Ruger Mini-14 Club

[stinger 327]

I cleaned my gas chamber but sent M-14 back to factory to correct another problem and they replaced everything on rifle.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Y'know, back in 1998 when I was brand-new to guns I almost bought a Ruger Mini-14. But when I started looking at those early-days gun forums I found the Mini-14 had a bad rep for accuracy, and ended up getting a Norinco SKS instead (not that those are tackdrivers... ).

Now, years and many guns later, I'm considering moving into DC for a year or two after I return from a contract job in Afghanistan later this year. Aside from a mandatory class, $40-60 per gun registration fee, etc., DC also has a CA-style "one feature only" assault weapons ban. Suddenly the Mini-14 is looking pretty pleasing again. Better construction than the SKS, handier than the M1 or M1A, and more powerful than the M1 Carbine.

The accuracy is greatly improved on the recent Ranch Rifles, yes? Reliability still good on the current issue? Ruger 10rd mags run well? If so, I'm tempted to get the Stainless Ranch, swap out a nice wooden stock, and add an Ultimak upper handguard for a nice red-dot sight or similar.

Setting aside the "don't move to DC" issue, any other suggestions, or does the above Mini tweaking sound like a go? Accu-Strut does say that some rifles that already shoot well don't really benefit from the strut, so if I get a Mini I should probably wring it out first before adding another 8oz. Are there any other common tweaks (I can't add a flash-suppressor) that improve reliability or usable accuracy?

 

[stinger 327]

Add a muzzle brake/flash suppressor. Mini-14 go for $800 and up. More than 800 for ranch model. You plan on puttin on scope or using standard peep site?

 

[MatthewVanitas]

Add a muzzle brake/flash suppressor. Mini-14 go for $800 and up. More than 800 for ranch model. You plan on puttin on scope or using standard peep site?

I can't have a flash-suppressor if I move to DC. Not so thrilled about a muzzle-brake since I understand those tend to increase muzzle blast.

Looking to add an Ultimak railed handguard and some kind of sight, maybe an Insight MRDS, which as I understand it just landed a big gov't contract:




So, if a Mini-14 is my best option, and just imagining that "cost is not an issue", would the dream DC-legal Mini-14 be something like:

• 
  Stainless Ranch Rifle

• Nice stock (I actually prefer wood, and in DC less-tactical-looking might be good)

• Adjustable gas block (best brand?)

• Ultimak railed forend

• Good red-dot sight (Insight?)

• 10rd mages (OEM the best?)

Anything else? On even a 2009 Ranch Rifle, is it suggested to cut the barrel back to 16.25" to reduce barrel wriggle?

Is there any gunsmith specialising in the Mini-14 who has a good "trick it out" package for reliability/accuracy? Trigger job?

 

[stinger 327]

What is a accu-strut?
What caliber did they use in Vietnam war? .55 grain .223? or 5.56 mm?
The factory changed everything in my gun except for the barrel. These old Mini-14's had a reputation for shooting everywhere not accurate or consistant like the new ones.

 

[X - Man]

stinger 327; An Accu-strut is a device which mounts onto the barrel of a Mini which aids in the overall performance and accuracy of the Mini. It works by providing additional stiffness to the barrel, braces the gas block, and adds weight to the barrel aiding in the dampening of unwanted harmonics.

5.56 is military ammo.

Cost analysis to upgrade a Mini-14; cost of rifle (1993) $440, parts $237, cyro-treat receiver group-barrel $75, total cost $752. True, no counting the time and effort put into the project. Actual target results are posted in the THR 2010 Frezza-Palooza Match contest.

This "old" Mini shoots well.

 

[stinger 327]

Do you have a picture of this acc-strut?
$752
I could buy a new Mini-14 for $100 more.
If I did that I would probably this time buy the 7.62 x 39 model as when I bought this Mini-14 .223 Rem. back in 1998 they didn't offer the Mini-14 in 7.62 x 39.:banghead: Also they didn't sell the Mini-14 in 5.56
My old Mini-14 even has a different type of peep sight than the newer ones in that the rear sight looks to be easier to adjust on the new ones.

 

[1KPerDay]

Do you have a picture of this acc-strut?

see post #159 above

also:

 

[stinger 327]

It's my understanding that the new Ruger Mini-14's don't have that accuracy problem like the old ones did that shot erratically especially after the barrel got hot.

 

[stinger 327]

1KPerday I saw that item in #159 and it kind of defeats the purpose of this mini carbine and looks strange. It adds more stuff to the rifle which was one of the reasons I bought one of these because it was very handy size good handling rifle and not bulky.

