Okay this is a noob question I know.  I have owned all kinds of guns, and am a big AK guy.  I just got my first ever mini 14 in a trade.  Its the newer 580 series tactical model.  Only Queston is, how much rattle is acceptable pin the charging handle.  When in battery mine is loose as a goose.  I assume for reliability this loose tolerance is afforded.  Just wanted to be sure its normal.

On another note Tapco mags won't fit in it.

Might try one of the Ruger forums, lots of Mini 14 haters here.

Link

Makes sense a bunch of mini haters would be on AR15.com

Is it loose when with a round in chamber, I assume thats what you  mean in battery?

Just noticed this in one of the Tec forums, there are some Mini shooters on the site, some one should be along to answer your question.

With or without a round in. By in battery, I mean bolt fully closed.  it just wiggles within the channel it rides in.  I assume its built loose for reliability, just want to be sure.

I just checked out mine (187 series) and the charging handle/operating rod wiggles side to side a little bit, enough to rattle the inside part of it against the barrel. It doesn't have any movement besides that.

ETA: As far as mags go I use only Ruger factory 20 and 30 rounders, and John Masen 20 Rounders and haven't had any major issues with them (when they were new a few didn't like to engage the bolt catch, other than that they've worked flawlessly)

Yeah that is what mine does too.  It moves side to side about 2-3 mm each way.  I am sure its cool.  I will find out how it shoots today.

Thanks for the reply

I just traded for a 580 tactical also.  Just go shoot it and have some fun.  It is not an AR and I like it because it is something different to shoot. A little rattle should be fine.  Mine is light years ahead of the 186 series mini I sold 7 years ago.  

I got three tapco mags with the trade, but honestly I've only used the factory 20 rounders so far.  My tapco mags locked in fine but they were emply and the bolt was locked to the rear.  I'll have to try them out next week and see if they actually work.  David