Ruger is one of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry and for good reason. Way under $300 with tax. The mags are expensive. But you’ve made the gun sound a bit fragile in certain environments and that has just never been my experience. I’d be very interested in how you arrived at the “I was a Green Beret….” motivation as the reason “Most people who buy the AR….”. Gun Review: Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle in Stainless, How Did That Happen? I have a mini-30, and accuracy was poor as well. I don’t reload (yet? Secondly a rifle that is not named “ Scout” but sure meets many of the requirements is the grand old “Ranch Rifle” by Ruger or so named years ago, now being the Mini 14 or Mini 30 carbines. True story, but it’s the closest you’ll probably get if you truly want a “scaled up” Mini-14. There is a large aftermarket following for the Mini-14 line, but they generally come in the form of stocks and some accurizing accessories. From the initial prototypes in 1971, the rifle was intended to be essentially a 5.56mm scaled down version of the M14. That was too much for my chrony, so I didn’t get to record velocity. The heart of the rifle is a beefy, modern-looking action with a bit of European flair. It’s a solid design, albeit dated, made of wood, metal and bakelite. The new bolt-action Ruger American Rifle Ranch chambered in .450 Bushmaster was inspired in large part by new deer-hunting regulations in Michigan. The last time I checked, factory magazines were in the mid-to-high $30s. There’s more than a fair amount of creep, though it breaks cleanly enough at just over five pounds. The gas system and operating rod are both significantly simplified in the Mini, the most obvious being the way the gas block clamps around the barrel by way of 4 bolts. ah, now you need to test it outside of Las Vegas in 135 degree temps. I made my own barrel support/heat dissipator rod, put in a .065 gas port like you mentioned, but I did a lot of work with reloads, actually converting Russian steel cases to Boxer primers, loaded with 150 Hornady bullets, and I actually shot a 3 shot one contiguous hole group at 200 yards. For me – it works. I love the rifle, detest the magazine. I’ve got a used one in layaway, about another month and it will be mine. After my testing in extreme cold and snow, I would trust this gun to work as advertised in almost any conditions. Rugged, reliable, and good looking. Customize This * * * * Mine was purchased when Minis were much cheaper than ARs somthe new price seems steep. TFB on youtube has a test for this. After a handful of shots I would have trouble keeping the shots inside of a 12 inch circle at 50 yards, and it would fail to fire at least a couple of rounds per box of 20, and that was with an after market spring behind the firing pin. I believe (but not 100% sure) that this happens as the bolt returns forward and the bolt handle hits the brass just as it clears the ejection port. Perceived recoil is somewhere between a AR 10 and and an AR 15. GunUp. My reasoning is such a test will betray any flaw in design, assembly or materials in relatively short order, and while not representative of the average defensive shooting in America, it is a proper stress test. Now I own both Mini-14s and Mini-30 all new style, and I would not hesitate to carry in a survival/combat situation with factory mags, I only use the Ruger 20 rounders, pro mag and thermold are for range only. my new 584 series mini 14 has been flawless and plenty accurate 1-2 ” at 100 yards. I like the idea of a magazine that seats flush with the stock, but if also like the ability to run 10, 20, or 30 round magazines. Once sighted in, the Ruger Ranch Rifle ran well enough with some small caveats. The side-folding stocks are offered with the .223 chambered Mini-14 Ranch Rifles that hit the ... Stop by to potentially win a Ruger Mini-14 rifle with the Samson A-TM ... Review… He did it to the gun. Accuracy on early guns was pretty poor, with the average Mini producing groups of around 5 inches at 100 yards. If you have a scope mounted on the rifle, however, that becomes difficult (the Mini-14 ships with a Picatinny rail and a set of scope rings). So…..we ended up with the mini 30….and now a 300AAC. Remember most mini-14s are 223 not 556. I originally bought a mini 30 but just like everyone else, accuracy was dismal. Are there any semi 308 rifles as light as a Mini 14? This