Comments on: Ruger *TACTICAL* Mini-14: About time!!! http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/ Firearms not Politics Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:38:33 +1300 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18710 Ronald Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:51:44 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18710 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". 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”.

]]> By: scott http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18707 scott Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:23:14 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18707 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. 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.

]]> By: Bill http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18695 Bill Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:41:52 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18695 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 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

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18145 Ronald Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:04:40 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18145 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 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

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18144 Ronald Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:22:12 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18144 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 7.62x39 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 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

]]> By: Steve Oldarmy http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18082 Steve Oldarmy Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:31:04 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18082 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 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

]]> By: scott http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18045 scott Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:11:03 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18045 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 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

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18042 Ronald Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:16:37 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18042 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 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

]]> By: scott http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-18034 scott Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:27:40 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-18034 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. 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.

]]> By: Steve Oldarmy http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-17974 Steve Oldarmy Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:33:57 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-17974 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 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

]]> By: scott http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-17961 scott Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:17:36 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-17961 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. 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.

]]> By: Steve Oldarmy http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-17955 Steve Oldarmy Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:29:21 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-17955 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 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

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-15350 10awg Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:06:32 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-15350 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. 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.

]]> By: Andy Cain http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-15346 Andy Cain Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:29:46 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-15346 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 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

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-15131 10awg Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:42:10 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-15131 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. 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.

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-15128 Ronald Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:27:30 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-15128 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 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

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-15104 10awg Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:25:22 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-15104 buy the cheapest mini14 u can find and send it to accuracy systems. buy the cheapest mini14 u can find and send it to accuracy systems.

]]> By: Fox http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-15092 Fox Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:12:40 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-15092 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:) 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:)

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14980 10awg Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:28:19 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14980 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 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

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14979 Ronald Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:11:42 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14979 Oh lost my reading glasses is why i spelled some words wrong . Why is abbreviation such along word? Ronald Sitton Oh lost my reading glasses is why i spelled some words wrong . Why is abbreviation such along word?
Ronald Sitton

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14978 Ronald Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:04:43 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14978 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 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

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14912 10awg Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:47:31 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14912 also how does it not match? there are large pins and small pins for the upper to lower reciever also how does it not match? there are large pins and small pins for the upper to lower reciever

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14911 10awg Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:45:11 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14911 how many rounds for your mini does it take before u hit that 250 yrd water jug ? how many rounds for your mini does it take before u hit that 250 yrd water jug ?

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14814 Ronald Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:57:09 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14814 I when at the gun range shoot about 80-100 shells as a rule. I usually stand at the 250 plus yards range shooting 1 gallon water bottles. My mini 14 must be magic as no barrel whip noticed. I eat targets at that distance. Now my Mosin Nagant i discovered shoots twice as accuratly at 250 using modern ammo . But the Mini 14 excels at that range as does my AR-15. Easily out shooting the Mosin Nagat. In fact reluctantly i say my Mini 14 hits more precise groupings at the range than my AR 15. Like i stated afore , maybe my rifle is a fluke?But am telling what my experiences are at the range and i shoot there very often. Long ranges predominatly. I dont sell Ruger Arms i am just a shooter.But i noted that my Smith and Wesson AR-15 Receiver will not mate to my Olympics Arms Upper Reciever. Is my 1st run at building an AR. Thought all of em matched. Any info concerning this out there in the vast Well of Souls? A mind hungry for input. I when at the gun range shoot about 80-100 shells as a rule. I usually stand at the 250 plus yards range shooting 1 gallon water bottles. My mini 14 must be magic as no barrel whip noticed. I eat targets at that distance. Now my Mosin Nagant i discovered shoots twice as accuratly at 250 using modern ammo . But the Mini 14 excels at that range as does my AR-15. Easily out shooting the Mosin Nagat. In fact reluctantly i say my Mini 14 hits more precise groupings at the range than my AR 15. Like i stated afore , maybe my rifle is a fluke?But am telling what my experiences are at the range and i shoot there very often. Long ranges predominatly. I dont sell Ruger Arms i am just a shooter.But i noted that my Smith and Wesson AR-15 Receiver will not mate to my Olympics Arms Upper Reciever. Is my 1st run at building an AR. Thought all of em matched. Any info concerning this out there in the vast Well of Souls? A mind hungry for input.

