged
My advice MOVE OUT OF CALIFORNIA!
I’m not a fan of the mini14. I’ve had several. It’s just not for me. I like the AR-15 in 5.56, I find them to be more accurate and more reliable. If I need to step it up I go to the M-14, M1a series, and for anti material use I’ll take the M1 Garand. I’m well versed in those platforms and for me the AR-15 has one advantage hardly any other rifle does. I can trade my light barrel 16” upper for a 20” heavy barreled upper in a matter of seconds, basically giving me two rifles in my kit without the extra weight or space concerns of actually carrying two complete rifles. An extra 4 1/2 pounds of gear gains me over500 yds of range. And With the 20” upper in 6.5 Grendel I gain a massive amount of down range hitting power.
I live in California… so I went mini 14. I grew up shooting ARs but I just don’t want to deal with any crazy laws… I think that’s the perfect compromise to an Ar especially for California Riffle owners.. good video and great points
Thank you very much really appreciate your comment definitely agree
Exactly that’s y I’m not buying an AR. I’m not dealing with a wing on my pistol grip or breaking apart a rifle to change a mag. Mini 14 it is.
@@americantopgunner5102 that’s exactly what I thought.. just picked it up.. love it 😊
@@tateabdon1what's the best mini 14 for my homestead? The smaller the better
@@Keepitoriginalministry stainless steel version what's the collapsible stock
I just wish they were compatible with AR magazines... just because of the cost and all.
I do agree when the tapco magazine company went out of business it did really hurt the mini-14 And I do wish at 15 mags fit in the mini great comment thank you for your comment
Completely agree here - if they would make a new model that was compatible, I’d buy in a heartbeat
Just to bring up a point, They do make AR-15s in gas piston operated versions. In fact Ruger makes a very good one. I myself am like you and prefer the mini 14. When you say load your magazines so the last cartridge is on the left do you mean
with the mag facing to be inserted into the rifle or looking at the cartridges tips first?
Meaning that if you pulled the magazine out of the rifle when it's on your shoulder so the tip of the bullets are facing away from you it would be on the left hand side make sure the last round is on the left hand side with bullets facing away from you hope this helps thank you for the comment
I enjoyed the A-Team reference - with the 183 series I bought in early 1984, I couldn't hit anything either. Had a lot of fun with it, but it was the least accurate rifle I've ever owned. With that vintage, putting an optic on it either meant using a side mount (replacing the stock bolt stop cover plate) or a mount that required replacing the guts of rear sight. My understanding is that Ruger has made significant improvements since then with regard to the barrel/accuracy, optics mounts, and others. I might not agree with all of your reasons, but I would rather enjoy banter regarding which rifle is better than listen to someone trying to tell me why I shouldn't own one (still not sure of the 9mm vs 45ACP debate was ever settled).
I would like to start by saying thank you for your comment I do agree that some of the early models had it seems pretty significant accuracy issues in my opinion they were on purpose they had one in 10 twist barrels for shooting ultra light 40 grain ammo they were hard to put optics on and some of them we're very inaccurate because the machinery had been worn out over the years I have two early versions that I've really really loved and that have shot very very well for me on the other hand I have heard people say that they've had some that are absolutely atrociously put together on average I get about one and a half to two and a half away out of any mini 14 I've ever had of the new ones the older ones it is hard to tell because like you said being able to put a scope or any kind of decent site that would be able to tell what the actual accuracy of them would be it's hard to find I found that the accuracy of these older rifles one compared to a iron sighted AR of the era are very similar but I have shot thousands and thousands and thousands of rounds through a mini-14 and several thousand through ARS I do really love the mini-14 and will continue to shoot them even though I own ARS I just don't like ARS but definitely thank you for your comment I really do appreciate it by the way 9 mm is way better than 45 or is it 45 is way better than 9 I'll have to watch a couple more RUclips videos to decide my own opinion LOL good luck on that one I think that's more dangerous bringing that up during dinner then politics
bought my Mini 14 in the early80s and still love it. was a saddle gun, now in my safe along with some AR15s. I've put upgrades on it and it looks like a real mean AR but shoots with confidence. will pas it on to my son. good video, thanks.
Love this video! This is quite possibly one of the most well-argued and logically concluded vids advocating for the Mini. The reason for mechanical off-set and lower parallax of the irons on Mini vs. AR is spot on.
In our 2A subculture, the Mini has somewhat developed a reputation as a "FUDD's gun," but it's truly refreshing to see you can still make good points for the Mini showing it can stand on it's own merits without just bashing ARs as "spooky assault weapons" which is the narrative the gun control freaks always stand on.
