Ruger *TACTICAL* Mini-14: About time!!!
TD discovered this photo on the Ruger website:
WOW! I can barley believe my eyes. Ruger has finally gone tactical! The tactical mini-14 appears to feature:
* Folding and collapsible stock
* Ergonomic pistol grip
* 20 round magazine
* Quad rails
* Polymer stock
Well done Ruger!
I wonder if a Tactical Mini-30 is on its way.
Ruger will probably take this photo offline as they have been hyping this announcement. So here is a screenshot showing the photo in my web browser:
UPDATE: The stocks looks *very* similar to the ATI Strikeforce stock. Mini-30 Stock sold at Midway:
Hat Tip to wetidlerjr for the info.
UPDATE: I noticed that the files creation date is 9 January 2009.
UPDATE: It has been officially released.
Well, I have read through most the posts ITT I have to say that I like my Mini-14 Tactical. It’s easy to clean, and to be honest really doesn’t require it all that often. A little oil here and there, toss a boresnake down it’s throat and it’s good to go, all day long, no fuss. When Ruger says “self cleaning”… they mean it… even after shooting a few boxes of Tula that gas system is damn clean. Yeah the bolt removal and install is tricky, untill you realize where the fireing pin needs to be, then it’s a cake walk. But I will say I am not thrilled about needing a phillips head screwdriver to strip the gun with this stock. However, I feel it is a small price to pay for a upper rail.
It’s not as accurate as my AR per-se… but smaller (True Folder), easier to maintain (Self Cleaning), and RELIABLE.
awesome , exactly how I feel, when ruger says a few quick shots, its 3 then the barrel is too hot to keep sited.
I just installed my ati strikeforce stock on my mini 14 and after about 60 rounds the screws on the gasblock sheild work loose even with locktite and the gas block hangs on the sheild and it jams.boom instant single shot assault rifle…woooo….nothing ive been able to do so far fixes it.
Just purchased new mini 14 stainless since I am near ocean and frequently on it. I would like some expert advise as to what type of optics should I purchase with the stainless model? Also would you recommend laser for my purposes which are hitting targets up to 200 ids or stick with a 4 to 5 power unit.
have a quick question gent’s. looking to buy a mini m14 tac used that is in good condition and already checked the barrel and it is good… question is i know that it is listed as a.223 remi round. since you all own the rifles, could you tell me if it can fire a 5.56 nato? i am getting a few mixed results from talking around i like the accuracy but if it can fire a 5.56 i’ll be sold
I like em The Rugers and sometimes 3 guns made alike 1 shoots better. Had a Mak-90 Chinese civilian AK-47 and one Mak-90 shot like a 22 but the other 2 shot 8 inches at 100 yards. I got a decent Ruger Mini-14 with factory flash suppressor on it. The only reason it outguns my AR-15 might be the random selection syndrome. Go figure . But Ruger has improved the Mini-14. But i might buy a new Colt version on the AR-15 as the older ones shot better as i long ago shot them.
Ronald
I recently put a Ruger strikeforce on layaway. I’ve talked to a few people that said to just buy an AR. I sure hope it shoots as well as some of you have stated.
Since I made my last comment. I came across a 1971 Colt AR 15.
I took it out to my improvised range and fired the colt and the mini 14 side by side. I used the stock sights on both weapons. And I’ll tell you like a friend. There is no comparaison! The colt shot a group half the size of the mini at 100 yds. Even though I’ve fired a few hundred rounds through the mini. I shot much better with the colt. The only problem I had was. I hadn’t fired an AR in 25 years. I lay down on a piece of carpet and propped it up on some sand bags to battle sight it. After I emptied the first magazine. I dropped the mag to load the next. I went to tap the mag on the side of my steel pot, only I wasn’t wearing one. Damn, the magazine left a big knot on the side on my head! Old habits die hard! I guess it was hearing that buffer spring in my ear after all these years sent me back in time.
Seriously, While I like the idea of the stainless rifle when I am on a boat. The Colt AR-15 is superior in every way.
A fellow police officer purchased one of the new tactical ruger mini 14 rifles and stated that it shot much better than the old one he had previously owned. I know for myself that he is not that great of a shot but he was shooting groups at 100 yards that he could cover with a quarter. Personally I have not shot one but it did handle nicely and is very compact for keeping in a patrol car or behind the seat of a truck. As for shooting two or four legged game I have used the Federal 60 gr Nosler Partition and when the shot is placed correctly, as it should be, a hog, deer or two legged predator DOES NOT stand a chance. I hear the new Federal Bonded round for the 223 is also an excellent round for deer. I just would not take a shot on a deer more than 200 yards away. I know of a couple of gentlemen who were making head shots at 300 yards while in Iraq. They were using the short barreled M4. I think that proves the accuracy of these guns are very good. Most of the time when we have problems taking game with a rifle it is not the rifle but the one using the rifle. Practice, practice and practice. Know your rifle and the ammo you are using. I have a short barreled AR and from the bench was making 1/4″ groups at 100 yards.