 

[yotesmoker]

gas block

Is there any way to install an adjustable gas block with an accustrut installed?

 

[Fetus]

1kperday --- those mountians are great--- is that utah ??

 

[kanook]

back in 1998 they didn't offer the Mini-14 in 7.62 x 39.

It has been around since 1986 but it's called a Mini 30. So in a sense you are correct they still don't offer a Mini 14 in that caliber only the Mini 30 is

 

[greyeyezz]

in

 

[1KPerDay]

1kperday --- those mountians are great--- is that utah ??

Aye, it is.

 

[1KPerDay]

1KPerday I saw that item in #159 and it kind of defeats the purpose of this mini carbine and looks strange. It adds more stuff to the rifle which was one of the reasons I bought one of these because it was very handy size good handling rifle and not bulky.

kay...

 

[stinger 327]

It has been around since 1986 but it's called a Mini 30. So in a sense you are correct they still don't offer a Mini 14 in that caliber only the Mini 30 is

Kanook, I thought they didn't have that Mini-30 until recently or so I found out. Is there any difference between these two rifles Mini-14 and Mini-30 other than caliber? Perhaps they feel the same and handle alike other than recoil?

 

[stinger 327]

kay...

1Kperday...But thank you for the info.

 

[stinger 327]

stinger 327; An Accu-strut is a device which mounts onto the barrel of a Mini which aids in the overall performance and accuracy of the Mini. It works by providing additional stiffness to the barrel, braces the gas block, and adds weight to the barrel aiding in the dampening of unwanted harmonics.

5.56 is military ammo.

Cost analysis to upgrade a Mini-14; cost of rifle (1993) $440, parts $237, cyro-treat receiver group-barrel $75, total cost $752. True, no counting the time and effort put into the project. Actual target results are posted in the THR 2010 Frezza-Palooza Match contest.

This "old" Mini shoots well.

What Is the difference between 5.56 and .223 Rem? Does one hit harder than the other or travel further in range?
To get a 5.56 wouldn't one have to get one of those AR-15 type of rifles?

 

[M1key]

Wiki:

While the external case dimensions are very similar, the .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm differ in both maximum pressure and chamber shape. The maximum and mean pressures for some varieties of the 5.56 mm (different cartridge designations have different standards) exceed the SAAMI maximums for the .223 Remington, and the methods for measuring pressures differ between NATO and SAAMI.[5] The 5.56 mm chamber specification has also changed over time since its adoption, as the current military loading (NATO SS-109 or US M855) uses longer, heavier bullets than the original loading did. This has resulted in a lengthening of the throat in the 5.56 mm chamber. Thus, while .223 Remington ammunition can be safely fired in a 5.56 mm chambered gun, firing 5.56 mm ammunition in a .223 Remington chamber may produce pressures in excess of even the 5.56 mm specifications due to the shorter throat.

You should be able to safely shoot either in your Mini-14. If you still aren't sure call Ruger and ask them.

 

[stinger 327]

wiki:

While the external case dimensions are very similar, the .223 remington and 5.56x45mm differ in both maximum pressure and chamber shape. The maximum and mean pressures for some varieties of the 5.56 mm (different cartridge designations have different standards) exceed the saami maximums for the .223 remington, and the methods for measuring pressures differ between nato and saami.[5] the 5.56 mm chamber specification has also changed over time since its adoption, as the current military loading (nato ss-109 or us m855) uses longer, heavier bullets than the original loading did. This has resulted in a lengthening of the throat in the 5.56 mm chamber. Thus, while .223 remington ammunition can be safely fired in a 5.56 mm chambered gun, firing 5.56 mm ammunition in a .223 remington chamber may produce pressures in excess of even the 5.56 mm specifications due to the shorter throat.

You should be able to safely shoot either in your mini-14. If you still aren't sure call ruger and ask them.

what are the us troops using in afghan now? What did they use in vietnam?

 

[M1key]

5.56 Nato 55gr fmj (M193) in Viet Nam

5.56 Nato 62gr steel core (M855) in Afghanistan

 

[stinger 327]

5.56 Nato 55gr fmj (M193) in Viet Nam

5.56 Nato 62gr steel core (M855) in Afghanistan

So .223 Rem. also comes in those weights what velocities are the .223 and 5.56 traveling at? It sounds to me that the 5.56 is more deadlier of these two calibers?

 

[greyeyezz]

So .223 Rem. also comes in those weights what velocities are the .223 and 5.56 traveling at? It sounds to me that the 5.56 is more deadlier of these two calibers?

http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/

 

[deanodog]

My mini 14 along with a 10/22.