Some are probably "thinking people'; however, many are just trying to feel smarter than the rest of us and take a contrarian position, which always makes a person feel special and more enlightened than the rest of us dummies. Also, many of them seem to be enjoying the division they are creating within the shooting community, which has to cause one to suspect that there could be other forces at work behind the scenes.
45 year NRA member. They make me cringe on occasion, but no organization is perfect. I'm not going anywhere. Of course I'm also a member of GOA, SAF and my state club. Just wish more gun owners would get involved in some organization. Fewer than 5% of gun owners are members of any pro 2A group. I guess it's just easier to hate on RUclips than to actually try and make a difference.
elk hunter as far as the ratio of NRA membership to non member the numbers are approximately 5.5 million NRA MEMERS to over 115 million gu owners. That’s a sad fact! Can you imagine if every gun owner including the elitist hypocrites were membrs
I was a Deputy Sheriff in a very violent area where cops had been killed and murders occurred regularly. I carried a Glock .40, S&W .38 on my leg, combat 870 and a mini 14 in my crown Vic. When I left the job I bought my own personal Mini 14. I staked my life and the lives of others on its reliability I believe in the rifle. Big fan of Ruger reliability. I could tell some stories. Good guys with guns is a good thing.
@@gruntspy44 Please explain. Are you referring to Bill Ruger's politics? You do know that he is deceased; right? The company no longer has an aversion to std cap mags for civilians.
Between the mid 70s and the early 90s, I went through 4 Minis. Very well built and reliable. I love the the look and the design of these a lot. The ones I owned were pretty accurate, but the problem was as they warmed up they would start stringing or wandering. Just wouldn't hold zero when hot. So, eventually, I gave up on Minis and moved on to other rifles. In the mid 2000s I read several articles saying how Ruger had made changes to the platform to address the issues. I bought a 16 inch barreled Ruger Ranch Rifle (Mini-14) Tactical Carbine in 2012. Whatever changes Ruger made were beneficial. My sample is extremely accurate. It regularly shoots 1 1/2 inch, or smaller groups at 100 yards, as long as I do my part. Not only that, but the grouping stays like that after 20, 30, or more rounds have been fired. I always liked the Mini-14, but now I love my new version. I always enjoy your videos, thanks. Keep "em coming.
I have never seen one shoot better than 5" at 100yd since 1985. I always thought it was because the barrel was too thin. Real shame, b/c it is a great design and concept.
Most underrated .223 out there. Bought my 14 years ago and have thrown thousands of RDR's through it. Never had to replace anything and it still shoots straight as a bull. It's my goto when I need a quick sight and release on a varmint. Solid rifle.
My step dad use to have a mini 14. He gotten it when he was in the Army. When he was young he served in the US ARMY in the Korean War. . I also had 3 uncles and a cousin that are Vietnam War veterans. They all saw combat and all survived. God Bless our American Military Forces.
I was introduced to the mini 14 in late 1970’s while in Panama, Seals attached to our Ranger Unit were carrying full auto with collapsing stocks. I shot one shortly after that and wasn’t all that impressed with its accuracy, so I held off buying one. Then I watched as a guy tossed a mini 14 and an AR 15 into a muddy pond and with a rope attached pulled them back to shore. Both covered in muck, only the mini functioned and fire. I bought the 580 tactical after that and have made it into a great gun….adjustable gas block, 2.5 lb. trigger, adjustable cheek well, spring buffer blocks, better field sights and scope. Do I own AR’s….several custom, but in a down and dirty SHTF fight, that mini is at my side.
I remember when my dad bought our first Mini 14 in the late 90's. We had been firing AR's and M1A so when we took it to the range we didn't give it much thought. We got our bench and set up in a line of 100 or so other happy shooters. Im not a mag dumping type of guy specially at a range like that so it took a few to get to the end of the magazine. My father had left to grab another range bag from the car and returned as I was finishing up the mag. Anyone familiar with the Mini's probably already know what had happened. I started to stand up and noticed everyone to my right had gotten up and had unhappy looks on their faces. I had showered them with hot brass as far down as 8 benches =-( Be informed happy future mini owners that these do more than toss the brass...it fires the brass...sometimes over 20 ft and its HOT. I still own that mini and I love it. Good memories with a man who has since past. Not one part has needed replacement and it fires like a dream. Merry Xmas all.
I enjoy telling people this about my mini-14, it’s inherently more deadly than an AR-15 in the same 5.56. And they always disagree. I tell the that the Mini -14 will fire a great deal dirtier than the AR. And it always will.
As a Lefty, I also have to wonder. I could make a deflector out of the strip for a magazine for the M-16. How about the Mini-14? Do you know of a deflector available for Left-handed shooters?
I've had mini-14's since 1990, I absolutely love them, I have one that is 31 years old, have burned quite a bit of Ammo thru it, no problems, smooth an reliable today as it was 30 years ago! Love the open action too
The best gun channel is this one. These people tell real truth about firearms in an entertaining, respectful and informative way. Please support it. And RUclips, I am talking to you.
I have had my mini14 since 1984 and still love that rifle. I was in the Army during the transition between the M1 and the M14. Loved the M1 after many thousand rounds. Never got to shoot the M14 much. When i saw my first mini 14 i was sold. Breakdown was immediately familiar. The rifle has never failed to feed or fire and eject, which means I never thought of trading it. I have the old wooden stock version, which will fire both rounds, and doesn't scare people. Perfection!
Funny how no government officials have a problem with Mini 14s. I guess it looks less tactical/doesn't look as scary despite firing the same ammo. 🤦♂️
For anyone commenting on the Mini throwing it's brass so far, Accuracy Systems in Colorado makes a fully adjustable replacement gas block that can be tweaked however you want it. You can open it up to chuck cases to Europe or you can close it fully to make the gun function as a single shot (useful for sighting). But I usually have it adjusted to drop the brass about 2 feet away :)
I absolutely love my Mini-14. I can run any .223/5.56 ammo through it (including steel casing) and it runs just fine. It never jams except a little bit with green tip.
I got my first one in 99. A Ruger 50th Anniversary edition for $400 .I just got the 5888 tactical model used for $900. If you can find them they are $900 + now.
@@HeffewiezenDudeGuy Spent $1000 on my Mini-14, Upstate NY, stainless steel version. I managed to grab it right before the corona panic hit and all the useful guns were gone. If you need ammo check out Maine Ammo Company they will ship bulk ammo to your door no questions asked, for fair prices!
Got mine at K-Mart going out of business sale. $ 250 - stainless composite. I preferred blued on walnut, but beggers can’t be choosy. That’s right, KMarts in AK sold any gun you wanted.
I have a 1974 version - it shoots both .556/.223 - says so in the manual. I bought another this year (brand new model) and love them both. Retired LEO the mini 14 is a good battle gun inside a home as well - small light and maybe even easier to maneuver than a AR-which I also have in .223/762
I've got the latest generation of the Mini14 in the same stock you are using here, with a Vortex SPARC AR red dot, on a short picatinny top rail, zeroed at 100 yards. 200 yard kill shots are no problem, knowing your ammo specifications. Further out you need the magnification, elevation and windage compensations of a scope. Prior to the red dot, I had my Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP ( First Focal Plane) sniper scope mounted on it, getting me out to the 400 yard world, which is in my opinion the limitation of the 5.56 round lethal zone, for all intents and purposes. The scope now mounted on my .308 Savage bolt action, long fluted barrel, 700 yards is very doable from a bipod wth low to moderate cross winds. The beauty of the tried-and-true Mini-14 Garand, gas piston action is its superb reliability and very clean firing system. After putting 500 rounds through the weapon, everything behind the chamber is very clean. A quick barrel brush and swab, action check and quick wipe with a rag and its combat ready with the same outstanding reliability. Getting it muddy, gritty, wet, and icy cold - and it still doesn't betray you! Not so with the AR blowback systems. Comparatively they are filthy and much higher maintenance, when your life depends on it. What makes the AR rifles so popular is the multitude of various components available for them from so many manufacturers. Upgrades seem limitless. So, with a modified trigger, sights of choice, and the latest barrel version of the Mini 14, I'll choose it over the AR, any day & anywhere, in the standard 50 - 200 yard combat situation. I simple love my Ruger Mini 14. Oh ... And it loves me!
