The Ruger Mini 14 was the first semiautomatic.223 or 5.56 firearms to be introduced on the market. Although it was introduced after the AR-15 was launched, it was still the first non-AR-15 platform to be introduced. This is the Ruger Mini 14 Review.
It was designed by Bill Ruger, and further developed by James Sullivan. It’s a smaller version of the M14. James Sullivan was also a principal design engineer on the AR-15. The Mini 14 has had a long development process, just like the 15 The gun has seen many changes since its introduction in the 1970s. It hasn’t been without its problems. Different versions had reliability and accuracy issues, just as the AR-15 did back in its day.
What is the appeal to the gun?
The Mini 14 is very different from the AR-15, which is the most commonly used gun in America. The AR-15 is a well-known gun and most of you will have one or more. The AR-15 has taken over American gun culture. This is understandable given its practicality. It is lightweight and easy to use. This makes it easy for shooters of all levels. There are many options for AR-15s, and they are manufactured by many companies.
Contrast this with the Ruger Mini 14 which is only made by Ruger and has a much smaller appeal to the general market. The Ruger Mini 14 is rarer than the AR-15 or 10, but everyone has one. Since its introduction, the AR 15 has seen a lot of modernization. The Mini 14 variants are faithful to the original design, which was introduced in 1970. This gun has been featured on numerous television and movie shows. The A-Team featured the GB version of the gun in their 1980s series.
It’s classic
Many people agree that the M-14 is more classic. Ruger makes more tactical models, but the classic Mini 14 has a wooden stock with a 18.5-inch barrel and a wooden stock.
Today we’re going over the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle. We’ll also discuss the other variants, but the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle will be the most popular.
StockGuns.com – Ruger Mini 14New and Pre-Owned Mini 14s
The main reason the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle is legal in most states is its configuration. Even in states where AR-15s cannot be legally modified, they are legal in unmolested form. Most states require that you modify your AR-15 with bullet buttons. There is no flash hider and ridiculous laws such as no bayonet-lugs. The Mini 14 was not designed with many of these features. It’s not something to be concerned about.
The Mini 14 is a semi-automatic 5.56 or.223 rifle that’s capable. If you plan to travel a lot and need a long gun for your vehicle, the Mini 14 might be the right choice. This is a popular choice for many people.
Ruger Mini 14 Review Ergonomics
The Mini 14 is ergonomically more like a traditional rifle than an AR-15. However, there are some drawbacks.
Safety
The Mini 14’s safety is based on the same safety that’s used on guns such as the M14, M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine. The safety of the Mini 14 is made from sheet metal. To disengage the Mini’s safety, push from the inside of the trigger guard. Next, place your finger in front the trigger guard and pull it back towards the trigger guard.
This is, in my opinion, not safe enough to be considered today’s standard. You want safety that you can activate without touching the trigger. It works, it can be used safely, and you should practice it.
For a beginner shooter, it’s intuitive and easy to grasp. They may be a little hesitant about the safety of the system, as they must insert their finger into the barrier guard to release it.
It can make your thumb numb. It would be a strange thing if this gun was used in a carbine class that did multiple drills throughout the day. My finger would be sore and possibly even draw blood by the end. There are many ways to make calluses, but I doubt that I will be able to shoot this gun enough to do so.
Ruger Mini 14New and Pre-Owned
Mini 14s In StockGuns.com
Safety is fine if you are only using the gun for practical purposes. If you plan to use this gun for training purposes, you might consider other options. This Ruger Mini 14 Review has one downside.
Mag Releases
Although it is very similar to operating an AK-47 magazine, I will admit that it is a lot more sophisticated. The magazine has a lever at its rear that can be pressed forward to drop it. It will drop off by simply pressing the lever. This design has the downside that you won’t be able reach the lever with your trigger finger off. You might be able to reach the Mini 14 with your large hands. If your hands are too large, you may have difficulty getting your finger into the Mini 14’s trigger guard. To release the magazine, you’ll likely use your thumb support hand.
This magazine release is ambidextrous and sits in the middle. It will be easy to use by both right-hand shooters and left-handers. When inserting the magazine, you must rock it into the gun. This design doesn’t require you to worry about over-inserting or catching the magazine. If the magazine isn’t locked in place, you will know.
Bolt Release/Hold Open
The Mini 14 does not have a bolt release, but it has a bolt hold that can be opened. When the last round of ammunition is fired, the bolt will stay open. The follower will push up a small piece metal to catch the bolt and their rearward position. You can push the bolt back manually and then press down on the small metal plunger on the receiver’s left side. It’s a small, round dowel that is easy to find.
