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Posted: 1/12/2012 6:48:53 PM EDT
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As a predecessor to any sort of "Im not going to answer you, but here is an irrelevant opinion" sort of post, I understand the Mini 14 is not a "Battle Rifle", and that the accuracy of such is not capable for "Longer Ranges". (Also, I am not interested in an AR-15 at this time, so save it.) However, when I buy a Rifle (Or Carbine) I like to have the utmost accuracy I can. Here is a series of questions I have.
My goal is to have a Mini 14 with the capabilities to do small to medium game hunting around Texas within 200 yards. My goal is to make my Mini 14 as Accurate as possible, while making it a simultaneously capable defense gun with tactical capabilities. That said, I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor. (I understand the Tactical Version already has one, but in the even I go ranch...Please use common sense.) So here I am with questions. Is the Stainless barrel more accurate than the blued? Is the maintenance that much of a difference between the two? Is the 18.5 inch barrel of the Ranch version more accurate than the 16.5 or so inch barrel of the Tactical? If so, is it significant enough to consider? So far I am geared towards getting a Synthetic stock, stainless steel Mini 14 and attaching a Barrel Stabilizer. Question is, for accuracy should I get the Ranch edition with the extra 2 inches and then add the flash suppressor, or is the Tactical 16.5 inch just as or more accurate? OR is the Mini 30 in 7.62 x 39 more accurate, and is the Drop on that round exaggerated? What is best suited for self defense, and hunting for game such as Texas deer and Hogs? (And please, save the "5.56/.223 is not powerful enough at 200 yards....I have seen it with my own eyes. I want advice, not argumentation.) Thanks! |
No experience with the tactical, but the ranch is pretty decent with irons out to 200 yards. I would mount a scope on it to get the most out of it at 200 though. An red dot would do very nice. No idea about the stainless being better than the blued, I was under the impression they were the same barrel, just different finishes. The tactical versions are suppossed to have better accuracy than the previous models. My Ranch model that was made in the early 90's does well out to 200. Hope this helps.
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Quoted: That said, I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor. (I understand the Tactical Version already has one, but in the even I go ranch...Please use common sense.) thats pretty much what i have, a ranch rifle with a flash/muzzle brake and an accu-strut. I am using a primary arms red dot with a ranch rifle 30mm ring, and it is pretty damn sturdy. with a 9x scope i can place 20 rounds of cheap ass monarch ammo into a silver dollar at 50 yards. with a red dot i can put 20 rounds into a softball. mini-14s are good rifles, and they are a damn good rifle with an accustrut and a flash suppressor/muzzle brake oh yeah, check out perfectunion.com mini-14 forum. it is a wealth of knowledge. |
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That said, I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor. (I understand the Tactical Version already has one, but in the even I go ranch...Please use common sense.) thats pretty much what i have, a ranch rifle with a flash/muzzle brake and an accu-strut. I am using a primary arms red dot with a ranch rifle 30mm ring, and it is pretty damn sturdy. with a 9x scope i can place 20 rounds of cheap ass monarch ammo into a silver dollar at 50 yards. with a red dot i can put 20 rounds into a softball. mini-14s are good rifles, and they are a damn good rifle with an accustrut and a flash suppressor/muzzle brake oh yeah, check out perfectunion.com mini-14 forum. it is a wealth of knowledge. Could you post pics? So you have the 18.5 inch barrel then? My next question is –– Is it a heavy weapon system? Where did you get the Muzzle