Help me with my new Mini 14

[MISFIRE]

I'm going through the 11 day waiting period and I thought I would ask for some advice on some various ammo makes and bullet sizes to try in my new Mini 14, I don't even know what the barrel twist is ? the Mini is a 580 series, stainless, synthetic.
I would also like to hear some opinions on optics, red dot or scout or standard eye relief and what seems to be the big issue with Mini's, reliable magazines. I know what all you in the free states are going to say about Mini's, all I can say is I live Ca.
Bill

 

[Titan6]

I hear people bad mouthing 30 round Ram-line mags all the time but mine shoots them just fine. I have a 3X9 scope with standard eye relief on the factory rings. But that really depends upon what you want to use it for.

If you have a stainless mini be sure to shove a desicant pack up in the mag well when not in use (only if it is not in use as a SD gun otherwise it could get interesting) to avoid any rust in the bore. I do this with all my guns anyway but I hear stainless minis are more prone to rust in the bore.

Edit: Oops just noticed you are in California. Never mind about the thirty round mags. Get Factory 5 RD mags.

 

[Plink]

If your mini isn't set up for a receiver scope mount, I'd look into the Ultimak scout mount. Those side plate mounts aren't usually very stable with the mini's sharp recoil impulse. The Scout mount will let you mount a red dot sight, or a pistol scope. The Ultimak version is a stable mounting platform also. The mini not being tremendously accurate, seems to benefit more from the quick, snap shot ability of a red dot sight.

 

[bhk]

One of the challenges of a Mini is getting the scope low enough to get any kind of cheek weld. If you use a regular scope, you may want to get one with a small objective bell so you can use medium Ruger mounts. This will work only if you mount the scope far enough back for the larger diameter portion of the ocular end so it is rear of the rear sight (it doesn't fold down as they did on the older Ranch Rifles) The new 580 series rifles come with the high mounts. The older ones came with medium mounts. I use a Burris 4x with a 32 mm objective bell that fits perfectly. If you use the Ultimak rail up front (replaces handguard), use low mounts, and a straight tube scope - you may be better off yet.

 

[jlmurphy]

If it has the integral mounts like my Ranch model, the Medium length Aim Point red dot is almost perfect. I use mine with both eyes open, the field of view is enormous and makes target acquisition amazingly simple. I see why everyone in Iraq uses some type of electronic sight.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I know what all you in the free states are going to say about Mini's, all I can say is I live Ca.

Nuthin' wrong with a mini, IMO. (although mine would get me locked up in kommifornia)



Seriously, the mini is a good little rifle. They are robust, reliable and handy little creatures. So long as you're not trying to zing praire rats at 200 yards, you won't be disappointed. Mine has proven just as reliable as the AR's and AK's.

 

[glockman19]

Nuthin' wrong with a mini, IMO. (although mine would get me locked up in kommifornia)

Unfortunately YES it would...BTW nice mini.

First, off a 580 series is accurate so sub MOA will be achievable. Second, since you're in CA you're stuck with 5 & 10 round Mag's I won't tell you how to get 20 & 30 round mags in CA but it can be done ...don't do it. Third, any .223 ammo will be just fine. I prefer to shoot Remington 45, 50, 55 & 60 grain. I also get NATO ammo in .223 from Natchezss.com Federal .223 NATO 55GR FMJ BT 1000/PACK $169 but their out of Stock for the next two weeks. so I just got 400 rounds of .Federal 223 NATO 55 GR FMJ BOAT-TAIL for $6.99 a box minimum of 10 boxes. If you can find a better deal get it. Forth, I didn't scope mine I like the iron sights, but i see the new ones with red dot's and hologaphic ones. As always get the best scope you can afford.

Finally, Congrats in the new rifle you'll have fun with it.