Ruger Mini / Sports Authority

[Golden_006]

Sports Authority is one of the few places in the area that has guns that is like a big chain store/ sports store. It actually had a Ruger Mini for 720 dollars. Is it me or the thing short and small by the way. The only other rifle I've handled is my SKS however, which I know is long and big. I'm long and big so I guess it fits better, but I digress. I drove all over Long Island -- although closer to the city -- and could not find a Mini. They also haev cheap safes, but cheap quality to at SA.

I'd get one though since an 8 gunner for now seems more than enough and I won't be buying any expensive guns any time soon. I know this isn't like other parts of the country and more rural areas where Walmarts have guns. I still can remember though when I went to high school in Queens a Kmart actually had guns. Anyone else like Sports Authority for guns?

 

[carbine85]

$720 for a Mini? Sounds like a screw job to me. I would shop on Gunbroker.com before I would pay those prices. Can a FFL ship to NY?

 

[Golden_006]

Yeah but I only ever see used ones. I want a new one with the good barrel. Not to mention shipping and an FFL transfer fees would be like $65. PLus I bet I can get a coupon. SA I go in there, some teen runs the check, I go home with the gun. no NY bs. Seems like a lot of dealers around are confused about laws (not that I blame them) but I hear all kinds of BS like Obama changed the laws (?)

 

[BP Hunter]

Before you purchase a Mini-14, be positively sure that it is of the 800 series. The older generation Minis were plagued with innacuracy. Ruger has upgraded it to the 800 series that could shoot 1" groups at 100 yards. If that Mini at Sports Authority is an 800 series, then I would take it.

 

[Golden_006]

800 series? I thought it was the 580 series that was the latest one with the good accuracy?

That is another thing that I hate about gun broker -- you can't tell what series it is; even a new one will most likely be new old stock and not really the new ones. Not to mention having to weed out a bunch of stupid auctions that have bidding start out at $800 for a mini; which is like 90 % of them.

 

[ROC]

I bought my 580 series Mini14 Ranch with synthetic stock at Big 5 for 750'ish.

I wasn't even looking for gun that day. My goal was to buy some .38 and .357 ammo. Saw the gun and the guy said they had two left. Their originall shipment was 6 or 7 guns the week prior. I figured I might as well get one.

Here in California, they're a little harde to come by. At least in my area.

I was into it for just over 800 after all said and done. Buying from an internet dealer would probably cost just as much for me.

Just wish I could buy 20 round mags.

 

[frankiestoys]

I think BP meant 580, be sure when youre looking at the mini to buy one with the heavy/tapered barrel

 

[Golden_006]

So how do you know if it's that series? I should buy it. It's hard to find around here and that store is reasonable with everything else. I got some workout gear from them that was fairly priced. I git 13 doaal winchester ammo (7.62 x 39) that seemed ok priced

 

[walker944]

The first three numbers of the serial number indicate the series. If you want the 580 series, look for a serial number with something like 580XXXXX.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I just bought a new mini 14 tactical, 581 series brand new for $600 plus tax dont pay no more,if they want to sell they will work with you, shop around before you jump.

 

[stubbicatt]

Texas Patriot 308: where did you purchase yours?

 

[birdshot8's]

mini from walmart

walmart was selling the blue mini 14 for $627 here in north platte. i had a 195 series a few years ago, i felt like i had just sold my boat when i traded it for a BDL in same caliber.

 

[Izzy77]

AFIAK all they did was thicken the barrel? ( which is a good thing) I wonder if their new barrels are hammer forged like on their piston Ar clone?

As other said, too high a price, you could get a decent AR for that price.

 

[Golden_006]

Walmart doesn't sell guns here and I can't have an AR. Although I gues it could be worth it to drive far to get one from Wally world that does sell them. But damn hours driving and 50 dollars for gas/tolls/wear n tear, are you really saving anything? plus how do i know they'll really have it when i get there / drove for nothing / not the 580 blah blah

 

[pbrktrt]

Bud's, CDNN, & a few others have much better prices on the new mini's. Even after shipping & FFL transfer you'll be money ahead. I would recommend the tactical for a good shooter that is compact & handy.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

Stubbicat, I bought it from a gun dealer I do lots of business with in Shiner Texas. always a good person to deal with, if I want a particular rifle, he will find it for me, needless to say, he gets lots of my money.