Ruger’s Minis ?
- Thread starter jski
- Start date
- Status
courtgreene
Member
1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. Probably.
The minis, both 14 and 30, exist to serve the market that isn’t interested in or cannot legally have the more common (now) ar-15 and other similar rifles, but who want the benefits of a semiautomatic.
I have both, and to be honest, the mini isn’t my go to. When i shoot it, though, I wonder why. It’s a great gun.
As to the sales numbers, I imagine they’re doing ok, because Ruger still makes them. They offer ar-15 variations so why bother trying to compete with yourself if it isn’t selling?
The minis, both 14 and 30, exist to serve the market that isn’t interested in or cannot legally have the more common (now) ar-15 and other similar rifles, but who want the benefits of a semiautomatic.
I have both, and to be honest, the mini isn’t my go to. When i shoot it, though, I wonder why. It’s a great gun.
As to the sales numbers, I imagine they’re doing ok, because Ruger still makes them. They offer ar-15 variations so why bother trying to compete with yourself if it isn’t selling?
Or for folks that like the basic style.
I'm not an AR fan, and I'm not a .223 fan, kinda leaves me in a weird situation.
I OWN an AR and will build another, but that's because I get to try neat new stuff. When the MINI comes out in .350 I'll be buying one of those.
If I wanted the same basic set up from an AR it would cost me about a grand, so cost isn't really an issue.
For someone looking for a cheap effective semi where they are legal, the ARs are generally a "better" option.
I'm not an AR fan, and I'm not a .223 fan, kinda leaves me in a weird situation.
I OWN an AR and will build another, but that's because I get to try neat new stuff. When the MINI comes out in .350 I'll be buying one of those.
If I wanted the same basic set up from an AR it would cost me about a grand, so cost isn't really an issue.
For someone looking for a cheap effective semi where they are legal, the ARs are generally a "better" option.
JeeperCreeper
Member
My brother is a hipster of sorts... and has no desire nor need for tactical weapons.
He isn't really into guns. But he loves the mini. He's not a gun nut, so he's not the normal target demographic.
Sometimes the right market is the wrong market.
He isn't really into guns. But he loves the mini. He's not a gun nut, so he's not the normal target demographic.
Sometimes the right market is the wrong market.
I've had a mini shortly after they became available to the public......I've never been a fan of the AR. After a few upgrades and trigger job, my mini will consistently hit a small jar of tannerite at 75 yards. Good enough for me. I'm more comfortable with the action of the M1 Grand, M14 and Mini14 than the AR.
I thought the Mini-30 might have a greater raison d'être because of all the important restrictions on the AK pattern rifles and the Mini-14 less raison d'être because of the wide availability of AR pattern rifles at every price point.
Not really, if you can't have an AK, you probably can't have an AR either. If you can, then there's plenty of 7.62x39 options for the ar platform.
Again, If one simply wanted a semi auto .223, or x39....well basically anything that will fit....With the cost and availability, from a pure practicality standpoint, it's hard to beat an AR.
Guys that want an AK, mini, keltec etc will buy those because they want them, otherwise one can usually build up a comparable AR for less....well besides the bullpups.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Im really surprised they havent brought back the Deerfield .44.
I assume it used most of the same tooling as the Mini, and it would be an even better competitor these days against an AR for close-quarters work.
If they made a stainless .357 Deerfield, Id be all over it!
FFGColorado
Member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2020
- Messages
- 1,129
One son has a Ruger 556, other son has a Mini-14..Mini-14 everyday..
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Ya know, it strikes me that they could make a top-loading version of the Mini with a fixed magazine pretty easily for "reduced freedom" states. Unless maybe Ruger figures there are still too many surplus SKS rifles floating around that they would have to compete against.
Project355
Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2020
- Messages
- 672
One thing I really liked about my Mini-14 was that with a flush, or only slightly protruding magazine, its fairly compact little carbine, and just.... it carries well in the hand. Maybe that's just me tho.
Garandimal
member
The 580 Series Mini-14's are nice, precise, rugged, and reliable carbines.
If you like the "M1" action, and don't mind the "M14" mag (or lack of a clip
)?
The Mini's are sweet.
Just not quite as precise, and a bit pricey, compared to the mass AR market.
My only gripes were the butt stock was an inch too long and not square... and the sling swivels were not 1-1/4".
... Both easily fixed.
GR
If you like the "M1" action, and don't mind the "M14" mag (or lack of a clip
)?The Mini's are sweet.
Just not quite as precise, and a bit pricey, compared to the mass AR market.
My only gripes were the butt stock was an inch too long and not square... and the sling swivels were not 1-1/4".
... Both easily fixed.
Last edited:
Speedo66
Member
Yes to all your questions. Ruger drops things that aren't selling or are too expensive to make a profit on.
Not an AR fan, assembled one and sold it not long after.
Having carried an M-14 I prefer wood and steel, which my Mini-14 provides.
The early Mini's had a bad reputation for accuracy, the newer models are much better. Perhaps not as good as a good AR, but most people aren't capable of 1 MOA with open sights anyway.
Not an AR fan, assembled one and sold it not long after.
Having carried an M-14 I prefer wood and steel, which my Mini-14 provides.
The early Mini's had a bad reputation for accuracy, the newer models are much better. Perhaps not as good as a good AR, but most people aren't capable of 1 MOA with open sights anyway.
.455_Hunter
Member
I really don't get the "just get an AR" attitude. Some people like the appearance and function of the classically styled Mini platform- it's OK to have that preference. I like both, and will get another Mini before another AR.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
My guess would be due to potential patent infringement between Colt and Ruger?
I'm rather glad they didn't. While I can understand the utility of it. The magazine release location would be awkward, and AR mags need more support as they arnt locked at the front, dictating a deeper well, and sticky out magazines.
Bolt hold opens are significantly different, tho you from what I'm remembering, you could probably make some system that worked, it would have small parts tho.
What magazine a gun takes is usually fairly low on my list of cares tho. I've got 4 or 5 different AR mags that arent interchangeable, and 4 different pistol mags, so Ive gotten in the habit of looking before shoving them into the gun or bag. For guys that only stock one mag, i can easily see the frustrstion.
I'd be all over one of those too! Tho I'd prefer the .44.
briansmithwins
Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2005
- Messages
- 4,631
When the Mini-14 was designed AR pattern mags weren't the greatest in quality, longevity, or reliability. Ruger was smart to make their own steel magazines to their own standards.
The rock and lock Ruger mags lock reliably in a very short magwell. If the Ruger used AR mags the magwell area would have to be larger and that would increase the weight and bulk.
BSW
Garandimal
member
mgmorden
Member
That could have been a slight possibility for the first few years of production, but patents on the AR-15 have long run out now.
The simple reality is that the action of the Mini-14 isn't well suited to a mag release on the side (which is required for AR-15 mags). Because the rifle's action ejects from the top and has the stock on the sides rather than the receiver, it works out best to have the magazine release on the bottom of the gun. That really only works for a "rock and lock" style mag not a straight insert mag like the AR has.
The gun would need to be redesigned to take AR mags, and by that point - you might as well just get an AR.
I like the Mini-14 from the standpoint of it specifically NOT being an AR. AR's are fine but they've sucked all variety and interest out of the semi-auto market.
- Status
