Ruger Mini-14 Club

[Dave Markowitz]

I know that a lot of THR members have Ruger Mini-14s that they like for plinking, truck guns, varmint control, and defense. Let's see some pics.

First, my blued 182-series Mini-14, with an Eagle HK-style flash suppressor and front sight, and Brownell's Latigo sling. Both the rifle and the Ruger factory 20 rounder were law enforcement trade-ins.



Second is another LE trade-in, this one a stainless 186-series Mini-14GB. I just put it in the Butler Creek folder this morning. The magazine is a Ruger factory 20 in stainless steel, the only one I've seen.

Open...



...and folded...



Note the extra evil bayonet lug. I plan to add a set of 1.25" QD swivels and a sling. In this configuration it'll make a nice, compact, low-maintenance gun to stow in the truck on road trips.

Let's see what you've got.

(I would appreciate it if the Mini-14 bashers -- you know who you are -- would not crap on this thread.)

 

[Gunsnrovers]

I like mine. Makes for a fun shooter and a decent 50~100 yard rifle. My wife likes it too which adds value. I've had this one since 1992. Aside from a few stuck cases which have been cleared with a swift kick and a few failures to feed while I played with smaller gas ports, it's been a reliable little rifle.

The Hogue stock fits a lot better. The accu-strut up front appears to have tightened the groups. A trigger job helps as well.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Jeff,

Very nice! Did you have your barrel chopped?

 

[686S&W]

Look at the pretties.

Have an AR, an AK, and looking to add a Mini to my collection soon.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Not chopped, but I've been debating that as an option.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Have an AR, an AK, and looking to add a Mini to my collection soon.

If you do like I did and can find a law enforcement trade-in, they are pretty reasonably priced. E.g., I paid $350 for the blued rifle in 2003 (w/o the Eagle front sight/flash hider), and about $450 for the stainless GB last year. The Butler Creek stock on the GB was about $70 at a gun show a few years ago.

 

[JKimball]

This has been a fun gun. I bought it used and unfortunately paid more than a new one would cost, but I fell in love with the feel (and look) of the stock and couldn't pass it up. The stock stock just doesn't seem to agree with me.

I haven't put more than a thousand rounds through it, but it hasn't had a single malfunction so far.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Interesting, I've never seen a Mini-14 with a sporter stock like that.

I'm not surprised with the lack of malfunctions. Mini-14s are generally extremely reliable as long as you have somewhat decent ammo and good magazines.

 

[Josh Aston]

Anyone know where I can find one of the M14 (long birdcage) style flash hiders for the mini?

 

[armoredman]

I have a new 580 series I am handloading for, but no add ons yet. Did make for some interesting pictures...very photogenic rifle.

 

[Cron]

Here's mine, with an old steel tube Weaver 1 1/2 x 4 1/2.

 

[TIMC]

I've owned this one twice. Gave it away as a birthday gift to my dad many years ago then bought it back from him when he wanted to upgrade to an AR.

 

[Uncle Chan]

TIMC,

Where did you get the bipod? I would like to get one like it for my Mini.

U.C.

 

[deth502]

i have the same ss le trade in folder that i got a little over a yr ago (came with the ss folder) not 450 though iirc, it was $600. you got a deal on that one, ive not seen them that cheap!! i could have had one w/ the factory stock for 500, but that was the cheapest i could find.

 

[DannyinJapan]

I LOVE MINI-14s. Great Rifle. I wish our military adopted it. (I only wish it had a striaght-in magazine.)

 

[TIMC]

TIMC,

Where did you get the bipod? I would like to get one like it for my Mini.

U.C.

I don't remember exactly where I bought that one but they are easy to find. A quick search showed a bunch on Ebay pretty cheap.
Here is one like mine...
http://cgi.ebay.com/RIFLE-BIPOD-HUNTING-SNIPER-BARREL-MOUNT-8-13-5-LEGS_W0QQitemZ300184587775QQihZ020QQcategoryZ73959QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Pigspitter]

I love the look of the mini's. I have a question though; what is the deal with the barrel whip I hear about on the Mini's? I haven't had the chance to shoot one yet so I don't know if it makes a huge difference.

 

[boalex207]

Dave and others,

where can LE trade in Mini-14's be found ? and for how much ?

Merry Christmas

 

[dstark]

my mini

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=69742&stc=1&d=1198634288

 

[Dave Markowitz]

boalex,

Both of mine were bought from a local FFL who frequently buys LE trade in guns. You might look around for local gun shops who do that or who would be willing to order you one from a distributor.

The last time I saw blued LE trade in Mini-14s locally, they were around $375 to $400.

 

[Tarvis]

My mini is a SS LE ranch rifle trade in I got for $400. It has an aftermarket stock and I put a 1.5-6x Millet scope on it. Mags are touch and go, it's almost worthwhile to try and find ruger 20-rounders (hard, I know) so you don't have ftf problems. Last few I saw, however, were $50 each and it took the shop a while to get a hold of em, but unless you're shooting rabbits (I carry at minimum 90 rounds), I'd get one or two for target shooting, budget permitting.

where can LE trade in Mini-14's be found ? and for how much ?

Some dealers have a contract, maybe just an agreement with LE agency's to buy thier trade-ins and sell them new rifles/pistols.

(I would appreciate it if the Mini-14 bashers -- you know who you are -- would not crap on this thread.)

piss on 'em, they can have thier opinion and eat it too . My meenee is the best truck/rabbit gun I could ever want. IMHO, inherent rifle accuracy goes out the window when a rabbit is running 30 mph at 40 yards, its all feel baby. Besides 1 round or 3, it dies just the same.

 

[Benelli Shooter]

Here is mine. It is a great coyote brush gun.

 

[armoredman]

What type of mount isthat for your scope, Benelli?

 

[Benelli Shooter]

It is an Ultimak with an Aimpoint Comp ML2. The barrel is cut down to 16". It groups an honest 2-3" with no POI shift when it heats up. Never, ever malfunctions. It is a great, fast handling rifle.

 

[22/22mag]

Mini-30 Python (snake skin)

Mini-14 folding wood stock (for sale $500)
Mini-14 pistol grip.