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10/6/2025 4:23:36 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
A "substituted" bolt on a Mini may or may not provide specified "headspace".
View Quote
Unexpected.
10/6/2025 4:29:29 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Unexpected.
View Quote
Why "unexpected"?  Long ago I sent my Mini to Ruger and Ruger re-head-spaced bolt of the rifle on their own dime. Rifle "finally" shot decently afterwards.
10/6/2025 4:35:51 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
That particular portion of the bolt (where Logo appears) is not normally subject to much (if any) wear.
View Quote

You say that like it’s a good thing.
If you aren't representing Jesus in a way that makes people want to hang out with you, you're doing it wrong.
10/6/2025 5:29:48 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
Why "unexpected"?  Long ago I sent my Mini to Ruger and Ruger re-head-spaced bolt of the rifle on their own dime. Rifle "finally" shot decently afterwards.
View Quote
 just inexperienced with Ruger bolts - but changing bolts might actually cause headspace issues in general so I shouldn't be surprised
10/6/2025 9:34:31 PM EDT
[#5]
With regards to the M1 carbine slings, what exactly is the issue?  I haven't seen it in any of the links.  Is it that repro slings can have tabs that are too thick, or something else?

I did make a deal with my LGS this weekend, and I will likely pick up my anniversary Mini tomorrow.  I just have to say - I don't care about it being the "50th anniversary," and I'm definitely going to shoot it and IDGAF about any potential collector value.  I bought this because it's the Mini I've always wanted.  There used to be an 18" tactical model, but they discontinued that before I was able to buy mine; and I always wanted to put my 16" tactical in a wood stock, but never got around to it.  The Samson folder almost scratched the itch, but I bought the stainless for my non-stainless Tactical before Samson released the black version, so it never quite worked.  With my luck, next year they'll make this same configuration without the logo on the bolt for cheaper.  
10/7/2025 8:47:07 AM EDT
[#6]
It appears that the female "Lift the Dot" fastener at front of Carbine sling won't fit through the sling loop.

Possible solutions given above.

Or buy this item: https://www.sarcoinc.com/m1-carbine-tropical-nylon-sling/


You can go to strapworks.com, buy some 1" webbing and a couple of tri-glides likely for less.
10/7/2025 9:39:12 AM EDT
[#7]
Dealer an hour away from me has ten in stock with consecutive serial numbers.  Kind of neat.
10/7/2025 11:50:01 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:

Or buy this item: https://www.sarcoinc.com/m1-carbine-tropical-nylon-sling/

View Quote
Those are the ones I have, vintage originals - it'll do for me.
10/7/2025 7:39:25 PM EDT
[#9]
I own two Mini-14 GBs, one 180 series and the other 186 series.

Living in Washington State, anything with an all evil flash suppressor and the Uber dangerous bayonet lug is illegal… But a plain Jane Mini-14 is legal… Make it make sense!!  

I know there is a ZERO chance of Ruger offering this model, with the same stock, but with a more traditional series 186 and earlier front sight… for us behind enemy lines.  Yes, the current front sight, a modified GB style sight, minus the bayonet lug is a better sight, but “I” simply like classic looks of their older models.

Regardless, I really like this model and appreciate the direction Ruger is now heading in… Even if I cannot purchase them in my state.  The two things I would change would be the bolt carrier, which should have the current markings, but instead of stainless steel, a blued finish.  Lastly, the classic Ruger flash supper WITHOUT the wrench flats… Go with a more traditional look, while keeping the .5x28” thread pitch on the barrel.  IMHO, “I” think that most everybody who is going to buy this rifle will keep it in its original condition, verse installing a new muzzle device for a silencer, but still nice to have… IMHO.



