Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4).  He is 101's Airborne.  He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him.  Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system.

Really?  I must be an exception to the rule.  IMMHO the AR-15 is one of the finest rifle designs ever created.  I bought the lie that the AR was bad BEFORE I joined the Army ( Infantry ) and I was subsequently heavily exposed to the A1.  It earned evry single bit of my respect.   Not only do I think the AR is a fine rifle but I also PREFER the "pathetic" A1 to the A2.  

20-25 years ago, the Mini 14 was the cat's ass.  It was accurate and highly touted as a police and paramilitary rifle. It was the rifle of choice with  militias, survivalists and police agencies. Now it is a piece of crap according to many.

Interesting how perspective changes.

I forget, what were we talking about again.....?

AR vs. AK..?    no.....that wasn't it.  Maybe 9mm vs. .45?  

Quoted: images.google.com/images?q=tbn:beN3KyPQDL8J:http://www.daosu.com/archives/images/bill_the_cat.gif Closest I could find.

that'll work...thanks mate.

On the original topic though, I've thought about getting a Mini-14 or 30 for years, but jsut never got around to it.  Couldn't figure out anything it can do better than an AR.  

But cha gotta admit...that souped up Mini-14 does look pretty cool....Nicely done.

I'll stick with my ARs...

Sometimes it's not so much the rifle as it it the operator

I really like my Blue & Wood Mini 14. I got it NIB for $298.00.  It's 100 percent reliable with Thermolds & PMI mags.  My stainless Ranch Rifle just never won me over though and it got sold.

Knowing that any rifle i use in a self defense shooting is going to be collected as evidence, my go to rifles are a Mini-14 and M1A Scout as they are easier to replace in Cali than my AR's.

The one advantage the Mini has over the AR is a lower sight to bore radius making extremely close range shots quicker.

Quoted: Sometimes it's not so much the rifle as it it the operator

Holy Cow! You can make rifles ram on command and turn to insta-crap?! That's helluva superpower! WHY AREN'T YOU IN THE MILITARY! WE NEED YOU!

Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... 1.  Better mags, now that the ban is dead. 2.  I don't like plastic furniture. 3.  The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4).  He is 101's Airborne.  He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him.  Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system.

When I was in the army, both the time that I spent in the 82nd Airborne (infantry) and the time that I spent in the 5th Special Forces (weapons specialist) I carried an M-16 and throughout 10 years of service in both jungle and desert environments I never had a problem with reliability, if that's what you're trying to point out.  The AR is a fine platform for a rifle and most of those in the know that have actually used them would agree with that statement.  Sure you've got to maintain it, but any soldier with half a brain will maintain his equipment, after all, his life depends upon it.  I don't know how many times I've heard privates say "I'd rather have an AK."  But they've never used them except at a range.  They really don't know what they're talking about because they have no experience with them outside of this.  

Could it be in a better caliber?  Sure it could.  The 6.8 SPC was an attempt to do just that.  But when I visited the Special Warfare Weapons branch last summer I was told that it was a dead issue due to logistical problems.  The cost to refit and the fact that it's not a NATO round pretty much killed it.  

Still, the 5.56 isn't all bad.  And in case you haven't notice the Mini 14 is chambered for the same round as the AR!  You mention the AK, but it's not exactly a match rifle!

So, back to getting on topic...I think that it was something about Anna Nicole Smith...OH NO, it was Mini 14s, now I remember.

I personally like the new additions to the Mini 14 platform and intend to buy one.  I do confess that it should have a better barrel to improve accuracy and that's exactly what I'm going to do with mine when I get it.  That along with some glass bedding and it should be a nice rifle.  

So why a Mini 14?  I have a couple of ARs and I like them, but I think that the Mini 14 would be a good gun for a BOB.  It's less conspicious when carried as it looks more like a rifle that civilain would have.  It doesn't look like something that the average gun banner would scream about...at least not until they get rid of all those dangerous ARs and AKs.  It's chambered for a round that you can find anywhere in the U.S. from the miltary to Wally World.  Spare parts are easily available.  Besides, I need an excuse to get a new rifle.

