Mini 14

[jerry46]

What are the differences in the Mini 14 series? I am looking at a Mini 14 in Series 195. Is this a good gun to purchase or would it be better to get a new one? The gun looks good and comes with an Ultra Dot plus two 30 round mags as well as the original 5 round mag. I just don't know enough about them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Ash]

Generally the newer 500 series rifles are more accurate due to their thicker barrels and newer tooling. Mine, an older 186 series, is decently accurate but others have complained about accuracy from theirs.

 

[brunowbe]

I was having the same problem when considering a purchase of a Mini 14 back in August; I chose to go with a brand new 581 series Mini 14 Ranch Rifle because:
1. It has the thicker barrel.
2. It was built on the retooled machinery, hopefully meaning better construction and QC.
3. To stabilize the barrel on a thinner barreled model, you may have to purchase an Accu Strut costing roughly $100 more (so you may as well get the new one).
4. Don't quote me on this, but the sights have allegedly been improved on the newer models.
5. A scope mount and rings were included.

If you can find a used one and be able to test it out for a decent price ($400-450) then I would go that route.

Make sure you use only Ruger mags.

 

[pbrktrt]

Good advice. If you can afford it go 580 or newer. If you get a good deal on an earlier one, there are simple things you can do to improve accuracy. But as mentioned, the factory mags are the most reliable. I've had a few and still have a Mini-30 because there is nothing quite like it. You either love them or hate them. When you want a well made, reliable semi-auto rifle, they are hard to beat. Ok, bring on the AR flames.

 

[sfed]

Mini 14 Accuracy

I have the mini 14 tactical in the 581 series, I got the gas bushing set from Accuracy Systems. Getting the correct gas bushing installed for the ammo you are using will stop the brass from landing in another area code. I also installed the Accu-strut on it. Those two changes made all the difference in the world, and the bolt slamming back as hard as it did before changing gas bushings could not have been good for longevity!!

 

[Roadking Rider]

The newer Mini's are some pretty good shooting rifles with real world accuracy.
I've never has any issues using the Ruger factory mags in my 580 Mini ranch rifle.

 

[mberoose]

Me on the other hand...I have a 185 series Mini-14 which I enjoy very much. It runs just as well with aftermarket Precision and USA magazines as it does with OEM. Build quality and fit & finish, to my eyes, is great. It's as accurate as I'd ever want it to be. The new ones are nice too, and I'm sure you could really romp on them with less degradation of accuracy.

I'd be happy with an old one if the price was right (mine DEFINITELY was, considering there's a premium for "pre-ban" rifles here in the AWB-equipped state of CT, a premium that I didn't have to pay).