Break and accu-strut? I have been looking at Mo-Bar for a barrel stabilizer |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: That said, I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor. (I understand the Tactical Version already has one, but in the even I go ranch...Please use common sense.) thats pretty much what i have, a ranch rifle with a flash/muzzle brake and an accu-strut. I am using a primary arms red dot with a ranch rifle 30mm ring, and it is pretty damn sturdy. with a 9x scope i can place 20 rounds of cheap ass monarch ammo into a silver dollar at 50 yards. with a red dot i can put 20 rounds into a softball. mini-14s are good rifles, and they are a damn good rifle with an accustrut and a flash suppressor/muzzle brake oh yeah, check out perfectunion.com mini-14 forum. it is a wealth of knowledge. Could you post pics? So you have the 18.5 inch barrel then? My next question is –– Is it a heavy weapon system? Where did you get the Muzzle Break and accu-strut? I have been looking at Mo-Bar for a barrel stabilizer  50 yards, 2 different types of .223 ammo. if i remember correctly the left side is black box federal, the right side is monarch   this is the type i have:  may be able to find it cheaper on ebay your questions: is it a heavy weapon system ? as in ? do i consider it reliable for a SHTF ? yes...with my red dot i have it set up with a 50 yard combat zero, and i feel i can hit man size targets at 200 yards all day long, weight wise...i think its like 8 or 9 lbs ? could be wrong, i never weighed it. accu strut : http://www.accu-strut.com/ the guy who invented this pretty much documented his progress over on perfect union.com. i even made a strut out of a mini-mag lite and some barrel clamps and it tightened up the groupings as well. but the accustrut is a well made device and it looks way better than the device i made. oh yeah, here are some reviews of the accustrut my scoped review is about halfway down on the page. I have one of the first versions of the accustrut, and kkina refined it over the past couple of years. |
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What I mean by heavy is –– Is it easily maneuverable? Can it be used for things such as room clearing, urbanized combat, etc...? I use the M16A2 for most of the training I do with the army, and it is a fairly long weapon system, but even so I really dont like it for just about every reason BESIDES the length. The whole AR setup, to me, is ugly. Secondly, I have yet to find one that is truly reliable, without spending tons of money. And even more so, the sights seem to never be quite consistent. Im not sure. Ive never been a bad shot, but Ive shot my worst shooting with AR/M16 configs...And I was one shot from qualifying expert this past qual with the m16 for my unit.
I want this gun to be for hunting and plinking, but I also want something good for defense, SHTF, Zombies, whatever should happen. My main concern though is this –– will the extra 2 inches of barrel on the Ranch Version give me better accuracy for longer distances, or will I fare just fine with the Tactical? Because a shorter barrel is always better for in and out of buildings, vehicles, moving through the woods, and follow up shots. |
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Also....I will need a good scope. This is one I have looked at:
Tasco 4-16X 40mm Illuminated Mil. I read about it on another forum, someone liked it alot and I have seem some good reviews. For a scope my budget is under $150 preferably lower. I am a low rank enlisted guy whose is in reserves to go to school, so Im not making tons of money here! Lol Thanks! |
I went with a Ramline synthetic stock, Mo-Rod and M14 style muzzle device on my old 183-series Mini. It holds consistent 2" groups at 100 yards with 55 gr. ammo. The stringing and other maladies that are claimed by others don't seem to be a problem with my Mini. It goes bang every time without fail and will happily consume any brand of ammo I decide to use. It's really fun to shoot.