I had one in the past, a long time ago, and never had any problems with functioning, it just wasn't as accurate as I would have liked.  Since the AWB is history I got my hands on a bunch of Ruger 20 round magazines.  

So that's my 2 cents worth and maybe a little more.  Hope you don't mind the rant, I tend to get a bit long winded at times.

Robert

I own a LEO Mini GB and I love it. With BH blue box 68 grn HP's it shoots 2 MOA, until it gets hot.
With XM193 its closer to 3 MOA, which is still pretty good. When it gets hot, the groups grow but its still capable of defensive accuracy. The GB models are the most accurate of the "old" Mini 14's. They were made with "choice" barrels and recievers and the actions were trued for optimal performance. The New Mini is even better. The sights are better, it has the mounts in the receiver and its more accurate than previous Ranch models....I too hate Ruger and thier commie politics.
Thier manuals are clearly written by lawyers instead of technicians. Why people compare the Mini and the AR I will never know. The Mini is out of its league when compared with the AR. Its a  

civilian rifle, it wasn't ever intended to be a battle rifle. A more apt comparison would be with the SU16 or a 5.56 AK....these weapons are closer in price and performance. The Mini is an excellent weapon and a blast to shoot. Its my truck gun and it serves me quite well. I carry my Mini in my truck as its a little less evil looking should I get pulled over and less expensive if it gets stolen.
For this role, its probably superior to an AR. I intend to use my Mini 14 to fight my way to home to get my M4gery.

Quoted: Quoted: Sometimes it's not so much the rifle as it it the operator Holy Cow! You can make rifles ram on command and turn to insta-crap?! That's helluva superpower! WHY AREN'T YOU IN THE MILITARY! WE NEED YOU!

They have the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company for that.  

Didn't Ruger also conform their new GB models to the new Ranch model?  By that I mean, don't they resemble this design here?

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=41655669

Notice the FH but lack of bayonet lug.  I am guessing this is the "new" GB model?

I think Ruger recently quit making the GB.  They really have not been into the Mini-14 since the Miami FBI murders.

Dennis Jenkins

Quoted: Didn't Ruger also conform their new GB models to the new Ranch model?  By that I mean, don't they resemble this design here? www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=41655669 Notice the FH but lack of bayonet lug.  I am guessing this is the "new" GB model?

I took an urban defense rifle course with a Mini. The farthest we shot was 25 yds and I was one of the top performers in the class. I was also the only Mini shooter there and while ALOT of the other shooters were having functioning problems with their AR ( a few even had to break out the cleaning rod to "clear" the barrle) and one had to go to the armorer to be fixed which I think was mostly due to their inexperience with the rifle I would still rather have an AR in a fight. It's more ergonomical.

Quoted: You're ignorant if you think there are not a lot of people out there who hate the AR or who would at least jump at the chance of buying a more traditional looking gun if it had the same performance as an AR.  And by substantial, I don't mean like 1/2, or even 1/3, but a noticeable amount of people.  My guess is there are a lot more gun owners out there who would prefer a wood stocked gun. ARFCOM is a minority in the gun owning community.  It's a fact.

Please cite references to back up your so-called "fact" or else stop calling people ignorant.

Quoted: Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4).  He is 101's Airborne.  He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him.  Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system.   Really?  I must be an exception to the rule.  IMMHO the AR-15 is one of the finest rifle designs ever created.  I bought the lie that the AR was bad BEFORE I joined the Army ( Infantry ) and I was subsequently heavily exposed to the A1.  It earned evry single bit of my respect.   Not only do I think the AR is a fine rifle but I also PREFER the "pathetic" A1 to the A2.

