Thinking aout a Mini 14

[Hardcast416taylor]

The barrel whip problem that RogerDat refers to has at least 2 ways to tame it down somewhat.

Accuracy Systems
accuracyinc1@Aol.com

Accu - Strut
Admin@accu-strut.com

The Accu - Strut is an installation that most people can handle.Robert

[Sur-shot]

This is the 180 serial number 1-10 twist Mini that I built, the group is pictured next to it. I did all of the work. The list of fixes is fairly long but not all of that complicated. Replacing the gas block with one that has a round clamp to fit a round barrel that was a big help, the factory block had an oblong hole when it clamped on the barrel. Pulling the barrel and re-crowning was not a big deal, glass bedding it like an M-14 was not real difficult, the trigger job was a big help and the John Mason 6 inch muzzle cover was an easy install.

The one thing about the Mini is, if you can get a round in the chamber it will fire. It makes a very reliable self defense carbine. I have killed a couple of wild hogs with it on my farm. Never shot cast out of mine though.
Ed

[Der Gebirgsjager]

If you buy one, definitely do buy a new one. I was in love with them the day they appeared on the market and own two of the original 180-series. They have an active roller on the bolt lug that engages the operating rod. One of mine is cracked and looks like it will eventually split off the lug, but has not done so over several hundred rounds. Ruger will no longer work on the 180 series, and has no parts, so unless one can scrounge up another bolt with an intact roller the rifle isn't worth much. Later I acquired one with the redesigned bolt (also a redesigned bolt hold open device) in the 183 series. Highly inaccurate. I tried just about everything short of a National Match bedding job, but I'm pretty certain that wouldn't have helped either. I eventually solved the problem by mounting the Ultimak scope mounting system which is attached to the barrel, so where the barrel is pointed the bullet goes. It shoots very well now, but the system is kind of awkward both in handling and appearance. But, I kept it. A customer came in once with a Mini-30 that he had loaned to a "friend" who kept it for almost 2 years and fired lots of corrosive Chinese ammo in it. The barrel was totally ruined, resembling the inside of an old cast iron sewer pipe. I tried to get Ruger to sell me a replacement barrel but they would not do so, insisting that the rifle had to be returned to the factory. Ruger does not like other people working on their guns--probably liability sensitivity. Anyway, they performed the job expeditiously and only charged $80.00. Were I to buy one today it would positively be one of recent production, probably stainless. I have to agree that the 30 round mags aren't ascetically pleasing, but the 20 rounder is just right as it was on the M-14 rifle. Go for it!

[mold maker]

Definitely buy only quality mags. I wound up with 4 that didn't function.

[Petrol & Powder]

I cannot speak to the newer Mini-14's because I gave up on the older models.
I know people say the new ones are far more accurate and I'm sure they are right. However, Once bitten, twice shy. I had several Mini-14's and I wasn't impressed with the accuracy. I'm just done with them.

I will agree with Sur-shot, if you can get a round in the chamber it will fire. In fact, I never had problems with the rifles cycling. Couldn't hit anything with them but it would go bang every time.

One of the best self-loading 5.56 rifles I ever shot was a H&K G41. They are capable of full auto and are covered under the 1989 ban so good luck getting your hands on one now. When firing it in semi-auto I almost couldn't miss. It was a fantastic rifle !

Based on that, I would recommend one of the H&K 91 series ($$$$$$) or one of the clones (less $).

[Thumbcocker]

Update. We got a very good trade on a DPMS "Sweet 16" at the local gun pusher. Probably the best for our purposes all things considered. Thank you all for your input.

[W.R.Buchanan]

OK guys I do know something about this subject.

First the Mini 14 was designed as a replacement for the M1 carbine, but with a better cartridge,,, which it is.

The accuracy problems with Mini14's all stem from the gas system. Ruger made these guns this way so that they will cycle ANY AMMO Reliably. Thus they are typically bleeding more gas than needed to run with lots of ammo.

The Mini 14 Action is essentially a Garand action with the Op Rod of an M1 Carbine.