Dad passed away recently and i inherited a few guns. 2 of them bought by Dad in 1968 were never fired, are Virgins. A Remington 1100 12 Guage 3″ mag Semi Auto and a Remington Woodmaster 742 Semi Auto in 30-06. Both are as new condition. I cant bring me to pop their cherry. Are about 42 years old. I recieved a fancy engraved Winchester 30-30 model 94 but poor accuracy even after i tuned in the iron sights the 1st time in heir life. Very old gun. Got 3 more old timers to boot in this. So old 1 was made before serial numbers were on em. Older than i. Got a good safe for em.
Ronald Sitton
I just got a stainless mini 14 in Dec. of last year. I was looking for a long gun for the first time in 25 years. I looked around for a colt ar15. It’s the rifle I know best. But I just couldn’t bring myself to cough up $1,200-1.500 for a colt. I spend a lot of time on salt water so I ended up getting the mini14. I shoot it a lot at an improvised range with a group of friends. And was quite pleased with it. since then I put a butler creek folding stock. And a BSA scope on it. At a gun show I found 3 ruger 30 round mags for $39 at piece, just couldn’t pass em up. At an indoor range shooting flanging rounds I can put 3 round under a quarter at 25 yards. At 100 yards it will put 3 rounds in the black on a standard target. Like Oldarmy My eyes ain’t what they use to be at 55. I qualified expert for 8 years with an M16 and once shot in the top 1% for the entire 82nd ABN. So I was skeptical about the Mini. But it’s proven reliable and acurate. And it compliments my 870 mariner. Just don’t shoot it from the hip. with the stock folded. What they say about sever brass throwing can be hot and painful.
Cpt. Gray
I agree. Also just returned to my early days in that i purchased a Crossman 177 caliber Pellet Rifle that slings a pellet at up to 1200 FPS. Great fun. Also during the holidays my 2 nephews returned from war in Iraq. Both say that they dislike the M-16 round as is so light. But that round has served us since a time i was in my childhood. @ 1963 i think the the M16 came along. I like the round myself. Not as powerful as an AK47 round but far more accurate. Equally as deadly on a man. Oh saw 1 pellet gun that is so powerful you fill out papers on purchase it like a normal gun, shoots 1500 FPS. Mine drops a coyote at close quarters. Fun . Classfied as an (adult air gun). When it all comes down to it.The gun you love to shoot , be it an Ar15 , an Mini14, or a pellet rifle. Aint it all in the enjoyment rather than a rift over what gun is best? Like just before the Martian killed Jack Nicholson in the Film,”Mars Attack” as he said ” Cant we all just get along?” Sorry. And the M-16 Rifle still continues to outshoot our enemy. Easy. Thanks to our talented Military persons as well. But i outshoot MY AR-15 with my Mini-14 . Barely and just.Why isthe word ” Abbreviation” such a long word?
Ronald
The Ruger Mini-14 and the Mini-30 are both great rifles. They were designed after the M-14 which is still being used as a sniper rifle by different branches of the military. As for the Mini-14 being a tactical rifle it all depends on the personal preference and overall use.
Gunseller.com
A Gun Marketplace that is friendly, safe, and legal.
8520 South 1300 East
Sandy, UT 84094
I guess i shoot better than most. I regularly waste a water jug at 300 yards with my Mini-14. It is that range where i discovered my Mini-14 shot slightly better than my AR-15. Also discoverd that my SKS’s shot always near but almost never on the water jug unless by luck. But the SKS round sure stops a Deer or a Hog. It is less accurate than my Mini-14/AR-15. But drops game faster. And though inaccurate is accurate enough at 300 plus yards to nail a deer or such. Yet have never shot an deer so far away with an SKS. In fact i will try some day. Last long range deer drop i used a Savage 308. About 200 yards in thick brush. Could only see sections of that Buck as i aimed. He had a sectioned view by heavey brush. But blew his lung out his side. Yep we agree to disagree but lets remember , shooting is an individual taste with a ginormous amount of options, opinions and tastes. We are ultimately each most fond of which rifle works best for each man or woman. More power to each. Currently am getting the best enjoyment with my Harrison and Richards 223 single shot Bull Barrel exeptionally accurate thus fun to shoot. A sniper rig i find. Fun ! But i shoot long range is best to determine ones shooting abilities and each guns abilities in the long haul. 100 Yard shoots are a snooze. Fortunatley i have a Club with long range target spots. Most ranges stay within 100 yard targets. Ted Nugents land sports an 1000 yard range not far from here and lawmen snipers hit 1000 yard away bowling pins! Wow! Viva the 308 caliber round!