+ 1 on what desertmoon said. The AR /M16 is a very good weapon system. I carried the M16A1 and the M16A2  in the U.S. ARMY . I was never in a warzone. But trained hard with them. I preferr the M16A1 over the M16A2 also. Light  and accurate and reliable. Just what Eugene Stoner designed. I also like the mini 14 for what it is. Not for what people want it to be. Im all for improvements on anything. , Cheers WarDawg

I have a Mini-14 GB model that is accurate , reliable , and fun to shoot , but the fact is , The AR platform is better in every category that I can think of .

I always wanted a Mini since I was a kid , so I jumped on a nice police trade stainless GB with wood stock when the ban expired .

I plan on keeping this Mini , but I doubt I'll buy any more.

They're just not as versatile or addictive as an AR!

These guys have extensive experience with them.

Quoted: While I was in the Army I don't remember all that many complaints about the M16. I prefered the A2 to the A1, the heavier barrel really did make it more accurate, and being that I spent an awful lot of my time as a M60 gunner I never really saw a whole lot of need for a full auto M16. I have fired Mini14's quite a bit going back to the early eighties. They are a decent gun for the homeowner or hobbyist, not that great but not bad by any means. They are not a military issue rifle, on the battlefield they would probably turn out to be very disappointing. I don't currently own a Mini, but if Ruger were to begin selling a stainless model with the folding stock and make thirty rounds mags available again, I might buy one.

Greetings fellow '60 gunner! (I also humped an M67 for about three months).

Quoted: Certainly not the sort of recommendation that Ruger would seek, but an (unfortunate, in this case) example of the real-world effectiveness of the Mini.

..more of the .223 than the mini.  I mean just 'cause it didn't jam in that one instance that involved short range shooting between a semi-automatic rifle and revolvers is hardly indicative.

if there were - good - cheap - factory - 20 and 30 round mags available for the mini 30 i would think ruger could get a decent chunk of the AK market.

Quoted: if there were - good - cheap - factory - 20 and 30 round mags available for the mini 30 i would think ruger could get a decent chunk of the AK market.

The best prices that I found for LEO 20 round Mini 14 mags is at 44mag.com, not cheap, but they're NIB Ruger mags.  Now if I could just find some truly good ones for the Mini 30.

It could be a "new" Mini if Ruger made it...

---Accept M16 mags (AK mags for Mini 30)

---Install a decent BBL

---Install a decent rear sight (milled M1 Carbine)

---Sell all parts of the gun to the public


But we know that will never happen. Too bad none of the other large mfg'ers won't realise there is a market out there for for a centerfire "standard" rifle that accepts milspec mags...



+1000

Quoted: It could be a "new" Mini if Ruger made it... ---Accept M16 mags (AK mags for Mini 30) ---Install a decent BBL ---Install a decent rear sight (milled M1 Carbine) ---Sell all parts of the gun to the public But we know that will never happen. Too bad none of the other large mfg'ers won't realise there is a market out there for for a centerfire "standard" rifle that accepts milspec mags... +1000

I've replaced the barrels on just about every "standard" rifle that I own, so I don't mind that so much, I've actually become accustomed to it, though I certainly wouldn't object to getting a better barrel straight from the factory.  Maybe if Ruger would make a "target" model Mini 14 or Mini 30, but that may be an oxymoron (a target model carbine).

As for the rear sight I haven't looked at the new improved model up close, but isn't the sight supposed to be much better?

The thing about Ruger that really irks me is that Ruger won't sell a lot of their parts to the general public.  I do a lot of work on Blackhawks and I can't get a barrel or cylinder without doing a search on ebay.

Moving on to magazines, now that the AWB is gone at least it's possible to get Ruger 20 round mags for the Mini 14, but it seems to me that if the Soviets could make a working 30 round magazine in the same caliber as the Mini 30 way back in 1947 that surely SOMEONE could make one now!

