Posted: 8/24/2018 8:23:56 PM EDT
Went to the range today just to function test my two new Minis and saw on the 50 yard range that someone posted two paper plates. So I taped over the holes and shot both from the bench.
This one is the 1989 made Mini-14 GB. 
This one is the new 2018 production Ranch Rifle. 
Here they both are from a free standing position just fooling around and doing some rapid fire. 
 I only brought 60 rounds. 
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So... starting the J-team? Thanks for sharing - I'm interesting in how well rounds from the bench group (edit: nvm, the pie plates were from the bench). The rapid fire on the blue man target could in part be explained by the stringing mini's are known for? I shot more with the GB than the Ranch simply because the Folding Stock is fun.
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So the newer barrels are better then. You might want to do several five shot strings with each. Fire them slow and allow time to cool. Then install an accustrut and test the difference. But yeah, when I get more time. 5 round strings will be done. |
| For the life of me I don’t understand why Ruger doesn’t make a new or limited production of the old Government model. I know they said they don’t have the tooling anymore but it wouldn’t be that hard to do it. I know that I would buy at least one for simply nostalgia... |
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I never rapid fired my 1980's Mini. I found the accuracy acceptable. The pencil barrel makes it light and
handy. It also makes the gun a poor choice for a high rate of fire! I imagine if you dumped a few mags though one it would damage accuracy permanently. I think the new ones are too heavy and far too expensive. I still have it...a blued non ranch rifle. It is fine for it's intended use...it is not a SHTF gun. My Colt and DD rifles fill that role just fine. |
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I never rapid fired my 1980's Mini. I found the accuracy acceptable. The pencil barrel makes it light and handy. It also makes the gun a poor choice for a high rate of fire! I imagine if you dumped a few mags though one it would damage accuracy permanently. I think the new ones are too heavy and far too expensive. I still have it...a blued non ranch rifle. It is fine for it's intended use...it is not a SHTF gun. My Colt and DD rifles fill that role just fine. |
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I have 11 ARs and 3 Minis. I doubt 40rds though the GB hurt it. Quoted:
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I never rapid fired my 1980's Mini. I found the accuracy acceptable. The pencil barrel makes it light and handy. It also makes the gun a poor choice for a high rate of fire! I imagine if you dumped a few mags though one it would damage accuracy permanently. I think the new ones are too heavy and far too expensive. I still have it...a blued non ranch rifle. It is fine for it's intended use...it is not a SHTF gun. My Colt and DD rifles fill that role just fine. take a break and let it cool. Of course, I am OCD with all things barrel life related and admit readily I am probably far too cautious. |
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I would not risk it. I remember being amazed at how fast the skinny barrel got very hot. In slow fire. I would take a break and let it cool. Of course, I am OCD with all things barrel life related and admit readily I am probably far too cautious. Quoted:
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I never rapid fired my 1980's Mini. I found the accuracy acceptable. The pencil barrel makes it light and handy. It also makes the gun a poor choice for a high rate of fire! I imagine if you dumped a few mags though one it would damage accuracy permanently. I think the new ones are too heavy and far too expensive. I still have it...a blued non ranch rifle. It is fine for it's intended use...it is not a SHTF gun. My Colt and DD rifles fill that role just fine. take a break and let it cool. Of course, I am OCD with all things barrel life related and admit readily I am probably far too cautious. 
As a kid, I shot the ever living shit out of this pre 580 series Ranch Rifle. I recall burning through cases of ammo when it was cheap. I'd load up all of my 20rd mags (eight at the time since they were pre-ban and this was during the AWB) and just go nuts. Shooting stuff on the berm. Dirt clogs, plastic bottles, old wooden doors, etc. It is still accurate and capable. The Minis aren't that bad. |
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OK, that was funny... I don't know why people continue to pursue the Mini 14... Nothing it does is appealing...and as a famous gun writer once said..."Only accurate guns are interesting" Quoted:
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Turkey season has passed, you know. I don't know why people continue to pursue the Mini 14... Nothing it does is appealing...and as a famous gun writer once said..."Only accurate guns are interesting" People like FN FALs and AKs too. |
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https://i.imgur.com/11hCqca.jpg As a kid, I shot the ever living shit out of this pre 580 series Ranch Rifle. I recall burning through cases of ammo when it was cheap. I'd load up all of my 20rd mags (eight at the time since they were pre-ban and this was during the AWB) and just go nuts. Shooting stuff on the berm. Dirt clogs, plastic bottles, old wooden doors, etc. It is still accurate and capable. The Minis aren't that bad. Quoted:
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I never rapid fired my 1980's Mini. I found the accuracy acceptable. The pencil barrel makes it light and handy. It also makes the gun a poor choice for a high rate of fire! I imagine if you dumped a few mags though one it would damage accuracy permanently. I think the new ones are too heavy and far too expensive. I still have it...a blued non ranch rifle. It is fine for it's intended use...it is not a SHTF gun. My Colt and DD rifles fill that role just fine. take a break and let it cool. Of course, I am OCD with all things barrel life related and admit readily I am probably far too cautious. As a kid, I shot the ever living shit out of this pre 580 series Ranch Rifle. I recall burning through cases of ammo when it was cheap. I'd load up all of my 20rd mags (eight at the time since they were pre-ban and this was during the AWB) and just go nuts. Shooting stuff on the berm. Dirt clogs, plastic bottles, old wooden doors, etc. It is still accurate and capable. The Minis aren't that bad. I regret that a lot! |
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Nice comparison shot of the GB and ranch rifle. It really shows how much thicker the new barrels are compared to the old pencil barrels. I also like your stock pouch. I have some USGI stock pouches just like yours except in black. I think I will mount one on my new $399 wally Mini-14. A practical, low cost way of keeping a reload on your rifle. 
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very cool OP
this thread is reminding me that I need to throw a Tech Sight rear sight on my 2014 582 series right now at 100yds it shoots a 4in 5 shit group with 55FMJ and hits steel at 200 which is the furthest I'll take it Attached File |