Has anyone heard of or tried converting gi ar mags to work with a mini-14?  Just by looks, it does seem possible...

I have tried it and AR Mags are to fat at the top.

The Mini-14 mag well is narrow at the front.  Also, the mag latches into the Mini in a different manner.  The follower works the bolt catch in a different manner, so the bolt would not lock open, either.  There are just too many differences.

It WOULD be possible for RUGER to redesign the Mini-14 to accept USGI mags, and that would certainly make it more acceptable for LEO-military use.  But for a company that does not think the average citizen has the moral fiber to be able to own and use mags more than 10 rounds, it is doubtful they would ever modify the Mini-14 to use M16 mags.

I am surprised some enterprising person has not produced a kit to modify the Mini-14 to take M16 mags.  But, before the AWB, GOOD QUALITY 20 and 30 round mags could be had for $12-$13.  There was just no financial incentive.