To release the bolt you will need to press the charging handle. I would love to see a feature that allows you to quickly release bolt from any place while simultaneously reloading at a rapid speed. This gun is not designed for this. It’s a Ranch Rifle, which means it was designed for use in applications that don’t require speed to reload.
Charging Handle
The charging handle for the gun can be found on the right-hand side. It is a cast reciprocating charging handle. It is a typical handle made of metal. For reference, it looks similar to the charging handle on a 10/22. The handle has a slight curvature that makes it easy to use. It can be used in multiple ways and it works. It’s not my favorite design but it can be modified.
It’s part and parcel of the firearm’s classic feel. It’s unlikely that we will see new firearms with this design or style. It takes you back to a simpler time and gives you the feeling of shooting something old-fashioned. This Ruger Mini 14 Review is a great bonus.
Ruger Mini 14New and Pre-Owned
Mini 14s In StockGuns.com
Handguard Ruger Mini 14 Review
The Mini 14’s handguard is integrated into the rifle stock. It is very comfortable and works well. It feels like a handguard for any bolt-action rifle. It gives you ample space to reach out and touch the magwell with your hands. It works. It does not have any special features.
Standard versions don’t have the ability to mount accessories. Although they do make tactical versions with Pickatinny Rails and whatnot, I believe that this defeats the purpose. It just makes the firearm look and feel worse.
Trigger
The Mini 14’s trigger is a hammer-fired trigger. After you have disengaged the safety, you can go back and pull the trigger to fill the remaining take-up. It’s a very heavy take-up, and you hit a wall. You’ll feel a heavy, but pleasant, rolling break once you have hit that wall. It is not a match trigger but it can be used. It is slightly heavier than the AR-15 trigger, but it is still usable.
The shooter is not to be replaced unless he’s trying to shoot for accuracy, which I don’t see most people doing with their firearm. The trigger rule is set right back at the wall. You have just a bit of take-up before the firearm fires. Although I am aware that there are some people who will work with a Mini 14, I don’t think it’s necessary.
Stock Ruger Mini 14 Review
As we have already mentioned, the stock of this firearm extends from your butt pad to the front end of the handguard. This is my main complaint about this gun. The pull length on the Mini 14 is too long. This could make it difficult for smaller shooters or those who are shorter than average.
Ruger Mini 14 New and Pre-Owned
Mini 14s In StockGuns.com
This gun’s pull is too long for most people. I am familiar with shooting AR-15s and tactical-style formats that allow you to square up to the target. This rifle can be used by a 6-foot-tall male if you are comfortable with that. However, it is definitely longer than what would be preferred. I would like to see the length of the pull cut a few inches.
I’ve looked into aftermarket stocks that can do this, but none of them fit the look I want to keep with my Mini 14. Ruger should offer a youth stock option. I believe that it would be more appealing to most users.
Mounting Accessories
It’s not something that many people will do. This gun is well-stocked and works well. This gun is not an AR-15, and you shouldn’t try to make it one. It is nice to have options and the Mini 14 has plenty. You can also buy a new chassis that will replace the stock made of wood. This will make the rifle more tactical. This will take away a lot from the gun’s character, but it will make mounting lights and lasers easier.
I don’t think adding accessories to this firearm is a plus, but we’ll discuss them below.
Optics Ruger Mini 14 Review
It is very easy to mount an optic on the Mini 14. Ruger mounts are built into the receiver, but the bolts, front and back, and the bolts. These mounts are quite common and can be found almost anywhere. Either a red-dot, or a standard-style scope such as a low-powered varioptic or a 3×9 can be mounted. Ultimak also offers scout mouths that can replace the upper part of the handguard and mount the Picatinny rail ahead of the receiver. It’s not something I like, but it’s always available if you need.
Irons
The Mini 14’s iron sights are quite impressive. They are just your regular post and notch, or peep sites. The rear has protective wings, while the front has a large front blade with protective wings. They are durable and perform well. They are not very precise, but they are perfect for shooting within 100 yards.
Lights Ruger Mini 14 Review
Mounting any light to a Mini 14 is not an easy task, at least for the standard stock option. One weaver slot is located forward of the retainer on the handguard, so that company makes a replacement. That’s the option I chose to use on this gun. I’m still searching for a mount that matches up with my gun. From there, I will mount a Surefire/Modlite light with push-button capability at the rear.