What happens when there is too much gas is the heavy block of steel on the op rod hits the front of the receiver pretty hard with every shot, thus repositioning the action in the stock with every shot. This is the root of the accuracy problems.

There are two fixes or this problem. One is an adjustable gas block (ASI makes a nice one) and the other more economical fix is to change the gas bushing that is in between the barrel and the gas block to one with a smaller hole. One with a .045-.050 hole in it will choke the gas bleed off down to a level that poops the brass out right next to you and lessens the hit to the receiver to almost nothing.

In addition a 1911 buffer pad in between the op rod and the receiver completes the fix and both of these together shouldn't cost you more than $15.

Now your gun should be 1.5" -2" at 100 yards with a scope mounted.

I chose to mount a Bushnell TRS 25 Red Dot on my gun as it doesn't weigh it down and destroy the handling like a big cumbersome scope would. I have used a 1-4X scope as well but it wouldn't do anything the red dot wouldn't do better.

The newest guns, (583 series) even in stock form are easily 3" guns. So at 300 yards they still have decent battlefield accuracy (3" at 100 is 9" at 300 and that is pie plate accuracy.)

I can easily hit at 8x10 steel plate every single time at 200 yards off a rest. 8/10 at 300 with the Red Dot, so the accuracy of this gun is more than sufficient for any realistic intended use. (Like the defensive usage like they were designed for.) They are not "Varmint Rifles" in the normal sense of the word, however they are totally capable of hitting a Coyote at 300 yards,,, as long as you are,,, and if you are maybe a little off,,, they still offer quick follow up shots. On Prairie Dogs maybe not so much, but inside 100 yards,,, sure.

I have talked about this a lot over at the Perfect Union Mini 14 Forum which is the goto place for all Mini14/30 information. http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/

Used in the proper context a Mini 14 with the proper mods is a joy to shoot, and they are as reliable as a Singer Sewing Machine as long as you only use Ruger Brand Magazines. don't bother with any after market mags, they will not work well. Sorry, been there done that too! Everybody from the Mini 14 world will tell you the same thing about the mags, and don't believe anyone who says different.

Here's a few pics of my 580 series gun made in 2005 it has a Grey Laminated Stock. You'll notice that I have the Bushnell Red Dot mounted and a Side mounted BPM Sling which allows cross body carry.

If you're considering a Mini 14 I would suggest getting a new 583 series Ranch Rifle or Tactical Rifle with the plastic stocks and in SS as they are completely weather proof. They are also a little lighter than my gun due to the stock.

Any way that's my .02 on the Mini 14, and good luck.

Randy

Attachment 199419

Attachment 199420

[Loudenboomer]

Buch you kinda got that whole Rambo thing goin on in the bottom picture

[Petrol & Powder]

I like the pens in the tee shirt pocket. Kinda says "I can take you with a crossword puzzle too" .

[sawinredneck]

Update. We got a very good trade on a DPMS "Sweet 16" at the local gun pusher. Probably the best for our purposes all things considered. Thank you all for your input.

That DPMS looks wicked, I can't wait to here the range report on it!

[W.R.Buchanan]

I am not a fat as that picture makes me look! Really! Remember the camera adds 15-20 lbs to you,,, right?

The whole idea is to see how the rifle hangs off the sling. I have several other pics taken the same day that show the gun across my back and in Standard "on the shoulder carry" or "African carry" with the muzzle down.

One of the other good things about a Mini 14 is that if you run out of ammo they make a damn nice club. Much better than any AR!

Randy

[Ricochet]

In the old days Ruger only sold 5 round mags to "civilians," and had 20 round mags for "law enforcement only." Most aftermarket mags won't snap into place. The only ones I have found to fit an early 180 series are USA brand. Ruger didn't make any claims of accuracy. They marketed it as "The World's Most Expensive Plinker." I've never been able to stay on a sheet of paper at 100 yards, but it's a lot of fun to blast things at pistol distance and would work for house and yard defense. I've always wondered why they were so inaccurate.

[Artful]

Yeah , I find the camera adds about 50 pounds to me