I think the biggest difference between the AR and the Mini 14 is the forward assist on the AR. After thousands of rounds through my mini it stove piped once. It is from the early 1980s and works very well. They are hard to beat.
Uhhh.. The forward assist is absolutely inconsequential. The mini-14, and AR-15 have two completely different operating systems. They are apples, and oranges.
Thanks Hickock. Always enjoy your objective videos. I have a Mini14 SS Ranch Rifle and I love it. It is my most accurate .223 and I get 2" groups at 75 yards w/o a scope. It is easy to field strip and maintain. I have AR15s and used M16s in Vietnam and push comes to shove I think I would still choose my Ruger over my Mattel ShootNShell ARs. semper fi (HM2 USN II Corps 70-71)
I have a real old one, a 182 from 1981 and it has been totally reliable. Had it out last weekend. It shot 1" groups at 50 yards and 2 " at 100 yards which is not bad for the type of rifle it is. The old ones heat up pretty fast since they have a thinner barrel then the newer ones. But, my old one has been really reliable and never jams. Every guy with an AR at the range had to fart around with that charging handle thing or clear jams. The old Mini never jammed or missed a beat. If I had to bet my life on a defense weapon, I'd take a mini over an AR any time.
I love the Mini-14 and Mini-30. With that said, there are some accuracy issues, even in some of the newer rifles. For those people that live in restricted states, the Mini's seem to be legal just about everywhere (with proper capacity magazines) so they are a great option to have. They are just a ton of fun to shoot and they look great, especially in stainless. There are folding stocks that are available and now there seem to be a lot of accessories available for the Mini. They really do seem to be a polarizing firearm but they are one that I really love to shoot. If you are looking for a long distance accurate rifle, these are probably not for you, but if you want a reliable, fun, easy to maneuver shooter, there's nothing better than a Mini-14 or Mini-30.
the mini 14 and mini 30 are excellent rifles. I inherited my mini 14 from my deceased father when I was about 10 yrs old and all the thousands of rounds I shot through it I don't remember a malfunction. I'm sure I had a few but not very many. I used it around the dairy farm and often shot woodchucks over 300 meter fields. They aren't match grade but they are certainly accurate enough for long distance varmint shooting
ty hickok, ive owned mine 15 years and the accuracy point i havent experienced. i think folks might be citing 200 plus distances. i did put the 580 series trigger on mine but i have zero issues from hunting to plinking.
Hickok45 pushed me over the edge to get one of these. It was already in my head but watching him enjoying it was the last straw... I’m blaming you, Mr. Hickok! That’s what I told my wife when I came home with it! ;)
I have owned a side folder 14 and a regular 14 and decided to try a mini 30, I have been a Ruger fan all my life great quality, original type builds I mean I own its seems a sampling of all most oll of Rugers firearms from a #1 to a Red Label 20 ga when it was first introduced. I dont remember when the Mini 14 was introduced to the American public but for 10 years prior to that the rifle was call the KAC 556 it was a select fire designed to offer countries (foreign) the capability of an M 16 for virtually 60% of the price, Ruger had very good success with this rifle before the American public ever knew it existed. I have found the rifles to built very well, reliable to the extreme, able to feed and function with steel case, brass case and just about anything in between! With all this said I tried 7 different types of factory loaded ammo in both my 556 Mini 14s, then I hand loaded 9 different loads, changing bullets, powders and I will be damned if I could get either rifle to shoot under 3.5" at 100 yds, and 3.5 inches was the BEST! both of those rifles went down the road pretty fast. When I had a chance to buy a mini 30 I had to give it a try because I hunt deer close to home and the 7.62x39 does fine on deer. I picked one up and put a 7 to 12 Burris scope on it and went to my range with 3 different factory loads and off the bench the best this rifle would do was in the 4" area, the disappointment was resounding! I love the package, its the perfect size, comes from the finest lineage in the world and after my experience I will NEVER own another one!!!!
Red dawn actually happens and hickok45 takes em out one by one. “Oh, there’s one there” 💥 , “let’s focus in on that guy” 💥, “looks like he smokes pot” 💥😆💥💥💥💥
@B Brunson Red dawn won't ever happen. It depends on communist revolutionaries and those don't exist anymore. Communists these days are lazy millenials who are looking for something of value in life. They won't fight. The problem is modernity in general causing society to degenerate, which results in people like these 'communists'
I love my Mini-14. I was introduced to it from a friend when I was in the Army. He had a 181 series. I liked it so much that when the opportunity to get one came up, I jumped at it. Unfortunately, the gun was in a pawn shop and when I finally went to get it, he sold it 3 days earlier. I was crushed. The gun was unusual because it had a Ramline folding stock, a red dot sight and a elongated flashhidder. Imagine my surprise when I found the same gun in a different pawn shop about 6 months later! I bought it and discovered that the red dot sight no longer worked and the locking mechanism on the stock was broke. I sent the stock back to Ramline and they fixed it for free. I bought a wooden stock from a friend for $10.00 and installed it on the rifle. I put a Bushnell 3x9 scope on it and took it to the range...it shoots less than 1MOA and has for over 40 years! My only problem with this gun and my Mini-30 is they do not like steel cased ammo. They are about 98 percent reliable with steel case ammo and 100 percent reliable with brass case ammo. My Mini's are my first choice for just fun shooting! Unfortunately, I haven't found the preferred ammo for my Mini-30. 2MOA is about the best I can get from it, but I keep looking for the "right ammo".
Hi, Hickok45. And thanks again for making another great video. Got my mini14 3 months ago. Now wainting for my 20 and 30 rounds mags (french legislation is... sorry, it's european legislation for firearms now.... so it's the mess !). Sometimes, I think we should have a french NRA ... 'cos in order to have the right to own guns, you have to be a hunter or a registered sport shooter, which I am... doing my first championship right now. But unless you want to own only 22 LR weapons, you have to wait a very long time in order to be autorised to buy weapons in 9mm, 223... etc. Know this : in France, you do not have the right to defend yourself at home if you are attacked... If you own a gun (legaly) and use it to defend your life, you will have to convince a jury that you did not have another choice (like asking the guy to leave your house gently....). Well, I am off topic... Mini 14 is a pure steal fun (can we say that ? ^^ sorry for my bad writing). See you on the next video.
Dear mr. Hickok I watch all your videos they are just amazing how easily you handle so many different types of weapons and how accurate you are it's not easy firing off hand 80 yard target and being so consistent with so many different types of weapons and being that you're so knowledgeable in all these different types of weapons that I just truly enjoy washing your videos and I've learned so much thank you for all you do and your contributions to all us gun lovers
I have had my mini 14 for 30 years and she is still my favorite gun in the cabinet. Never had any problems at all with functionality or accuracy. I love it and would be the last gun for sale.
Ricky Searcy what serial number is it since it’s a older model? Is it a discontinued version that you can’t get parts? Just asking because I got offered one for a great price but it’s a. 1979 model
I used to lived in CT where we used to be a HUB of firearms manufacturer like Ruger, Colt, Remington, Winchester. My fiend was a gunsmiths for 70 years and when the state passed the laws to ban Assaults' rifle and front loader magazine, the state audit and pick up the firearms from the registered owner of Mini-14 and AR-15. It is a class D felony in the state of MD and CT to owned this firearms and failed to registered them with State Police.
I owned a pre-94 ban Mini 14 for over 20 years. It was fun to shoot and always fed the ammo reliably. My biggest gripe about the gun, however, was its accuracy. It was a solid 3 MOA shooter which was typical for that generation of Mini 14. From what I understand, however, the later generation is more accurate. Hickock mentions this specifically. I ended up trading mine in on a nice AR. Hey, life is good.
I have that exact model but I've yet to shoot it. It was gifted to me by an old friend. Thank you Richard! I've, as well, given away about 20 pistols and rifles throughout my life. My son told me once that I only give guns to those I love!
Just got mine out for a cleaning after my range day....I love this thing with open sights and would trust my life to it. Great for up close and personal. Obviously not meant to be a tack driver but will put down anything I can see.