The Mo-Rod also makes a good place to mount a bipod: 
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Quoted: What I mean by heavy is –– Is it easily maneuverable? Can it be used for things such as room clearing, urbanized combat, etc...? I want this gun to be for hunting and plinking, but I also want something good for defense, SHTF, Zombies, whatever should happen. My main concern though is this –– will the extra 2 inches of barrel on the Ranch Version give me better accuracy for longer distances, or will I fare just fine with the Tactical? Because a shorter barrel is always better for in and out of buildings, vehicles, moving through the woods, and follow up shots. for me personally, i think the mini-14 is a tad bit to long for room clearing. I am not home right now so i can not measure it, but i think it is an easy 3 feet long. but for urbanized combat or SHTF ? yes... i think the rifle can hold its own. for a hurricane Katrina type event...i would feel well armed with a mini-14 and a few good magazines. although i have never been in urbanized combat or professionally trained for it...so i may not be the best person to answer that question. and in reference of the 2 inch difference between the tactical and ranch rifle in regards to accuracy... well the mini-14 is not a tack driver, and it was never designed to be one...although you can tweek the shit out of one to achieve some impressive results. the mini-14 is a reliable rifle, that is effective on medium sized critters and up to man sized critters and it may be able to take out a cow sized animal with a good head shot from 100 yards away. |
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What I mean by heavy is –– Is it easily maneuverable? Can it be used for things such as room clearing, urbanized combat, etc...? I use the M16A2 for most of the training I do with the army, and it is a fairly long weapon system, but even so I really dont like it for just about every reason BESIDES the length. The whole AR setup, to me, is ugly. Secondly, I have yet to find one that is truly reliable, without spending tons of money. And even more so, the sights seem to never be quite consistent. Im not sure. Ive never been a bad shot, but Ive shot my worst shooting with AR/M16 configs...And I was one shot from qualifying expert this past qual with the m16 for my unit. I want this gun to be for hunting and plinking, but I also want something good for defense, SHTF, Zombies, whatever should happen. My main concern though is this –– will the extra 2 inches of barrel on the Ranch Version give me better accuracy for longer distances, or will I fare just fine with the Tactical? Because a shorter barrel is always better for in and out of buildings, vehicles, moving through the woods, and follow up shots. I have a mid-1990's Ranch Rifle with a pin-on M14 style muzzle brake and a 20" barreled varmint AR with an A2 stock. They are similar in length and handle about the same (minus the weight of the AR's bull barrel.) I prefer the pistol grip of an AR over the Ruger factory stock, but that's not a detractor for the Mini if I went to an aftermarket stock. Regarding the choice of an 18" or 16.5" barrel, I doubt the difference in accuracy will be noticeable. Velocity, on the other hand, could drop 50-80fps when going to a shorter barrel. I'm guessing at the velocity drop, however I feel it's a ballpark figure. That isn't a problem when punching holes in paper or shooting tin cans, however it might make a difference in performance of hunting rounds and longer distances. Whatever length you choose, pick the right ammo for the application. |
| Art Eatman, the head mod of the highroad, talks quite a bit about the mini. He says he has had 4 and all of them shared the same quality, they put the first 3 rounds in the same place every time. That is quite a plus. The tactical series is by all accounts very accurate, but many people have noticed an increase in accuracy when they shortened their older models. If room clearing is on your list, either the tactical or a shortened older style would be the way to go. Accu-strut does make a strut for the shorter barrels. |
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Quoted: I went with a Ramline synthetic stock, Mo-Rod and M14 style muzzle device on my old 183-series Mini. It holds consistent 2" groups at 100 yards with 55 gr. ammo. The stringing and other maladies that are claimed by others don't seem to be a problem with my Mini. It goes bang every time without fail and will happily consume any brand of ammo I decide to use. It's really fun to shoot. http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb324/Snake_driver/Mini-14_13.jpg The Mo-Rod also makes a good place to mount a bipod: http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb324/Snake_driver/Mini-14_11.jpg with your bi-pod mounted on your mo-rod, did you notice a shift in your point of impact ? |
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Not at all, since the point of the Mo-Rod/Accu-strut design is to mount a "stiffener" to barrel to help eliminate the barrel whip that occurs in the thinner Mini barrels, having another device mounted onto the strut just further stiffens the whole setup if anything. Bipod on or bipod off though the point of impact stays the same. I have the bipod attached right in front of the stiffest point where the first barrel clamp and the gas port attachment occur. I doubt that any force gets to the barrel through the strut from the bipod at that point. It just works, so I'm happy about that.
As I side note, when I attached the Mo-Rod to my Mini for the first time there was very little shift in the point of impact. What it did do is stop the stringing that occurs when the barrel heats up under rapid fire. |
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Roger that, because I want this to be a truck gun for when Im driving around, a hunting gun (for about out to 200-300m IF NEED BE, but not by any means a sniper) and a good self defense gun. However, I have already come to the conclusion that I am probably getting two...the 5.56 for plinking, and either a 6.8 spc or have Accuracy Systems convert one to a 6.5 Grendel.