Ronald
I like my mini14, and ibe never seen one that will shoot better then a fist size group at 50 yards. Dunno what to tell ya, Ive seen about 9 or 10 at the range and believe me i asked and watched them shoot and asked questionas about thier ammo they using, all 9 or 10 minis fired the same. your right I dont feel like arguing with 12 year olds have a good life.
scott:
you know nothing but some garbage some minihater told you. If you had a gun that new, that shot that bad they’d give you a replacment. Go buy a AR and leave us in peace. My 5 shot groups fit under a quarter at a hundred yards out of the box. Either you are making this all up, or need to take your rifle back. Now do something like calling RUGER……..
Oldarmy
lol, the system cannot be made better, its the design, if anything you can as you say flatten the gas block, or seat it properly which will make sure the gas action is alighned and thats important cause the design flaw it the bullet is halfway down barrel then u have a violent action movement. The othe thing about gas block is torque of the 4 screws they need to be equal or it will create a speed bump for the bullet. the action that rides barrel and pushes bolt back is also in need of polishing as well as the barrel it slides on. Also beause it is hammer forged its the cheapest way to make a barrel. I like my rugar but i dont live in a fantasy about the mini 14 , i read about the results of third party tests and its the truth, they were made to be a very close in (75 yards at most)lead hose. Mine is 18.5 inch, that might make a differance, im sure thats why rugar made the barrel that short, the action and the whip, but it will never be any where close to an equlivent costing AR
Sounds like you got the long barrel version mine is the shortest they ever sold 16 1/8″ long heavy hammerforged steel. You better send yours back for an adjustment. It sounds like barrel whip. Call Ruger and talk nice and you might get yours fixed or replaced. Gas block seating is a common problem they will fix and you will have a different shooting gun. If you come accrost to them as negativly as you do with us you wont get the help you need and deserve. They do not want rifles like yours ruining their name. Call them and nicely tell them about how bad it performs and that will get you help if you are nice about it. They gave me a free set of scope rings because the dealer lost them, no problem, they just needed the rifle serial number and will then assess the problem over the phone and help you. You must have a 1 in 1000 rifle, stuff happens, someone let something slip out the door. You will di a lot better if you are just frustrated and not angry Ruger hater like you do here. Any good gunsmith can flatten and adjust the gas block. That might be all it is.
Merry Christmas,
Oldarmy
Dougon 08 Aug 2009 at 3:13 pm link comment) see above what he wrote)( i wrote>, I DO own a 2008 model mini 14 bought in 2009, and it is at best a fist sized group at 50 yards, Ive read alot of other blogs about the newest mini14s (NRA) (target) and all the same , a fist sized group at 50 yards, the rifle is so bad that its lucky u can get a scope to zero, rugar shouldnt even have a scope mount untill they can make it a lil accurate, as it is ya need the 3 round burst to hit a watermellon at 100 yards. Its as good as a AK47. Its a bullet hose.
Thats a Sportman’s attitude returning the costly gun losses to ones poor. I guess the ordeal taught em a lesson. But like me you must value acts of good will. Myself i have legal gurdianship of a second cousin he is 68 and crazy plus i send cash to 2 seperate people to support them in the Philipinnes as they are in deep poverty just $20 each feeds them a week. 1 is a single mom one suffers Lukiema . But at this site seems are some that want to argue using outdated info. All i can say is please actually shoot a new generation Mini-14 before commenting. Honesy first comes from knowing. Not guesses. I see lot of AR-15′s and none of em are inaccurate i just find my Mini-14 outshoots my AR-15 and theres. But the open minded ones at the Club stop and come try out my Mini-14. Or at least note my smaller average groups even 300 yards. And when i am afield i dont worry if my Mini-14 will break. Sen some busted AR-15 rifles guess are less durable that the M-16? The M-16 has been standard issue many long decades now. They are doing something right. Much more accurate yet less durable than an AK-47 am told. But hats off for returning the Guns great move and John Wayne like.
Ronald
I wish everyone could serve in some way, as we have been given so much at the scot of the blood of others. USO, volenteer at a V A hospital. I just needed to say thanks just after JFK was killed. Jan 1964 – Dec 1969 it was
time well spent working with all races colors and religons. Made me a better man and citizen.
The short heavy tapered barrel really civilized the mini and with heavy loads the 9 twist barrel really performs. I gift wrapped the two AR’s I won and got the addresses and sent them back for christmas through the range who knew the guys well for their scorn of nonAR”S. They will be in their hands by Christmas. They were too much work to maintain for my taste, and the story from the range was, they couldn’t afford to replace them.
Merry Christmas to all,
Oldarmy Steve
Hats off to ya Old Army so you are collecting the challengers Fire Arms off the detractors. To all out others out there i must say that i dont work for Ruger. I gain no brownie points when i tell you that MY post 2004 Ruger Mini-14 outshoots my AR-15. Sad, yes sad to say ! After all i bought my AR-15 seeking maximum accurcy. But before any man states his opinon as to which rifle is more accurate. Test a 2004 0r newer Ruger Mini-14. You might find i ain’t lying. I am 50, also old eyes also. I may need reading glases but at range i shoot dead on so i am long sighted. I hate to argue please just shoot a newer Mini-14 before you comment ,coz Old Army might be right. He is. At least via my experience with my Mini. The old timers that were raised when Global Cooling was taught long ago we might be honest. And if Old Army be a vet hats off to ya. Only about 18% of us are vets am told. I aint a vet. Born when i was old enough to join a war none transpired really in my era. i don’t hand load i use PMC 55 grain and Remington 55 grain. Used some hand loads a man asked i try at the club they did shoot a bit better. Might hand load soon ,try it on for size. But i ain’t a marksman just a good shot.My x Marine pal now,he is a marksman. Very good at it he. But his old post 2004 Mini-14 do have accuracy trouble when hot.
