Author Topic: new Mini-14 possible (Read 1261 times)

BlkHawk73 · « **on:** November 06, 2005, 02:39:28 AM »

While only mentioned as a "concept" at the moment, I'd bet we see something along these lines in the coming months.

R.W.Dale · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2005, 03:01:38 AM »

HA HA! Rugers new varmint rifle 7 to 8 MOA gaurenteed!

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2005, 12:05:12 PM »

Quote from: Krochus

HA HA! Rugers new varmint rifle 7 to 8 MOA gaurenteed!

My Ruger Mini-14 shoots under MOA all day. :wink: No it doesnt have the factory barrel nor does it have a factory trigger or gas block. Just a few of the things that Ruger is thinking about changing on the Minis. Lawdog

drdougrx · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2005, 03:39:20 AM »

For whatever it's worth.......

I've had three minis' and each was utterly reliable and utterly inaccurate. That doesn't mean I wouldn't get another and I know I will. For some reason they are magical to me along with Walthers, high standards, pythons and those silly 25acps I have a passion to collect.

I just kinda hope that they work out the accuracy stuff before I go and buy another. In the meantime....I'll just shoot my two ARs with one of three uppers.

Funny....I'm always so hopeful for Ruger to improve.....

Doug

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2005, 11:27:11 AM »

Hmmm, wonder how many folks that expound the inaccuracy of the Minis have... 1. shot them and have first hand experience with them and 2. have tried more than 2 or 3 loads to find that "pet" load that each individual firearm has. My guess is that most buy the gun, buy a box of ammo and proberly don't bother with trying different loads. Heck most I hear about shoot the cheap bulk fodder anyways.

Also wonder if most complainers realize the gun is not intended to be a target tack driver like some many seem to expect them to be. they're not designed nor marketed as such.

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2005, 10:10:29 AM »

BlkHawk73,

The main problem with most folks is that when they get their hands on a Mini or an AR they end up becoming charter members of the Spray & Pray Club. The real problem is that the Mini has a short, buggy whip thin barrel that heats up quickly. My Mini has a 22 bull weight barrel and a thumbhole stock from Royal Arms. This is my duty weapon for work and the last thing I wanted was a rifle that made me look like a G.I. The Mini fills that bill nicely. Lawdog

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2005, 10:22:39 AM »

I've never had a Mini that shot all that bad---not bolt action accurate----but still pretty good.

Don't expect military surplus ammo to be all that accurate---although it can be---its generally a poor performer.

A brake or flash hider can tighten up groups immensely----a cheap and easy fix---- that is at least worth trying if you're unhappy with your Mini.

drdougrx · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2005, 02:12:49 PM »

Hmmmm...s'pose ya might be talk'n bout me...maybe...maybe not. Doesn't matter. I'm not much of a pray and spray guy...though doesn't really bother me if you thought I was...you'd just be wrong.

I sent my first mini to Ruger to have a tweak. I had a fellow from the MA High Power Team try it and see what he could do with a few different kinds of ammo. About 2.5" was the best he could do.

My second mini was a stainless gun and I didn't like it because it was stainless. It shot as well as the first one.

My third mini was just beat...I bought it from someone who I think treated it badly. Dinged and worn but totally reliable. I traded it with a some other guns for a beretta o/u.

I really like'em and will buy another before too long I expect.

Just my 2 cents.

Doug

Lawdog · « **Reply #8 on:** November 14, 2005, 09:44:38 AM »

Quote from: drdougrx

Hmmmm...s'pose ya might be talk'n bout me...maybe...maybe not. Doesn't matter. I'm not much of a pray and spray guy...though doesn't really bother me if you thought I was...you'd just be wrong.

I wasn't talking about anyone here on this forum. My sincere apologies if you took it that way. I was talking about the many that I have seen that bought the Mini-14 and during sight in would say Dont get it too close. Might hit them Coyotes with the first shot." I once saw a guy empty a 30 round magazine at a Coyote and he never touched it. But all the time he was shooting he was laughing, hollering and having a high old time. Again, PLEASE take no offense, I wasnt talking about anyone here in particular. Lawdog

drdougrx · « **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2005, 02:46:57 PM »

Hi Lawdog,

No apology needed. Thank-you for your courtesy and being a gentleman.

I really do have a soft spot for minis'. I will probably get another around the first of the year....however...this leads me to a new and related questions if I may as your opinion and that of the group.

My dealer was infatic that the mini-30 is significantly more accurate than the mini-14. He couldn't really tell me why. What do you think?

Doug

Lawdog · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2005, 11:27:15 AM »

Doug,

Quote

My dealer was infatic that the mini-30 is significantly more accurate than the mini-14. He couldn't really tell me why. What do you think?

Ruger has been aware for a very long time of the inaccuracies of the Mini-14. They decided a few years ago to change that history. I like and prefer the old Garand style action of the Minis. Very dependable and reliable. The real main problem with the old Mini was that buggy whip thin, short barrel. It is not conducive to getting any decent accuracy. From what I understand Ruger changed the barrel in favor of one a bit longer and heavier. They have made other changes but since I have yet to shoot one I dont know if the changes have helped or not.

As for your dealer believing the Mini-30 is more accurate I believe that comes from those that hold the 7.62x39mm short Russian as being a very accurate round. I am not one of these shooters. Every short Russian I have fired has given mediocre accuracy at best. Personally I believe the .223 Remington is a more accurate cartridge. Not suitable for big game in my opinion but I wouldnt go grabbing a short Russian for big game hunting either. A .30-30 has better knock down power. For my uses, give me my custom Mini-14 over any M16 clone. :yeah: :agree: Lawdog

RicMic · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2005, 02:30:20 PM »

I had three Mini's over 25 years and they all shot the same, 2.5 to 4 inches no matter what bullet or powder I tried. I love the Mini - just will never own one again! If I wanted to spend 1k to 1.5k making it shoot good, I would just buy a Rock River A4 to start with.

drdougrx · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2005, 01:04:05 PM »

Thanks Law,

I'm going to look into a new one and see what I can see. I'll report if I can acquire one soon. I have a few pesos squirreled away for a bison hunt and I don't want to use them for another gun just yet.

regards,

Doug

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2005, 03:55:23 PM »

I have had both Mini 14's and 30's, none very accurate. My 2 SKS's are more accurate but I do like the size and configuration of the Mini's, just wish they were more accurate.
Maybe Ruger will get them right this time.

Pinkerton · « **Reply #14 on:** November 22, 2005, 05:25:58 PM »

my brother had a Mini 14 Ranch rifle. The best he ever got with any loads he tried was Black Hills Shooters supply reloads and that was 4" @ 100yrds. but it was a fun and reliable little rifle.

I had a Mini 30 and wasn't able to do much better. Both ours have been traded for bolt actions. I read the article regarding the concept rifle and would love to try one.

Krochus, that's hillarious! because it's likely true!

daddywpb · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2005, 12:37:36 AM »

I had a Mini 14 in the early 80's. It was totally reliable, but I never could find a load that it would shoot well. 3" to 4" groups were the norm at 100 yards. I didn't know that it was a problem with the rifle at the time, but I couldn't do what I wanted with it, so I traded it off. I loved the rifle, and if I could get one to shoot, I'd love to have another one.

Lawdog · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2005, 08:48:14 AM »

There are three main problems with the Mini-14 type rifles that need fixing to make them shoot. One is get rid of that buggy whip thin short barrel and replace it with one heavier. Two the gas block needs to be changed so it will work with the heavier barrel. Three the trigger needs to be changed. Make these three changes and the Minis will give excellent accuracy. Lawdog