Oh well, I'll still keep my Mini 14 and 30.  I still like them enough to not get rid of them.  Besides, it seems that 1/2 of what I get rid of I eventually wind up buying again, usually after the factory isn't making them anymore and the price has gone up!

Ruger did not discontinue the GB model, it is just produced in smaller numbers than before and even more restricted. The standard GB model is identical to the "new" Mini except that it has the birdcage FH. The FS on the "new" Mini is a standard GB front sight without bayo lug. The bayo lug has been discontinued for the "new" GB and it has a longer sight radius than the older GB, which sucks....Ruger offers several models of the "new" GB, including one with a factory rail handguard.
Ruger also continues the manufacture of the AC556, though it was not subjected to the "new" modifications. They have also resumed making the 30 round magazine. To order these products

from Ruger you need a PD letterhead as they are highly restricted. Apparently they belive they will be able to regain the marketshare they once had with Mini 14 among LE agencies, which is very possible in departments which are unwilling to issue EBR's. They have even interfered with wholesalers who have circumvented thier polices. I am trying to find a "new" GB, though its very hard to do, at least for under 900.00 which I refuse to pay for a Mini 14. I will probably end up buying a stainless/synthetic Mini and having a ruger factory FH installed. It won't say LEO on the reciever, but it will have superior sights, scope mounts and excellent accuracy....

Quoted: Quoted: These guys have extensive experience with them. www.poster.net/a-team-the/a-team-the-photo-the-a-team-6200211.jpg Just like clockwork, someone always posts a pic of the A-Team in a Mini thread. Getting back to reality, though, may I remind you all that the bad guy who did most of the killing in the infamous "Miami Shootout" used a Mini-14? Certainly not the sort of recommendation that Ruger would seek, but an (unfortunate, in this case) example of the real-world effectiveness of the Mini. www.firearmstactical.com/briefs7.htm

And Gordon Kohl, who was a Posse Comitatis tax evader killed a couple deputy sheriffs with one, and the guy at Univ. of Montreal killed 13-14 woman with a Mini 14.  Kinda  bad publicity for Ruger. Undoubtably, those events had someting to do with Ruger's concern with liability.

The Mini is based on the reliable Garand action.

All the mini-14's I see seem to be so over priced.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: If they made some real improvements like a heavier barrel and sold it with hi-caps, they could get a substantial part of the AR market.   Merry Christmas You're ignorant if you think there are not a lot of people out there who hate the AR or who would at least jump at the chance of buying a more traditional looking gun if it had the same performance as an AR.  And by substantial, I don't mean like 1/2, or even 1/3, but a noticeable amount of people.  My guess is there are a lot more gun owners out there who would prefer a wood stocked gun. ARFCOM is a minority in the gun owning community.  It's a fact.

If that is your arguement you should have worded it a little different, like there sales in the "gun world" in general will be better i doubt they will cut into the AR owners realm that much. But all that being said if they brought back the folders id have one.

Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... 1.  Better mags, now that the ban is dead. 2.  I don't like plastic furniture. 3.  The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4).  He is 101's Airborne.  He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him.  Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system.

Oh please... Better mags? Only in your dreams.
Hey, I think I hear your mom calling.

Quoted: Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... 1.  Better mags, now that the ban is dead. 2.  I don't like plastic furniture. 3.  The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4).  He is 101's Airborne.  He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him.  Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system.   Oh please... Better mags? Only in your dreams. Hey, I think I hear your mom calling.

Better!?  Better than nothing!

Quoted:
I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy.

I like the Mini because...

1. Better mags, now that the ban is dead.
2. I don't like plastic furniture.
3. The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4). He is 101's Airborne. He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him. Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Oh please... Better mags? Only in your dreams.
Hey, I think I hear your mom calling.