I'm in CA and hate the version of AR available, so I'm also looking at Mini 14 or 30...I used to own a Mini 30 but never really shot it much. Shooting rifles in LA is inconvenient for practice. Not permitted in indoor ranges and outdoor ranges are far and few between as well as horrible grounds.
You shouldn't be smiling in anything. They banned the scary looking one first, but they want all semiautos gone. So expect them to try to take it further
I'll always have a warm place in my heart for the Mini 14 -- it was my first high powered rifle. Simple, reliable, nice handling, great old-school feel. I finally took up AR-15's only because I like the straight-in magazine insertion better. No one would mistake a Mini for a sniper rifle, but under 100 yds they get the job done.
Have had mine since 1987. 3x9 scope. Taken many a critter with it, lots of coyotes, hundreds of jack rabbit, and even mule deer because that was all I was carrying at the moment. Not a good deer caliber for sure especially at 300 yds. But works
@@budlite8207 The .223 is hardly optimum for deer but we shouldn't underestimate it. I too was once forced to take a shot-of-opportunity with my Mini because the .308 I'd brought for the hunt wasn't zeroed yet. The deer trotted away as if there had been no hit, but I went to look anyway. It had gone about five steps and dropped dead. Except for a bit of blood at the mouth, I couldn't even find the hit -- no entry, no exit. Finally while dressing it I spotted a bloodless 1/4" hole in the hide on the right rump, then found the bullet, bent double, lodged between two forward left ribs. It had diagonally transited almost the entire length of the body, ripping every internal organ as it went. I do not ever want to get hit with a .223 or 5.56
@@hshs5756 we have put a lot of meat on the table with a little N.E. handi rifle 223 and the Mini 14. Great gun for white tail. We're never afraid to take a head shot. Great comment and I agree not to underestimate it.
I own an older Mini the best thing you can do is a good trigger job. Mine goes at four pounds with very little creep. It did wonders, less than two inches at 100 yards. After all, the Mini was designed as a sport/utility rifle to be reliable at all times. I am well pleased with mine.
Bought one back in 1983 when I was in the Army. Fun rifle, no accuracy problems out to 100 yards. But I found that the magazines would wear, get loose and cause it to jam.
I loved my mini 14’s,, I had several,, the stainless model was the best for holding up under heat,, you could cool them down by throwing them in a snow bank ,,as stainless conforms even better when quick cooled , accuracy was never a problem,,as you could put 30 rounds in a man sized target at 200 yards quick ,,just a few seconds,, that is what the gun was made for ,,controlled continuous fire at up to 300 meters,, what more can you want ,,my minis never and I mean never jammed
Thanks for this video Hickok45. I do believe this is one of my absolute favorite rifles of all time. Aesthetically it is so darn pleasing to the eye! And it hits like a Mac truck! Unfortunately I don't own one. If I could have only one rifle, this would be it! So, does it show that I like the Mini 14? lol This is a bucket list rifle for me. Thanks for the video again! At least I can live vicariously through you when you shoot this incredible firearm.
Odd thing with my Mini. I'd owned it a couple of months, or less, and had a couplahundred rounds through it. Now, I'm one of those people who always runs a Bore Snake though before I leave the range. On this day I shot 1/2 a 20 round mag and my accuracy went to hell. Ran the snake. Still off, and it's everywhere. Took it to the tailgate. Put it in the Sight & clean. After fiddling around found the rear sight was loose. Got my tool bag out & removed the sight. Cleaned the screw holes & screws with alcohol, applied a dab of blue Locktight, tightened it up and went back to the line. I was thinking I'd have readjust the sight, but no. It was spot on again. Great machining & quality hardware make a difference!
I'd bought my first Mini 14 Ranch Rifle used so I didn't have a manual to explain the takedown & reassembly procedure. I just used the M 14 procedure which worked okay until I tried putting it back together & couldn't get the bolt back in. Two neighbors who'd packed M14s as Marines all over the Viet Nam Central Highlands couldn't help me either so it wasn't until I swallowed my pride and checked on YT for Rianch Rifle disassembly techniques that I learned to take the bolt stop out before putting the bolt back into the receiver.
I've never understood the "don't buy the older rifles" trash talk. It seems to me the people who hate on it give a lot of the same weird arguments as people who hate on the M1 carbine. They want the firearm to be something it really wasn't meant to be. They also forget there was more parity between rifles 30 years ago; the AR has evolved quite a bit since then, and the AR craze hadn't happened yet. All this +P stuff wasn't around then, either. The older Mini's are fine. It's a proven action, reliable, simple, lightweight, compact, low-recoil weapon with an 18.5" barrel and a small round; don't ask it to be a .30-06. I've had two 18X rifles for 30 years and there's nothing wrong with them.... My 2 cents.
There is a guy that often shoots the mini14 and the mini30 in our local two-gun match and does quite well with them. I don't suppose they are the best choice for that kind of thing, but seem to be adequate, are fairly inexpensive, and I always kind of liked them.
I would say the one thing they might be the best at- is an AR alternative for a state where you can’t have an AR (such as Cali where the ARs look genuinely disfigured) or other countries where you can’t have an AR by name/style
I loved my Mini 14 wood stock S/S .223 Never worried about the weather. It came with only 5 rd clip tho 30s were easy to find. Lots of options too. In 1990 had a different heat shield then the one Hickok was using in this video. Also seemed to have a longer barrel too. awesome Used it more than my AR-15 Hbar Match. Awesome riffle never a misfire either.
I just bought a mini 14 model 584 .it came with 2 flush 5 round magazines. Brand new right out of the box. A little temperamental. When I loaded 5 rounds the 1st round would malfunction and have to be ejected. It happened every time. So I loaded 4 rounds and no problems. It ran ok and was somewhat accurate at 50 yards without any sight adjustment. I did better in the free standing position than resting it on a stationary object ( my back pack) .
I Love the Ruger Mini-14. I have two Mini-14's with the old folding stocks. One stainless that is factory and a blued one that I bought the stock by itself and installed on a Mini that had a trashed wood stock. I also have a Mini in 6.8mm SPC that has been great. I wish You and John the Best Mr.Hickok and look forward to your next video.
I love my mini 14 especially when I shoot PMC ammo. All you see after you pull the trigger is orange flame coming out when the shell is ejected, and it shoots a flame out of the barrel about a foot. Very noticeable in the evening or early morning light.
ARs are probably a little more accurate and easier to accessorize, but I'm one that really likes the Mini-14. Old school simple, reliable, compact, functional, and just fun all purpose.
Thanks for your videos so much I have been watching them for years and you embody what all of us gun enthusiast are we love firearms enjoy shooting them have great fun with them, thank you so much.
At 2:30 you stated the early ones were just suitable for 223. I called and talk to Ruger about shooting the XM855 556 green tips ammo in my 1983 Mini 14. Ruger said it’s OK to shoot in my gun, Make sure the bullet casing is NOT STEEL, check with magnet, bullet will wear out the barrel sooner). Ruger did recommend a faster twist rate 1:7 or 1:8 twist for proper in-flight stabilization
leonard Pizarro awww ... come on now, you know the Hollywood Ammo always has a star burst on impact. It’s made that way so the actors could be sure not to actually shoot each other ‘accidentally’.
I love my Stainless Mini14. I also have a "Mini Me". Stainless Ruger 10/22 in stainless / Black also. The two side by side look pretty sweet. Both very fun to shoot.
I had a mid 90's mini 14 I bought new with wood stock.. I carried it with me trekking in the mountains, 4 wheeling, and target shooting for years and thousands of rounds.. it was extremely reliable and plenty accurate with iron sights out to 125+ yards and beyond and would shoot anything I put in it.. mostly cheap wolf ammo.. I wish I wouldn't have sold it.. I bought a new mini 30 and it wouldn't shoot surplus 7.62x39 with the factory firing pin spring well known problem on the newer mini 30,s beware..
I can't bring my AK to the range anymore due to NY "safe act". Bought one of these last summer...been absolutely loving it. I actually enjoy shooting my Mini 14 over my AK.
