Ruger Mini-14

[mstraus]

Well after much thought I am taking the plunge and picking up a new Mini-14 this Friday. I have been bouncing back and forth between that and an AR-Platform. I already have a tact'd out sks and Saiga 762X39 and I am looking forward to the .223 platform. With tax I am looking at around $710 out the door.
Will pick up some rounds then prob move into reloading that along with the pistol rounds i do now.

 

[Yoshi]

Grats! When you get it, post some pics!

 

[Jasonshooter]

It would be a hard choice between which rifle I would run out the door with ,, the mini or the ar,,, are you getting the folding stock model or the black synthetic stock ?
I've got some extra aftermarket mini stocks and a few other parts, harris bipod adpter,that I'd let go cheap or trade,, if your interested I can send a list & pics..

 

[SmokingGun]

Congrats. I think you're gonna love it!

 

[mbz300sdl]

It would be a hard choice between which rifle I would run out the door with ,, the mini or the ar,,, are you getting the folding stock model or the black synthetic stock ?
I've got some extra aftermarket mini stocks and a few other parts, harris bipod adpter,that I'd let go cheap or trade,, if your interested I can send a list & pics..

Mini-14 hands down.

 

[mstraus]

I am going with the classic wood and gunmetal blue model. Prob only extra i put on besides some decent capacity mags is a scope. But gonna kill some paper with the iron sights first.

 

[tech24]

Enjoy! Good luck on salvaging brass from the mini. It tends to throw them against the op rod and dent the mouths. I have in the past when I still shot the mini a lot took a screwdriver and spun it in the case mouth to repair them. I also put a piece of rubber wheatherstrip where the brass made contact.

 

[BradMacc82]

I wouldn't bother reloading .223 unless your going for absolute precision, I started on .223, but the time spent reloading (mainly just prepping) compared to buying cheap bulk - hard to justify for me. I've noticed the mini's I've shot with can be a bit hard on the brass during ejection.

Just my .02 cents.

 

[tech24]

Depends on the equipment you have. Case prep is quick with a giraud trimmer. For plinkin ammo thats all the case prep needed. Then load em up on a progressive. 5k rounds no big deal working a few hours in the evening for 3 nights.

 

[ea689c]

Congrats! I passed up on getting one about 4 months ago that was only $549 and I regret it. Although now, I would probably try to get a Mini-30 just because ammo is so much cheaper.

 

[Dave MP]

In addition to the vast wealth of information available on MDS, check out Perfect Union for more info on your Mini-14.
Congratulations on your purchase, you will enjoy shooting it.

 

[-Z/28-]

Congrats! A wise choice. I have a 16" tactical and love it. Forget the optics; I've tried a few and always end up back with the irons. They just suit the mini well.

Oh and share some pics when ya get it!
Here's mine in it's current form since the thread needs some mini-porn

 

[mbz300sdl]

More mini's

 

[BradMacc82]

Depends on the equipment you have. Case prep is quick with a giraud trimmer. For plinkin ammo thats all the case prep needed. Then load em up on a progressive. 5k rounds no big deal working a few hours in the evening for 3 nights.

True, good equipment definitely cuts down on the hassle of case prep.

But for just plinking ammo....



(Besides, we don't need MORE competition for .223 reloading supplies do we?? )

 

[Mdeng]

More mini's

Nice Factory folder Zane. I purchased one last week from Andy at Engage Armament. It was a hard choice for me as I was in on the Colt group buy but chose the Mini instead. I can always find another Colt, they still make them.

Zane what's your S/N prefix? The one I purchased is a 181.

 

[tech24]

True, good equipment definitely cuts down on the hassle of case prep.

But for just plinking ammo....



(Besides, we don't need MORE competition for .223 reloading supplies do we?? )

I can't really say, even the cheapest ammo I load gets match bullets and its still cheaper than bulk crap. Its just a personal thing, I can't stand cheap factory minute of pie plate ammo.

 

[sailskidrive]

In my experience with my Mini-14, cheap Russian steel ammo is plenty consistent for the accuracy level of the gun. I only reload for my precision rigs and the Mini is not going to fit that bill. Fun to shoot though and the action is a blast to watch out of your periphery. The newer Mini's are supposedly more accurate than my old 186 series.

Here is a pic of the stainless government model bought from Lou at Shooters for $425.

 

[sailskidrive]

mbz300sdl I love that factory folder!

We need to start calling you Col Smith!

 

[tech24]

Mine will shoot 1/2" groups with 69smks which opens up to 1-1/2 the hotter it gets. Not real good but not too bad for a mini. Everything else I've shot out of it is 3-5" minimum which for fun with a mini that isn't bad. I just cant pay 300 bucks for bulk crap...its just me, can't do it.

Never tried the russian stuff. Probably a little easier on the wallet and I wouldn't be suprised if it didn't shoot better than NATO surplus or PMC off the shelf stuff.

 

[-Z/28-]

In my experience with my Mini-14, cheap Russian steel ammo is plenty consistent for the accuracy level of the gun. I only reload for my precision rigs and the Mini is not going to fit that bill. Fun to shoot though and the action is a blast to watch out of your periphery. The newer Mini's are supposedly more accurate than my old 186 series.

Yes, the newer tapered barrel guns(580 and up) are very accurate. Mine is a 581 series and even with the shorter 16" barrel, it groups as tight as my dads old 20" AR did. I haven't been able to shoot it head to head with my AR yet. Sub 3" groups are no problem @100 yds using cheap bulk 55gr ammo.