Recently purchased a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle catalog number Mini-14/20

[Hangingrock]

Recently purchased a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle catalog number Mini-14/20 Model Number 5816 (.223 – 20 round magazine - blued alloy steel – hard wood stock – with out flash suppressor). The MSR is $898.00 (purchase price $645.00 plus sales tax).

Expectations/criteria a simplistic functional trouble free low maintenance semiautomatic carbine with adequate power, capacity, & accuracy.

To date I’ve only had one opportunity for a range session @ 100yds using a standard 200yd SR target with a six-o’clock picture shooting of the bench. With out adjusting the sights from factory preset the groupings were at the top of black and slightly to the right of center. The ammunition Federal 100 pack 55gr-FMJ and my reloads with a Sierra 77gr-HPBT. The trigger press is what it is and the rear sight is certainly a “Ghost Ring”.

Next range session I’ll employ a center mass sight picture and adjust the sights @ 50yds then shoot 100 and 200 yard lines thus establishing my zero. I basically envision 100 yards and under the main spectrum of usage but it won’t hurt to know typical accuracy at 200yds.

I’m going to avoid the temptation of enchantments thus turning the basic rifle into a tinkers delight. At some point one must apply KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) and accept the Mini-14 for what it is.

 

[DennyF]

I have a 196 series Mini 14 and a 189 series Mini 30. Both are reliable, both are accurate enough to suit me fine. Have less than $700 in the pair (both bought used some time ago, in mint condition). Add another $180 total, for several factory 20 round mags and an aftermarket rear sight on the Mini 14.

Of the two, the Mini 30 is more accurate. It loves most Wolf ammo and will hold 2" offhand groups @ 50 yards any day of the week.

ARs are typically more accurate than a Mini 14, but in my opinion the Rugers are far more robust, less prone to action fouling and require far less maintenence for reliable functioning. I ceased to be amazed by the AR platform a long time ago.

 

[HOWARD J]

I never used my Mini 30 for target shooting--it was always accurate enuf to kill a deer--
that's all I cared about..................