was in part due to the lack of intrinsic accuracy of the rifle, a mediocre trigger and the front sight being overly thick and not suited to precision shooting. The Mini 14 is extreamly dependable and very rugged in most all types of conditions that I’ve ever seen and honestly read about. Perhaps, but if one cares to examine the bolt, charging handle, safety, magazine release and hinged trigger guard the inspiration, and name, become obvious. This kit will work for all variations of the Ruger American Rifle. And this leads to the final reason, not touched on, to prefer the Mini-14 – consistent manual of arms. For some shooters, getting through a magazine or two of rapid fire is judged adequate, considering that the average gunfight is concluded in a couple of rounds. It would be interesting to see the difference in the accuracy in, say, 80 degree weather with same ammo and wind speed. I understand the stories of these things being inaccurate, but my experience differs greatly. Right, wrong or indifferent, some people just are not happy without blued steel mated to a wood stock. Easy to clean (piston as well as a Robar-coated BCG). , stainless barrel / receiver, black stock ) based on what I’ve seen though the yrs, a friend had one in the late 70’s , early 80’s and he was precision nut. I’m no expert (living in NY I’m not really allowed to be, sigh), but it strikes me that other rifle platforms have done a better job hitting the sweet spot for a lightweight, easy-shooting, semi-auto .308. There is an incredible amount of BS being purveyed here. The then-new Ranch Rifle featured integral scope bases that the standard Mini-14 lacked, and an altered, side ejection pattern to allow use of a scope over the ejection port. It was so cold that you could hear trees cracking due the severe temperatures, but the Mini-14 didn’t seem to care. ... A Ruger rifle that will retail for about $489 but I’ve seen these under $300 as Christmas promos at a local sporting goods store. Overall, the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle is a fantastic hunting rifle, and a hard-use, survival or battle rifle — and exactly what Jeff Cooper had in mind with the scout-rifle concept. Name Review Subject Required. With one exception. I’ve never seen that on any FFS before. Most noticeable were a few feed errors. My M&P 15 sport was $600, and AR magazines are much cheaper. I also own or have owned several ARs, AKs and a few SKSs but I always seem to come back to the Mini when needed. Had to hit it to chamber another round. David Leonard August 29, 2016 at 11:46 # I would be completely sold if it used standard AR magazines or PMags. Those who already have a Mini-14 would do well to keep it, even if it is only a backup rifle. Back in the 90's when Accuracy Systems Inc. started, we made it our goal to achieve the most accurate Mini conversions on the planet, bar none. The stock it uses is Remington 1000 stock, so there are dozens you can use from plastic to wood. This rifle is accurate as all the other rifles from Ruger. Ruger Mini Tactical Barrel Conversions and New Tactical Rifle Packages from Accuracy Systems Inc. have guaranteed accuracy. Shim the old sight and the rifle will be accurate as the newer ones, skinny barrel and all. the only ones that I’ve run across is the ranch model and they are few and far between. I don’t have any problems at all with damaged cases anymore. 1 rifle is a classic single-shot that has stood the test of time and continues to produce respectable accuracy. But then…. The Ruger No. More from The Truth About Guns: Gun Review: Savage 110 Scout Rifle With AccuFit System. All have been as accurate as I can shoot. Ruger was satisfied to keep it that way for about 25 years before it lifted a finger to improve the gun in any serious way. Reliable, but accuracy was mediocre. Kalashnikovs and SVDs are notoriously hard on brass, however, Esoteric Inanity has frequently reloaded for both with no noticeable degradation in accuracy due to a marred cartridge case. Ruger American Ranch Compact Rifle in .350 Legend Since debuting eight years ago, the Ruger American rifle line has expanded to include 17 different chamberings in six configurations. While plenty reliable for most field conditions when given a modicum of care, the Mini will generally not tolerate hard-use, neglect or abuse like an AR or AK will, and was not designed to. Hornady Frontier 55gr FMJ————————3.0” I did add