Thank you so much for your comment I really appreciate them and your great points
I like watching you on the mini 14 most informative because you know a lot about them with your enthusiasm, I have both minis and ARs
I love my minis like my ARs
Thank you for the comment I do also have both and love the mini-14s I probably always will and again thank you for your comment
I have the 183 series stainless mini 14 that I bought new and have really enjoyed it! It’s my truck gun when I’m out and about shooting with my camera. I changed out the original peep sight and added a stainless Accu-Strut but that’s all. Never had a problem with it, it has always gone bang when pulling the trigger👍
This is why I love them I picked up one that hadn't been shot in about 3 years and went and shot a tournament with it didn't have a problem definitely thank you for your comment I really appreciate it
Good Info. Thank You. This from a Veteran that was Trained on and used a M14. And I liked ATeam.
The 556 round concerns me. I would maybe go with the Mini Thirty.
If you do go with the mini-30 just remember shooting the steel cased ammo will take a heavier spring to fire those harder primers but a great
Thank you for your comment
Remember the 7.62X39 has the same trajectory as the 30-30. If you are right on at 100 you are quite low at 150 to 200. That is why the AK and the SKS have such easily adjustable for drop sights. You can check this for yourself on any ballistic calculator. A hit with a 556 is better than a miss with 30-06. The flatter trajectory the 556 gives you is one less thing to worry about. I love my Mini
@@stephenwhited1833 I would definitely go out and shoot both of them I do own a 30-30 there's not a tremendous drop a 150 200 yards are definitely going to see it larger drop but you will still be able to hit the target no problem as far as 762 by 39 I've never shot an AK over about so you may be right on that I know they do have similar ballistics but thank you very much you for the comment
Kudos to you for the simple and correct evaluation of the Mini-14. Is natural to our basic handling of a rifle.
Thank you for your comment I'm glad there are some people out there I just love a good rifle
What scope do you use on your Mini14s? I purchased an AR when I really wanted a Mini 14. Just purchased a Mini 14. Anxious to shoot it. Keeping the AR.
Nice videos, especially this one. Maybe it's because of the benefits you mentioned, maybe it's the old-school charm, or maybe because I had one before my AR, but I also find myself favoring the Mini-14.
I think you're probably right on all three thank you very much for your comment it really helps our channel
Great video..I agree with you 100%...I like the 14 because it's not so springy like the AR..the 14 is more solid of a rifle...I don't plan to go into battle anytime soon..so I don't need a tight grouping...lol or to be able to change out my mag in under 2 sec. Lol. The 14 is an awesome rifle...but like you said...it's not a frightening looking black killer rifle.!!! Lol. Just..hey that guy is going hunting.....
The mini-14 is badass I love it, I'm gonna stick with my FN M4 though.
Well we all can't make good decisions lol no both rifles are great as I always say the best rifle for you is the one you can shoot and you trust good luck thank you for your comment
How did you mount the rail for your fore grip and flashlight?
On my wooden stock, I screwed and epoxied a small piece of rail to attach my light... turned out great.. used really short screws...
As you know there's a space in between the stock and the inside you can get little flat bolt washers that you countersink to inside of the gun a little bit to give it some support works great haven't had really at any problems other than that in my opinion it's easier to mount things to a wooden mini-14 than it is to do an AR because you can only put things where they give you spots and it wouldn't go and I can put things wherever I want
I fully agree, there is something about a mini that just feels more comfortable than an AR.
I agree. I love my Min14 Tac. I bought and ATI Stock and swap back and forth with the wood. Like a whole different gun with more of an AR feel. So much fun.
I agree thank you for your comment it really helps out my channel
Good video, based on dispassionate common sense and experience. I've not yet owned a mini 14, although I've done plenty of shooting with them, and I currently own 3 ARs, a Colt, a Rock River, and a Windham, and of the 3, while I like them all, the Windham is my favorite. I liked what you mentioned at the beginning about the mini 14 being a comfortable gun to shoot from the standpoint of being used to the similar stock design of shotguns, and I have to agree with that. I have been considering purchasing a mini 14 for awhile and now I'm definitely going to look into doing so. I'm actually comfortable with both the AR and the mini, and some things are practical considerations as you point out and some things are personal preferences. As long as someone makes their choice based on logic and reason as to what they're most comfortable with, there's no problem either way, as long as if ones decides to go with the AR they choose a model from a manufacturer known for making a quality product, because there are some on the market that are more likely to give you problems. In regard to the mini 14, Ruger is known for the quality of all their products, so that's not an issue. Regardless of your choice, know your weapon, maintain it properly, and get sufficient practice with it, including switching out magazine drills, like you alluded to. No weapon will give you the optimal performance needed in a critical situation if you don't.
Definitely love your comment thank you so much I agree I think the biggest thing is know your weapons be comfortable with them learn how to work on them and learn how to use them and pick the one that works for you both are great guns I own both as much as I like to joke about it but I really love my mini-14s
Good comments. I agree with you comment on the Windham. Quality manufacture and the employees are all cross trained on each phase of assembly. I have owned a Windham, good rifle!