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14801 10awg Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:03:27 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14801 BTW , for all ya all who live in calif and would like 10 round mags, I just bought 3 from rugars website, they are selling "rugar 10rnd mini14 mags" BTW , for all ya all who live in calif and would like 10 round mags, I just bought 3 from rugars website, they are selling “rugar 10rnd mini14 mags”

]]> By: 10awg http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14800 10awg Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:49:43 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14800 On a mini 14 the gas port is half way down the barrel, so when bullet is past the port but only halfway threw barrell the heavy gas tube starts its way, I think maybe a adjustable gas block might cure that "barrel whip", it would also drop brass at my side instead of 20 ft away. On a mini 14 the gas port is half way down the barrel, so when bullet is past the port but only halfway threw barrell the heavy gas tube starts its way, I think maybe a adjustable gas block might cure that “barrel whip”, it would also drop brass at my side instead of 20 ft away.

]]> By: Scott http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14776 Scott Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:31:23 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14776 I've owned a mini-14 and bushmaster variant AR for a while now. I've shot both and qualified with both for work. out of the box, and very generally speaking, the AR's are a bit more accurate, but a LOT more expensive. I recently ordered an accu-strut harmonic barrel balancer for the mini-14 after reading many many many excellent reviews claiming a 50%-75% reduction in group sizing. Runs about 120 dollars at accu-strut.com. Get that, a more tactically minded stock, and either have it bedded or do it yourself and youve only spent about 6-700 dollars on a "combar ready" (i use that term lightly) .223 that will outshoot any standard set up AR variant, out of the box for $1200+ (i would never personally pay more than 450-600 dollars for a good used mini-14.) There are many different harmonic barrel braces out there to choose from, Har-Bar, mobar, and accustrut being three. For those that dont know what it is, its a harmonically tuned strut bar that secures to the gas block of the mini-14 directly under the barrel, and runs along the bottom of it, attached at two points by clamps, serving two purposes. the clamps act as heat sinks to draw heat off the crazy thin barrel, and also keeps the barrel straight after heating up, minimizing the barrel whip effect usually seen in the mini after putting less then 100 rounds through it. I’ve owned a mini-14 and bushmaster variant AR for a while now. I’ve shot both and qualified with both for work. out of the box, and very generally speaking, the AR’s are a bit more accurate, but a LOT more expensive. I recently ordered an accu-strut harmonic barrel balancer for the mini-14 after reading many many many excellent reviews claiming a 50%-75% reduction in group sizing. Runs about 120 dollars at accu-strut.com. Get that, a more tactically minded stock, and either have it bedded or do it yourself and youve only spent about 6-700 dollars on a “combar ready” (i use that term lightly) .223 that will outshoot any standard set up AR variant, out of the box for $1200+ (i would never personally pay more than 450-600 dollars for a good used mini-14.) There are many different harmonic barrel braces out there to choose from, Har-Bar, mobar, and accustrut being three. For those that dont know what it is, its a harmonically tuned strut bar that secures to the gas block of the mini-14 directly under the barrel, and runs along the bottom of it, attached at two points by clamps, serving two purposes. the clamps act as heat sinks to draw heat off the crazy thin barrel, and also keeps the barrel straight after heating up, minimizing the barrel whip effect usually seen in the mini after putting less then 100 rounds through it.

