Suggestions for Accuracy Improvement for Mini 14

[mountainclmbr]

I have a Mini 14 Ranch Rifle and have tried different factory and handloads. The lighter bullets are terrible, with 5-6 inch groups. I can get down to about 3-4 inch groups using heavier 70 gr bullets. Has anyone done work to improve accuracy and how much improvement was achieved?

Thanks,

 

[Jackal]

Your pretty much out of luck. The Ruger Mini series has never been a real performer and to my knowledge, there isn't much that can be done after scoping. For accuracy, your gonna have to get either a good bolt gun, or a decent AR15. I think of the Mini as a "neat" plinking rifle, but I would never expect anything better than about 3MOA max accuracy.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

The biggest problem is with the gas system. That said, there are gunsmiths that specialize in improving the accuracy of the Mini 14. You can do a Google search and find a good bit of information related to this. Here's a couple of links:

http://outlands.tripod.com/armory/mini-14.htm

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/stabilizer.htm

http://accuracysystemsinc.com/

http://www.bajaarizona.org/mini14/mini14.htm

http://perfectunion.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=86

Of course, by the time you spend the money, you could simply sell the Mini 14 and get an AR15 for about the same money I'm guessing.

Dave

 

[byf43]

There have been many, many threads on this and other forums across the street, about the Mini 14 and it's accuracy (or lack, thereof).

Some time ago, there was a company (in Texas, I believe) that did work on the Mini 14 and claimed to have excellent results.
The work involved everything from the 'clamp' that secures the stock and barrel (end of stock) to replacing the barrel with one similar to the AR in weight and configuration.

Some owners have used the barrel weight that slides on and can be slid forward or back, to regulate (somewhat) the vibrations set up in the barrel when firing.
How much success these persons have had. . . . . ??????????

This barrel weight looks like a big doughnut. I've seen it in the CTD catalog.
You might have success with this. I don't think that they are very expensive.

Bottom line. . . . the Mini 14 has never been known as a 'tack-driver'.


IHTH.

 

[Art Eatman]

I've only had Mini-14s, not the Ranch version. I've always used a Weaver K4.

I did put on one of these flash-hider gizmos; the kind that's held on by the front sight pin. Some have posted that they saw improvement with a flash-hider. I was always able to get three-shot groups in the 1.5 to 2.0 MOA range. Always managed to hit a coyote or jackrabbit with the first shot.

Checking to see if the gas-port dealie is squared and true with the barrel is said to be worthwhile.

But don't look for good groups beyond three shots. That thin barrel heats up. Then again, the Mini wasn't intended for benchrest shooting. What's important is whether or not the first shot from a cold barrel goes to the same place today as it did yesterday.

Art