I was pig hunting with a buddy in central Texas. He dropped his AR into a rut while we were riding the buggy. In the field we cleared it with some water from the cooler. It never cycled right, kept jamming, and I gave him some s*it for it cause all I run are mini's for .223/556 loads. He started giving me s*it back. I handed him my Mini 14 and told him to drop it in the same mud. He did. I told him clear the action. He did. Gun went bang. We shot 37 hogs trading back and forth on the mini. When we were done. We cleaned up his AR and it cycled again. It is a sample size of 1 and I ain't trying to flame war so please do not think that. But that is why I love these guns. They cycle no matter what. It is pedantic. But reload your own .223/556 for hunting and not plinking and these are some nice high tech lead accelerators. AGAIN...Sample Size of 1!!!! I am not perfect and not trying to start an internet fight. Thanks for all you do sir.
I love my Mini 30. I did do the springs on it. But I have never had a problem. The Rifle is a monster. Very accurate. I am not a hunter so I dont hunt with it. Nice range rifle and lots of fun shooting targets.
I know a lot of AR people shit talk this rifle, and I know many of them are familiar with the sheepdog mentality. Some of us see the value in not looking like a wolf to the sheep.
In 2020 I tried to purchase a new Mini-14, but could not find one. I was able to purchase a used (581 series) mini and all in all I love it. Two items to share. First if you occasionally get failure to fire, look into disassemblying the bolt and cleaning out the area around the firing pin, as junk builds up in that area hampering firing pin movemant. Second, I found a company (Accuracy Systems in Byers Colorado) that make gas reduction bushings for the mini 14. I purchased a set and tried them one at a time until I got normal ejection close to the rifle. This reduced gas bushing reduceses wear on the action and damage to the expended shell, and makes fining your spent brass easier as they do not fly that far.
I have the Ruger mini 14 purchased in 2022. Very happy with its design and performance. Not the best firearm but for the money I believe it's well worth it.
My son had a Mini-14 that every other round, the trigger group would fall out of the gun. We told Ruger about the issue, they sent a prepaid shipping lable. We sent the gun back to them. Ruger repaired it, inspected the rest and deep cleaned the gun before sending it back to us. My son then sold it to "GARAND THUMB".
I love my tactical Mini-14. Got it at an online from a law enforcement auction for around $700 and it bad ass with the nice grip handled and folding stock and like two picatiny rails top and bottom. Nice laser scope mounted. Got a 20 rd mag which works great, almost no failure to feed issues, but my 30 rd mag is a mess, got to pick up another 30 mag at the gun show this weekend.
I have quite a few of what I refer to as fun guns. I have ARs and AKs among others but I still love my Mini 14. It is one of my favorite guns to shoot. Mine is the NRA model so It is a little shorter than most. It came with a Hogue stock but I switched it to the old school wood just because I like the looks better. Love the gun. Can't imagine ever parting with it. 100% reliable. Another great video sir.
This is from the Ruger mini 14 ranch rifle manual by Ruger. ( The RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH RIFLES are chambered for the .223 Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Ranch Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.) So you may shoot either one in even the early models.
I have 2 minis, one in wood with blued iron and one with stainless steel and synthetic stock. Love them both. I love my ARs more, but the minis are cool to shoot and a great truck gun.
![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)
Thanks for supporting the NRA Hickok. Lots of "butt" hurt haters out there now.
Some are probably "thinking people'; however, many are just trying to feel smarter than the rest of us and take a contrarian position, which always makes a person feel special and more enlightened than the rest of us dummies.
Also, many of them seem to be enjoying the division they are creating within the shooting community, which has to cause one to suspect that there could be other forces at work behind the scenes.
45 year NRA member. They make me cringe on occasion, but no organization is perfect. I'm not going anywhere. Of course I'm also a member of GOA, SAF and my state club. Just wish more gun owners would get involved in some organization. Fewer than 5% of gun owners are members of any pro 2A group. I guess it's just easier to hate on RUclips than to actually try and make a difference.
There's always someone behind the scenes ;)
elk hunter as far as the ratio of NRA membership to non member the numbers are approximately 5.5 million NRA MEMERS to over 115 million gu owners. That’s a sad fact! Can you imagine if every gun owner including the elitist hypocrites were membrs
hickok45 there is one Facebook crew kind of on board. The Liberal gun club. Their motto is ' We teach gays how to shoot ' I cleaned it up a bit.
Gotta love the way a mini 14 ejects it’s brass into the next county.
Same with the 30
The mini was my first gun and thought all guns did that. Nope!
😆 I shot my first two deer with a mini14. I wanted to save the brass from the first one but it was MIA 20-30ft away somewhere!! 😆
@@southboundeightyone4958 You can get one of the rails and attach a brass cather bag.
That problem can be corrected if you desire to do so
I was a Deputy Sheriff in a very violent area where cops had been killed and murders occurred regularly. I carried a Glock .40, S&W .38 on my leg, combat 870 and a mini 14 in my crown Vic. When I left the job I bought my own personal Mini 14. I staked my life and the lives of others on its reliability I believe in the rifle. Big fan of Ruger reliability. I could tell some stories. Good guys with guns is a good thing.
Rugers politics suck but love their guns
@@gruntspy44 Please explain. Are you referring to Bill Ruger's politics? You do know that he is deceased; right? The company no longer has an aversion to std cap mags for civilians.
I wish cops in my state had your point of view the cops in my state care more about pension then following the constitution and our amendments
Share some stories
"Good guys with good guns is a good thing." I'm using that.
Between the mid 70s and the early 90s, I went through 4 Minis. Very well built and reliable. I love the the look and the design of these a lot. The ones I owned were pretty accurate, but the problem was as they warmed up they would start stringing or wandering. Just wouldn't hold zero when hot. So, eventually, I gave up on Minis and moved on to other rifles. In the mid 2000s I read several articles saying how Ruger had made changes to the platform to address the issues. I bought a 16 inch barreled Ruger Ranch Rifle (Mini-14) Tactical Carbine in 2012. Whatever changes Ruger made were beneficial. My sample is extremely accurate. It regularly shoots 1 1/2 inch, or smaller groups at 100 yards, as long as I do my part. Not only that, but the grouping stays like that after 20, 30, or more rounds have been fired. I always liked the Mini-14, but now I love my new version. I always enjoy your videos, thanks. Keep "em coming.
I have never seen one shoot better than 5" at 100yd since 1985. I always thought it was because the barrel was too thin. Real shame, b/c it is a great design and concept.
@@JoeMama-qd4iu Barrels changed in the early 2000s. Tapered vs. the older pencil neck versions.
Most underrated .223 out there. Bought my 14 years ago and have thrown thousands of RDR's through it. Never had to replace anything and it still shoots straight as a bull. It's my goto when I need a quick sight and release on a varmint. Solid rifle.
It comes in .223? Or you shoot 556 and 223 out of it
@@kuzadupa185 most were in 223 at the time. However, now they are chambered in 5.56 NATO which can also fire 223 rem
My step dad use to have a mini 14. He gotten it when he was in the Army. When he was young he served in the US ARMY in the Korean War. . I also had 3 uncles and a cousin that are Vietnam War veterans. They all saw combat and all survived. God Bless our American Military Forces.
That spider sitting in the rear sight in 1:31 must had a terrible time
I saw that, thought it was a tick.
@@stevearpin6605 ya it looks like a tick to me as well... was going to comment but saw you guys typed it first... Def a tick.
you can watch him crowl down at 1:50, apparently he had enough
*KILL IT WITH FIRE!*
😊😊😊😊
A bad ass tick, I think it rode out the whole show.
There’s something so satisfying about watching him shoot 2 liters. I could watch it all day.
Big time
Shadenfreude41 lmao.
Do you notice that he always laughs after shooting a 2 liter.
U just hate things that makes u fat
If we ever go to war against 2 liters, I want Hickok45 in my platoon!
