Some Reflections on the Ruger Mini-14/5

[targshooter]

I have owned a Ruger Mini-14/5 stainless/synthetic for about a year now. I have fired about 1,000 rounds through it, almost entirely at 200 yards and 300 meters offhand. The ammo has been Wolf, 55 grain FMJ steel cased. Twice, I have shot it over bags at 100 yards to see what it can do, this with its factory installed peeps, in 10 shot groups.
My reflections:
1] The Rifle Overall
I like the fit and finish of my rifle. The action fits snugly into the stock. The metal finish is nonglare and came with very little tool marks, actually being rather clean. The stock was flawless. After about 800 rounds I had to resight, bringing the sights up two revolutions due to settling of the action into the stock. This is something I have noticed with many rifles bedded to the stock they way this firearm is. No problem, and it is now zeroed at 200 yards again.
2] The New Ruger Peep Sights
I like these sights. They are simple and stay locked in once adjusted. There are no knobs to get accidently twisted. One learns the cartridge with these sights.
3] Accuracy
With the barrel allowed to stay warm but not hot, this is a true 2 MOA rifle. A hot barrel opens the groups up to about 4 MOA, all on the vertical, and usually up as it heats. There is no lateral dispersion due to heat.
4] The 5.56x45
I can see why the military chose this as a replacement for the Carbine. The cartridge is flat shooting, offers little recoil and allows for quick sight recovery. Sighted for dead center hold on an 8 inch bullseye at 200yards allows center hits by covering the bullseye at 300M with the front sight. Additionally, it can be chambered in light rifles and be effective against unprotected targets.
5] This rifle is about 3/8 inch shorter than its wood stocked twin. It is also about 4 ounces lighter, and loaded with a 10 shot clip, my stainless/synthetic rifle still weighs in under 7 lbs (crude fish scale).
Summary:
This rifle has become my general carry rifle. It accompanies me on wilderness treks and overnight camping. I certainly would take something more engaging than the 5.56 in grizzly country, but we have no such creatures here in MN. I have had no problem with the two ProMag 10 round blued magazines I purchased, other than one only holds 9 rounds; but this is moot. One is in the other Ruger Mini 14/5 I bought (the stainless steel/wood stocked version) and one in this rifle. Both rifles have seen about 1,000 rounds and the magazines have functioned flawlessly and held up well. This stainless/synthetic Ruger Mini-14/5 makes a companion rifle similar in handling qualities to the M1 Carbine, but far more effective due to its better cartridge and inherent accuracy.

[Type99]

Excellent write-up on what should be an excellent rifle for all-round use.  Although I do not have the newer version of the Mini 14, I do use an older (purchased in 1986) version, a blued/woodstocked rifle.  I have it mounted with a Redfield Tracker 4x scope.  I have managed to keep it in fairly nice shape.  With Wolf ammo, it is a good package for a carry rifle and the uses you mention.  Accuracy is probably about par for these older Minis, and were I not strapped for cash at present, I might make the jump to the Mini 14/5.  I think I would opt for the synthetic stock version.

Thanks,
Gary

[LEO]

It sounds like you have an excellent rifle there.  I really like the handling of the Mini 14 for a general carry rifle.  It is good to hear that yours shoots to 2 MOA it seems Ruger has tightened their standards with the new version.  I have owned a half dozen or so Minis over the years and the only complaint I have ever had with them is that I was unable to get one that would shoot under 4 MOA.  It sounds like I may need to take a look at the newer versions.  Thanks for the info