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Next question...being that I wouldnt mind a compact feature available...would this kind of stock decrease the accuracy of the gun?
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=mini+14+tactical+wood+stock&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1427&bih=796&tbm=isch&tbnid=XFDTG2KQMDvc4M:&imgrefurl=http://www.shaggybevo.com/board/showthread.php/99397-AR-15-vs.-Mini-14&docid=5XeYp1BioeqNWM&imgurl=http://world.guns.ru/userfiles/images/assault/as37/mini14ac556f1.jpg&w=650&h=214&ei=D-4RT7qIK4PY2gWg5YmECg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=518&vpy=254&dur=5364&hovh=129&hovw=392&tx=151&ty=100&sig=100726261582924180419&page=6&tbnh=62&tbnw=189&start=148&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:21,s:148 being that is has a thinner shoulder stock and such? Does that affect accuracy? |
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Is it too late to answer the question? You got some great advise already, but I like to throw my 2 cents in sometimes.
I think the Mini14 is plenty accurate and certainly reliable enough in stock form for limits you described, and if you handload you can help consistency quite a bit. One member at PU critisized Ruger very vocally for not machining their integral scope bases straight enough for his high standards, and since I bought into his hype, I got a Weigand base to correct a problem I didn't really have; however, the actual benefits to this is that it let me use shorter (stiffer) picatinny rings and the mount is windage adjustable. I also bought Wilson 1911 shock buffers and fit a 3/32" roll pin in my gas bushing to keep brass in my state (5 cents instead of 35 bucks for bushings). The original trigger feel was typical Ruger, so I did some polishing and a very small amount of hammer/sear work. The rifle is basically stock, shoots 2"-3" at 100y and 6-10" at 200 with handloads (that may sound shockingly large, but I'm just one of the few honest shooters on here), but I can expect groups like that all day long after hundreds of rounds and no cleaning; it won't win a match, but it'll put holes in critters within the range I can see them. Benchrest shooters do not even completely agree with each other whether stainless or chromoly is more accurate, but even if there were a clear winner, the Mini14 isn't the rifle to exploit any such gains. As for barrel length, all else being equal, small differences do not affect consistency (it will affect velocity which will show as a vertical change of POI, but that isn't to say it changes shot-to-shot consistency) - the belief that longer barrels are more accurate seems to stem from rifles with longer barrels also having longer sight radii and a noticeable increase in accuracy, in today's world where magnified optics are more commonplace, these sorts of beliefs are fading away. My goal is to make my Mini 14 as Accurate as possible, while making it a simultaneously capable defense gun with tactical capabilities.
I wouldn't spend any real money on accurizing techniques for this gun, most of them are extensive (new barrels) and yield poor returns compared to other rifles; it's like saying, "I want a really accurate Uzi" and getting upset when someone tells you there are better options. I get what you mean though, you want that compromise in between extreme reliability (which usually decreases accuracy) and extreme accuracy (which typically ruins reliability). The gun is pretty much THAT out of the box. And the usual tricks are the shock buffers and gas bushings - most people find that helps with cycling and keeping the gun from beating itself or scopes too harshly. I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor.
What do you need a flash suppressor for? I only ask because if you DO need it, consider buying the tactical version to start with. Otherwise, if you don't really need it, the ranch version will be just fine (it's not like they spit fireballs anyway). The barrel struts you mention only fit the thin ranch barrels (and older minis), and almost every owner says it really helps. However, most owners of tactical minis claim the accuracy from the newer, stiffer barrel is in the same ballpark as a strutted 18 1/2" barrel. Is the Stainless barrel more accurate than the blued? Is the maintenance that much of a difference between the two?
You'll never see a difference on this gun. The reason you should consider stainless is if you think you might find yourself in a situation where you would shoot corrosive ammo or get the barrel wet and won't have time to deal with maintaining it in an appropriate time - otherwise, blued barrels aren't much to worry about. Is the 18.5 inch barrel of the Ranch version more accurate than the 16.5 or so inch barrel of the Tactical? If so, is it significant enough to consider?