I was introduced to the mini 14 in late 1970’s while in Panama, Seals attached to our Ranger Unit were carrying full auto with collapsing stocks. I shot one shortly after that and wasn’t all that impressed with its accuracy, so I held off buying one. Then I watched as a guy tossed a mini 14 and an AR 15 into a muddy pond and with a rope attached pulled them back to shore. Both covered in muck, only the mini functioned and fire. I bought the 580 tactical after that and have made it into a great gun….adjustable gas block, 2.5 lb. trigger, adjustable cheek well, spring buffer blocks, better field sights and scope. Do I own AR’s….several custom, but in a down and dirty SHTF fight, that mini is at my side.
I like this guy he is so enthusiastic and authoritative on firearms , wholesome in the way he present the subject.
Dude is a legend
HE'S ELVIS !!!
That's why we love him.
…and he’s funny.
Mini 14s are phenomenal , what a great idea from Ruger . It was the first gun I ever owned , bought it back in 84 .
I love my 1st generation Mini 14. Never encountered any accuracy (or other) problems and still prefer the mini over any AR I’ve ever used.
I remember when my dad bought our first Mini 14 in the late 90's. We had been firing AR's and M1A so when we took it to the range we didn't give it much thought. We got our bench and set up in a line of 100 or so other happy shooters. Im not a mag dumping type of guy specially at a range like that so it took a few to get to the end of the magazine. My father had left to grab another range bag from the car and returned as I was finishing up the mag. Anyone familiar with the Mini's probably already know what had happened. I started to stand up and noticed everyone to my right had gotten up and had unhappy looks on their faces. I had showered them with hot brass as far down as 8 benches =-( Be informed happy future mini owners that these do more than toss the brass...it fires the brass...sometimes over 20 ft and its HOT. I still own that mini and I love it. Good memories with a man who has since past. Not one part has needed replacement and it fires like a dream. Merry Xmas all.
_YEET_
I wonder if Minl14 was lefty friendly?
I enjoy telling people this about my mini-14, it’s inherently more deadly than an AR-15 in the same 5.56. And they always disagree. I tell the that the Mini -14 will fire a great deal dirtier than the AR. And it always will.
As a Lefty, I also have to wonder. I could make a deflector out of the strip for a magazine for the M-16. How about the Mini-14? Do you know of a deflector available for Left-handed shooters?
@@vigilantobserver8389 I shoot mine left handed everyday
I've had mini-14's since 1990, I absolutely love them, I have one that is 31 years old, have burned quite a bit of Ammo thru it, no problems, smooth an reliable today as it was 30 years ago! Love the open action too
through
The best gun channel is this one. These people tell real truth about firearms in an entertaining, respectful and informative way. Please support it. And RUclips, I am talking to you.
One of the best rifles ever! We used em for the 26 year's I was on the job and they was always dependent.
I have had my mini14 since 1984 and still love that rifle. I was in the Army during the transition between the M1 and the M14. Loved the M1 after many thousand rounds. Never got to shoot the M14 much. When i saw my first mini 14 i was sold. Breakdown was immediately familiar. The rifle has never failed to feed or fire and eject, which means I never thought of trading it. I have the old wooden stock version, which will fire both rounds, and doesn't scare people. Perfection!
I broke down my 1st Mini14 per the M14 I toted for security alerts in the Navy & soon learned that the Ranch rifle reassmbles a wee bit differently.
Funny how no government officials have a problem with Mini 14s. I guess it looks less tactical/doesn't look as scary despite firing the same ammo. 🤦♂️
Is anyone else obsessed with the sound of the action?
It sounds like an A.K
Yes. Yes.
One reason I bought the mini 14 and the mini 30
Yes. It is pure music!
I had a mini-14 when I was a kid back in the 80's and it was one of my favorite guns.
For anyone commenting on the Mini throwing it's brass so far, Accuracy Systems in Colorado makes a fully adjustable replacement gas block that can be tweaked however you want it. You can open it up to chuck cases to Europe or you can close it fully to make the gun function as a single shot (useful for sighting). But I usually have it adjusted to drop the brass about 2 feet away :)
Your brass is over here. You seen mine?
I absolutely love my Mini-14. I can run any .223/5.56 ammo through it (including steel casing) and it runs just fine. It never jams except a little bit with green tip.
Still jamming with greens?
Man Ruger's lineup of guns and rifles are impressive. Affordable at that too.
Nick R
Yes, they're really overpriced, for what they are.
hello ruger
@Nick R for a reliable rifle thats really affordable.
@Nick R Some people cant buy an AR though, like me & how much can it cost to upgrade?
@Nick R If you shop around you could find them for good prices.
I remember in 1976 when Andrews sporting goods (formally Turners) had blued mini 14's on sale for $119.
@Charles Yuditsky Closer to $900
I got my first one in 99. A Ruger 50th Anniversary edition for $400 .I just got the 5888 tactical model used for $900. If you can find them they are $900 + now.
@@ericspencer4599 yup, got my for 1100. It's crazy. Hoping 2022 will bring the prices down on firearms and ammo ($30 for 20 rounds of .223)
@@HeffewiezenDudeGuy Spent $1000 on my Mini-14, Upstate NY, stainless steel version. I managed to grab it right before the corona panic hit and all the useful guns were gone. If you need ammo check out Maine Ammo Company they will ship bulk ammo to your door no questions asked, for fair prices!
Got mine at K-Mart going out of business sale. $ 250 - stainless composite. I preferred blued on walnut, but beggers can’t be choosy.
That’s right, KMarts in AK sold any gun you wanted.
I have a 1974 version - it shoots both .556/.223 - says so in the manual. I bought another this year (brand new model) and love them both. Retired LEO the mini 14 is a good battle gun inside a home as well - small light and maybe even easier to maneuver than a AR-which I also have in .223/762
Point 556?? The pressure!
Just purchased my very first mini 14 today. Fell in love with it instantly. Your videos really helped me finally decide it was time to pick one up.
My Mini-14 was the first firearm I purchased chambered in 5.56. It's awesome. 1000s of rounds through it with no malfunctions
I have a Mini-14 300 Blk I just purchased. It's getting transfered to my FFL at the moment. Can't wait to get it home!
Good choice that's my favorite rifle I need to find one for my collection.
@@dj_grumble 👍
I've got the latest generation of the Mini14 in the same stock you are using here, with a Vortex SPARC AR red dot, on a short picatinny top rail, zeroed at 100 yards. 200 yard kill shots are no problem, knowing your ammo specifications. Further out you need the magnification, elevation and windage compensations of a scope. Prior to the red dot, I had my Primary Arms 4-14x44 FFP ( First Focal Plane) sniper scope mounted on it, getting me out to the 400 yard world, which is in my opinion the limitation of the 5.56 round lethal zone, for all intents and purposes. The scope now mounted on my .308 Savage bolt action, long fluted barrel, 700 yards is very doable from a bipod wth low to moderate cross winds.
The beauty of the tried-and-true Mini-14 Garand, gas piston action is its superb reliability and very clean firing system. After putting 500 rounds through the weapon, everything behind the chamber is very clean. A quick barrel brush and swab, action check and quick wipe with a rag and its combat ready with the same outstanding reliability. Getting it muddy, gritty, wet, and icy cold - and it still doesn't betray you! Not so with the AR blowback systems. Comparatively they are filthy and much higher maintenance, when your life depends on it.
What makes the AR rifles so popular is the multitude of various components available for them from so many manufacturers. Upgrades seem limitless. So, with a modified trigger, sights of choice, and the latest barrel version of the Mini 14, I'll choose it over the AR, any day & anywhere, in the standard 50 - 200 yard combat situation.
I simple love my Ruger Mini 14. Oh ... And it loves me!
A bad day at the range beats a good day at work any time
I think the biggest difference between the AR and the Mini 14 is the forward assist on the AR. After thousands of rounds through my mini it stove piped once. It is from the early 1980s and works very well. They are hard to beat.
Uhhh.. The forward assist is absolutely inconsequential. The mini-14, and AR-15 have two completely different operating systems. They are apples, and oranges.
Thanks Hickock. Always enjoy your objective videos. I have a Mini14 SS Ranch Rifle and I love it. It is my most accurate .223 and I get 2" groups at 75 yards w/o a scope. It is easy to field strip and maintain. I have AR15s and used M16s in Vietnam and push comes to shove I think I would still choose my Ruger over my Mattel ShootNShell ARs. semper fi (HM2 USN II Corps 70-71)
I have a real old one, a 182 from 1981 and it has been totally reliable.
