Questions about mini 14

[no0b]

I was thinking about what my SHTF rifle should be and I figured that I want a rifle that I can use up close and within about 300-500 yards for hunting and personal defense, So I figured Id go with the MINI-14 chambered in .223/ 5.56-45mm.
Im not going to completely deck it out seeing as how Im probably going to buy it brand new (OCD problem) but I am wanting to throw a few things on there.
Imma have the mini 14 Ranch rifle with a synthetic stock with a B-Square quick detach scope with see under (so I can still use the iron sights) and probably a Bi-pod. Anyone have a suggestion on the scope I should get and a good bipod?

Thank you
Gun: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/56043-55.html
Scope Mount: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/30907391-1.html
Maybe Scope: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SCP340-1.html

 

[memphisjim]

scout scope or red dot
forget the bipod it make the rifle too heavy

 

[browningguy]

The see under scope mount won't allow a decent cheek weld, so it's probably not going to be very accurate. The scope won't be worth the money, it's just a cheap scope, not an inexpensive scope.

You can buy picattiny rails that use the built in Ruger scope mounts, then add a red dot with a QD mount for rapid changeover. There are plenty of usable reasonably priced red dots out there.

 

[LoonWulf]

I like nikons 1-4x on my Mini, id stick with a low power variable as your primary sighting device. In stock ruger rings my scope easily clears the stock rear sight, but still affords an ok cheek weld, removing the scope is easy enough if you finger tight the rings, which held ok on my gun. Ive ended up using low leupolds and removing the rear sight tho.

 

[shootniron]

within about 300-500 yards for hunting

I have had a mini 14 for years and I love it, but I do not think that it will work well for this application. What will you be hunting at that distance that the .223 will handle? Anything that it will be effective on at that distance, you cannot hit...in my experience.

 

[NOLAEMT]

The mini 14 is mostly a 200 yard and under rifle. unless you get a particularly accurate one.
The "see through" scope mounts are garbage, you cant get a decent cheek weld to use the scope, and you cant really use the irons either.
That scope is also junk, and mini-14's are hard on scopes due to the vibrations caused by the bolt hitting the back of the reciever.

 

[Sky]

The mini 14 is mostly a 200 yard and under rifle. unless you get a particularly accurate one.
The "see through" scope mounts are garbage, you cant get a decent cheek weld to use the scope, and you cant really use the irons either.

Not an expert with the -14 but I tend to agree with the above. I was always told their lack accuracy was partly due to chambering (loose) along with other things.

There was a thread not long ago and the general consensus seemed to be the newer mini-14s are more accurate than the older ones.

 

[nathan]

Get the tactical model with the flash hider . They should be handy for 100-150 yds easy. A nice red dot also helps.

 

[firesky101]

The newer mini's are just as capable of accuracy as a AR-15 ( I love both not trying to hate here). Ruger has really upgraded barrel quality among other things since 2005, they even have a target model with a 1MOA guarantee.

 

[shootniron]

Get the tactical model with the flash hider . They should be handy for 100-150 yds easy. A nice red dot also helps.

They should be good as I have a 185 series and it is good to go with the crappy factory irons out to 150yds...coyote accurate anyway.

 

[M1key]

If I went that route with the Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, I would use Warne Quick Detach rings or Ruger Factory, Burris 1-4x scope, and plenty of 20-round mags and brass-cased ammo.

M

 

[Panzercat]

Mmm... 300-500? For the moment I'll assume you somehow can even if the round or the firearm isn't suited for it. But make sure your new -14 isn't an older -14. New production has heavier barrels that the older production didn't, which adversely affected accuracy. Second, consider a keltec su16c or ca which gives you all that in a lighter, more portable package and an integral bipod. Hit the search function up for more info or even youtube.

 

[nathan]

But to compare the cost of having an AR vs the Ruger Mini is almost the same, i would go with the AR for parts availability and cost of mags are lower.

 

[crracer_712]

I like the mini 14, but the price shown in that link is about 50 bucks higher, even after tax, than I see that same model for at my local gun shows.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

If a scope mount isn't securely screwed to tapped holes in the receiver, it's not a suitable mount.

I would rethink the B-square.

 

[Rshooter]

Check CDNN or Walmart for mini's.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

 

[mortablunt]

Sorry about jumping to conclusions.

To be honest, in my opinion, a bipod is extra weight which really doesn't give all that much benefit to a low caliber, not superbly accurate rifle. If you want 300-500M accuracy with a 5.56 caliber rifle, then you ought to look at trading in for an AR.

 

[Sam1911]

We don't do SHTF here. It's in the forum rules.

Looks like this is all about Mini-14s and not about SHTF. Carry on.

 

[rbernie]

I have shot a BUNCH of ammo through Mini14s and Mini30s. I have done the same with AR15s and AKs and other such things. I may even still have a few of the many that I have owned over the years.

The Mini14 really is a good ranch rifle; good iron sights, light weight, handy, easy to carry with a standard 5rd magazine, and quick to shoulder and point. But it's not a 300-500yard gun, and never will be. Further, it has the capacity to accept optics but the optics ruin the cheekweld and IMO detract from the very qualities that make it useful. It also is difficult to justify a Mini14 in a world where low-end ARs can be had for similar prices...

 

[zxcvbob]

I just got a flyer from CDNN with Mini-14 GB's with "hi-grade" walnut stocks. (I didn't know they made them that way.) 16" barrel with a factory flash suppressor. The picture sort of looks like a short Ranch Rifle. I think I want one (just because I want it) but know nothing about the platform. Anything I need to know?

I'm left-handed, but doubt that makes a difference unless they eject *back* and to the right.