I wouldn't think so, but many tactical owners are pleased with the results, possibly enough to be worth the changes. In my opinion, look at the features instead, like the shorter barrel and flash hider and decide if the differences matter to you or not. For me, the tactical fit my bill better. So far I am geared towards getting a Synthetic stock, stainless steel Mini 14 and attaching a Barrel Stabilizer. Question is, for accuracy should I get the Ranch edition with the extra 2 inches and then add the flash suppressor, or is the Tactical 16.5 inch just as or more accurate?
You're putting A1 on the steak before you ever tasted it. But the one you like the best (not what any anonymous internets people tell you) and shoot the shit out of it. Money spent on ammo will always out-value money spent on tricks. OR is the Mini 30 in 7.62 x 39 more accurate, and is the Drop on that round exaggerated?
Historically the 30 has much worse accuracy than the Mini14 (worse than even SKSs I'm told), but that's the rifle, not the round, and I hear that the new tacticals have come up a bit. The issue really sparks up a 223 v 7.62 debate that I don't want to get in to, especially if you start throwing in 6.8 SPC. Both rounds kill medium game to about 300y in different ways, one is slow and heavy and one is light and fast - just like a 9mm or 45acp debate. What is best suited for self defense, and hunting for game such as Texas deer and Hogs?
Assuming "defense", you will probably be at close range and tight quarters - any round will do. I use a pistol when I need to conceal that protection and selected rounds that are available and popular - no rocket science behind it. I use the AR for a defensive purpose too, but must remember that 223 won't notice drywall for quite a long way, so safety and backstop are pretty big concerns. If you are on a tight budget, a light hunting rifle like the mini is perfect. I've shot at Arizona javelina, and can expect humane results at 200 yards. I use soft point 55gr bullets, but have hit one with a V-max in the spine before - instant nap time. I shouldn't have been using a v-max but I lucked out that the shot was under 40 yards and dead accurate. Pick your bullet wisely, place it well, and keep distance reasonable and comfortable, you shouldn't have a problem with 223 or 7.62 doing the job. I've heard the feral hogs get huge though, you might look at a 308 or something if it's 150lb or more. Maybe for a cous, you could use a 223, but even for AZ mules and whitetail, hunters seem to think 243 is about the minimum for humane hunting. |
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/battletweeter/mini-14withreddotscope.jpgQuoted:
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That said, I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor. (I understand the Tactical Version already has one, but in the even I go ranch...Please use common sense.) thats pretty much what i have, a ranch rifle with a flash/muzzle brake and an accu-strut. I am using a primary arms red dot with a ranch rifle 30mm ring, and it is pretty damn sturdy. with a 9x scope i can place 20 rounds of cheap ass monarch ammo into a silver dollar at 50 yards. with a red dot i can put 20 rounds into a softball. mini-14s are good rifles, and they are a damn good rifle with an accustrut and a flash suppressor/muzzle brake oh yeah, check out perfectunion.com mini-14 forum. it is a wealth of knowledge. Could you post pics? So you have the 18.5 inch barrel then? My next question is –– Is it a heavy weapon system? Where did you get the Muzzle Break and accu-strut? I have been looking at Mo-Bar for a barrel stabilizer 50 yards, 2 different types of .223 ammo. if i remember correctly the left side is black box federal, the right side is monarch this is the type i have: may be able to find it cheaper on ebay your questions: is it a heavy weapon system ? as in ? do i consider it reliable for a SHTF ? yes...with my red dot i have it set up with a 50 yard combat zero, and i feel i can hit man size targets at 200 yards all day long, weight wise...i think its like 8 or 9 lbs ? could be wrong, i never weighed it. accu strut : http://www.accu-strut.com/ the guy who invented this pretty much documented his progress over on perfect union.com. i even made a strut out of a mini-mag lite and some barrel clamps and it tightened up the groupings as well. but the accustrut is a well made device and it looks way better than the device i made. oh yeah, here are some reviews of the accustrut my scoped review is about halfway down on the page. I have one of the first versions of the accustrut, and kkina refined it over the past couple of years. Which height scope ring did you use to mount your red dot? |
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Quoted: Which height scope ring did you use to mount your red dot? my memory is a bit fuzzy, but i think the options were low, medium, and high, and i got the high ones. |
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The BEST thing you can do for your Mini is immedietly after bringing it home, take off the shitty Ruger rear sight, and throw that shit in the trash. That sight has NO repeatability, it a complete guessing game when getting a zero, and the dual set screw tension adjustment and retention system used sucks absolute balls. Replace that sight with the new Tech Sight for the Mini 14. It has repeatable adjustments so you can work up diffrent iron sight Zeros for diffrent loads, the adjustment is precise, and it is all around a much better set up. it is well worth the $70 asking price if you are planning to use your Mini for any "Serious purposes". |
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Apologies in advance if I missed something already posted. I read most but not all the posts. I have owned 3 minis over the years. Based on the OPs desires here are some thoughts.