Had it out last weekend. It shot 1" groups at 50 yards and 2 " at 100 yards
which is not bad for the type of rifle it is. The old ones heat up pretty
fast since they have a thinner barrel then the newer ones. But, my old one
has been really reliable and never jams. Every guy with an AR at the range had to fart around with
that charging handle thing or clear jams. The old Mini never jammed or missed a beat.
If I had to bet my life on a defense weapon, I'd take a mini over an AR any time.
I love the Mini-14 and Mini-30. With that said, there are some accuracy issues, even in some of the newer rifles. For those people that live in restricted states, the Mini's seem to be legal just about everywhere (with proper capacity magazines) so they are a great option to have. They are just a ton of fun to shoot and they look great, especially in stainless. There are folding stocks that are available and now there seem to be a lot of accessories available for the Mini. They really do seem to be a polarizing firearm but they are one that I really love to shoot. If you are looking for a long distance accurate rifle, these are probably not for you, but if you want a reliable, fun, easy to maneuver shooter, there's nothing better than a Mini-14 or Mini-30.
0:13 *WE’RE GONNA START SMOKIN’ POT MAN!*
He should just say *LETS GET HIGH*
Na, he's gotta be somewhat cool about it...
And then we will shoot these pots to
Pass the boom
rolled up with Pyrodex.
the mini 14 and mini 30 are excellent rifles. I inherited my mini 14 from my deceased father when I was about 10 yrs old and all the thousands of rounds I shot through it I don't remember a malfunction. I'm sure I had a few but not very many. I used it around the dairy farm and often shot woodchucks over 300 meter fields. They aren't match grade but they are certainly accurate enough for long distance varmint shooting
ty hickok, ive owned mine 15 years and the accuracy point i havent experienced. i think folks might be citing 200 plus distances. i did put the 580 series trigger on mine but i have zero issues from hunting to plinking.
Hickok45 pushed me over the edge to get one of these. It was already in my head but watching him enjoying it was the last straw... I’m blaming you, Mr. Hickok! That’s what I told my wife when I came home with it! ;)
I love my Mini. It does exactly what I bought it to do. And I have a great time doing it.
My 14 puts a smile on my face every time I pull the trigger. Awesome rifle,
Thank you hickok for continuing to educate on firearms! I really like this rifle and am looking forward to looking at one in the near future.
Fully automatic Mini-14 they used it in a TV show with never with jam with blank rounds
If he makes a chapter 2, you know it’s good.
I have owned a side folder 14 and a regular 14 and decided to try a mini 30, I have been a Ruger fan all my life great quality, original type builds I mean I own its seems a sampling of all most oll of Rugers firearms from a #1 to a Red Label 20 ga when it was first introduced. I dont remember when the Mini 14 was introduced to the American public but for 10 years prior to that the rifle was call the KAC 556 it was a select fire designed to offer countries (foreign) the capability of an M 16 for virtually 60% of the price, Ruger had very good success with this rifle before the American public ever knew it existed. I have found the rifles to built very well, reliable to the extreme, able to feed and function with steel case, brass case and just about anything in between! With all this said I tried 7 different types of factory loaded ammo in both my 556 Mini 14s, then I hand loaded 9 different loads, changing bullets, powders and I will be damned if I could get either rifle to shoot under 3.5" at 100 yds, and 3.5 inches was the BEST! both of those rifles went down the road pretty fast. When I had a chance to buy a mini 30 I had to give it a try because I hunt deer close to home and the 7.62x39 does fine on deer. I picked one up and put a 7 to 12 Burris scope on it and went to my range with 3 different factory loads and off the bench the best this rifle would do was in the 4" area, the disappointment was resounding! I love the package, its the perfect size, comes from the finest lineage in the world and after my experience I will NEVER own another one!!!!
It's because of watching Hickoks 1st mini 14 video that I watched over 6yrs ago I now have a mini 14 & 30! Also a super Hickok fan!!
Hickok should start calling shooting cinderblocks “smoking rock”
That would be funny.
@Trav D that's the spirit =)
Or maybe he should start shooting ________________ and call it ________________
@@chrisreynolds2410 heroine-shooting dog
Red dawn actually happens and hickok45 takes em out one by one. “Oh, there’s one there” 💥 , “let’s focus in on that guy” 💥, “looks like he smokes pot” 💥😆💥💥💥💥
@John Doe he does not need an army, he is an army
Mate, the original was a bloody great movie. Dated now, but a classic if you remember it new.
@B Brunson Red dawn won't ever happen. It depends on communist revolutionaries and those don't exist anymore. Communists these days are lazy millenials who are looking for something of value in life. They won't fight. The problem is modernity in general causing society to degenerate, which results in people like these 'communists'
@B Brunson excellent statement !
@Tahitian Treat what ?
You are knowledgeable Sir, yet so humble when you talk, very cool
I love my Mini-14. I was introduced to it from a friend when I was in the Army. He had a 181 series. I liked it so much that when the opportunity to get one came up, I jumped at it. Unfortunately, the gun was in a pawn shop and when I finally went to get it, he sold it 3 days earlier. I was crushed. The gun was unusual because it had a Ramline folding stock, a red dot sight and a elongated flashhidder. Imagine my surprise when I found the same gun in a different pawn shop about 6 months later! I bought it and discovered that the red dot sight no longer worked and the locking mechanism on the stock was broke. I sent the stock back to Ramline and they fixed it for free. I bought a wooden stock from a friend for $10.00 and installed it on the rifle. I put a Bushnell 3x9 scope on it and took it to the range...it shoots less than 1MOA and has for over 40 years! My only problem with this gun and my Mini-30 is they do not like steel cased ammo. They are about 98 percent reliable with steel case ammo and 100 percent reliable with brass case ammo. My Mini's are my first choice for just fun shooting! Unfortunately, I haven't found the preferred ammo for my Mini-30. 2MOA is about the best I can get from it, but I keep looking for the "right ammo".
I have a stainless steel mini from 1981 and love it. The only thing I want to change is to replace the tall front sight. As always great video!
Hi, Hickok45. And thanks again for making another great video. Got my mini14 3 months ago. Now wainting for my 20 and 30 rounds mags (french legislation is... sorry, it's european legislation for firearms now.... so it's the mess !). Sometimes, I think we should have a french NRA ... 'cos in order to have the right to own guns, you have to be a hunter or a registered sport shooter, which I am... doing my first championship right now.
But unless you want to own only 22 LR weapons, you have to wait a very long time in order to be autorised to buy weapons in 9mm, 223... etc. Know this : in France, you do not have the right to defend yourself at home if you are attacked... If you own a gun (legaly) and use it to defend your life, you will have to convince a jury that you did not have another choice (like asking the guy to leave your house gently....). Well, I am off topic...
Mini 14 is a pure steal fun (can we say that ? ^^ sorry for my bad writing).
See you on the next video.
Dear mr. Hickok I watch all your videos they are just amazing how easily you handle so many different types of weapons and how accurate you are it's not easy firing off hand 80 yard target and being so consistent with so many different types of weapons and being that you're so knowledgeable in all these different types of weapons that I just truly enjoy washing your videos and I've learned so much thank you for all you do and your contributions to all us gun lovers
I have had my mini 14 for 30 years and she is still my favorite gun in the cabinet. Never had any problems at all with functionality or accuracy. I love it and would be the last gun for sale.
Ricky Searcy what serial number is it since it’s a older model? Is it a discontinued version that you can’t get parts? Just asking because I got offered one for a great price but it’s a. 1979 model
I used to lived in CT where we used to be a HUB of firearms manufacturer like Ruger, Colt, Remington, Winchester. My fiend was a gunsmiths for 70 years and when the state passed the laws to ban Assaults' rifle and front loader magazine, the state audit and pick up the firearms from the registered owner of Mini-14 and AR-15. It is a class D felony in the state of MD and CT to owned this firearms and failed to registered them with State Police.