]]> By: Jim http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14358 Jim Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:38:32 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14358 Purchased my new Mini with the ATI stock and headed for the range. First few shots functioned well but then started stove piping. The warmer the weapon got, the worse the malfunction. Soon (within one 20 round mag) it was failing to extract (about a quarter inch). I packed up and went home to tear the Mini down. The problem source was too tight tolerances between the operating rod and the heat shield in the stock (noticed drag marks on the bottom of the operating rod) took some metal off the bottom of the rod and it now functions fine. I can hit about as well as with my shooting partners M4 and I like the sights. BTW, the stock does have a removable cheek rest. Purchased my new Mini with the ATI stock and headed for the range. First few shots functioned well but then started stove piping. The warmer the weapon got, the worse the malfunction. Soon (within one 20 round mag) it was failing to extract (about a quarter inch). I packed up and went home to tear the Mini down. The problem source was too tight tolerances between the operating rod and the heat shield in the stock (noticed drag marks on the bottom of the operating rod) took some metal off the bottom of the rod and it now functions fine. I can hit about as well as with my shooting partners M4 and I like the sights. BTW, the stock does have a removable cheek rest.

]]> By: Steve http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-14005 Steve Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:11:18 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-14005 komrad, no prob. komrad, no prob.

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-13994 Ronald Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:38:19 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-13994 Took my Mini 14 and AR 15 out to the range shooting fast shots a 250 Yards at 1 gallon water bottles. Both rifles seemed of equal performance . My Mini 14 is a heavy barrel with flash suppressor factory in Tactical form. Ya might try a new version of Mini 14 or i got a fluke and bought an unusually accurate Mini 14 as once i had a 3 civilian AK-47's and 1 shot very very accurate the other 2 sucked. Flukes happen. My AR15 and Mini 14 proved accurate i destoyed the bottles easily at that range. But a Marine pal used to teach the other Marines how to shoot in basic training. He shoots his rifle then stops 3 minutes till a barrel cools then another shot. He can shoot dime size groups at 200 yards using a Tika 270 WSM . Very impresive. He was shot once in Somalia by a man with a SKS . His fellow Marines killed the shooter and delivered the shooters ears to him in a sandwich bag. True. Took my Mini 14 and AR 15 out to the range shooting fast shots a 250 Yards at 1 gallon water bottles. Both rifles seemed of equal performance . My Mini 14 is a heavy barrel with flash suppressor factory in Tactical form. Ya might try a new version of Mini 14 or i got a fluke and bought an unusually accurate Mini 14 as once i had a 3 civilian AK-47’s and 1 shot very very accurate the other 2 sucked. Flukes happen. My AR15 and Mini 14 proved accurate i destoyed the bottles easily at that range. But a Marine pal used to teach the other Marines how to shoot in basic training. He shoots his rifle then stops 3 minutes till a barrel cools then another shot. He can shoot dime size groups at 200 yards using a Tika 270 WSM . Very impresive. He was shot once in Somalia by a man with a SKS . His fellow Marines killed the shooter and delivered the shooters ears to him in a sandwich bag. True.

]]> By: Steve http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-13988 Steve Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:37:57 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-13988 I have deleted some comments that were off topic and in violation of the comment policy. Please stay on topic. I have deleted some comments that were off topic and in violation of the comment policy.

Please stay on topic.

]]> By: scott http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-13761 scott Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:35:37 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-13761 I have owned my Mini 14 (.223) for 6 months now, I have tried to get more accuracy from it this whole time, the two things ive done that had effect so far is, bought and installed a hogue OM stock and found that with a 1-9 twist in my 14 the spear 65 grain game king(handloads) gets consistant 3 inch groups at 100yrds, till barrel heats, usally after the 6th or 8 th round, then the rounds climb and go left. The .625 barrel compared to the older .565 barrel has improved the accuracy but I feel it really needs a serious barrel replacement. The term pencil barrels is for real. I have owned my Mini 14 (.223) for 6 months now, I have tried to get more accuracy from it this whole time, the two things ive done that had effect so far is, bought and installed a hogue OM stock and found that with a 1-9 twist in my 14 the spear 65 grain game king(handloads) gets consistant 3 inch groups at 100yrds, till barrel heats, usally after the 6th or 8 th round, then the rounds climb and go left. The .625 barrel compared to the older .565 barrel has improved the accuracy but I feel it really needs a serious barrel replacement. The term pencil barrels is for real.