a 50mm Vortex scope. This article brings up an interesting point: verifying that my firearms function flawlessly in extreme cold, extreme heat, and extreme humidity. A reason for the earlier rifles apparently throwing their shots around is hardly ever mentioned. They drop free just fine. The only mini 14 that I’ve seen that was truly chambered in .223 was the target model. This posting just set me off, and is the first I’ve done here or pretty much anywhere else other than firearms forums. I haven’t shot the rifle since. We’ve had absurdly low temperatures, tons of ice and snow, barely any sunlight, and bad outbreaks of cabin fever. And THEN wiggle it fore and aft. So what! For myself, I demand any gun to be used in a defensive context be capable of 1,000 trouble-free rounds over a single, short range session, with at least 500 of them fired as quickly as I can reload. These sporty rifles are perfect for modifications, so we made a review of the best Ruger Mini 14 stocks on the market. The gun comes with scope mounts, but wasn’t tested with an optic, which would have tightened groups up a bit. Now I will agree completely with the magazine issue with any Ranch model old or new Ive encountered. One gripe I have with that stock is its length of pull. You have entered an incorrect email address! It was a design used in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and there are not legions of stories detailing the horrors of conscripted-soldiers mowing down their brethren. But the rifle kept on ticking so I was able to obtain accuracy data without an issue. The Mini-14 is generally tough, but does not offer the same, hard-running performance as the AR-15 and other contemporary designs. If considering the Mini-14 for self-defense or patrol work, adding lights, lasers and other accessories to the Mini is a chore, as there are only one or two factory variants that feature rails around the circumference of the forend for the purpose, and they are limited in length, restricting placement. Though its somewhat obsolescent design means it is not as easy to modify or repair as others, it can work well as a do-all gun, so long as one does not ask too much of it. Rating Required. You are wrong in regards to what is safe to fire in the Mini 14. As far as my mini concerned, I’m still playing with it. hand loads, free floated barrel, trigger job, you name it. Time has seen Bill Ruger’s traditionally conservative stance on “tactical” features slowly dissipate from his eponymous company, and for some time now the Mini has been offered in full tactical trim, resplendent with flash hiders, 30 round magazines, and more. Plenty of Mini fans won’t want to hear that, but it is the truth. Might want to think about that statement a bit. Compared to an AR-15, there are many differences and nuances to address. 2-3 MOA with match grade ammo. We don’t have to shoot more than 100 yds where we hunt, so the 2″ groups don’t really factor for hunting. Self-defense, target shooting & concealed carry focused. Hornady Frontier 62gr FMJ————————3.25” Then again, the AR-10 is/was quite light… I don’t own one, so I don’t know how it handles compared to the Mini-14, but I assume very differently! I haven’t had a chance to fire it. The weather here in Michigan has been pretty nasty this year. The rifle was easy to shoot with and did well during rapid fire. Mini 14 I would think was a mini m-14, not Garand. The Mini-14 is at its best as a no-frills, less expensive rifle for general purpose, hence the Ranch Rifle moniker is fitting. The reasons for buying this rifle are: I have an old Mini 14 that is known for it’s “Minute of Milk Jug” accuracy. Also… it’s not an “evil black gun”! But why? I’m not tall, but I’m taller than most of the general population. There’ll be a .350 Legend AR upper before long. Have untold thousands of rounds through it with zero mods. That said, chasing accuracy too far with a Mini is a losing game. I know many readers will tire of everything being compared to it, and admittedly what constitutes “reliable” varies from person to person but it is the standard all other rifles are judged against for good reason. As a civilian, it’s hard for me to imagine a scenario where I would be trading bullets with anyone at distances beyond which this rifle is deadly accurate. Many, Mini 14 owners have referred to it as the “american AK” because of its rugged dependability. Your mileage may vary. The low