Loved your comment I cannot agree more and know your weapon know how to maintain it and know how to shoot it as much more important than the one you pick thank you for comment I really appreciate it
While I’m good with ARs AKs and that “assault style weapon” setup (pistol grip and whatnot) when it comes to rifles with traditional stocks like the mini 14 I am an incredibly wicked shot. No idea why, just am, even though I have more experience with “assault style” weapons. I’ve wanted a Mini 14 for decades and I think it’s time I go and buy one.
@Wimmig - interesting, because I can relate to that as well. I find that I am a bit better with a traditional stock. I thought it was just me. Maybe it's because that's what most of us usually start with when we are first learning.
The Mini-14, the most accurate rifle out of the box I have ever owned! This rifle fired 1" groups @ 100 yards right out of the box! My Colt H-bar took 1,500 rounds before it was anywhere near that accurate, and I've never put optics on the Mini-14...
I'm a big fan of the 1to6 Scopes but I also have several without anything on them I'll work well but I agree great shooting guns across the board I usually shoot them at least once a month at a tournament and do not have any problems thank you for your comment
@@tateabdon1My Colt H-bar has a Leoplold VX Freedom 3-9x50, I love the combination. Great in competition...
🤣🤣🤣🤣 you shot 1" groups with a Mini? You sir are full of shit, especially when you consider that their target models dont get those groups. The mini 14 has the worst fucking accuracy available out of any semiauto gun averaging 3-5" groups at 100 yards. Unless you can show the world live your 1" group your getting out of your magical Mini14 lets just say your comment was enthusiastic at best.
Is this rifle/carbine made in 9mm caliber as well for I don't own any guns chambered in 5.56/.223 ?
Ruger makes the PCC carbine 9 mm version of this gun doesn't operate the same it operates more like a 10/22 with a 9 mm but will work with either the Ruger or Glock magazines it also breaks down which is really nice
My first rifle was a mini 14. I love having the connection to American military history with the operating system. Plus, trigger guard safeties are the best, every rifle should have them.
An addendum to your list: factory mags are best and cogburn arsenal sells stripper clip guides. Keep your one 20rd mag locked in and reload with stripper clips. Lighter packing and keeps costs down.
Thank you for your comment it really helps my channel
*SELF-CLEANING* ... who wants a high-maintenance rifle when seconds count?
Good show, common sense reasoning, not that common today. Thanx. Tom
Appreciate the comment it really helps my channel
This too - common sense, with a guy with common decency. Gotta love someone willing to post who also isn’t engaging with the simple troll comments. Class act
Great video. Thanks for the info. I'm getting one very soon.
Thank you for your comment
Excellent video. I have significant, professional experience with both rifles. For me, the rocking mag is a clear advantage if your heart rate is 200+ and something terrible is happening. The bolt design is quite important as well. Both designs are good. But in a combat situation, I would prefer the Ruger.
I would have to agree with you thank you for your comment
The mighty mini rules! 😎
the exposed action is part of the reason why the m14 was the worst battle rifle. also, I love my AKs much much more than my ARs, but I can't see a single a situation where a rock n lock mag would be easier. Better, sure in a cold or extremely dirty environment, but not faster under stress
@@rustys.1070 from what i understand the m14 is still in use today, how is it then one of the worst?
If you dont mind me asking what do you do and in what ways did the mini 14 prove itself to you?
Great video. Made 8 solid reasons why I should purchase one. I've had one, "A team" which was my first purchase of a rifle. Should never had traded it. I'm older Kno and thinking going back to my roots. The mini 14. Thank you for the presentation.
Glad you like the video definitely always recommend them we are out shooting them today at a three gun match three of us had them three of them ran perfect
Everybody and their mother has an AR15, that's why I don't. Everyone and their mother has tattoos, that's why I don't. I've never followed the followers. I run my own show. PS, I like the finish on your mini 14. Is that satin or gloss?
Excellent tactical presentation
Thank you very much for your comment glad you like the video
30 Reasons why the Mini-14 is superior to the AR-15.
1. Exempt from a pending assault firearms ban bill in my state.
2. Beautiful looking according to my wife (my opinion as well).
3. Gas piston operated. Doesn’t fart where it feeds.
4. Easier to clean and inspect.
5. Weird difficult to clear AR-15 jams such as the gas tube jam and charging handle channel jam can’t happen.
6. Wide open breech for jam clearance access.
7. Upgrade path to 7.62 NATO by buying a companion Springfield Armory M1A-M14 makes more sense and is more popular than an AR-10.
8. WW2 lineage and classic looks.
9. 20rd mags are curved for more reliable feeding of the tapered rounds.