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-13181 Ronald Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:53:11 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-13181 Here i go to the local range and shoot often. See many, many assault rifles and assorted other guns. My AR 15 shoots well. BUT my Mini 14 Tactical sporting a flash supressor Unlike the 1 in this sites picture. It is a better gun.Seen AR15 rifles break. The bolt of an AR15 needs service an Mini 14 bolt is self cleaning and the action opens far easier i am sold on my Mini 14. Both my AR15 and my Mini 14 shoot the same at 200 yards. But as i said i have seen AR15 rifles break. Never so far a Mini 14 bust. But i am open minded ready to learn. As a bonus i recieved a 12 guage Remington Shotgun as an bonus from work. Has an Outer shell of a type plastic is weather proof. I can shoot it all day even with Rifled Slugs. Shoots like a Daisy at 100 yards but 00 Buck falls just short of that 100. But out to 100 imake Giant holes. Little injury as this rifle has a spaceage butt that eats recoil. But alas not a long range express. I was born learning . The M16 is the choice of many soldiers. Aint knocking em. I am 100% pro soldier. Contrary to Senator Reid we not only can but HAVE in Iraq.And i am not a socialist Mr Obama. Capitalism is for winners Socialism is for the losers. Here i go to the local range and shoot often. See many, many assault rifles and assorted other guns. My AR 15 shoots well. BUT my Mini 14 Tactical sporting a flash supressor Unlike the 1 in this sites picture. It is a better gun.Seen AR15 rifles break. The bolt of an AR15 needs service an Mini 14 bolt is self cleaning and the action opens far easier i am sold on my Mini 14. Both my AR15 and my Mini 14 shoot the same at 200 yards. But as i said i have seen AR15 rifles break. Never so far a Mini 14 bust. But i am open minded ready to learn. As a bonus i recieved a 12 guage Remington Shotgun as an bonus from work. Has an Outer shell of a type plastic is weather proof. I can shoot it all day even with Rifled Slugs. Shoots like a Daisy at 100 yards but 00 Buck falls just short of that 100. But out to 100 imake Giant holes. Little injury as this rifle has a spaceage butt that eats recoil. But alas not a long range express. I was born learning . The M16 is the choice of many soldiers. Aint knocking em. I am 100% pro soldier. Contrary to Senator Reid we not only can but HAVE in Iraq.And i am not a socialist Mr Obama. Capitalism is for winners Socialism is for the losers.

]]> By: Doug http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-12993 Doug Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:13:31 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-12993 I recently purchased the Mimi-14/20CF tactical model assault rifle. I had read reports of questionable accuracy especially when firing a lot of rounds, which heat the barrel. I had also read stories of the rifle jamming out of the box likely due to factory lubrication. Well, I took the rifle to the range and not only did perform flawlessly but it was amazingly accurate. My friend who is a gun nut has an AR-15 and he also shot the weapon and was surprised by the accuracy. I only had to slightly adjust the rear sight to the right. I am not what would be considered a good shooter but I was able to shoot a fist sized group with the iron sights at 50 yards. I love the gun and would highly recommend it to anyone who is on a budget and can't afford higher price models but still wants to purchase a reliable assault weapon. I recently purchased the Mimi-14/20CF tactical model assault rifle. I had read reports of questionable accuracy especially when firing a lot of rounds, which heat the barrel. I had also read stories of the rifle jamming out of the box likely due to factory lubrication. Well, I took the rifle to the range and not only did perform flawlessly but it was amazingly accurate. My friend who is a gun nut has an AR-15 and he also shot the weapon and was surprised by the accuracy. I only had to slightly adjust the rear sight to the right. I am not what would be considered a good shooter but I was able to shoot a fist sized group with the iron sights at 50 yards. I love the gun and would highly recommend it to anyone who is on a budget and can’t afford higher price models but still wants to purchase a reliable assault weapon.