Hey "spuirt-gun",

I am an old fart and my mother is long deceased.  Insults removed.  raf

If you are an 'old fart" you should know how to talk/post without being insulting.  If you don't, a vacation from this site can easily be arranged.  raf

Quoted: Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... 1. Better mags, now that the ban is dead. 2. I don't like plastic furniture. 3. The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4). He is 101's Airborne. He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him. Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh please... Better mags? Only in your dreams. Hey, I think I hear your mom calling. Hey "spuirt-gun", I am an old fart and my mother is long deceased.   insults removed.  raf

I do believe that this thread has sunk to a whole new low.

Quoted: Quoted: I would dump my AR for a Mini14, but not until it can compete with AR's accuracy. I like the Mini because... 1. Better mags, now that the ban is dead. 2. I don't like plastic furniture. 3. The AR is really a kinda sorry excuse for a rifle, and it sucks that my brother is stuck in Iraq with his life depending on one (M4). He is 101's Airborne. He told me he'd carry an AK if they'd allow it, and I don't blame him. Most of the people who've served with an M16 or M4 don't have glowing compliments for the system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oh please... Better mags? Only in your dreams. Hey, I think I hear your mom calling. Hey "spuirt-gun", I am an old fart and my mother is long deceased.  Insults removed.  raf If you are an 'old fart" you should know how to talk/post without being insulting.  If you don't, a vacation from this site an easily be arranged.  raf

Damn, I missed it. This could have been fun.

I like my Mini but it always bothered me that my $99 pre-ban Chinese sks could out shoot it at a 'hunnerd yards!

2 questions.

What's the length of pull on the new model?

How matte is Ruger's matte stainless?  In other words, does it have any more glare than the average blued gun or is it more like parkerization in that regard?

Ok, I know that's 3, but 2 of them are really the same question.

Thanks,
Robert

I have a blued 181 series GB w/upper wooden handguard that is in excellent shape and I love it.

I also LOVE the AR15's looks and ergonomics, but not the idea of it's operation. I will be ordering me a POF upper as soon as I get my income tax refund. And when I can, get a lower for it.

Once that is done, it will replace the GB as my mainline .556 weapon. Why? Because my GB is old and will only go up in value as it is very old and hard to come by. And I don't want to put too much wear on it.

The mini is a fine gun as long as you realise it's short commings and don't expect 1-2 inch groups from it. Reliable mags are plentiful as the ProMags are available, not to mention the Ruger factory 20 rounders, so that's not an issue anymore IMO.

If you love what you have, then that is all that should matter.

-Vincnet

7months in the desert with my A2 and no problems. THere were a few  Rangers too with no problems. Regular Army guys who had problems with theirs.... but of course they couldn't maintain their stuff.

Guys everyone knows any experienced operator will tell you that the FAMAS clearly owns the M16/AK/Mini 14 platforms </facetiousness>

I'm taking it after 4 pages and a month no one has handled the new mini-14

I was in Wal-Mart yesterday and out of curiousity took a look.  They can order some firearms that they don't stock, you have to take a look at their catalog.  Anyway, the picture of the Mini 14 and Mini 30 is that of a new model.  I don't know what that means, but I thought that I'd throw it in the mix.  

Ruger is famous for advertising guns that they haven't released yet.  The XG-1 is definitely one that comes to mind.  It was advertised, but never produced.  The current commemorative Ruger Blackhawk, .44 magnum, 50th anniversary won't be available for some months to come, but it's already on their website.  

I own a Mini 14 It is not the most accurate rifle i own But it will work when an AR won't
Alittle grit in the wrong place will stop an AR cold. Sonce there is nothing to trap dirt aMini will keep on shooting. I plan on purchasing an AR for CMP because it fits the service rifle division,and is way more accurate Than A Mini14. From most field positions most of you folks can't shooy any better than 6 minutes of angle with any rifle

Quoted: From most field positions most of you folks can't shooy any better than 6 minutes of angle with any rifle

I can "shooy" a 4" or 5" group off hand from 50 yards.