Ronald
now that makes total sence, my new 2007 mini still has the gas block at half way on the barrell that means the action moves before the bullet leaves the barrel, yours dont with the gas block at end or near end of barrel. i still havent gotten my adjustable gas block but i bet it will change weapon considerably, if i stopmost of the gas from entering and sending most out the barrel with the bullet, then that heavy action wont move near as violently
It “the MiniNRA is different in only these two respects from the Strikeforce mini Tactical sold by ruger:
1. the NRA has a serial # starting with NRA
2. the NRA comes with a Hogue Overmoulded stock w/Gold NRA madallion
It is not a special run except for this. You can buy one new for $850 or less, I swapped an old vertical milling machine to gunsmith $650
Oldarmy
I ordered the Strike force package from Ruger for my NRA because it has the Ruger LOGO stamped on both sides, from ATI you don’t get that, but
it is cheaper to buy the ATI from ATI….I love the stock in the house it is
short enough not to snag on everything. Got a light and bipod too. Mounted a sksBiPod on the bottom picanny rail and light on one side and sling mount on the other. BiPod cost me 12 dollars cux the store lost the set screw for attach lock. Ii took a little work on the grinder and wire brush on grinder and with a new coat of ACE flat black woodstove paint
and the thing works and looks good, that paint from ACE is a perfect match for the new Black ruger MINI’s, and is good for 2000 degrees heat
also.
Oldarmy
Scott:
This time I’ve got my glasses, hope to have less errors.
In answer to you I only use hornady HO75gr bullets a tec
at Ruger said to use with this new short barrel, he told me
why but it is way more than I have room for. The gunsmith
I bought it from said he zeroed in the reddot sight, and proceded
to shoot several 5 round groups and all fit under a quarter at
100 yards. I thought he was pulling my leg till I put on a 4Xscope
also with Ruger rings for a quickchange with zeroed in scope and
sight. I handle it carefully and so far I can’t see any change. It
was with the 4Xscope I am able shoot well, old eyes. I also shoot
prone with an attached bipod. Shocked me to shoot groups like
that, but some miniNRA, and Target, shoot as good or better.
The two guys that mocked me and my rifle lost rifles to me that
both cost $1800 and $2200 never see those guys at the range
anymore, one is a Colt entry level, the other an expensive
Bush master loaded with stuff, and regular barrel. I wanted to give
the guys a chance to win them back, but they are home saving
for a better AR, as they said my rifle was fluke. If folks hate the
basic Garrand bolt design they will never change.
With the use of Ruger rings on the reddot, and scope, they interchange
in 30 secconds and remain Zeroed in.
What a system, the plant at Ruger deserves a lot of praise for this redesign and fine tuning the gas system. Computers and all CNC machinery did the job we have been waiting for. Too bad Bill wouldn’t do it.
These new managers stopped production for nearly a year to get it so darn good.
Sold my 18 year old mini, it is a different design. My old stainless had an 18″ barrel that would whip and shoot all-over after the first 10 or so rounds but it was fun and good for home defence.
This new heavy tapered barrel has the gas block a lot closer to the end of the barrel and that has changed the harmonics and it won’t whip even after a fast 30 rounds.
What ever else they did, I am a happy because it works and now it shoots as well as it looks & shoots. They now are centered on accuracy
and refinement of all they make.
Oldarmy
what type of ammo are you using with that NRA mini, if you load your own what grain do you use and what is the OAL of the round. I understand that some manufacturers to relieve liabilities will lengthen the throat of the chamber so that no matter what store bought ammo you use the bullet will not engage the lands untill after peak chamber pressure(end length i believe), that n itself is an ideal way to inaccurize a weapon.
The double letters and my doubling my name in the previous letter is typo stuttering. Me tired long day no reading glasses near.