I owned a pre-94 ban Mini 14 for over 20 years. It was fun to shoot and always fed the ammo reliably. My biggest gripe about the gun, however, was its accuracy. It was a solid 3 MOA shooter which was typical for that generation of Mini 14. From what I understand, however, the later generation is more accurate. Hickock mentions this specifically. I ended up trading mine in on a nice AR. Hey, life is good.
I love this weapon, from the glorious times of the A-team on television.
I think the Mini 30 deserves a chapter 2. Using American ammo (or foreign, brass boxer primed) and better light conditions than the first video.
It says that you have posted this comment 8hrs ago while this video was been uploaded 24 mins ago. YouGlitch is doing its job again.
@@Pommezul Early premier, possibly.
@@PommezulI buy a Boolit or two once a month for the cause, with Patreon you get sneak peaks.
@@drivesideways6550 I see :P watching a new Hickok video 8hrs earlier is indeed nice.
I want to get one of those also.
Just got this yesterday, I got it from my papa. I love this gun. It is of newer vintage. I love to love this gun👍.
I have that exact model but I've yet to shoot it. It was gifted to me by an old friend. Thank you Richard! I've, as well, given away about 20 pistols and rifles throughout my life. My son told me once that I only give guns to those I love!
Just got mine out for a cleaning after my range day....I love this thing with open sights and would trust my life to it. Great for up close and personal. Obviously not meant to be a tack driver but will put down anything I can see.
Ny: bans Ar15
Me: smiles in mini 14
Don't forget that they want our Mini 14s gone as well.
I'm in CA and hate the version of AR available, so I'm also looking at Mini 14 or 30...I used to own a Mini 30 but never really shot it much. Shooting rifles in LA is inconvenient for practice. Not permitted in indoor ranges and outdoor ranges are far and few between as well as horrible grounds.
A few years ago,I saw an attachment to the CA approved AR 15 that used stripper clips to load through the ejection port.
It has mini in the name so it’s not as deadly
You shouldn't be smiling in anything. They banned the scary looking one first, but they want all semiautos gone. So expect them to try to take it further
I'll always have a warm place in my heart for the Mini 14 -- it was my first high powered rifle. Simple, reliable, nice handling, great old-school feel. I finally took up AR-15's only because I like the straight-in magazine insertion better. No one would mistake a Mini for a sniper rifle, but under 100 yds they get the job done.
Have had mine since 1987. 3x9 scope. Taken many a critter with it, lots of coyotes, hundreds of jack rabbit, and even mule deer because that was all I was carrying at the moment. Not a good deer caliber for sure especially at 300 yds. But works
Larger than a .22 rimfire @@willglo
@@budlite8207 The .223 is hardly optimum for deer but we shouldn't underestimate it. I too was once forced to take a shot-of-opportunity with my Mini because the .308 I'd brought for the hunt wasn't zeroed yet. The deer trotted away as if there had been no hit, but I went to look anyway. It had gone about five steps and dropped dead. Except for a bit of blood at the mouth, I couldn't even find the hit -- no entry, no exit. Finally while dressing it I spotted a bloodless 1/4" hole in the hide on the right rump, then found the bullet, bent double, lodged between two forward left ribs. It had diagonally transited almost the entire length of the body, ripping every internal organ as it went. I do not ever want to get hit with a .223 or 5.56
@@hshs5756 we have put a lot of meat on the table with a little N.E. handi rifle 223 and the Mini 14. Great gun for white tail. We're never afraid to take a head shot. Great comment and I agree not to underestimate it.
Ruger has it down on every platform at an affordable normal guy price. I trust a ruger as much as anything.
I own an older Mini the best thing you can do is a good trigger job. Mine goes at four pounds with very little creep. It did wonders, less than two inches at 100 yards. After all, the Mini was designed as a sport/utility rifle to be reliable at all times. I am well pleased with mine.
Bought one back in 1983 when I was in the Army. Fun rifle, no accuracy problems out to 100 yards. But I found that the magazines would wear, get loose and cause it to jam.
I like my stainless Mini-14. I’ve never had any trouble with accuracy.
No, they're great. I sold mine many years ago. They've since gotten very expensive. You're right though, they're deadly accurate.
I loved my mini 14’s,, I had several,, the stainless model was the best for holding up under heat,, you could cool them down by throwing them in a snow bank ,,as stainless conforms even better when quick cooled , accuracy was never a problem,,as you could put 30 rounds in a man sized target at 200 yards quick ,,just a few seconds,, that is what the gun was made for ,,controlled continuous fire at up to 300 meters,, what more can you want ,,my minis never and I mean never jammed
Put thousands of rounds through my mini-14, not a single jam.
Thanks for this video Hickok45. I do believe this is one of my absolute favorite rifles of all time. Aesthetically it is so darn pleasing to the eye! And it hits like a Mac truck! Unfortunately I don't own one. If I could have only one rifle, this would be it! So, does it show that I like the Mini 14? lol This is a bucket list rifle for me. Thanks for the video again! At least I can live vicariously through you when you shoot this incredible firearm.
Odd thing with my Mini. I'd owned it a couple of months, or less, and had a couplahundred rounds through it. Now, I'm one of those people who always runs a Bore Snake though before I leave the range. On this day I shot 1/2 a 20 round mag and my accuracy went to hell. Ran the snake. Still off, and it's everywhere. Took it to the tailgate. Put it in the Sight & clean. After fiddling around found the rear sight was loose. Got my tool bag out & removed the sight. Cleaned the screw holes & screws with alcohol, applied a dab of blue Locktight, tightened it up and went back to the line. I was thinking I'd have readjust the sight, but no. It was spot on again. Great machining & quality hardware make a difference!
I'd bought my first Mini 14 Ranch Rifle used so I didn't have a manual to explain the takedown & reassembly procedure.
I just used the M 14 procedure which worked okay until I tried putting it back together & couldn't get the bolt back in.
Two neighbors who'd packed M14s as Marines all over the Viet Nam Central Highlands couldn't help me either so it wasn't until I swallowed my pride and checked on YT for Rianch Rifle disassembly techniques that I learned to take the bolt stop out before putting the bolt back into the receiver.
5 years since he fired it means; some lucky guy at a gun show or gun shop got a fair trade from a legend...
I've never understood the "don't buy the older rifles" trash talk. It seems to me the people who hate on it give a lot of the same weird arguments as people who hate on the M1 carbine. They want the firearm to be something it really wasn't meant to be. They also forget there was more parity between rifles 30 years ago; the AR has evolved quite a bit since then, and the AR craze hadn't happened yet. All this +P stuff wasn't around then, either. The older Mini's are fine. It's a proven action, reliable, simple, lightweight, compact, low-recoil weapon with an 18.5" barrel and a small round; don't ask it to be a .30-06. I've had two 18X rifles for 30 years and there's nothing wrong with them.... My 2 cents.
There is a guy that often shoots the mini14 and the mini30 in our local two-gun match and does quite well with them. I don't suppose they are the best choice for that kind of thing, but seem to be adequate, are fairly inexpensive, and I always kind of liked them.
Gun Sense (drmaudio) how did you post this comment two days before the video even came out?
I would say the one thing they might be the best at- is an AR alternative for a state where you can’t have an AR (such as Cali where the ARs look genuinely disfigured) or other countries where you can’t have an AR by name/style
@@doglion754 Getting videos a day or two early is a Patreon perk.
ehsorb
True. They're a little less ergonomic, and a little less accurate than an AR. But they're a good substitute.
I also don't think most people can shoot to the level that makes a difference between the AR platform and other rifle platforms.
I loved my Mini 14 wood stock S/S .223 Never worried about the weather. It came with only 5 rd clip tho 30s were easy to find. Lots of options too. In 1990 had a different heat shield then the one Hickok was using in this video. Also seemed to have a longer barrel too. awesome Used it more than my AR-15 Hbar Match. Awesome riffle never a misfire either.
I just bought a mini 14 model 584 .it came with 2 flush 5 round magazines. Brand new right out of the box. A little temperamental. When I loaded 5 rounds the 1st round would malfunction and have to be ejected. It happened every time. So I loaded 4 rounds and no problems. It ran ok and was somewhat accurate at 50 yards without any sight adjustment. I did better in the free standing position than resting it on a stationary object ( my back pack) .
