Mini 14: Upgrade It or Sell Off and Buy New

[Hankus]

I was with 7th ID (LT) in 1992 and deployed to LA with 2nd Brigade.

As far as the AR/Mini debate; I have both and appreciate both designs …

 

[lipofsky]

I have an early version of the min 14 (181 series) changes out wood stock for hogue over molded due to cracked wood. Can hit clay's at 60 yards with consistent 70% accuracy with iron sights,

 

[black1970]

Just read about a guy on here that shoots 4 to 5 inch groups with a suppressor at 880 yards. If he does he has the World's most accurate Mini. See what he uses for ammo, scope, etc.

 

[JBP]

I always wanted a Mini-14 in .222 but those are ridiculously priced and wasn't interested in any other caliber. My granddaughter is considering joining the Marines next year when she graduates HS. I figured I get her used to some long range shooting with .556 so I picked up a NIB Mini-14 on GB for $900 which wasn't much more than used ones were going for. Now I know some will say that I should also have gotten her used to an AR platform but since I'll be the one that will be shooting it the most I will admit to being prejudiced against ARs that goes back to my time in Nam up in I Corps '66-'67 when the M16s were 1st being issued. I was Army but interfaced every day with Marlnes who were always trying to buy or trade for my M14 especially since it was fitted with a selector switch for full auto.

 

[lumbering.buffalo]

It's been awhile so I thought I'd give an update. I added an accu-strut and swapped the blade front sight for a Mo-Sight hooded one. It took a while but I have it sighted in for 55 grain PMC. I have yet to do mag dumps, but it shoots more accurately than I am in 3 shot groups. I am happy with it so far.

 

[cpaspr]

Wasn't going to add to a necro-thread, but lumbering buffalo brought it back to life, so I'll add my two cents. I picked up a 183 series Mini-14 in 2010 Sold it five years later because I just HAD to have an AR-15! Once I had it, I tinkered with it, but no matter how much I tried, I just couldn't like it. The bolt close was unique, the safety was unique, charging it was unique. I sold it
in 2020. Early in 2021 my LGS got in a 584 series gun. I put a good scope on it, and it will shoot as good as the AR did, for me with my eyes. But I like the Mini design. I could never make myself like the AR design. And I really did try.

 

[Pál_K]

Rsgarding twist and bullet weight, I found these charts about a year ago.

My 5.56 rifles (Colt AR-15A4 and Aero Precision M4E1) both have a 1:7 twist and I shoot 62gr and up. That said, I've shot 55gr, which is not optimal, but still get excellent groups. With a scope, 1 MOA or less at 100 yards is not extraordinary at all.

 

[Guv]

If you are wanting to hunt with it, you will probably find more hunting type ammo in 223 than 556.

 

[instructor]

In the discussion as to which firearm is better, I would have to vote for the AR platform. As for dependability the U.S military depends on the AR platform in its various forms. The Ruger Mini 14 harkens back to the Garand and M14 days which has long since been eliminated by our military as well as many other nations around the globe. I am not saying the Ruger mini 14 has any serious issues, but it is not on the same level of accuracy, affordability nor does it offer as many modifications as the AR is quite famous for these days. Buy, shoot whichever you prefer to be that the Mini 14 or the AR 15. Be aware that you can buy a veriy solid AR 15 for much less than the Ruger

 

[pyth0n]

As was already mentioned, using the right ammo also helps. Your mini has a 1:10 twist rate. This Ammoman chart will give a place to start for bullet weights for that twist. I just picked one chart as there are others.

5.56 Twist Rate Chart - Bullet Weights & Twist Rates

A 5.56 twist rate chart for reference - we'll let you know what commonly is the best combo of bullet weight and twist rate for your AR-15.

www.ammoman.com

 

[epags]

All Mini 14s, from day one, with the exception of the Target Model, can handle 5.56.

That's certainly good to know cause I've got an older Mini.
But it's opposite to what I've always been told.
Folks told me ok to shoot 223 in 5.56 but NO 5.56 in 223.

Here is a direct quote from the manual:
AMMUNITION
The RUGER®MINI-14®RIFLESare chambered for the .223 Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. See "Ammunition Notice" & "Ammunition Warning", below