1 Several posters have already provided good info on the Accustrut - get one. 2 While my impression is that you plan to buy a new Mini you did not rule out used ones. In my view you should buy new. Ruger improved their barrel design a couple of years ago. 3 I prefer stainless - on any rifle I buy if the option is available. 4 Perfectunion.com is the most complete forum for Mini14s on the web - but I think this board is developing nicely (thank you RAF). I suggest that you look at both. 5 While I prefer the 18" barrel sounds like the 16" would work a little better for you. Good Luck - I hope you enjoy your Mini! |
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...My goal is to have a Mini 14 with the capabilities to do small to medium game hunting around Texas within 200 yards. I am setting mine up for Michigan whitetail Is the Stainless barrel more accurate than the blued? Is the maintenance that much of a difference between the two?
I have flogged the crap out of my K-mini, bumpfiring as much as anything else. I didn't clean it for years. when I did, I was astounded at how quickly the barrel cleaned. mine is an older model; I bedded the stock (wood), and it really helped with vertical stringing. it will put 5 shots into 1.5" at 50 yds with barnes 62 gr TSX bullets, using a weaver 1-3x scope. |
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I will offer my comments as I have both Tacticals, Mini-14 and Mini-30 as well as an older series Mini-14 customized by Clarks. I hope you do not find them irrelevant, although my professional opinion is none are as adept as the AR platform. See my comments in red.
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As a predecessor to any sort of "Im not going to answer you, but here is an irrelevant opinion" sort of post, I understand the Mini 14 is not a "Battle Rifle", and that the accuracy of such is not capable for "Longer Ranges". (Also, I am not interested in an AR-15 at this time, so save it.) However, when I buy a Rifle (Or Carbine) I like to have the utmost accuracy I can. Here is a series of questions I have. My goal is to have a Mini 14 with the capabilities to do small to medium game hunting around Texas within 200 yards. My goal is to make my Mini 14 as Accurate as possible, while making it a simultaneously capable defense gun with tactical capabilities. Utmost accuracy and Mini-14 are terms which severely contradict each other. Can you get a Mini-14 accurate? Sure...but it's gonna cost you plenty. Hell, you may even get a shooter right out of the box, but i doubt it.The Mini series is not terribly well suited for 200 yard MOA shots...not necessarily because of inherent accuracy issues with the barrel or receiver - but rather because the archaic sights. A good scope (not Tasco) on a Tactical or Ranch model will help you for those 200 yard, 6" groups you will likely encounter. That said, I would like to attach a Barrel Stabilizing Rod to the weapon system, as well as a Flash Suppressor. (I understand the Tactical Version already has one, but in the even I go ranch...Please use common sense.) My advice here is to send it to Clarks or Accuracy Systems and chop the barrel and then add the suppressor to bring you to the legal length. This, is of course, using common sense and assuming you don't get the Tactical model. So here I am with questions. Is the Stainless barrel more accurate than the blued? Is the maintenance that much of a difference between the two? Stainless barrels are generally considered more accurate, but we are splitting hairs here. By following proper cleaning and maintenance procedures, you won't see much a difference between the two unless you are a competition shooter - which you won't be doing (hopefully) with the Mini, anyway. Is the 18.5 inch barrel of the Ranch version more accurate than the 16.5 or so inch barrel of the Tactical? If so, is it significant enough to consider? I can offer no comment on this, as all of my Minis are either Tacticals or have had the barrel chopped - which should, actually, answer your question. So far I am geared towards getting a Synthetic stock, stainless steel Mini 14 and attaching a Barrel Stabilizer. Question is, for accuracy should I get the Ranch edition with the extra 2 inches and then add the flash suppressor, or is the Tactical 16.5 inch just as or more accurate? Again, here is the accuracy question you continue to raise. If accuracy is your primary concern, look at a different platform. If a Minute-Of-Pig or Minute-Of Paper Plate levels of accuracy is what you consider accurate, then buy either the Mini-14 or Mini-30 Tactical (or Ranch) and