10. Magazines held much more securely in place.
11. Better stock trigger doesn’t need replacement or necessarily need honing.
12. Full stainless steel option.
13. No buffer tube spring twang ringing in your right ear.
14. Folding stock ready.
15. Standard sling mounts. I highly recommend a sling and “African Carry”.
16. No accessories needed to start shooting out of the box.
17. Can’t forget to extend a collapsing stock.
18. Butt stock less fragile.
19. More intuitive and ergonomic manual safety.
20. Low sight axis.
21. Often lighter when fully equipped.
22. Used by the A-team. Used by the Family Ties dad Michael Grossman and David Soul in the infamous Miami FBI shoot out re-creation movie. Silly reason, I know.
23. Mags gravity drop free faster because they are made of steel (when the release lever is operated correctly as in the manual).
24. Stock can be glass bedded to the receiver like a traditional bolt action rifle.
25. Costs twice as much as a basic AR-15, for one-up manship.
26. Faster (one second) presentation from shouldered African Carry to a sling-wrapped accurate aiming stance. The AR-15’s tacticool accessories, protruding 30rd mag, and pistol grip get in the way. In the sitting sling-wrapped stance, I shoot any rifle much more accurately than from the bench rest. So when people report their bench test results as the very best a rifle can produce, I am highly dubious.
27. Far more logical, easier to learn, and simplified manual of arms. I use a simplified manual of arms that makes the shooting operation of this rifle much more logical, intuitive, and easier to learn. Basically the left hand holds the fore end stock and presses the butt into the shoulder (usually with a wrapped sling as mentioned in the African Carry post) and the right hand does all of the manipulations: working the action, working the safety, trigger, and magazine removal/insertion. The AR-15 is designed more for the right hand to stay on the pistol grip. If you use an AR-15 manual of arms with a Mini-14 you’ll end up doing mag swaps wrong and not how it’s recommended in the owner’s manual. If I were to use my left hand, I would have to come out of my aiming set position, unwrap the sling from my left arm, and use my left thumb to press the mag release lever and then pull the mag out against resistance. Besides losing my sling-steadied sight picture, this means dropping your thumb off the lever mid process and the inner portion of the lever pressing on the partially loosened mag. Therefore you must rip the mag out with friction and mechanical resistance since it is engaged in front by a peg in the magazine retaining hole. This is bad form and not what the owner’s manual recommends. Instead one should use the right hand to apply constant forward pressure on the mag release lever and the mag will gravity drop free with no friction or mechanical resistance. This manual of arms is much easier to learn than newbies trying to figure out which hand does what with an AR and which ambi AR controls may or may not be installed on any particular AR. The logical and constant sight picture manual of arms for the Mini is very similar to a classic lever action rifle. Some people lower the rifle when working the lever, but the proper way is to have the left hand press the butt stock into the shoulder, maintain constant sight picture, and use the right hand for all manipulations.
28. Integrated scope rings are included and work well. The peculiar geometry of the AR-15 requires a proprietary 3rd party forward-offset scope mount for proper eye-relief. Cottage industries have been created to correct this shortcoming.
29. Included detachable 1913 top rail makes it optics ready, yet can be removed in case future laws focus on "tactical rails" being assault weapon features.
30. The Ruger 10/22 Takedown stainless rifle makes for a good survivalist companion rifle, a "Mini Me" for the Mini-14.
This is an amazing list I definitely like everything you said I can agree with everything you said thank you for the comment I'm glad somebody else isn't stuck in the AR-15 loop
Finally someone who loads magazines the way I do. A 30 round gets 28. A 20 round gets 18.
I've got a mini 14 I bought new in 1976. Plan to buy a new one. Great video. 👍
Thanks for watching
Where did you source the Barrel stiffener I see installed on both?
Sunflower outdoor sports
I also live in Cali, i dont own an AR but was looking at an M&P Sport 2 model from Smith and Wesson. I may still get that one day, but for now i definitely want the MINI14!
Thank you for a well thought out review. Liked and subscribed. P.S. I would have been interesting to a chamber cleaning comparison between the Mini and the filthy AR.
Mine is all stainless with plastic stock. For preppers, corrosion resistance ought to be serious issue. More so than several of your main reasons. Shtf isn't going to end after a week or two.
Yeah we do end up shooting in the rain a lot and I do appreciate the fact that is one of the only guns you can get fully stainless steel including internals thank you for your comment
But are you worried a shiney stainless steel gun could give away your position if your camoflauged?
@@thegeth4293 it's easy enough to paint them takes 5 seconds and I have plenty of guns that aren't stainless but I tend to shoot the stainless just because of the corrosion resistance and all the areas we shoot but if I had my choice I would still buy a stainless steel and paint it versus buying a blued gun and have to worry about rust
Great video. Good solid reasons. Good pace didn’t waste time.
Thank you very much for your comment
Great vid! I own both AR and MINI-14, and love them both. I have noticed increased accuracy with the AR however. Any recommendations on a (old pencil barrel) fix? Thanks!