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-12935 Ronald Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:05:42 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-12935 Gotta be careful with a Mini 14 as with only 2 staples in a spot where the hammer and sear etc are and she will autofire. Saw the demonstration on some video on Youtube. Easy to do yet i will not be auto firing mine. I like my AR 15 but i like my Mini 14 equally well is more durable but when in storage put a spent case holding the action open so the chamber is slightly held open or it sticks closed when stored and one must free it. Easy but learned a lesson. You can also prevent dry fire by use of a soft thin object and allow the hammer to strick it slowl and easily. Then just withdraw the item. But seen AR 15's break never seen a broken Mini 14. Saw a man hitting at 300 yards with a Mini 14 .As also his AR 15. Accurate. Hitting a frying pan. Cool! Ronald Gotta be careful with a Mini 14 as with only 2 staples in a spot where the hammer and sear etc are and she will autofire. Saw the demonstration on some video on Youtube. Easy to do yet i will not be auto firing mine. I like my AR 15 but i like my Mini 14 equally well is more durable but when in storage put a spent case holding the action open so the chamber is slightly held open or it sticks closed when stored and one must free it. Easy but learned a lesson. You can also prevent dry fire by use of a soft thin object and allow the hammer to strick it slowl and easily. Then just withdraw the item. But seen AR 15’s break never seen a broken Mini 14. Saw a man hitting at 300 yards with a Mini 14 .As also his AR 15. Accurate. Hitting a frying pan. Cool!
Ronald

]]> By: CML http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-12785 CML Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:54:07 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-12785 I purchased the 2009 model tactical mimi-14 back in February. Regular synthetic stock, flash hider and came with a Ruger 20 round mag. I have put some 500 rounds through the barrel. No malfunctions of any kind. Also bought a U.S. Magazine 30 round mag, no problems, even pulling trigger fast as I could. Emptied, loaded again and emptied, needless to say, you could have lit a cigarette off the barrel. Again, no malfunction. Accuracy? It suits me. I don't usually use a bench, so I practice to be more accurate shooting off-hand. If you need to actually "use" a firearm, when are you going to have time to get set up at a bench? But, use of a bench is a must for initial accuracy testing. I now have a Tapco Fusion stock on my Mini-14. It looks more menacing. I particularly like the long picatinny rail along the heat shield. Also has detachable plate revealing short picatinny rail at front of fore grip. Pretty simple and straight forward installation. Even if I'd been able to afford a Colt, DPMS, RRA or LMT 5.56 I would still have bought a Mini. They're just cool looking. I purchased the 2009 model tactical mimi-14 back in February. Regular synthetic stock, flash hider and came with a Ruger 20 round mag. I have put some 500 rounds through the barrel. No malfunctions of any kind. Also bought a U.S. Magazine 30 round mag, no problems, even pulling trigger fast as I could. Emptied, loaded again and emptied, needless to say, you could have lit a cigarette off the barrel. Again, no malfunction. Accuracy? It suits me. I don’t usually use a bench, so I practice to be more accurate shooting off-hand. If you need to actually “use” a firearm, when are you going to have time to get set up at a bench? But, use of a bench is a must for initial accuracy testing. I now have a Tapco Fusion stock on my Mini-14. It looks more menacing. I particularly like the long picatinny rail along the heat shield. Also has detachable plate revealing short picatinny rail at front of fore grip. Pretty simple and straight forward installation. Even if I’d been able to afford a Colt, DPMS, RRA or LMT 5.56 I would still have bought a Mini. They’re just cool looking.