cycling mass of the bolt makes it feel like you’re firing a much smaller rifle. Sights: Fixed post front, adjustable ghost ring rear I’ve owned five Mini-14s that I can recall. semi-automatic rifles, Ruger’s Mini-14 has long been one of the obvious choices. It is great for what it is. Also it jumped around and wasn’t very comfortable. Ruger Ruger American Ranch Rifle FDE in 5.56x45 or 7.62x39 with Threaded Barrel. I trained on a M-14 and the Mini 14 is like an old friend. But this was not the case in the 1980’s. I have to say I love them both , the 581 series in 6.8 spc is my favorite of the 2. May 14, 2018 By Layne Simpson. Review: Ruger American Rifle Ranch Model in 7.62x39mm. Can’t hit shit with it. Your mileage may very. ), so I can’t say about whether brass would be safe to reload if reshaped back into form. I’m attributing some of my results to the sub-zero conditions as well as to the average-at-best stock trigger. She got into politics and was on campaign staff for a certain Senator who had far more security than he imagined when she had to chauffer him. A captivating story of a post-apocalyptic United States. Combining their favored .223 Ranch rifle with their American bolt-action line, Ruger has produced an economy rifle … First let me say I’m no expert or anything of the sort. The .350 Legend Ruger Scout Rifle is light– at just 6.3-pounds– and has a compact aluminum bedded 16.5-inch threaded barrel for an overall length of … If I remember right, it did just fine. But I went with a Fightlite “SCR.” it shoulders like a mini 14 ranch, but the SCR is about 75% AR-15 parts and near 100% AR accessories like magazines. And who put the ‘run’ in the ‘Do-run-run’?…. The 5.56 IS a 223 caliber round so every (with 1 exception) Mini 14 ever built can safely chamber and fire 5.56 ammunition. Thank you TTAG for the review. The Tapco gen 2 works great in my 187 model no failures . I’ve owned several mini’s and have managed to hold onto a stainless ranch Mini-14 and a mini 30. Granted that case life will likely be shortened due to such things, and resizing doesn’t completely obviate the dents (shooting the reloaded round typically takes care of this as the case is reformed to the chamber). A whole slew of accessories were introduced for it, some good, some bad. I have a Mini 14. great varmint rifle. IMO, it’s a 3 star rifle. I purchased a new Mini -14 a yr ago ( tactical model ?? Keep in mind that that’s shooting from a sling in very harsh conditions, not from a mechanical rest/bipod/sandbag in nice conditions. Write a Review. As a result, his trigger pull averaged 3 pounds, 9 ounces and was much smoother than the factory trigger in my dad’s gun. Anyone see the 2010 movie, “The American”, with George Clooney? A 30-round magazine can work well in ARs but is really somewhat cumbersome for the Ranch rifle. Today’s Mini-14’s all feature the integral mounting points for either rings or a Picatinny rail, allowing use of whatever optic the user might desire and an improved rear aperture sight is standard on all models. If you look closely at the Mini-14 used in that film, on the right side of factory folding stock, it has a strange bolt mechanism with a locking channel plate, mounted just below the receiver bed, just behind the stock screw. 16.5" x .750" / With One of a kind OCTAGON BARREL The trademarked "Ruger Marksman Adjustable™" trigger is a functionally two-stage trigger similar in design to the Savage AccuTrigger, which allows the user to adjust the weight of pull between 3–5 lb (1.4–2.3 kg) by means of a set screw on the trigger housing. Share 11; Tweet; Pin 6; One of the largest, most prolific and innovative American gun manufacturers is the firm of Sturm, Ruger and Co., more commonly known as just Ruger. The author left me hanging with his article by saying that the Ruger rifle was a 1,000 yard rifle, but he only reported groups sizes at 100 yards. When you are wearing a coat or thick clothing it tends to get hung up on fabric and is also hard to shoulder. The Mini’s safety in particular is very lacking, a holdover from the M1 Garand and M14. Magpul magazines can usually be found for 1/3 that price if you look. I saw that too. My brief encounter with a Mini 14 left me unimpressed. Excepting the placement of the safety, the control layout facilitates easy operation. One of mine is a very early 80’s issue rifle, pre Ranch rifle.
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