10/7/2025 9:57:10 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:
Dealer an hour away from me has ten in stock with consecutive serial numbers.  Kind of neat.
View Quote


If you're talking about CVO in Marion, they posted earlier today that they only had one pair left.  And I think they sold two other pairs before this batch.  Those guys are going for Ruger Dealer of the Year at this point...  
10/8/2025 7:33:39 AM EDT
[#11]
I'm surprised there is ZERO video reviews out there still. Just a bunch of random pictures on the net, no video
10/8/2025 9:18:54 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By XDm525Forty:


If you're talking about CVO in Marion, they posted earlier today that they only had one pair left.  And I think they sold two other pairs before this batch.  Those guys are going for Ruger Dealer of the Year at this point...  
View Quote


Figured those wouldn't last.  Ernie moves a lot of product.
10/8/2025 9:19:35 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
I'm surprised there is ZERO video reviews out there still. Just a bunch of random pictures on the net, no video
View Quote



It's a Mini 14.  There's not a whole lot to review.
10/8/2025 9:23:57 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:



It's a Mini 14.  There's not a whole lot to review.
View Quote
lol yes, I knew this was a possible reply.
However, some may want to review the wood stock, the bayonet lug, the sling attachments - in short, THIS particular version of a Mini 14.

Heck it got MY attention and I had NEVER wanted to get one, ever.
10/9/2025 6:20:04 AM EDT
[#15]
Yes , I got the 50 th ann , carbine oiler fits perfect
10/9/2025 6:20:04 AM EDT
[#16]
Yes , I got the 50 th ann , carbine oiler fits perfect
10/9/2025 6:23:53 AM EDT
[#17]
A black web ar sling fits perfect , or a 1 in web or nylon type .
10/9/2025 6:23:53 AM EDT
[#18]
A black web ar sling fits perfect , or a 1 in web or nylon type .
10/10/2025 6:04:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Thanks for the info triaxle!
10/10/2025 10:40:13 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
It appears that the female "Lift the Dot" fastener at front of Carbine sling won't fit through the sling loop.

Possible solutions given above.

Or buy this item: https://www.sarcoinc.com/m1-carbine-tropical-nylon-sling/


You can go to strapworks.com, buy some 1" webbing and a couple of tri-glides likely for less.
View Quote

I did bend my front loop just enough to get the snap through the loop. It only takes a small amount of bending and the metal pretty much went back to the original dimensions.

kwg
10/10/2025 10:48:05 PM EDT
[#21]
I always liked the look of the mini-14, would not of minded adding one to the collection. But not at $1300. I remember when the Mini-14 was the cheaper alternative when when maybe you could not afford an AR-15.
Six
10/10/2025 11:01:50 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Sixgun357:
I always liked the look of the mini-14, would not of minded adding one to the collection. But not at $1300. I remember when the Mini-14 was the cheaper alternative when when maybe you could not afford an AR-15.
View Quote
Street price is under 1000$, with some place selling it at 940$
10/13/2025 2:31:35 PM EDT
[#23]
Saw a couple at the show this weekend.  I think $1099 off the top of my head.

These are very nice looking, much more so than the run of the mill Mini.  The walnut was honestly rather attractive.  

I'm moderately tempted.
10/13/2025 4:37:08 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:
Saw a couple at the show this weekend.  I think $1099 off the top of my head.

These are very nice looking, much more so than the run of the mill Mini.  The walnut was honestly rather attractive.  

I'm moderately tempted.
View Quote
... I am just racking up this 1k$ and go for it. Shouldn't be long for me - granted I still find one available.

10/14/2025 11:42:08 AM EDT
[#25]
This rifle and a SIG SP2022 for the  French Gendarmerie look.  Saw one at a gun show this past weekend for $1100.
10/14/2025 1:46:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Uys:
This rifle and a SIG SP2022 for the  French Gendarmerie look.  Saw one at a gun show this past weekend for $1100.
View Quote
Ooof, really don't care about the Gendarmerie look (ETA what I am happy about is that it reminds me about an actual M14 more than anything else other than the real deal and I don't want an M14; had an M1A for years, don't miss it)

It's the old school look I like here

There's ONE video I found about this Mini 14.

Ruger Mini-14 50th anniversary GB

10/15/2025 9:19:43 AM EDT
[#27]
Broke down and had my local guy order one.  Had to call a half dozen distributors to find any in stock.  These seem to be selling.  Talking with some of the dealers at the last show, Minis in general seem to be a hot commodity for some reason.  Perhaps I'll sell my other one, with the Sampson folding stock.

