Standard Ruger Mini 14 versus the Ranch Model?

[Drakejake]

I thought I was buying a standard Mini 14 today at Academy Sports. When I called they told me that had Mini 14's in stock. When I asked to see a Mini 14 in the store, they handed me the kind of rifle I bought. The word Ranch was never mentioned. Now that I have examined the rifle and the manual I see that I bought the Ranch rifle without knowing it. I am sure I can return the Ranch, but I plan to put a scope on it and replace the stock with a folder. So the integral scope mount and included scope rings look good to me. Also the porting to the right so that shells do not hit scope. The list price of the Ranch is $40 higher than the standard. The measurements are about the same except that the Ranch is about 3/4 pound lighter. Should I take the Ranch back or consider that I have gotten the better model for my purpsoes?

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[MillCreek]

I have owned both the standard and Ranch model mini 14s. Bearing in mind you intend to mount a scope, I say stick with your current Ranch. I currently have in the safe right now a stainless Ranch with a 3x9 stainless scope and a black Choate stock. It shoots fairly well to 200 yards (which is about the limit of my vision these days anyway) and is very weatherproof, which is important up here in God's sprinkler test area.

 

[mustanger98]

I'm agreeing with Millcreek. I have the standard Mini-14 and while I like it just fine, in a way I wish I had the ranch version for a couple of reasons. In your case, the integral scope bases and Ruger rings included is a definate plus- I'd have to get a B-Square mount for mine. In my case, not wanting to scope it and not being so flipped over the rear sight's adjustments, I'd have to go to a M1 Carbine rear sight and it requires a dovetail which the Mini-14 Ranch has. Yeah, consider you got the better for your purposes.

 

[esldude]

Yeah, have had more than one of each. If you plan on a scope, the ranch is the better deal.

 

[tommyt]

the iron sights on the stock mini14 are garbage. You have better ones on the ranch. Keep it.

 

[shoot870p]

keep it

stay with the Ranch Rifle.

 

[George S.]

The "Ranch version is the better one to have simply because of the included scope rings and mounting point on the top of the receiver. A "Standard" Mini has a decent rear sight, but no provision for mounting a scope very easily.

The new Mini-14 Ranch has a much improved rear sight and still has scope mounting capabilities. Did you get one of the 2005 rifles??

 

[Drakejake]

George S.,

I do not believe I bought the 2005 version. Judging from the serial number it was made in 2003 or 2004. But it was literally new in the box--the box had not been opened since it left the factory--and was in perfect shape. I have already put a cheap sling and scope on it. A folding stock made by Butler Creek is on the way, as well as various hi-cap mags and a thousand rounds of Wolf HP ammo. In a week or so I should be in business. There is little point in going to the range with only one five round mag.

Drakejake

 

[Roland of Gilead]

I'll play devils advocate. I got the standard mini because I want to co-witness irons and scope. I've never seen Ruger rings that let you do that. I have an ultimak mount also, so I have two rails at 12 o'clock, one at nine and three also, just weaver rails, screwed into the choate folder. They are hndy for mounting a light or whatever.

 

[benEzra]

One nifty thing about the Ranch version (I have one) is that for close-quarters defensive shooting, having the rear sight folded down and shooting with the front sight only is FAST!!! and accurate enough for A-zone hits out to 30 or 40 yards. Don't know how practical that is for anyone else but it works for me. (At close range looking through the aperture on a mini-14 is like peering through a keyhole.)