Anyone have a Mini 14?

S

Savagemarksman

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Minuteman
Nov 8, 2013
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Missouri
#1
Anyone else have a mini 14? I have a 195 series stainless ranch rifle with a burris full field II 3-9x40 and can only keep about a 4" group at 100yds.

Has anyone tried one of those barrel stabilizers? I've read that they cut group size down to almost 1". I was just curious if anyone has one and what kind of benefit it really has.
Thanks.
 
#3
The mini just won't do much better unless you spend major bucks to get it "tuned". After doing everything under the sun to make it a MOA ( never got it 100%) I placed it in the back of the safe and moved to another platform.
 
#4
Mini-14s are great guns...for propping open that stubborn door that won't stay where you want it...for holding open the hood on your truck if your regularly equipped support happens to break or get damaged...and even for shooting occasionally although they don't stand up to much shooting as after a round or two of AP to the receiver area, they are toast!! ;)

Seriously...Minis are notoriously POOR shooters whether scoped or not. Yes...you can pour all sorts of time and money into one in an attempt to get it to a consistent MOA (or better...HA) in terms of accuracy, but its an exercise in wasting said time and money. The "tuners" are pure marketing genius...they don't work but damned near everything you read about them online promise amazing results. Before you get up to your eyeballs in a project that will never be what you want it to be (i.e. - a consistent MOA shooter)...just sell the damned Mini and buy just about ANY AR-15 platform rifle. It'll shoot better right out of the box without spending a fortune, you can use your current Burris optic with a quality AR mount and probably still end up spending less money on a NIB AR than a modded Mini.
 
#5
Seems not everyone likes the mini the way I do. I'm not a big ar fan. I understand that the mini is not the most accurate semi automatic rifle on the market but I love the way they look and feel. You can't have a pretty walnut stock on an ar15 and it never jams, ever!

I was just hoping for some input on the barrel stabilizers. I'm not looking for a sub MOA rifle, just something a little tighter than a 4" group
 
#6
the older mini14 circa late 1980 1995 wasn't that bad at all and actually liked it alot - but i've shot a few newer versions, i thought the damn thing was going to fall apart. all sorts of noises and slop didn't even feel like the one i was accustomed to.

guess they shortened the receiver up and other things, and turned what at one time was a decent rifle into what they are now.

i heard a group called the A-team used them exclusively, they never hit anyone with them either :D
 
#7
walnut stock for AR
AR-15/M16 WOOD STOCK SETS | Brownells

http://www.ar15wood.com/product_info_4.html

not knocking your mini, i love the look and function of the old ones, it's just that unless someone is selling me a newer version in good shape for 300.00, the funds would probably go better toward something else.

the older version is much nicer / accurate in comparison, and wouldn't mind having an older version again
 
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#9
You can get wood stocks on AR...easy a pie (in walnut, oak, various laminates, etc.)...and I agree...quality composites that resist environmental stress, strains, damage that'd ruin a wood stock, etc., aren't for everyone, so the good Lord hath given us wooden furniture for AR for those that so desire!!

If you think that AR's are prone to "jamming" or that Minis are somehow "superior" in that regard...you've been reading too much on the Internet or otherwise not been around the right ARs! ;)

Look...if you like the Minis...that's AOK. Just live with what they are instead of spending (READ: WASTING) a bunch of your hard-earned money on gimmicky BS that isn't likely to give you a much, if any, better shooting rifle. If you REALLY MUST go after the mythical unicorn of the accurate Mini-14, then try here: Accurized Ruger Mini 14 30 Rifles Custom Harmonic Rifle Barrel Stabilizer Tunable Boss Gas Block System

The guys at ASI have been modding Minis for more years than I can count and while I still advise you to put your money elsewhere...I respect the work that the guys at ASI do.
 
#10
ORD said:
You can get wood stocks on AR...easy a pie (in walnut, oak, various laminates, etc.)...and I agree...quality composites that resist environmental stress, strains, damage that'd ruin a wood stock, etc., aren't for everyone, so the good Lord hath given us wooden furniture for AR for those that so desire!!

