Anyone had a chance to shoot the new NRA Mini-14?

[armoredman]

I am wondering if anyone has had an opportunity to compare the new NRA Mini-14 with the short heavy barrel, against a 580 series with the longer thin barrel, for accuracy? I am thinking of getting my barrel cut and crowned when I get my political payoff money, if it doesn't swirl down the drain for stupid things. Is it worth it?
So, any word?

 

[foghornl]

I'm thinking about one of those, too; however, the only place I have seen one is on Ruger's website....

 

[armoredman]

There is a gent on TFL who is advertising one for $750 or so, wish I had the $.

 

[silverlance]

750?
I'm sold.
I'll buy an NRA Mini for 750.

 

[ArmedBear]

I wouldn't buy one.

It's blued. It's my understanding that the oprod can get frozen on the gas port extension if you don't keep them cleaned and oiled.

No thanks. My stainless model requires the least babying of any firearm I own, and keeps on shooting. That's its forte, IMO.

And I don't think it's a heavier barrel than the current, less-expensive stainless Ranch Rifle.

 

[ckay]

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[ThomasT]

Ruger calls the new barrel the "Flared Barrel" and its on the NRA edition. It is heavier than the standard barrel. Ruger said all guns shipped in 2008 will have the larger barrel.

I have been waiting to look at one but no one has any in stock in my area. I wonder what price increase will be tacked on for the new gun?

 

[TimboKhan]

It's my understanding that the oprod can get frozen on the gas port extension if you don't keep them cleaned and oiled.

Yup, happened to me on my mini. It was easy and simple to fix, but it was unexpected. To keep it from happening, I gave the oprod a very thin (and I mean as thin as I could get it) coat of the graphite grease I use on my autos, and it seems to have solved that problem.

 

[pbrktrt]

and you get two 20 round mags with it. short, heavier barrel, should be a good combo. time will tell.

 

[Ash]

Well, I would think lubrication would not be something to condemn. AR's, after all, must be lubricated or they don't work well.

Ash

 

[Dave Markowitz]

It's blued. It's my understanding that the oprod can get frozen on the gas port extension if you don't keep them cleaned and oiled

A light coat of oil will prevent this.

 

[hitbackfirst]

I wonder how this new NRA Mini-14 with the heavier barrel (no more overheating problems?) and 20 round mags will compare to the M4? Prices should be fairly close to an entry-level M4... $750 - $850.

 

[Jason_G]

Well, I would think lubrication would not be something to condemn. AR's, after all, must be lubricated or they don't work well.

Ash

Yeah, but lubricant in a gas system is a general no-no.

Jason

 

[ArmedBear]

A light coat of oil will prevent this.

That's nice, but I'll take the Mini that doesn't have the problem, especially for 100 bucks less.

 

[Andrewsky]

The mags are marked LE/Gov't only.:banghead::banghead:

 

[Ash]

That's because they were made during the AWB and had to be labeled as such.

Ash

 

[armoredman]

No, actually they are still being made and marked this way, and Ruger sells them only to LE. Still. The only way to get factory fresh 20 round mags is to buy the NRA Mini-14. Hopefully they will change thier minds soon.

 

[Ash]

Ah, so noted.

Ash

 

[kwelz]

We get in Factory 20 Round Mags for Mini 14s. They are expensive but open to sale for anyone not just LE.

 

[ThomasT]

Cheaper Than Dirt has the 20 round Ruger factory mags listed in their catalog for $50.00. No restrictions on who can buy them.

 

[Spyvie]

I just bought one but I haven't shot it yet...

 

[armoredman]

Yes, I know they are available to everyone, if you want to pay the money, but Ruger themselves do not sell to civilians. They are out there, and high priced due to that restriction.
Dagnabbit.

 

[meef]

Cheaper Than Dirt has the 20 round Ruger factory mags listed in their catalog for $50.00. No restrictions on who can buy them.

And at that they think they're doing you a favor.

I just bought a basket of MagPul 30 round mags for $15 each and love 'em.

Ruger... go pound sand.

 

[Spyvie]

meef, -How do those MagPuls work? Are they plastic?

 

[M1 Shooter]

Rumor has it that Ruger will be offering the 20 rounders to civilians later this year. They will probably still not be much if any cheaper than they are now though. For example, they want $25 for just a 5 round Mini magazine.

Also, C Products is supposed to be releasing their Mini-14 hi-caps soon. They seem to have a good reputation with their AR mags, so there is a good chance their Mini-14 mags will be good too.

Another totally unsubstantiated rumor is that Magpul may make PMags for the Mini-14 and Mini-30 if there is enough demand for them.

So there you have it. If you want more affordable hi-caps for your Mini that work, then you need to hound these companies to produce them.