The AK-47 rifle is not an accurate rifle. The M-16 rifle is more accurate than civilian AR-15 rifles it seems . And far more accurate than any AK-47 stand an AR-15 and M-16.But out of 3 Chinese (Mak-90) Ak47′s Rifles i owned before divorce. 1 of these 3 shot like a 22. A Fluke AK-47. The other 2 were poor accuracy. But one AK shot like a 22. Had it get away in the divorce. So in the world of rifles variables exist. An M-16 is a true rifle a AK-47 is a machine gun. The AK-47′s 1st select position is full auto. Then after that position semi auto. But a M-16 1st selection is semi auto. So is my Mini-14 also a fluke and more accurate than normal? Special make NRA models ? Might be. I am always open to new info coz i am not so self centered that i wont accept for consideration any new info. All i know is my Mini-14 is a tac driver hot or cold. I tend to shoot at the 300 yard level. But is true i wish my AR-15 was more accurate than my Mini-14! Was as i had hoped when i bought the AR-15. Considering to have the AR-15 accurized. Is guaranteed 1/2 inch at 100 yards then am told. But 2k is alot of cash! Maybe it shoots ok ithen considering am not a sniper ya know. I get my M-16 info via a Somali War Vet Marine he can shoot a 270 WSM Tikka brand rifle 200 yards doing a a dime group. He totes also a Mini-14 . But an Pre 2004. It warps when hot. He was also an Marine Instructor teaching new Marines how to shoot after an SKS removed his Nipple on the left side.
Ronald
Ronald
isnt the NRA mini a limited production run, that sound custom to me, I dont know the specs on that rifle but I do own a 2009 mini ranch and the best it gonna shoot is 2 inch (on a good day) at 100 yards. like I said ill build a AR for 900.00 that will out shoot a mini, that does include a double lined chrome barrel.
Scott must seldom appear at a rifle range surrounded by many Ar-15′s and a Mini-14 post 2004, mine does not heat up and warp. Still hits dead on at 300 yards hot or cold. Though a Marine sniper does allow his barrel to cool between each shot no matter what type rifle used if he has the time. 3-4 minutes between shots. But i dont do that just keep fairly rapid shots. But yes the Pre 2004 Mini-14 rifles did warp when the barrel was hot. I once had one 12 years ago it would warp. So i sold it. My Ar-15 wont warp either when hot. Shoot a new present day Mini-14 then judge. And i have’nt ever seen an Ar-15 with a stock mass production barrel shoot half inch groups at 100 yards but an Ar-15 with a custom barrel yes. Get an accurized AR-15 and you see an Ultra accurate gun.Very accurate. Prepare to spend 2 grand though for the trouble. As found in an online seach. But i wont choose either Rifle as better than another i enjoy using both i rather favor my Mosin Nagant Carbine when deer hunting. I wont hunt with a pretty rifle lest i scratch it. Not very accurate though but good enough within 300 yards shots on Deer size game with a 203 grain soft nose round. Oh at my Sportsmans Club we have service rifle shooting competitions each month. I challenge you.Lets see the half or 1 inch groups . Unless you use a Swedish Mauser.
Ronald
I will put my miniNRA against you any time you get in the neighborhood.
The NRA has a heavy tapered 16″ barrel that has no whip, and was sub moa out of the box. Better try a new one they have been redesigned whwew needed and shoot well. Your negative comments reflect your ignorance of the latest from Ruger. After Bill died they got CNC fever and shut down for a year to redesign and retool the mini. Not knowing that shows you better catch up with current technology, before you loose your rifle in a shooting bet with a new mini owner. I have 2 AR’s in the
safe won at the range from ignorant ARfolk.
Oldarmy
Oh and by the way I can buy and build a ar15 that will out shoot any stock mini and build the ar15 for under 900.00
Nothing preconcieved about a mini14 being inaccurate, the reason it not accurate is because as soon as it gets warm the round is off retical placement by as far as 4 or 5 inches at one hundred yards, this is the only blog ive read that taughts the mini14 as accurate, you might be talking about the target mini, but that is still lacking to a “well built” ar with a chrome lined barrel.
Ive seen these ar15s shoot a thunb nail group consistantly at 100 yards with just front sand bags for support. Ive seen mini14s in a vice and group 6inch at one hundred yards, not just one either, the new mini14s from what I understand have a mini30 barrel with a .223 bore, it might take a couple more rounds to heat up but the grouping fall victim to crappy barrels.
The days of the inaccurate Mini-14 passed away . But many will not believe this out of pre concieved notions. So while i own both the Ar-15 and Mini-14 and love shooting both. I had hoped after spending much more on the Ar-15 than the Mini-14 had hoped of superior accuracy. Only to find my Mini-14 is more durable and slightly more accurate at 300 yards. But Norinco SKS has a terrible time when zeroed in on a 1 gallon water jug at 300 yards. But oddly very fun shooting it ! But my Harington and Richards single shot Bull Barrel 223 is by far the most the most accurate rifle i own. I see many, many AR-15 rifles the Parker County Sportsmans Club here in Texas. Very few other types of assault rifles but they dont shoot any more better than my Mini-14 and ive seen broken Ar-15′s there. But only a few. Something tells me the Mini-14 does’nt break. Very beefy design. Like also my SKS is fail safe. Not very accurate but failsafe. Great Deer and Hog gun. That 7.62x 39 round drops hogs asap.But the Mini-14 and Ar-15 wounds them.
