Ruger Mini-14 accuracy

[Deserthunter]

Is the recently available stainless, folding stock Ruger Mini-14 (Model 5859) more accurate than the original version of that firearm which was manufactured decades ago? I assume they are but don't know since today's Mini-14s are more accurate than the earlier and original ones. My point is I know earlier Mini-14s had accuracy issues in general but I don't know if the earlier folding stock model, which was later discontinued, was an exception. Thanks for any comments.

 

[1KPerDay]

If the barrel has a thicker/tapered profile just in front of the gas block (and it looks like it does) then it’s about as good as a mini barrel gets. You can possibly see some improvement by changing gas ports, equalizing the spacing and torque on the gas block screws, and or adding an accu-strut. I haven’t personally tried an accu-strut on a newer mini with the tapered/thicker barrel but I understand some people still like them and see improvement.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

My newer one. I shoot clays set up at 200 yards.

 

[LoonWulf]

The newer minis are on average more accurate than the older variants. After basic tuning, mine would consistently hold about 1.5moa with decent factory ammo or general handloads, and tuned stuff would get down around 1moa. FMJs were usually somewhere around 2-2.5 but since all I use fmjs for is making noise, thats fine.

Thats been pretty consistent for the later 580+ guns ive shot, im currently looking at picking up another Mini and cant decided between a 14 and a 30.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

A mini 30 with a wood stock is next for me. Probably April i'll start my search. Maybe March posssibly.

 

[caribou]

The 'older' sights with a single fat blade and wide peep were hard to hit precisely with.
Luckily, they have been modernized with a narrower blade, protective ears and a ring for a peep.

Mucho better sights are for sale , if you have an older series, and I have refitted a couple sets on my daughters Mini-14 with excellent results.

 

[JohnB-40]

If you are staying with iron sights I would recommend Tech Sights

https://www.tech-sights.com/mini-products/

 

[jmr40]

The Mini's were always reliable. And for what I used one for even the older ones were accurate enough. I'm sure the newer ones are even better.

I actually like them but probably won't buy another. Back in the day when an AR was $900 and a new Mini-14 was $300 they were an excellent value and I owned some years ago. But today a Mini-14 is $1000+. I can get a much more accurate AR for $600-$700. Combine that with the availability and price of magazines, multiple options for sights and other accessories on an AR and I have a hard time justifying the Mini-14.

I understand that many just prefer the look or live where an AR is illegal and the Mini is not. If you're one of those people buy it and enjoy it. I have never bad mouthed the guns. It's just about value for the dollar to me.

 

[Riomouse911]

My newer 583- series Mini 14 Ranch Rifle is more accurate than my older 195-series Ranch Rifle.

It won’t win many target competitions (especially with me behind it!), but both will hold minute of coyote.

Stay safe.

 

[Varminterror]

Jumbo Shrimp
Military Intelligence


Oh…. Sorry… based on the title, “Mini-14 Accuracy,” I thought this was a thread about oxymorons…

 

[Peakbagger46]

My 581 series was 1.5-1.6 MOA with a scope and carefully tuned handloads. This was for 3 shot groups benched at 100y. Factory rounds were substantially worse.

 

[Speedo66]

Suffice it to say the newer Mini’s are more accurate than the older Mini’s.

But the inherent nature of a folding stock, being more flexible than a fixed stock and having not as good a cheek weld, I can’t imagine the folders were more accurate.

 

[Balrog]

Suffice it to say the newer Mini’s are more accurate than the older Mini’s.

But the inherent nature of a folding stock, being more flexible than a fixed stock and having not as good a cheek weld, I can’t imagine the folders were more accurate.

Probably not, but the new version of the Mini-14 with the side folding metal stock is just too A-Team for me to be able to pass up. I won't be precision shooting with it, and I doubt many people who have ever bought a Mini-14 thought it was a precision rifle.

 

[Show Me]

The Mini's were always reliable. And for what I used one for even the older ones were accurate enough. I'm sure the newer ones are even better.

I actually like them but probably won't buy another. Back in the day when an AR was $900 and a new Mini-14 was $300 they were an excellent value and I owned some years ago. But today a Mini-14 is $1000+. I can get a much more accurate AR for $600-$700. Combine that with the availability and price of magazines, multiple options for sights and other accessories on an AR and I have a hard time justifying the Mini-14.

I understand that many just prefer the look or live where an AR is illegal and the Mini is not. If you're one of those people buy it and enjoy it. I have never bad mouthed the guns. It's just about value for the dollar to me.

Since I have the money to convert into noise, the price of a certain firearm i want to do it with dosent bother me .

 

[Speedo66]

Probably not, but the new version of the Mini-14 with the side folding metal stock is just too A-Team for me to be able to pass up. I won't be precision shooting with it, and I doubt many people who have ever bought a Mini-14 thought it was a precision rifle.

I’m with you, even knowing the shortcomings I just put a folding stock on mine. The folders do look cool.

Just takes a few minutes to easily put the fixed stock back on if so desired.

 

[Balrog]

...

 

[benEzra]

Probably not, but the new version of the Mini-14 with the side folding metal stock is just too A-Team for me to be able to pass up. I won't be precision shooting with it, and I doubt many people who have ever bought a Mini-14 thought it was a precision rifle.

In fairness, the A-Team never hit anyone with their folding-stock models either.