Ruger mini 14

[jerry46]

I have been giving a lot of thought into getting a Ruger mini 14. Don't know much about them but from what I have read, the people keep referring to different series. I have a friend that has offered me a series 195 for a good price. It comes with an Ultra Dot red dot and two extra 30 round magazines. I haven't shot it, but it looks in good shape. Would it be better to buy this one or a new one? He is asking $550 for it. What are the difference in the series? This gun is a .223. Will it still shoot the NATO rounds (i believe they are .556) ? Any information you could give me is probably more than I know now ?

 

[W.E.G.]

Basic info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Mini-14

The price is only OK for a used rifle - and that is assuming that you won't consider spending an extra hundred dollars or so, and get a used AR15 type rifle.

What do you want to use it for?

I assume you are aware of the accuracy complaints that are made every time a the words "Mini-14" are spoken.

 

[NWcityguy2]

I would recommend getting a new one myself. I got an older series (183) for $450 with everything you are getting minus the red dot. My understanding is the 195 series were the first Ranch Rifles but I hear the best things being said about the 580 series and later, which are essentially current production.

Yes they will safely fire both .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm ammo per the instruction manual.

I assume you are aware of the accuracy complaints that are made every time a the words "Mini-14" are spoken.

If you go back far enough you could also find people talking up Bushmaster and DPMS ARs compared to ones made by Colt. For the rest of us "Time marches on".

 

[jerry46]

Being from the old school, I carried an M14 for two years in Vietnam. The Mini 14 is a good replacement. I want it just as a fun gun. I was never into the black guns. I want to take it to the range and just plink, maybe put in my truck, or added protection in the home. But mostly just a fun gun and a pre-election gun.

 

[Rexster]

580-series and up are the ones made on the new machinery, post-2005, and have the better reputation for accuracy.

 

[RPRNY]

jerry,

I have been doing a lot of research and shopping around for a mini14. $550 is at the steep end for a pre-580 series rifle but with the Red Dot and mags it isn't crazy. Will this be a FTF transaction, thereby saving you a further $50 - $70 in shipping and transfer fees? Because then it starts to make good sense if the rifle is in good shape and you like it.

 

[TrickyDick]

I have a 182 series, all wood, and SS. None of that stupid plastic heatshield. mine runs like a champ, only ever had 1 FTF, and 1 FTE - Steel cased laquer wolf ammo..

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

I want to take it to the range and just plink, maybe put in my truck, or added protection in the home. But mostly just a fun gun and a pre-election gun.

The Mini-14 will be perfect. Enjoy it.

 

[Double Vision]

The Mini 14 is a fun and reliable gun for your purposes.
As others suggested, the newer models have increased accuracy.
I really enjoy mine. Best wishes with whatever one you decide on.

 

[meanmrmustard]

pre-election gun.

:banghead:

 

[mf-dif]

They are like an american ak. Cheap, reliable and good for short distances.

 

[Cal-gun Fan]

They are like an american ak. Cheap, reliable and good for short distances.

I beg to differ on the short range part. I've got a 580 series mini with an accu-strut, steady 1MOA shooter with 69 gr rounds that'll make consistent hits on 400, 500 yard targets.

 

[adelbridge]

it is my understanding that some states and even municipalities have statutes based off the Clinton era assault weapons ban. Older date ranges are grandfathered and anything after sept 1994 is verboten. No one can read the future but the term pre-ban could be of importance.

 

[FenceChargerIII]

I recently bought a 185 series mini 14 and these guns will be perfect for your needs. Fun, cheap, and fairly accurate(it was not designed to be a tack driver), I have had zero problems with it after shooting several hundred rounds.
As far as accuracy, I was able with the peep sight to consistently shoot sub-3" groups at 100 yards using a lead sled. It's good enough for me!
Highly recommended!

 

[Jackal]

I have a 580 series and it shoots every bit as accurately as any non match grade basic AR15. 1.5 moa is just fine by me.