Ronald
took em a while, actually it didn’t get good till bill was gone. My miniNRA was submoa out of the box. Mabe I’m lucky, or mabee they fixed it.
Oldarmy
My mini14 NRA was submoa out of the box. It didn’t cost $1500-2000
either. Shoots better than my son’s Bushmaster @$2200. my son would trade if I would be so foolish. It is accurate and I love the garand design it emulates.
Oldarmy
The Pre-2004 Mini-14′s were inaccurate thus the stigma remains. But in 2004 they retooled the Ruger Mini-14 end of their shop . Improving the Mini-14. But when side by side at the Parker Sportsmans the many Ar-15 rifles there dont Out Shoot my Mini-14 or my own Ar-15. My experience there i dont see any Hyper Accurate Ar-15′s there and are lots of Ar-15 rifles there . My Mini -14 is very accurate. I would ad a folding Stock but my Stock is beautiful black and synthetic. The Factory flash suppressor looks mean. And my Mini-14 is stronger built than my ole Ar-15 , but yet i enjoy the Ar-15 also.
Ronald
If the injection molding is as bad a design and as poor quality (especially the quality – looks like the lowest cost producer from China was chosen) as the standard “Synthetic” stock i would not touch it with a 10 foot pole. Just buy a good aftermaket stock and order the hard wood stock for keep-sakes and suck up the additional cost.
a varment rifle needs to be able to hit a varment, a 3 too 4 inch group with 6 inch fliers at 100 yards is a big varment.
I recently bought a Mini 14 and plan on ordering the Strikeforce stock next week. I’ve looked at quite a few stocks and have decided on this one. Would like to point out, I sighted in my Mini 14, and the accuracy of this weapon is dead on. It’s as accurate as I would ever need it to be. So sick of hearing about how I should have bought an AR-15. Newsflash! A new AR-15 cost TWICE AS MUCH as a Mini 14! Why do people even compare the two? Why not compare it to a Heckler & Koch HK416 while you’re at it. Yea… maybe I should have bought one of those instead…
Sorry to hear about your experience. I own both the AR-15 and the flash supressed Mini-14 with synthetic stock which looks unlike this sites picture of the so called Tactical Mini-14. In the mean while i am shooting Both Rifles with a different experience. But as it is Proverbed,” Variety is the spice of life”.
lol, i feel same way about ruger, they are just pushing a lil above crap (they dont blow up), hahah I bought a ruger sp101 .357 snub, I shot 15 rounds of 357 and 60 rounds of non +p 38. then as i was cleaning it after range tour i notice a cylinder line (a stainless revolver), the line was in just a small portion of the cylinder, I took out my 20 dollar dial calipers and found a .018 of inch buldge on the cylinder, wow a bulge with 75 rounds, I got really nervous and happy at same time ( gun didnt blow up on me) Sent it to rugar they are fixing it for free. This sp101 is 6 months old bought 05/09. Then i ask around at dealers they all said that the metal comming from ruger is subpare, Scarey.
I just received my new Mini-14 p5with a synthethic stock. The stock is a piece of junk. The price for the wood and synthetic are the same. The laminated price is less. The cost of goods has to be way less for the synthetic as there is no machining required. This stock looks like it comes from the worst plastic mold in China. You can see the rib down the middle of the stock (butt end), there is a divit out of the stock where the mold has not been maintained, and a round flashing where the plastic is injected. The front portion has waves in it. This stock never saw a finishing process. I called Ruger “Service” and they basically told me to punt. “That they had on right in front of them and it looked just like I was discribing”. Even the matt barrel finish had be chucked up on and then turned the matt finish was destroyed. Business must be good at Ruger.
Bill
Correction of info about my new shotgun. It is an Remington Model 887 Pump, Nitromag , Armorlokt. 12 Guage , 2 3/4″ or 3″ or even 3 1/2″. I have shot many boxes out of many 12 guages in the past walking away with a sore shoulder. But with this shot gun mentioned i shot many boxes of Rifled Slugs and Buck Shot today with not even a hint of soreness. And it operated perfectly. So like the sins of weapons in the pest tearing my arm off , once a 12 Guage 1937 year model it cracked my shoulder shooting Slugs. And the old days when the Mini-14 was inaccurate but that changed. Things are changing fast. Sadly that includes brown hair fades to gray. Is also a universal law that a Granpa like me has to wear reading glasses. But i sure can shoot good with no glasses or scope. So i aint dead yet.
Ronald
I use PMC 55 Grain ammo myself but a man let me shoot a few hand loads and it improved the shooting a bit. I shot my new Remington 12 guage Core Lock shotgun today. Shot mainly rifled lugs and some 01 Buck shot. I have never shot a 12 guage that did not leave my shoulder complaining until today. It is a Pump action. Can shoot slugs out of it all day. Love it! And a man at our gun range today had an AR-15 that had a legal silencer on it. Removeable. He shoot pesky Ferrel Hogs with it but the bullets he used were supersonic. So it still retained that crack sound as each round breaking the sound barrier past any object . Yet still much more silent. I recomnded an SKS 7.62×39 as is a stronger round that drops a Hog but his goal is to kill these Hogs not planing to skin or butcher any of the pests let em die regardless of how far they run away before death. I mentioned perhaps a charity feeding homeless people might take them. Like when a Deer is given. Of course such Hogs be mucho heavy. I am told one Ferrel Hog had Racoon in it’s mouth. Racoon in Spanish is spelled Myapache am told . Yes i still say due to the when a Mini 14 shot terribly it will take a bit of time and experience to gain a reputation as an accurate and solid Gun. Very well built.