I Love the Ruger Mini-14. I have two Mini-14's with the old folding stocks. One stainless that is factory and a blued one that I bought the stock by itself and installed on a Mini that had a trashed wood stock. I also have a Mini in 6.8mm SPC that has been great. I wish You and John the Best Mr.Hickok and look forward to your next video.
I love my mini 14 especially when I shoot PMC ammo. All you see after you pull the trigger is orange flame coming out when the shell is ejected, and it shoots a flame out of the barrel about a foot. Very noticeable in the evening or early morning light.
I used to shoot PMC when it was a couple of bucks a box . Loved the Mini 14.
ARs are probably a little more accurate and easier to accessorize, but I'm one that really likes the Mini-14. Old school simple, reliable, compact, functional, and just fun all purpose.
yep, it is what it is but it is what i love. it just FEELS RIGHT in my hands, even when i miss. lol
What about the m16a1
Thanks for your videos so much I have been watching them for years and you embody what all of us gun enthusiast are we love firearms enjoy shooting them have great fun with them, thank you so much.
At 2:30 you stated the early ones were just suitable for 223. I called and talk to Ruger about shooting the XM855 556 green tips ammo in my 1983 Mini 14. Ruger said it’s OK to shoot in my gun, Make sure the bullet casing is NOT STEEL, check with magnet, bullet will wear out the barrel sooner). Ruger did recommend a faster twist rate 1:7 or 1:8 twist for proper in-flight stabilization
I remember when I was young my uncle both one in a surplus store for $400. Back in the 80s. His mini has select fire.
...which you had unfortunately lost in a boating accident
@@jaybosher6144 how did you know?
My Mini 14 has select fire too--safety ON and safety OFF.
My Mini 14 has select fire too--safety ON and safety OFF.
Hey Hickok45 I've been a big fan for yrs..
I own the 7.62 version known as the Mini-30, and I love it. It shoots great!
Accuracy! So that’s why The A-Team guys never hit anyone with their Mini-14’s.
Lol
leonard Pizarro awww ... come on now, you know the Hollywood Ammo always has a star burst on impact. It’s made that way so the actors could be sure not to actually shoot each other ‘accidentally’.
leonard Pizarro
Good stuff
Yeah but it makes cars flip over and explode
Lol lol BA
I love my Stainless Mini14. I also have a "Mini Me". Stainless Ruger 10/22 in stainless / Black also. The two side by side look pretty sweet. Both very fun to shoot.
I had a mid 90's mini 14 I bought new with wood stock.. I carried it with me trekking in the mountains, 4 wheeling, and target shooting for years and thousands of rounds.. it was extremely reliable and plenty accurate with iron sights out to 125+ yards and beyond and would shoot anything I put in it.. mostly cheap wolf ammo.. I wish I wouldn't have sold it.. I bought a new mini 30 and it wouldn't shoot surplus 7.62x39 with the factory firing pin spring well known problem on the newer mini 30,s beware..
I can't bring my AK to the range anymore due to NY "safe act". Bought one of these last summer...been absolutely loving it. I actually enjoy shooting my Mini 14 over my AK.
I know this comment is old but can you explain why you can’t take your ak to the range ?
@@oooooo6308 I'm going to guess because his AK is now considered an illegal assault weapon, so he's not able to take it out in public.
I was pig hunting with a buddy in central Texas. He dropped his AR into a rut while we were riding the buggy. In the field we cleared it with some water from the cooler. It never cycled right, kept jamming, and I gave him some s*it for it cause all I run are mini's for .223/556 loads. He started giving me s*it back. I handed him my Mini 14 and told him to drop it in the same mud. He did. I told him clear the action. He did. Gun went bang. We shot 37 hogs trading back and forth on the mini. When we were done. We cleaned up his AR and it cycled again. It is a sample size of 1 and I ain't trying to flame war so please do not think that. But that is why I love these guns. They cycle no matter what. It is pedantic. But reload your own .223/556 for hunting and not plinking and these are some nice high tech lead accelerators. AGAIN...Sample Size of 1!!!! I am not perfect and not trying to start an internet fight. Thanks for all you do sir.
Bought one in 1987, still have it and love the Mini. Back then was $359
With inflation that's about the same price as now lol
Bought an 'original' model Mini-14 from Longs drugs... $146.
(Sighs) That was long ago.
One of the cleanest shooting rifles I’ve ever owned hands down, mine being the stainless steel version. Absolutely love mine.
francis cassidy getting set to buy one with my $1200 👍
I love my Mini 30. I did do the springs on it. But I have never had a problem. The Rifle is a monster. Very accurate. I am not a hunter so I dont hunt with it. Nice range rifle and lots of fun shooting targets.
I love my mini 14 its a workhorse, very reliable!
I know a lot of AR people shit talk this rifle, and I know many of them are familiar with the sheepdog mentality. Some of us see the value in not looking like a wolf to the sheep.
Yep. It's the guy in the tactical gear and the evil looking rifle that is usually the first target of opportunity.
Facts
for starters those "sheep" you are referring to are actually commies...
Let the AR crowd talk shit about this rifle. The Ruger Mini 14 is a fantastic, functionally reliable rifle.
... so this rifle doesnt apply then because to non gun people this is just as militant looking and scary.
"We're gonna start smokin' pot man." 😂
In 2020 I tried to purchase a new Mini-14, but could not find one. I was able to purchase a used (581 series) mini and all in all I love it. Two items to share. First if you occasionally get failure to fire, look into disassemblying the bolt and cleaning out the area around the firing pin, as junk builds up in that area hampering firing pin movemant. Second, I found a company (Accuracy Systems in Byers Colorado) that make gas reduction bushings for the mini 14. I purchased a set and tried them one at a time until I got normal ejection close to the rifle. This reduced gas bushing reduceses wear on the action and damage to the expended shell, and makes fining your spent brass easier as they do not fly that far.
I have the Ruger mini 14 purchased in 2022.
Very happy with its design and performance.
Not the best firearm but for the money I believe it's well worth it.
@9:42 that's the giggle of pure delight 😆 makes my day 🤣
My son had a Mini-14 that every other round, the trigger group would fall out of the gun. We told Ruger about the issue, they sent a prepaid shipping lable. We sent the gun back to them. Ruger repaired it, inspected the rest and deep cleaned the gun before sending it back to us. My son then sold it to "GARAND THUMB".
That's why I buy Rugers. The customer service is the best in the industry.
No they didn’t
@@georgeclarke3679 I guess you know my life better than I. Please then inform me what happened.
What's wrong with those haters? The Mini-14 is one of the best civilian rifle ever made, especially the more recent ones with heavy barrel.
Better than an ar
@@coryburns9161 Exactly bro.
I love my tactical Mini-14. Got it at an online from a law enforcement auction for around $700 and it bad ass with the nice grip handled and folding stock and like two picatiny rails top and bottom. Nice laser scope mounted. Got a 20 rd mag which works great, almost no failure to feed issues, but my 30 rd mag is a mess, got to pick up another 30 mag at the gun show this weekend.
Mine is awesome. Has never failed, ever. Fast handling, a work gun. Not for posers, for users
I have quite a few of what I refer to as fun guns. I have ARs and AKs among others but I still love my Mini 14. It is one of my favorite guns to shoot. Mine is the NRA model so It is a little shorter than most. It came with a Hogue stock but I switched it to the old school wood just because I like the looks better. Love the gun. Can't imagine ever parting with it. 100% reliable. Another great video sir.
This is from the Ruger mini 14 ranch rifle manual by Ruger. ( The RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH RIFLES are chambered for the .223
Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Ranch Rifle is designed to use either
standardized U.S. military or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges
manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.) So you may shoot either one in even the early models.
Sitting here eating my thanksgiving dinner and watching this 👍🏼
hickok45 defeating childhood diabetes one sugary soda drink at a time.
I have 2 minis, one in wood with blued iron and one with stainless steel and synthetic stock. Love them both. I love my ARs more, but the minis are cool to shoot and a great truck gun.