Did you have a bunch of products out there for the meeting 14 pencil barrel versions the ones iRunner called them the morod this bolts to the barrel and allows it to cool quicker and have less within the barrel it does help quite a little bit thank you for comment
I have AR's have built them, in every configuration, I bought an AK because I love guns and like how they were built, restore old guns and appreciatte them all. The first gun I ever shot was my dad's Ruger Security Six Police revolver chambered in 357. I have always loved Ruger! My first rifle was the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch! I have since acquired the folding stock version. :) Hands down my favorite rifle! Call me prejudiced. Ruger puts out quality. You have to pay more, and understand them, but there you go. You do not see the market proliferated with easy to buy and build Ruger Mini-14's! And yes, they are not scary to people that do not know guns. Until they are. I love old guns.
Good video. I have a nice Wyndham Weaponry AR and a Mini-14 tactical. I love them both, but if I could only keep one, it would be the Ruger. I am just a sucker for the old school charm of that action. It is rock solid!
Well I always like people that agree with me whatever the reason LOL definitely thank you for your comment
Can you explain to me why the AR model can be made by any company, but only Ruger can make the Mini 14? I don't understand that.
That is an interesting question I think it is just as simple as the min 14 being a cast gun not milled
Piston driven guns are better but I'm an AK GUY. SKS makes a better ranch rifle. Having said that I've all ways wanted a mini 14 &30. I've been saving a little here and there for a M1a socom16 . I have a m1 carbine and I love it!!!!
This may sound funny but in a game I play... The 45/70 and this mini 14 with a red dot smash! Is this accurate in real life targeting?
What is the most reliable mini 14? I strictly want a close quarters combat gun
Great review
I’m buying a mini 14 because I don’t want to break open my rifle to drop the magazine and I dnt want to have to steal with a fin on my pistol grip. With the mini 14 I can change a magazine fast with no issues. Thanks California.
Eugene Stoner wanted the AR 10 for Vietnam but the powers that be had invested in the AR15 so as the story goes we had .22 caliber the enemy had .30 caliber.
yes the whole AR-15 thing is a little political definitely thank you for your comment though really appreciate it
Greatest thing about the mini is you can buy a stripper clip guide for it, and load mags from the top!
Just picked up a stainless 1985 mini 14. Mint condition. Had one years ago, always hoped I'd get another. But a downside is the magazines are basically 40.00, compared to 15-20 for an AR.
Yes but they are better magazines and you can leave them loaded forever because they are steel just remember if you do get some of the steals make sure you use them a couple times and I recommend before you use them the first time to leave them loaded for 4 or 5 days this will help set the spring and always load them with the last round on the left hand side if you were looking at it from the back of the magazine this will help them be easier to load and be more reliable
I'm left handed, a Ruger fan and live in California. I bought a mini 14
I've shot ARs and Minis, and my heart belongs to the mini 100%. In my opinion, the fact that they can come from the factory in stainless steel is another advantage over the AR, especially in humid climates or as a boat gun or truck gun.
Being CA compliant, if I purchased one today how would I receive it? Flash guard?
I don't quite understand the but if we were talking about mini 14s being California okay then you will still have to wait the ten-day waiting period and have background check for anyone who purchases in California
It comes with a 5 round magazine , there is no forward pistol grip and no option for a flash suppressor …buy it stock then get a few 10 round Ruger magazines tough as nails 9:04 good to go friend
All good information. Thanks for posting.
do not give a damn what someone thinks about the gun i have in my hands.
Definitely agree with that thanks for the comment
BADD ASS!!!
I’ve shot both the AR and the Mini 14 many times. I own the mini 14 for a reason. A blast to shoot. Although a drawback is that the mini 14 is significantly louder than the AR. However I stick to 9mm pistols and carbines for home defense. I also own an M1A Scout. Love the old school platform. 👍
Could not agree more I do run a carbine 9 mm for home defense love the M1A and the mini-14 both are great platform is very reliable thank you for your
How is the Mini in 7.62x39 with steel case ammo? Only the 7.62x39 version interests me because I already have an AK, but it's an AK pistol and it would be nice to get a full size rifle in 7.62x39. I tried an AR in 7.62x39 but had nothing but issues.
Can not buy Russian ammo because it requires a harder hammer strike to set chambered round off. So every Russian ammo goes off a certain number of rounds will not go off. AK have harder hammer strikes thus Russian ammo works all the time.
So far I've had good luck with my 580-series mini 30, although I've only been able to put about 200 rounds through it so far. I threw in a little bit of everything, from steel-cased wolf ammo to expensive brass-cased ammo, and also little baggies of mystery steel-cased ammo I found at the local surplus store. My mini 30 ran all of them well and only had 1 malfunction which may have been user error.