Ronald
I have found that when the bolt on my miniNRA is locked open when I load
even promag will load and fire without a single problem. those mags were cheap and I buught a few, new promag seems to work better on new mini rifles, my old stainless model does not load without difficulty, but same mag on a new rifle works slick when bolt is locked open. Love my mini14NRA it is the same as the tactical with an NRA prefix on the sn#
I bought my strikeforce stock from ruger and it has the Stamped ruger logo on both sides. Before going to the range I take about a minute and put on my Hogue overmoulded stock, as military type arms are a problem of theirs. At home and elsewhere I love to use the ATI-Ruger strikeforce.
Mine was subMOA out of the box. Love these new 16 1/8″barrels.
Oldarmy
what ammo do you use and how many rounds are threw your mini14, my mini14 is a 2008 year.
Do you reload your own? if you do what load do you use and what grain and powder
I am serious about the accuracy of my Mini-14. My AR-15 shoots great also. But i have seen broken AR-15 rifles but never a Garand or an M14 or a Mini-14. I really like my AR-15 but it aint as tough as my Mini-14. But in War Zones them M16′s hold up but yes many soldiers have complained about Jms inharsh conditions and some dead due to that . But it sure shoots better than a AK-47 but an AK never jams. Buy a new improved 2004 and up Mini-14 and pit it against the AR-15 toting boys at the range i regularly shoot a they have no better accuracy than i. Although 1 man has an AR-15 Bushmaster that is real good. I aint seen a busted Bushmaster. The day of the bad shooting Mini-14 died. They retooled their Ruger Mini-14 area in 2004. But i still like my AR-15 lots. But my X Marine war vet carries a select fire Mini-14 . I shoot primarily at 250 to 275 Yards. 300 if the wind is right. Open sights no scope . At 275 yards i can tear a 1 gallon water jug to shreds with my Mini-14 and My AR-15. But honestly i personally prefer the Mini-14. I personally like it more, but we aint all the same. If shooting Ferrel Hogs the 223 is not strong enough use and SKS it stops em from running away to die else where. But the accuracy debate ends at a gun range shooting 3 times what the average shooter targets at. That seperates the good , bad and the ugly. Reality sets in. The Mini-14 hits well afar.
Ronald
I totally agree with you oldarmy, the AR is gonna fail well before a garand type action, Im just looking for the best of both worlds a min14 with accuracy.
AR is an ok platform if you were not raised up to shoot the m1 & M14, once you have had that easy care always there for you will never for something that looks and feels like matell made it for GI joe.
I have never had the garrand system fail me, and the mini14 is just as trustworthy. Take the ar into a ricepatty adust storm, or severe winter storm weather and if your opponet has a mini14 with Ruger mags, you will nees medical evec asap. My bolt, and gas operating system, are self cleaning.
AR’s are nice and work good, under good conditions, but in combat you better have a handgun on you for when not if your AR fails and needs a solvent bath. Pray someone with a garrand designed weapon will save your posterior.
Oldarmy
Oldarmy
If ya want a ar platform to shoot 1/2 moa get a chrome lined match barrel itll out shoot any mini14,mine is a newer 580 series and at best with cooled barrel 1.5 inch with 1.9 twist and 65 grain bullet with light powder set to 2800 fps, I tried up to 77 grain match bullets but nothing better then 3 inch at 100 yrds, the 63gn sp bullets are good also.
A true test for my mini will be when i get my adjustable gas block, Ill turn the gas off so there will be NO action movement at all, basically it will be a bolt , then ill see for sure whats up with the thing.
I bought An NRA Mini14 then the strikeforce stock from Sturm Ruger
It shot well but is better for home defence with the strikeforce stock.
The Ruger Strikeforce is different in that it has a stamped Ruger logo on the butt of the stock on both sides. Probably not worth the difference in cost between ATI and Ruger sites. As a collector I value the logo as it may get my wife a better price when I kick the bucket. I love weapons made on the garrand reciever and bolt. The gas system is like that of Carbine Williams, and his M1 Carbine. A lot better system than the M14 Rifle. Ruger made the Gas system self cleaning and the bolt, quite an improvment. The new 16 1/4 tapered heavy barrel helped mine to be sub MOA out of the box, as are some M16-AR types. Add those facts to what I’ve said and you would be as happy as me. Trained on the M1 in basic at
Ft. Knox, and in Germany I was trained and learned to love the M14, now after 5 heart attacs and 2 spinal fusions can’t shoot one anymore.