If you think that AR's are prone to "jamming" or that Minis are somehow "superior" in that regard...you've been reading too much on the Internet or otherwise not been around the right ARs! ;)

Look...if you like the Minis...that's AOK. Just live with what they are instead of spending (READ: WASTING) a bunch of your hard-earned money on gimmicky BS that isn't likely to give you a much, if any, better shooting rifle. If you REALLY MUST go after the mythical unicorn of the accurate Mini-14, then try here: Accurized Ruger Mini 14 30 Rifles Custom Harmonic Rifle Barrel Stabilizer Tunable Boss Gas Block System

The guys at ASI have been modding Minis for more years than I can count and while I still advise you to put your money elsewhere...I respect the work that the guys at ASI do.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely check them out. And as far as a wood AR stock goes, I had no idea they made them lol. So I guess I'm off to chase my unicorn. I'll post pictures when I get it finished
 
#11
I once loved the ”look” and my EDC truck Gun , was a stainless folder Mini14. Later spent wsy too much on a blued rifle version---nee barrel, trigger job, etc. and achieved inconsistent moa. Thst firm had big ads In Shotgun News and other firearm periodicals and i cant think of their name right now. With an AR one can do it w/o a gunsmith and achieve their goals.
 
#12
I've got a 1980's manufacture stainless ranch rifle. Never able to get it below 2 MOA consistently. Probably averages more like 3 MOA. I still enjoy the rifle as a plinker/truck gun, but don't know that I would use it for much more than that. The ARs I've purchased since have all shot better right out of the box.
 
#14
the newer ranch rifle with heavier barrel will do moa -or close to it -
with a trigger job and bedding
as the come 3-4 moa is the norm
but I'd still rather have a AR
don't like the mag design on the mini's & to much fuss to make em shoot half decent
but in all fairness -they were designed to shoot with out a glitch dirty or clean minute of chest - -not moa
& that they do very well
 
#15
I bought the old SS Mini14 in 1982 or 83. I was hoping to use it for groundhog hunting along with my M700 Rem. Groups were so disappointing I just put it away. Hasn't been shot in about 18 or 20 years (I let my youngest son shoot a box or two through it one time when he was too little to shoot the M1A).

Not sure what you can do to one to make it more accurate but I have seen those barrel stabilizers that make it look more like and M1A/M14.
 
#16
I had one of the new mini ranch rifles I took a houge stock and ground out the ridges in the bottom of the channel and used some old aluminum arrows to stiffen up the stock the glas bedded the bottom of the stock and the reciever . I added an accu-strutt and a leupold 2x7 x 33 scope I also added recoil buffers . the best I could get was 3 inches at 100 yds with lapua brass and hornady 52 grain amax bullets . I took the scope off and unloaded the rifle during the craze and got enough money out of it to buy a marlin 1895 guide gun 45/70 and an aimpoint pro to put on my 300 blackout pistol .life is back to normal. dont waste your money the rifle is as good as its gonna get .

this was the offender

 
#17
I have an older Mini-14, and an AC556. The earlier models (IIRC) were 1X7 barrels, and were later changed to 1X9, no not the most accurate guns in the world. I can't remember ever having a malfunction with either one, except when I was dicking with the gas bushing size in the AC. They are ok, but probably not the most practical gun around.
 
#18
I'm not sure on the barrel twist in mine because the year it was produced they came in 1 and 7 or 1 in 9. My buddy has one and shooting 69gr horandy factory ammo he's keeping 1" group's at 100yds with just a trigger job.
 
#19
I pity fool - that blows his money on a mini. Gotta buy another gold chain!
They were cool for shooting blanks in the 80's - awesome actually!
Dukes of Hazard and A-team, now that was a fine night of TV watching.
Had to put the Atari joystick down for those and Battle Star Galactica...

I apologize for the rant, but I had to throw Pity the Fool out there after the A-Team reference.
 
#20
I have a 181 series Mini-14 that I bought when in high school. I had the barrel shortened to 16" and threaded. I added a Ultimak rail and a 30mm Ultradot sight and it is a quick handling little carbine. They are a rugged little rifle with very few parts. I have AR's as well and the Mini-14 still has a place in my arsenal.
mini_lores.jpg


You will find a lot of info on the Perfect Union and do some searching on accu-struts and ultimaks stiffening the barrels and enhancing accuracy on the Mini-14.
 
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#25
I have bought and sold 4 mini 14 over the span of 22 years, they all shot around 4 MOA, the only thing to worry about it being able to sell it for something that shoots better and has more mags variety available.
Cheers.
 
#26
During the late 80's i bought a Mini 14 GB. Wether scoped or un-scoped with hand loads that sot close to 1 moa in my AR 15 the best I could was 3" scoped 4" with iron sights. I still have an AC 556 which is a fun gun to shoot @ 50-75 yards.
 
#27
Savagemarksman said:
Anyone else have a mini 14? I have a 195 series stainless ranch rifle with a burris full field II 3-9x40 and can only keep about a 4" group at 100yds.