Because it isn’t on the assault weapons ban list! And yes, I live in CA haha. But honestly, I love the mini 14 and have never cared for the AR style or ergonomics
I will definitely agree with you and just like shooting the mini-14 is better I don't know if it's the way they sound or cycle but I definitely like them the best I have both and shoot both could have given the choice I will always go for the mini thanks for the comment I really appreciate it
Given your circumstances, I think your reasons are valid. I always hear people complaining of the high prices of the factory magazine, honestly honestly how many magazine does a person need? Very good and informative video BTW.
Thank you very much I really appreciate the comment Yes the factory magazines are great but like you said how many do you really need if you're ever in a firefight what do you need more than 30 rounds You're probably pretty screwed anyways but saying that buy as many as you can you can never have too many LOL
Press Check,
You're right, " how many magazines does a person NEED ?"
I have 21 magazines ( various manufacturers ) and only need 9 more. . . .
Do you recommend going stainless? Or just doing the carbon steel?
I think that is definitely an advantage of a mini-14 is that it can come in a pure stainless steel gun I definitely recommend buying it and stainless and your 10 22in stainless when you're out hunting in the woods are leaving in your truck you don't have to worry about this much thanks for your comment hope this helps
The ar15 uses a linear piston, not direct impingement, and it’s not plumes of smoke and pressure you’ll get overgassing issues with a long stroke piston as well with suppressors
I really appreciate the comment found several ars and do not enjoy shooting saying that I'm not getting ready any of them soon they're good guns when they work I hope I never have to use one of these for any other reason but shooting at steel but if I do I will be carrying a mini-14 they just tend not to break at least for me
Too bad Tapco doesn't make those 5rd mags anymore. They are reliable and good for people in ban states because in an extreme disaster type emergency you can take them apart and convert them into standard capacity.
I agree I hope somebody does pick up the molds and make them again just remember though the five round magazines have weaker feedlips than the standard capacity ones I have broke a couple of them the regular ones I've had very good luck with though but they were super old so I have no idea if the new ones are just bad or the Old one's were better but I have a very good luck with the ones I've had for many years but I have had problems with the five rounders cracking on the right hand side lips
Yeah unfortunately you described a side folder stock on a mini when the Ruger folder is a underfolder and surprise the Mini also comes a Full auto version too AKA the AC556 also while you at it why not mention how flicking expensive the magazines are compared to AR mags
You did a great job, and i'm in complete agreement with you. The only things i would add is that the Mini 14 is right out of the box more accurate (1 MOA with good ammo) than the average AR-15, and the Mini 14 reliably shoots steel cased ammo while most AR's will not. Live long and prosper, brother!
Well this means you must be a genius you agree with me LOL thank you for your comment
Very good analysis. Good technical knowledge of the rifle. Good job! I sold my AR and this will be its replacement. I know a guy was a Sgt. in Vietnam early on and was constantly finding dead comrades with their Colt AR’s apart. They were trying to clean and clear them when killed. We all know the stories about how that early Colt was rushed in design and manufacturing. He told me he had seen enough. He got the quartermaster to get him M-16’s for the soldiers under him. Never failed and gave all a better chance of survival.
It’s not 1969 anymore.
Would have to agree the M16 did have a ton of problems with maintenance at the beginning where the M14 was definitely a much better gun and when that came to shooting and reliability overall I still believe that's probably the case thank you for your comment I really appreciate them
Uh your Sgt buddy lied because the problem wasn't with the weapon itself it was the crappy powder that the Army decided to use over what they were designed to use and we never used actual AR15 in Vietnam they were modified AR15 lowers (still marked AR) but given the third hole for the auto sear pin and yes soldiers died but it wasn't the guns fault it was the army's fault for stupidly using the wrong powder that caused fouling and no cleaning kits to deal with the excess fouling
I have had a mini 14 for over 25 years and don't want any other rifle. There easy to convert, to shoot and clean . What better reasons. 👍
Couldn't agree more
@@tateabdon1 thank you
@@57mckee you're very welcome
I got one from the early 90's in the "185" series, still pretty accurate.
I found that if you're actually using them and practical actress either accurate enough for what you need they are not bench guns but we shoot them a lot of competitions and they do great
Why can’t I have a neighbor like this guy?
@@echohunter4199 thank you for your comment I really appreciate them
I liked this review, good points! I'm a fan of the Mini!
What is the tube coming out of the gas block?
The Mini is my favorite to shoot the AR is my favorite to build. Now SHTF I'd have to take the AR because the popularity of the platform not just civilian but police and military. If the zombie hordes are coming over the hill it's nice to be able to share mags and spare parts with any cops and soldiers that might be by your side. With that said I prefer the Mini for home defense and to take camping because like you mention it's a much more "innocent" looking rifle. Like a sweet little old grandpa in gun form. And honestly despite what people say you can't go wrong with it as long as you learn the platform, train and maintain.