This mini NRA is enough to make me able to shoot again without risk, and my home much safer. AR’s are great but take a lot of needless maintence and tend to jam when you need them most. 3 guys in my unit died with a cleaning rod trying to remove a jamed caseing in the chamber, I know a lot of that is fixed, but I wont risk my family with something I just don’t trust. My mini has nothing but Ruger 20rd & 30rd magazines. Seems the aftermarket can’t make one I’d trust. There costly but I trust them with my life too.
Oldarmy
Does anybody load their own ammo for the mini14? I was wondering about OAL and if you go max sammi or min sammi and how accurate the loads are.
I have both a Smith & Wesson M&P15X in 5.56 and a Mini-14 with a Houge OM stock in .223
Both are very accurate rifles out to 100 yards…
I prefer the simplistic design of the rotating bolt on the mini over the many small parts on an AR type rifle…. Both will need to be properly maintained however I feel the mini takes less work.
I dont hunt animals so I cant tell you it will drop a deer… I do know that using a semi auto magazine fed rifle to hunt in Pennsylvania will land you in prison so check local laws before using your mini for hunting purposes.
Overall I would have to say that if you are looking to get into the .223 arena a Mini-14 would be a great choice because of the lower price and less parts compared to an AR…
Once you outgrow the Mini just make sure to check into a Springfield M1A1 or M14… The larger .30 round is much more useful in my honest opinion
i own a 2009 581 series mini 14 , i put a hogue OM stock on it, it shoots 4 to 8 inch at 200 yards, its the gun design, like i said the whip is from the gas action, it starts the action before bullet is out of barrel, then heat is next enemy on accuracy, yes unless you put an adjustable gas block on your mini then it is magical.
Or buy a used ini 14 that was made after 2004 is when they retooled the Mini 14 section improving the once poor accuracy. I hear alot of negaive talk on these sights about how inaccurate the Mini 14 is compared to the AR15 . I once thought they must be right. I have an AR15 and the Mni14. Tactical Mini 14 does not look like the one shown here mine has a synthetic black stock and a flash supressor factory. I shoot around several AR15′s ofetn at the Parker County Sportsmans Club. The are not outshooting me with either weapon with their AR15′s. Also whats cool is the Mini 14 has a self cleaning bolt. And is alot cheaper. Dont get me wrong i like my AR15 but like my Mini 14 a whole lot. It is accurate. I in fact choose to shoot the Mini 14 more often. I have seen AR15′ break a couple of times. The extractors failed. But hey i see lots of AR15′s at the club so it is the law of averages id see some break . But if you get an AR15 get ready for bad opinions from AR15 owners about it but in reality there is no reason not to have an Mini 14. It’s like a Harley Davidson they are the Bike of choice but Honda bikes are made better. And my x Marine pal , he owns a Mini 14 not an AR15. He fought in Somolia got shot there then trained new Marines how to shoot and he has the medal of valor, the medal of honor ad distinctive service.
Ronald
buy the cheapest mini14 u can find and send it to accuracy systems.
Hey guys-
I am new to shooting and have thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue here. There are a lot of very informed folks on there…hope one day I can bring something to the table. I was wondering if any of you had any aversion to buying a mini used? I am going to buy one, but am not sure if I want to go the new route or the used route (on gunbroker.com). I have read to stay away from the older models due to accuracy issues, but how old? Any ideas, guys? I really want an M1A to be honest. I shot a Socom 2 the other day and that thing rocked. I loved that gun!!! Anyone got $2000 to loan me:)
when i was young i also had good eyes, I hit a floating ballon on a string (helium) with first shot after putting in my conbat zero on a wornout m16 at 250 yards, now I use a scope mostly
Oh lost my reading glasses is why i spelled some words wrong . Why is abbreviation such along word?
Ronald Sitton
I am 50 now and need glasses to read but most days , depending on the light being cloudy or sunny , sunny days i can see the targets better. And if it is sunny and i am rested i hit at 250 yards most shots but i sill get blurred trying to see both the open sights and the target. When i was 21 say i used to,on a still day, i could use a tracer round in my Enfeild 30-06 i could hit a tree at about one mile about 6 out of 10 shots and hit a medium tree. That dependant on wind ya know. And how may beers i had the previous night. My trigger pulls at times lasted about a minute ever so gently. Each AR 15 is made by many manufacturers and at present my Mini 14 hits more often at 250 yards. So i suspect each case varies as per manufactuing process. I hate to admit it due to the higher cost of a AR over a Mini but is true here. My Mini 14 outshoots my Olympics Arms AR-15. But like i said i had 3 civilian AK47′s 2 shot terrible groups 1 shot like a 22 so go figure. Such shall the case i suspect with any gun. But i was created in 1959 have seenwhat was called Global Cooling then now recently Global Warming to the new scare Climate Change. The sky is falling?
Ronald Sitton