My cost will be $1050 plus tax.
10/15/2025 9:29:24 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:
Broke down and had my local guy order one.  Had to call a half dozen distributors to find any in stock.  These seem to be selling.  Talking with some of the dealers at the last show, Minis in general seem to be a hot commodity for some reason.  Perhaps I'll sell my other one, with the Sampson folding stock.

My cost will be $1050 plus tax.
View Quote
Great deal. There's a bunch of them right now on GB, more or less around that price. I'll be ordering there as soon as I am ready, provided I make it in time
10/17/2025 3:07:16 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
It appears that the female "Lift the Dot" fastener at front of Carbine sling won't fit through the sling loop.
View Quote


There is a SIGNIFICANT size difference between a carbine sling swivel and the one on the anniversary Mini:



I can't even get the tab through the Mini swivel, let alone the fastener.  Big fail for Ruger on that.
10/17/2025 4:19:56 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Originally Posted By XDm525Forty:
I can't even get the tab through the Mini swivel, let alone the fastener.  Big fail for Ruger on that.
View Quote
... absolutely made no sense. True failure - even more so because they did specify it was compatible with an M1 carbine oiler.

Dorks.

I am still buying it
10/18/2025 2:01:31 PM EDT
[#31]
Done

Pretty excited actually, this is the very first Mini 14 of my life.

I had somewhat always looked down on these, but a few things happened:

- I have ALL the AR15s of my life I wanted to own (including an HK416)
- I am growing older and
- this one looks different from most others. I think they got the looks right for someone like me who really was looking for a "Mini M14" looking thing without having to get an actual M14 (which I owned, M1A)



Attached File

10/19/2025 7:59:11 AM EDT
[#32]
I like the walnut stock with matching handguard.
If I could have that stock, without the slot cut in it at the rear, in a mini with the front sight at the end of the barrel instead of the middle, and a standard blued bolt, I might be interested.

Bring back the 180 series look!
10/19/2025 10:12:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#33]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Jeeps-And-Guns:
I like the walnut stock with matching handguard.
If I could have that stock, without the slot cut in it at the rear, in a mini with the front sight at the end of the barrel instead of the middle, and a standard blued bolt, I might be interested.

Bring back the 180 series look!
View Quote
Love the 180 series look, I just found out by studying this type of Mini that I just bought (so then I researched the beginnings, history etc.).

Isn't there a stock that can be purchased that is exactly that stock type (180 series)? Haven't looked into alternative stocks yet

But regardless, I think the current one is a great alternative to that - definitely pushes look-alike classic vibes
10/19/2025 10:53:44 AM EDT
[#34]
Picked mine up yesterday.   Nicely built rifle.   The walnut stock is nicer than typically seen from Ruger.  The length of pull is about an inch longer than normal.  

Everything works, everything lines up and is straight.  Sling swivels are too small for an M1 carbine sling, which I knew would be the case.  Oiler fits in the stock fine.   A standard nylon AR sling should work, got two coming from Amazon.  

The polished stainless bolt is a bit flashy.  Sights are from the Range Rifle series, scope rings and picatinny rail included.  Very nice case, two twenty round mags.   Always preferred the twenties in Minis.  AR bayonet fits perfectly.
10/19/2025 10:58:57 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:
Picked mine up yesterday.   Nicely built rifle.   The walnut stock is nicer than typically seen from Ruger.  The length of pull is about an inch longer than normal.  

Everything works, everything lines up and is straight.  Sling swivels are too small for an M1 carbine sling, which I knew would be the case.  Oiler fits in the stock fine.   A standard nylon AR sling should work, got two coming from Amazon.  

The polished stainless bolt is a bit flashy.  Sights are from the Range Rifle series, scope rings and picatinny rail included.  Very nice case, two twenty round mags.   Always preferred the twenties in Minis.  AR bayonet fits perfectly.
View Quote
Thanks for the report! Should be picking mine up by the end of the coming week. Will post a couple of pictures.

Now looking for vintage scope that will do the trick, currently looking at Redfield
10/19/2025 6:28:17 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#36]
Post Scriptum - NOW that I bought this 50th Anniversary, I realized there was an "A TEAM-ish" tactical version out in stainless steel.