don't look back. Synthetic stocks for the mini are utter crap, and i actually prefer the wood stocks. My definition of accuracy and your definition of accuracy may or may not be the same, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just understand what me and probably everyone else is trying to tell you - don't buy a Mini platform and expect it to do what it is incapable of doing. I married a whore and tried to turn her in to a housewife - she just wasn't capable of such performance, so she is long gone.....the same will be said your Mini will be if you are expecting match-grade accuracy. OR is the Mini 30 in 7.62 x 39 more accurate, and is the Drop on that round exaggerated? More accurate than what...the Mini-14? I venture to guess they both will shoot within an inch or two of where you tell them to shoot at and under 100 yards with iron sights. Is the drop on 7.62x39 exaggerated? It is what it is, even using handloads or good ammo - it ain't exactly a laser beam. What is best suited for self defense, and hunting for game such as Texas deer and Hogs? (And please, save the "5.56/.223 is not powerful enough at 200 yards....I have seen it with my own eyes. I want advice, not argumentation.) Without being a smart ass, the Mini-30 Tactical will fill both roles adequately. Not superbly, but at the very least it will be adequate. Thanks! |
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Just understand what me and probably everyone else is trying to tell you - don't buy a Mini platform and expect it to do what it is incapable of doing. I married a whore and tried to turn her in to a housewife - she just wasn't capable of such performance, so she is long gone.....the same will be said your Mini will be if you are expecting match-grade accuracy.[/span][/span]
And like many rifles YMMV with different mods. I put on a high power recoil spring, a tunable gas block, a Mo-Rod and a set of tech sights, and with the right ammo (Hornady 75gr A-Max, or 70gr GMX handloads) can make a sub MOA 5 shot group at 100 yards. Now, that accuracy was with the gas block shut preventing any cycling of the action, effectively making it a straight pull manual bolt action. It can't maintain that accuracy in normal semi auto, though it is more than accurate enough to take a deer at 150 yards. Accuracy at 150 yards while allowing the action to cycle is just over 1.5 MOA for a 5 shot group. NOTE: All shots were off a bench with a bipod and rear bag. |
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Just understand what me and probably everyone else is trying to tell you - don't buy a Mini platform and expect it to do what it is incapable of doing. I married a whore and tried to turn her in to a housewife - she just wasn't capable of such performance, so she is long gone.....the same will be said your Mini will be if you are expecting match-grade accuracy.[/span][/span]
And like many rifles YMMV with different mods. I put on a high power recoil spring, a tunable gas block, a Mo-Rod and a set of tech sights, and with the right ammo (Hornady 75gr A-Max, or 70gr GMX handloads) can make a sub MOA 5 shot group at 100 yards. Now, that accuracy was with the gas block shut preventing any cycling of the action, effectively making it a straight pull manual bolt action. It can't maintain that accuracy in normal semi auto, though it is more than accurate enough to take a deer at 150 yards. Accuracy at 150 yards while allowing the action to cycle is just over 1.5 MOA for a 5 shot group. NOTE: All shots were off a bench with a bipod and rear bag. So will my 13" Clark custom Mini....but that is after $1000 into a $500 gun. Luckily, I bought it from a friend who had the upgrades done and I only paid $750 for the rifle. It's scary accurate for what it is, but God is it loud. I also had forgotten to mention that Ruger has a Target version. I have never shot one, but it may be the answer to the OP's needs. |
| I have a 185 series skinny 1/7 twist barrel Mini 14. The only mod is an m14 style flash hider front sight combo and a 1911 buffer at the rear of the recoil spring. Hunting accuracy with this rifle is fine from a cold barrel. It puts them right where they need to go, As the barrel warms it starts to string vertical a bit but is still minute of man out past 200 yards. I have have no problems getting anything done with the Mini 14. Its not a tack driver and its not an AR but for what it is, its practical accuracy has been good enough for me. |
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As far as a 7.62 x 39 drop, you can compare the ballistics tables and see it's more than a 5.56.