Has anyone tried one of those barrel stabilizers? I've read that they cut group size down to almost 1". I was just curious if anyone has one and what kind of benefit it really has.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Another thing you may want to do is verify exactly what the barrel twist is and use the appropriate weight bullet. For example member jwb47 said, "the best I could get was 3 inches at 100 yds with lapua brass and hornady 52 grain amax bullets." Based on his attached picture he had a later Mini-14 which most likely has a 1:9 or 1:7 barrel twist rate. A 52 grain bullet will probably not be adequately stabilized with a 1:9 twist. jwb47 probably should have tried heavier 69 grain bullets to see if his accuracy would have improved. The later Mini-14's have an intermediate twist that would probably produce acceptable results with a wide range of bullet weights.

The early Mini's had a slower twist for the lighter 55 grain bullets that were standard USGI issue at the time. Now the 62 grain bullets are standard and a faster twist is necessary for stabilization.

You did not mention what ammo you are using to get your results. Like a lot of guns you need to play around with loads and bullets to find one that it likes.
 
#28
I used to have a stainless ranch rifle. I unloaded it during the craze as well. I was never able to get much better than about 3" at 100. It was a good truck gun for shooting pigs inside of 50 yards or so but like everyone says, the AR platform is way, way better most practical regards. Shoot, the cheapest AR will usually outdo the most rigged out mini 14.
 
#29
I have had two and sold them both. Best group I ever shot was around 1.5 at 100y with hand loads but like others have said that is a not the norm... and the reason for selling them both. Loved the design and look though.
 
#36
Savagemarksman said:
blfuller the year mine was produced it came with either a 1in 9 or a 1in7 twist. I've just been shooting lake city steel case 55gr out of it, I guess I should get some 69gr rounds and try those.
Click to expand...

If you aren't sure of the exact twist rate...just patch test it to determine what twist it really is instead of "guesstimating" which bullet will work best. There are all sorts of threads here on the Hide, on other websites, as well as vids on YouTube re: determining twist rate of a barrel that way...couldn't be easier to do and then you'll know for sure instead of fudging it. ;)
 
#38
GONIF said:
Beyond the Mini's shotcommings there is this....................http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NCo60gclaCjslA_Nct-J-YA&bvm=bv.56343320,d.b2I
Click to expand...

He is dead and the company is not run the same. When Smith & Wesson was owned by a British company they too sided with the democrats. Smith & Wesson paid dearly, Tomkins plc acquired Smith and Wesson in 1987 for $112 million. In March of 2000 S&W was the only gun manufacture to sign an agreement with the Clinton Administration. The boycott backlash was so great sales drop 40% in just a couple of months. in 2001 S&W was sold for $15 million. The new owners got the agreement thrown out in '03 and most would agree S&W is a great gun company again.

I can hold a grudge better than most, but when the conditions change it is time to let it go.

Oh and I wonder if the OP has ever used an AR for anything other than holding in the gun store. Pretty much the cheapest AR you can find will (out of the box) out shoot ANY Mini I have ever since and I have seen a few that have had some serious money dumped into them.
 
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#39
My dad and I each bought new ranch rifles a couple years back just for the reason that they were not subject to the Ca. assault rifle laws like AR type, pistol grip rifle are. Both rifles will shoot consistent 2.5" groups at 100 with 69 gr SMK's / 25.2 Gr Varget, LC brass, light crimp, Wolf 556 primers. Good enough for an idiot proof, tough as nails fun gun. Like others on here, I have had quite a few rounds through mine, all sorts of ammo and my dad has even more rounds through his and never a single FTF of any kind...

As for accuracy... the problem is the massive heavy piston system and operating rod.... it imparts massive harmonic movement on that little pencil barrel. I have heard from many a folk that the BEST thing you can do for your mini's accuracy (early and late model) is shorten the 18.5" barrel up to 16.1" and have it re-crowned and switch to a smaller gas port bushing to reduce the velocity of the piston. The shorter barrel will be less effected by the harmonics and act stiffer. The Accu-struts basically just add mass to dampen this harmonic vibration. They do work... more on some rifles than others.
 
#42
To clear up if I've ever shot an AR, yes I have and I don't care for them too much, just my opinion. I also realize I'm not going to have a precision rifle out of a mini but I like the rifle and only intend to coyote hunt and play at the range with it. I also understand that they are not super accurate out of the box, that's why I was asking the gun gurus here. I appreciate all the input and once I get it built I'll show the results. Thanks for the input from all of you.
 
#43
Savagemarksman said:
To clear up if I've ever shot an AR, yes I have and I don't care for them too much, just my opinion. I also realize I'm not going to have a precision rifle out of a mini but I like the rifle and only intend to coyote hunt and play at the range with it. I also understand that they are not super accurate out of the box, that's why I was asking the gun gurus here. I appreciate all the input and once I get it built I'll show the results. Thanks for the input from all of you.
Click to expand...