Always wanted one of those when I was a child, possibly because of A-Team.

Please don't let me buy one of those as well, one Mini 14 should be enough.


10/19/2025 9:36:34 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Post Scriptum - NOW that I bought this 50th Anniversary, I realized there was an "A TEAM-ish" tactical version out in stainless steel.

Always wanted one of those when I was a child, possibly because of A-Team.

Please don't let me buy one of those as well, one Mini 14 should be enough.


View Quote


It’s actually decent stock, for a folder.  I have the Sampson version.  
10/19/2025 10:06:48 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:


It's actually decent stock, for a folder.  I have the Sampson version.  
View Quote
.. that's the one I want. I may just get a blued (black) Sampson to go with my new purchase and call it...A-Team.
10/20/2025 9:01:43 AM EDT
[#39]
@Solo_  IDK if a later (Series 181+) stock will fit on a 180 series Mini, but the 180 series stock will not fit onto a Series 181+ Mini. Many changes made to 181+ series Minis; almost a different rifle.
10/20/2025 10:45:16 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
@Solo_  IDK if a later (Series 181+) stock will fit on a 180 series Mini, but the 180 series stock will not fit onto a Series 181+ Mini. Many changes made to 181+ series Minis; almost a different rifle.
View Quote
Got it, thank you.
I won't even look for one in any case. My next attention effort, if anything, will be on the A-Team version - provided I don't buy a blued Sampson stock and go with that.
10/20/2025 1:31:56 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:
Dealer an hour away from me has ten in stock with consecutive serial numbers.  Kind of neat.
View Quote

Who is that dealer ??

kwg
10/20/2025 11:34:51 PM EDT
[#42]
Just bought a second hand scope for it; a Trijicon Credo 1-10

Looks like the one on top of this tactical; I am going to end up buying the stainless steel stock and, when I feel like it, alternate the 50th Anniversary with this Tactical A-Team-sh looking thang.

(Not my picture but actual scope)

Attached File

10/21/2025 9:31:25 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By kwg020:

Who is that dealer ??

kwg
View Quote


Cedar Valley Outfitters in Marion
10/21/2025 12:07:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#44]
Went ahead and bought a nickel, 20 rounds  magazine AND the stainless stock. Everything original.

My collecting can be considered complete for this item - now I just have to get it (end of the week).

This way, again, I will be able to get two fundamental looks - the classic '50th' anniversary M14-ish looks AND a more or less A-Team-ish look with, however, blued barrel and action.

Good enough hybrid for me!

Will post pictures.
10/21/2025 12:11:14 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:



Everything Ruger has ever made is investment cast.
View Quote

Including golf clubs.
"Everybody gotta die sometime Red."
10/21/2025 3:49:10 PM EDT
[#46]
I did stop in there over the Labor Day weekend.  I'm into reloading and they didn't have much for that.  

kwg
10/21/2025 4:31:27 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:


Everything Ruger has ever made is investment cast.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:
Originally Posted By KitBuilder:
Originally Posted By DIYinSTL: If the receivers were from a forging, I'd think about it.  If it were forged and full auto (eff Hughes and the horse he slept with) like they used to make I'd buy it in a heartbeat.  Quality comes first so thanks, but no thanks.


The Mini-14 has always had an investment cast receiver. They were never forged.


Everything Ruger has ever made is investment cast.


Think their ARs and SFAR are forged aluminum, no?
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
10/24/2025 12:37:55 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
Apples and oranges.  I own both, and neither are directly comparable--no offense.

But we digress, and back on-topic.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By fxntime:
Buy a used big boy ''mini'' and just get a M1A/semi M14 for the same price.
Apples and oranges.  I own both, and neither are directly comparable--no offense.

But we digress, and back on-topic.


Sorry, but you are the one who is wrong. It is very comparable. Jeez. Now we can get back on topic.
10/24/2025 2:54:39 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By sandblaster:

Including golf clubs.
View Quote


Callaway?
10/24/2025 4:07:33 PM EDT
[#50]
Ruger has been quietly making investment cast parts for many firearms mfrs over the years, as well as mfrs of other non-firearm items.

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