I am looking for a QD mounting system so that I can quickly take it on and off so that the gun doesn’t look too tactical. I can also add a light quickly and easily if I need. You can also mount a light via Picatinny rails by changing the stock or upper guard, as we have mentioned.
Control Devices
The gun’s wooden stock design makes it ideal for adding a control device such as a vertical grip to it. You could certainly do this if you have a more modern-styled chassis. But I don’t think it is necessary.
Sling
It is a bit more difficult than I would prefer to mount a sling to a Mini 14 with the stock. There are 1.25-inch sling swivels and 1.25-inch slinks at the rear of your buttstock and on the handguard retainer. These mounts are located at six o’clock, so this rifle cannot be carried in a tactical-style configuration.
This will depend on how you use the gun. Personally, I prefer to have my gun on my chest rather than around my shoulders. However, I will still need to find the best sling option for this firearm.
Aesthetics
The Mini 14 is a beautiful gun. It is very similar to the M1 Garand or M1 Carbine. This gun is a great choice if you want a gun that blends in better. This gun is not as accessible to the uninitiated or uninformed as an AR-15. People who don’t know much about guns or AR-15s in particular can find it frightening.
While the Mini 14 will still look terrifying to some people, it will be less frightening and will have the same effect as a bolt-action rifle or lever gun. We’ve all seen the infographics, the photos or videos of gun control idiots going through firearms and pointing out the most dangerous. They don’t understand their operation or what they do. The Mini 14 is a great way to keep your firearm low-profile while still looking attractive.
Shooting Experience Ruger Mini14 Review
The magwell looks very similar to an AK, but it feels a lot more refined and rugged. It’s easier to use the magazine release and it’s made of plastic, which may not give you the best feeling in terms of long-term durability. It does feel more like an AK, however. Everything feels perfect when you pull the charging handle. You know that you are firing an old-world-style firearm if you drop the bolt. It makes you nostalgic for your great-grandfather or World War II.
You’ll feel strange pushing the safety off with your trigger finger when you go up for shooting. You can press the trigger and the gun will fire. It’s amazing how balanced this firearm is, especially if you use iron sights. Iron sights might make this gun more fun than the AR-15. It balances beautifully and is a pleasure to shoot. This gun is great for shooting still silhouettes at 100 meters. It’s very natural and it points extremely well. It’s easy to see why this was so popular among farmers and ranchers who had one to shoot coyotes. The iron sights will cover 100 yards, unless you are shooting in low-light conditions.
It is what it is
It will be fine as long as you accept the firearm for what it really is and not expect it to be anything other than that. In my Mini 14 review, I have made many comparisons to the AR-15. This is something you need to do when talking about the Mini 14. They were introduced at the same time and have a similar place in American gun culture. This gun is now obsolete, but it still serves a similar purpose. The Mini 14 is not an AR-15, so don’t expect it. You’ll be disappointed if you do. However, you will be disappointed if you expect the AR-15 to have the same charm and characters of the Mini 14. Each gun is unique, and each gun has its own gift.
Ruger Mini 14New and Pre-Owned
Mini 14s In StockGuns.com
This gun is not the right gun for you if you are looking to carry a flashlight or an optic, and then accessorize with complete accessories. This gun is a great choice if you want a gun that you can keep in your pocket and carry around the United States with you. There are many options when it comes to magazines. You can easily find 10-round magazines that are legal in most states. If you live in a free state, you will be able to load it up with a 30-round magazine and you won’t feel any less prepared. Your government regulations make it easier for criminals to get your magazines.
Final Conclusions Ruger Mini14 Review
The price is the biggest problem with this gun. You might be able to find a bargain on these guns for as low as $500 every now and again, but I haven’t seen them that often in recent years. This could be a problem if you get a gun made in a less than ideal time. The Mini 14 series has seen many changes, and some variants have reliability and accuracy issues.
They were slow to twist and the barrel was thin so they weren’t very accurate for a long time. Mini 14 seemed to have fixed those issues and I would recommend it. The problem is that they cost around a thousand dollars and it’s difficult to justify the utility or Mini 14 over an AR-15 at this price point.
The Mini 14 might be a better choice if you live in a more restrictive state. It all comes down to personal preference. I liked the Mini 14. They are just a bit too expensive for me. I would be more interested in the gun if it was less than $750. You may have different opinions. Let me know below what you think of the Ruger Mini 14.
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Pros
It looks less tactical. Excellent balance. Low recoil. Optic-mounting optionsReliableCons
Price Modularity (or lack thereof). Safety positionReloads slowlyLong length of pullHardy to mount accessories, compared to an ArtriggerLike this…