In practical terms, my AK is accurate enough for medium game from 50 - 200 yards. This is demonstrated by shooting on largish steel plates of 8" & 12" out to that distance with iron sights. Much beyond that it really starts dropping and you have to know the holdovers. If you are thinking 200 is the max you really don't have to worry about it. A 200 yard zero will keep you within 3-4 inches out to that distance. I'd hope the new Mini is more accurate than my AK which is at best a 4 MOA gun with irons. It should get the job done as long as you are not committed to an eyeball shot. |
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I also had forgotten to mention that Ruger has a Target version. I have never shot one, but it may be the answer to the OP's needs. It should be noted that the Target version isn't rated for 5.56mm NATO ammo. Though if the OP is wanting accuracy he likely wouldn't be using surplus. I do know a couple guys that reload their .223 cases up to 5.56 casing pressures though. |
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581 stainless/synthetic stock ranch owner here: Out of the box I could get 2 MOA in groups of three being very careful but I averaged around 2.5 MOA, until it got hot... After adding an accu strut, I can consistently get under 2 MOA in groups of three and 2.5 MOA is about as bad as it gets even when hot. It has malfunctioned only once through 3000 rounds, due to a squib loaded round of Wolf. Most of the 3000 rounds was cheap steel case. Te rifle has never failed me. The only complaint I have is the lack of fash supressor/compensator.
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Gotta add my 2 cents. I didn't notice a suggestion to have a trigger job done. A trigger job and an Accustrut cut the groups from my 1970's rifle in half. Also be warned alot of folks hate Ruger in gerneral and the mini rifles in particular. +eleventy billion to what he said. |
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I noticed some suggestions on the Target version... I owned one, but traded/sold it to get a Ranch version. If all you want is benched accuracy, then the Target version is for you.. but it comes at a cost. Unloaded with no scope, the rifle already comes in at 8.5 or 9.5 lbs depending on which stock version you get. Also, you won't get the most out of the gun unless you both load specifically for the gun AND tune the harmonic stabilizer. Lastly.. the Target version doesn't come with iron sights at all... not even tapped holes for easy aftermarket installation - this is the main reason why I sold/traded mine. I got the Target version at a very good price and someone offered me a brand new 581 Stainless Ranch plus enough money to get a Mo-Rod, Mo-Reaper, and gas bushing. Couldn't resist. Another reason is, I honestly wanted a rifle I could just shoot. I didn't want to spend time fiddling with a another variable (harmonic stabilizer/dampener) and dealing with bringing an allen wrench + Loctite every trip.
For the OP, I'd say just get a Mini 14 Tactical since it already comes with a flash hider. If anything, I heard the shorter barrels have less chance of stringing due to the shorter barrel being stiffer (probably less of a difference in tapered barrel models). I like the Mo-Reaper though, it works really good replacing the factory front sights. |
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