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-12446 Ronald Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:06:47 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-12446 Your right about killing Deer with a 22. But Vital spots only. The Eskimos use a 22 hornet to drop polar bear. Oh ad that TV shot of a polar bear stranded on a melting ice pack. They can swim 60 miles cub and all. And when i was in High School during the 1970's we were talking Global Cooling. Oh how things change. But killing Deer with a 223 works. Your right about killing Deer with a 22. But Vital spots only. The Eskimos use a 22 hornet to drop polar bear. Oh ad that TV shot of a polar bear stranded on a melting ice pack. They can swim 60 miles cub and all. And when i was in High School during the 1970’s we were talking Global Cooling. Oh how things change. But killing Deer with a 223 works.

]]> By: John http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-12290 John Sun, 19 Jul 2009 06:24:40 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-12290 If anyone has ever stopped to think- Thousands upon thousands of deer have been taken by poachers with the 22LR. If you can shoot, a .223 will surely do the job ! If anyone has ever stopped to think- Thousands upon thousands of deer have been taken by poachers with the 22LR. If you can shoot, a .223 will surely do the job !

]]> By: Ronald http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-8421 Ronald Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:51:53 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-8421 I purchased an AR-15 and an Mini-14 tactical and 2 SKS rifles. I Find that my AR-15 is slightly more accurate than the other 3. But i am aware of the fact that the SKS and AK-47 rifles are responsible for untold deaths in combat against our troops since the M-16 was developed in 1958,sadly. So i find that all the talk about the 1" groups with the mass produced M-16/AR-15 rifles is hype. As i weekly go to our Shooting Clubs Range and i see many AR-15 rifles and a vast array of other guns. Yet one of the AR-15 rifles had a match grade barrel it indeed shoots perfect at about 3/8 inch at 100 yards very good grouping! Meanwhile my stock AR and Mini-14 seem to shoot equally well. Deer hunting with the Ar-15 is ok just shoot vital areas only. Or with the SKS/AK-47 , 7.62x39 round drops large Hogs well but the AR/Mini14 the hogs run away and die elsewhere. But yes i like all 4 of my rifles alot. I would use the 7.62x39 caliber on Deer or Hogs if you can. BUT one man i know has killed many Deer with the lighter 22 Hornet round. So that .223 is ok IF you can hit Vitals. I purchased an AR-15 and an Mini-14 tactical and 2 SKS rifles. I Find that my AR-15 is slightly more accurate than the other 3. But i am aware of the fact that the SKS and AK-47 rifles are responsible for untold deaths in combat against our troops since the M-16 was developed in 1958,sadly. So i find that all the talk about the 1″ groups with the mass produced M-16/AR-15 rifles is hype. As i weekly go to our Shooting Clubs Range and i see many AR-15 rifles and a vast array of other guns. Yet one of the AR-15 rifles had a match grade barrel it indeed shoots perfect at about 3/8 inch at 100 yards very good grouping! Meanwhile my stock AR and Mini-14 seem to shoot equally well. Deer hunting with the Ar-15 is ok just shoot vital areas only. Or with the SKS/AK-47 , 7.62×39 round drops large Hogs well but the AR/Mini14 the hogs run away and die elsewhere. But yes i like all 4 of my rifles alot. I would use the 7.62×39 caliber on Deer or Hogs if you can. BUT one man i know has killed many Deer with the lighter 22 Hornet round. So that .223 is ok IF you can hit Vitals.

]]> By: jackalope http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-8401 jackalope Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:25:37 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-8401 And throw a Vortex on there too! And throw a Vortex on there too!

]]> By: jackalope http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-8400 jackalope Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:23:52 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-8400 What I want to know is, why didn't they do it in 6.8SPC? It's the obvious choice. A relatively cheap rifle in 6.8 would be a big winner for them. What I want to know is, why didn’t they do it in 6.8SPC? It’s the obvious choice. A relatively cheap rifle in 6.8 would be a big winner for them.