I agree with everything you said I would still stick with my minis I've seen too many r's go down in the field other than that I agree with you completely
My experience over many years with the Mini- 14's was as a LE officer beginning in the mid 1970's. It was always my observation that the Mini-14's tolerated a lot more of the "benign neglect", that cops do to their shoulder guns, than the AR platform patrol rifles did at the time. Of course any professional gun handler needs to have a boot briskly applied to his ass if he isn't properly maintaining his weaponry. I like to think we maybe are better about this now. But we'll always be faced with having to arm and train people who have little interest in learning.
As far as effectiveness goes, the average application was at across-the-street distances at most, and the Mini-14's had ample accuracy for that. The .223/5.55 ammo might be just about the perfect urban police load. It sure hits conclusively when decently aimed.
Thank you very much that was interesting I know they've been used in LA and in a lot of the sheriff's departments all over the United States for years and years I'm not heard one of them say they were bad rifles like you said if you're making defensive shots you're not making shots from 4 miles away thank you for your comment
As an avid contrarian, I love the Mini 14 because it's not an AR.
AR's just got fully legal in Sweden so EVERYONE is buying them. That means I have to buy something else, haha.
Its less bulky, its way cheaper, it will never jam, . It has it's own personality . It throws brass like you have to see to believe .
Way cheaper?
@@rickm5853 yep
You can definitely agree with all those things as far as jamming I don't have many and usually it's my fault or crappy magazine thank you for your comment and they really do help
@@lupehn They are over a grand by me. AR15’s can be found for under $500
What kind of optics are you running?
And all the meanings for a competition we run the primary arms 1 to 6 with the ACs reticle
How many cops in states like ny and cali would even recognize a 20 round mini14 mag as "high capacity"
I think most people have a picture in their head of the 30rd ar15 mag as the high cap mag, you think they would gloss over a 20 rounder?
Not in California lol
ARs are fine weapon, but in some states the ARs have a non renewable magazine which means you load with a stripper clips just like that old sks,there are no restitution on the mini-14 !!!
I would choose the mini-14 over all the other guns in all states but I am definitely in the minority on that one but especially in California where ARS are so heavily guarded I definitely love the mini-14 thank you for your comment
The state you live in does not change the function of the rifle. A few police forces around the world have or had used the mini-14 at some point but real numbers are what they are. The sheer numbers of police forces and civilian use of the AR-15 can't be denied.
The flexibility of the AR-15 from barrel length to number of calibers that can be used from one lower can't be matched by the mini. Accuracy anyone? Some of your opinions can be viewed as a preference or choice. Outside of running cleaner, which is factually true, the Mini-14 doesn't add up to better reliability.
As I've seen many many times ars going down in classes ars going down in during three gun matches did you not have problems with my knees as far as police forces the sheriff's departments and many other departments around the world have used the mini and had great success including the LA sheriff's department in sac county sheriff's department also the French have used the full auto version for years and still do they have also been used in Africa saying that you are correct with many of your statements AR-15s are much easier to convert to other rounds and can be cheaper in certain areas as far as accuracy my mini-14 is usually shoot right around 1 and 1/2 to 2 in m o a and the ARs I see on average that are not interested in everything else shoot about the same have I had ARS that have shot worse than that yes if I had many four teams that have shot worse than that yes most of my minions have shot very well over the years and impractical accuracy work just fine they are not as accurate as a $5,000 they are unless you have them accurized then I've seen him shoot half inch groups is all what you're willing to spend on any gun you have we shoot with a bunch of guys that have shot these much more accurate versions in three gun competitions for years because we do live in California and most of them will tell you if they didn't eventually just wear them out shooting shooting tens of thousands of rounds for them over 20 or 30 years they would still be using them today saying that if I have my choice which I do because I own several ARS I really do just like the mini-14 better I am one of those guys I'm one of the guys that would picked an M14 over an AR-10 I may be crazy but that's what I like but thank you very very much for your comment it really does help out my channel and like I said you're right on most of your topics
I have both the AR & Mini. My first was a mini in 1981. Used the AR on duty for 25 plus years. No issue with either. In my personal experience the Mini just feels better. For most the AR offers more options. One isn't better than the other. My 3 cents.
Since I'm ethnically Jewish, I'm thinking of suing my home state for banning the Galil and Uzi on the basis that they are Israeli guns so clearly the state must be anti-Semitic.
Subscribed!
Ruger don't make junk, mighty mini rules,and there 1022 does too.ride up👍
Mini's rule.
Another thing: With the gun shouldered, try to pull the bolt back on an AR. It's not really intuitive or even possible.
It's a natural movement on the mini and quite easy. Same with the mag release. On the mini it's right at your finger
and natural, less motion needed. The whole platform is simple and rugged.
I definitely agree and if you grew up shooting 10:22s it even makes it easier everything's just where you left it on the gun your dad gave you 40 years ago
Great video!
For me the Mini 14 is more comfortable to shoot than the AR15, but I’ll keep my AR.