If you're dead set on getting accuracy out of a mini then check out these guys. Rifle Accuracy Systems Inc Custom Accurate Rifles Barrel Conversions Ruger Mini Remington 700 7400 750 AR10 AR15 They claim they can get sub MOA out if them. Can't vouch for their work.
 
#44
if your handy
you can get moa or close to it out of a mini at home
with simple tools & less than a 100.00 in parts
check out perfect union website
or pm me
Ill share what I know
mine was a 3 moa when I got it
before I sold it was 1 moa
 
#45
This is not news to me ,ownership changes . However the Ruger product is much the same ,price point driven . The Mini ,Ruger Red Label shotguns , bolt action rifles and all of their semi auto pistols lack that quality look ,feel and performance. The only decent products they make are their single and double action revolvers. . All in all one word sums up Ruger , MEDIOCRE .
2ndamendfan said:
He is dead and the company is not run the same. When Smith & Wesson was owned by a British company they too sided with the democrats. Smith & Wesson paid dearly, Tomkins plc acquired Smith and Wesson in 1987 for $112 million. In March of 2000 S&W was the only gun manufacture to sign an agreement with the Clinton Administration. The boycott backlash was so great sales drop 40% in just a couple of months. in 2001 S&W was sold for $15 million. The new owners got the agreement thrown out in '03 and most would agree S&W is a great gun company again.

I can hold a grudge better than most, but when the conditions change it is time to let it go.

Oh and I wonder if the OP has ever used an AR for anything other than holding in the gun store. Pretty much the cheapest AR you can find will (out of the box) out shoot ANY Mini I have ever since and I have seen a few that have had some serious money dumped into them.
Click to expand...
 
#46
Had a mini, very reliable. Piss poor accuracy. Did a trigger Job new stock. Helped a little. IMO not worth the effort for accuracy. The stainless with synthetic stock does make a decent truck gun though. In case you need to shoot zombie/Predators short range. It is indeed a ranch rifle and work for that purpose.
 
#47
acts238 said:
if your handy .
you can get moa or close to it out of a mini at home
with simple tools & less than a 100.00 in parts
check out perfect union website
or pm me
Ill share what I know
mine was a 3 moa when I got it
before I sold it was 1 moa
Click to expand...
-
Ya I have had several & still have one . Make a new, and change the gas plug out . Then put some recoil buffers on both ends of the Operating Rod . Mini-14's are Factory WAY Over Gassed and pretty RUDE on cycling . Do that and it's a total different feel when shooting . Mini's do eat and extract anything you feed them .
Still I grab one of my AR's 1st to go shooting though, over the Mini-14 . So the mini14's just sit and gather dust . I enjoy working on them more than shooting them ,
.
 
#49
blfuller said:
Another thing you may want to do is verify exactly what the barrel twist is and use the appropriate weight bullet. For example member jwb47 said, "the best I could get was 3 inches at 100 yds with lapua brass and hornady 52 grain amax bullets." Based on his attached picture he had a later Mini-14 which most likely has a 1:9 or 1:7 barrel twist rate. A 52 grain bullet will probably not be adequately stabilized with a 1:9 twist. jwb47 probably should have tried heavier 69 grain bullets to see if his accuracy would have improved. The later Mini-14's have an intermediate twist that would probably produce acceptable results with a wide range of bullet weights.

The early Mini's had a slower twist for the lighter 55 grain bullets that were standard USGI issue at the time. Now the 62 grain bullets are standard and a faster twist is necessary for stabilization.

You did not mention what ammo you are using to get your results. Like a lot of guns you need to play around with loads and bullets to find one that it likes.
Click to expand...
the mini in question is a new model with a 1/9 twist . there is no reason a 1/9 twist should not shoot a bullet down to 45 grains . I have 1/7 twist barrels that will shoot the 52 grain lapua load just fine . you make it sound like I made an amateur attempt at this and you are wrong I spent alot of money on powder brass and bullets with weights ranging from 50 grains all the way up to 75 grain hornady match . did you read I bedded the action added the accu-strut I think I forgot to mention re-torqued the gas block I wanted this gun to shoot and was truely dissapointed when it would not .
I stopped short of a new barrel the cost for the accuracy aquired was way out of sorts . for the money I spent I would of been close to a rock river national match rifle . lucky for me the world turned upside down and I got my money back .
 
#50
jwb47 said:
you make it sound like I made an amateur attempt at this and you are wrong I spent alot of money on powder brass and bullets with weights ranging from 50 grains all the way up to 75 grain hornady match .
Click to expand...

I apologize and it was not my intent to make it sound like an amateur attempt. If you would have put all of what you said into your original response then there would have been no doubt you went the extra mile.
 
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