]]> By: C-Man http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-7343 C-Man Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:12:12 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-7343 Ambassador, What size deer do you hunt? I've been pistol shooting for years, but never owned a rifle. I've been getting mixed reviews on a .223 for game. Your thoughts? Ambassador,

What size deer do you hunt? I’ve been pistol shooting for years, but never owned a rifle. I’ve been getting mixed reviews on a .223 for game. Your thoughts?

]]> By: AmbassadorKissoff http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-6968 AmbassadorKissoff Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:39:33 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-6968 Anyone know if there is a way to decock the hammer instead of dry fire it closed ? Been reaching in and slowly allowing the hammer to drop after use. Also my new Mini-14 tactical is basically as accurate as my friends AR-15 as tested yesterday at the range. His is a Post Ban model AR-15 not able to convert to full auto but the Mini-14 is too easily modified for select fire. But who wants to be a felon? Not me! Shot a full auto once long ago was fun but not a gun i would want. In fact never wanted an assault rifle before these winds about Gun Bans arose. I chose the Mini-14 over the AR-15 simply because it looks more like a regular rifle really not a Machine gun so in case times come when the AR/AK look is a flag my Mini-14 looks all cute like a black cat. Yes i hunt deer with it . And the 2 SKS rifles i own. Accurate ? Not very about 3 inch group at 1oo yards. Fun shooters? Yes! Killed some deer with em also already in times past. No worry about rain rust or scratches when in thick woods carrying an SKS . Perfect when the terrain will damage ya guns stock. So it all depends on things like , What do i use a gun for? The AR-15 is yes the most popular assault rifle. But not much more accurate if any against my Mini-14. I like both guns. But to each his own. Also a final note , the Mini-14 Bolt is self cleaning. Anyone know if there is a way to decock the hammer instead of dry fire it closed ? Been reaching in and slowly allowing the hammer to drop after use. Also my new Mini-14 tactical is basically as accurate as my friends AR-15 as tested yesterday at the range. His is a Post Ban model AR-15 not able to convert to full auto but the Mini-14 is too easily modified for select fire. But who wants to be a felon? Not me! Shot a full auto once long ago was fun but not a gun i would want. In fact never wanted an assault rifle before these winds about Gun Bans arose. I chose the Mini-14 over the AR-15 simply because it looks more like a regular rifle really not a Machine gun so in case times come when the AR/AK look is a flag my Mini-14 looks all cute like a black cat. Yes i hunt deer with it . And the 2 SKS rifles i own. Accurate ? Not very about 3 inch group at 1oo yards. Fun shooters? Yes! Killed some deer with em also already in times past. No worry about rain rust or scratches when in thick woods carrying an SKS . Perfect when the terrain will damage ya guns stock. So it all depends on things like , What do i use a gun for? The AR-15 is yes the most popular assault rifle. But not much more accurate if any against my Mini-14. I like both guns. But to each his own. Also a final note , the Mini-14 Bolt is self cleaning.

]]> By: SonicBoom http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-5937 SonicBoom Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:40:29 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-5937 As for the stock, it IS the ATI Strikeforce stock. As for the stock, it IS the ATI Strikeforce stock.

]]> By: jdun1911 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/01/12/ruger-tactical-mini-14-about-time/#comment-4828 jdun1911 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:27:26 +0000 http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/?p=4172#comment-4828 Na, just bad business decisions. The Mini-14 isn't worth the money that Ruger is asking. It is no where near the level of the AR which has a dominate the rifle market for the past two decades. There are so much demand for the AR weapon platform that the companies that produce them are at least 4 month back order. The mini-14 in whatever form will keep losing market shares to the AR. Na, just bad business decisions. The Mini-14 isn’t worth the money that Ruger is asking. It is no where near the level of the AR which has a dominate the rifle market for the past two decades.

There are so much demand for the AR weapon platform that the companies that produce them are at least 4 month back order. The mini-14 in whatever form will keep losing market shares to the AR.

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