I tend to agree with what you're saying I really love the way the mini-14 feels of course I am a shotgun shooter at heart and all my shotguns have the same basic ergonomics of mini-14s this thing is a real help when shooting between different types of platforms also it has the same feel of a 10/22 the most popular 22 caliber rifle of all time thank you for your comment it really does help my channel
The mini 14 is a fun gun for sure, but is no ready for prime time against targets that shoot back. I have both, inherited the Mini and it is fun, but that's all.
Can you explain more on your opinion lemony 14 has been used in law enforcement for most of it's life and was picked up by a couple militaries in Africa and the French still use it today I think it definitely has a a history of reliability
What do you think about the Ruger AR7
I don't know about the Ruger AR7 so I will not be able to comment on that but thank you for your comment I hope you find your answer
Maybe it's just me but having owned many guns, I found the mini 14 to be the most intuitive to use. I owned one of the older mini's before the newer barrel and it sucked accuracy wise especially when hot. Newer versions, no issues. People who rave about the ar being better have never shot a mini let alone actually maintained one.. Price wise, you get what you pay for. A higher class AR is easily as pricey as a mini.
I could not agree with everything you said I do find them very intuitive if the malfunction happens it's just like all the other guns we shot as children 10 22s m1 carbines hell a Remington 1100 or an automatic shotgun still has a charging handle on that right side so they definitely went in the shoot ability category in my opinion as far as urgent Dynamics it's set up just like a shotgun and most people that don't shoot all the time shoot either hunting rifles or shotguns will have no problem grabbing on to the gun and making it feel like their own I really appreciate your comment thank you very much
I absolutely love both, but other than if you like the classic look of the mini, they aren't better by any standard. That's just laughable.
What is the second barrel with connectors on the barrel
Great video, I'm old school, I've always liked the mini-14 and have been on the fence here lately on purchasing one, I have an AR and love it, I don't have it loaded up with all the bells and whistles, just a carry handle iron sight, it brings me back to my military days, loved the M16, the Mini-14 does have advantages but it's cool factor/history/design is way cooler than an AR in my opinion, love the M14 style action, and you make a great point with the rock and lock magazines, they teach you in the military to slap the magazine hard twice on the M16 once you load in a magazine cause they definitely can tend to not engage resulting in falling out, especially in high stress, situations, rock and lock solves that problem, one disagreement with your list of reasons as others have commented on is screw the idiots who are intimidated by an AR, or any gun for that matter, but California says it all, another comment from a reply is that in a SHTF situation AR magazines will be plentiful, sure, but you will have to reload them eventually, the way I see it is if everybody is using the same ammo that's not an issue, once again great video, you made very viable points!
Folding stocks on a semi auto are illegal in new jersey
One of the best, straightforward Mini videos I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you for putting this out there. As a leftist in a red state, this is an excellent rifle for me - reliable, great shooter, and it doesn’t scare off my non-gun friends.
The Mini-14 is my bug out rifle. The AR has too many liability.
Exactly why I bought one
Old boy said "when you're out on patrol" lol.
Thank you for your comment
The m1 garand and the m1 carbine was open topped and they were used literally all over the world.
I've been on the fence about getting one, but you've made some really good points. I live with and near friends and family who automatically associate ARs with mass shooters and AKs with terrorists and the bad guys in movies. A Mini with a wood stock is more likely to register in their minds as "grandpa gun", so less stress all around.
Any opinion on the Mini-30? Specifically, the issue with feeding it steel ammo. I was looking at that too as 7.62 is supposed to be a better round for deer hunting, should I ever get into that (I'm a newish shooter). I'd hate to have it fart out on me at a bad time because I could only get my hands on steel cased stuff in a shtf scenario.
Anyway, good stuff! You got a subscribe.
I'm glad you like the video as far as the mini 30 they have some heavier-duty aftermarket springs that can help with steel cased ammo saying that unless I was going to plan on hunting with it I would probably stick with the mini-14 ammo for the mini 30 is becoming much more expensive and is heavier and harder to find magazines for so I would definitely just stick with a mini-14 unless you are planning on hunting with it saying that in a grid down situation 223's a great hunting round just most places will not allow you to hunt with it
@@tateabdon1 Gotcha, thanks!
I love my mini, I have the ATI stock for it so it has a front grip, light/laser combo, and I still have a 2 rails for other attachments is needed but not really. I've put over 3,000 rounds through it, never had a problem, and it does not need cleaning every time you go shooting either, just a dab of lube on the points of friction and your gold. It has eaten every type of ammo I've put through it too, except one type I bought, would not cycle and found out that ammo was best in bolt action rifles, had to do with the psi the bullet produced, didn't have enough to cycle the gun properly, but everything else it ate like a champ, and no, not every mini14 is the same, every rifle is unique as it creates its own personality in how YOU take care of it.. but hey, I'm just a mini14 owner, what do I know..
Have to agree they're definitely good guns