Does anyone have a Ruger Mini 14

[Doitsouthstyle]

Looking for a Ruger Mini 14. I would prefer one with a flash hider. Do any IPs have any new or would go for used if the price and condition was right? Also curious what fellow forum members would consider a fair price for a new one and if I did buy a used one what to look for that maybe a problem or issue with the gun.

 

[5.56blaster]

Buy an AR.

 

[-Z/28-]

Buy an AR.

Everyone should have a Mini 14 in the collection.

 

[SRD]

Everyone should have a Mini 14 in the collection.

Agree,
Times like this is when Lou will be missed.

 

[Makanik]

I have both and I just like the raw clanging and banging of the Mini. For a MSRP of $1169 for mine I gave about $760 out the door.

 

[Gskwared]

I just bought one last week with a flash hider for 790. OTD

Get a model 5847.

Mags are insanely expensive though

 

[Threeband]

...
Get a model 5847.

...

For years Mini 14s had a reputation for mediocre accuracy, apparently due to the thin pencil barrel. I believe Ruger introduced a heavier barrel a few years ago.
This Model 5847 looks like it has a heavier barrel.

Have they made a significant improvement in the accuracy?

 

[Makanik]

It is still a thin barrel under the heat shield. I do not have to many issues with accuracy with mine but at the same time I am not the best shooter on the range.

 

[llkoolkeg]

I have an older one but never had a problem with accuracy at all...but I don't rapid-fire and make things glow when grouping.

 

[Mr H]

Agree,
Times like this is when Lou will be missed.

I got my GB from Lou.

I couldn't be happier, but then I'm not a rapid fire kind of guy.

 

[EKing]

As far as what to watch for, I would stay away from a Mini that has had trigger work. If the trigger feels too light, say 4 pounds or less, then it has been fiddled with (or has 10,000 rounds through it).
There are some videos on the internet on how to smooth/polish/lighten your Mini trigger and you can be sure that people are trying it.

What I would look for:
Make sure there is resistance when pulling the bolt handle back and that the bolt slams home when you release it.
An empty magazine should lock the bolt to the rear.
The magazine release/lock should be pretty stiff, it should require deliberate force to eject the magazine and once inserted an audible click is heard.
The safety should click into place, safe and fire, and provide audible and tactile feedback.
Make sure the bolt hold open plunger is in place and springs up and down smoothly.

I love my Mini-14, there's just something about the looks, the manual of arms and the way it throws brass down the line that is awesome to me.

 

[Threeband]

...

I love my Mini-14, there's just something about the looks, the manual of arms and the way it throws brass down the line that is awesome to me.

Have you tried the Garand?

There is something special about the Garand: there is no other rifle quite like it. When you step up to the line with an M1 Garand, people will turn their heads and take notice. Strong men will respect you. Beautiful women will fall at your feet. The enemies of freedom will flee in dismay.

 

[Kman]

I have an older ranch model and newer tactical.

The tactical shorter stout barrel is a little more accurate for me.

Go with factory mags or John Masen 20 rounders for around half the price.

 

[Gskwared]

For years Mini 14s had a reputation for mediocre accuracy, apparently due to the thin pencil barrel. I believe Ruger introduced a heavier barrel a few years ago.
This Model 5847 looks like it has a heavier barrel.

Have they made a significant improvement in the accuracy?

To be honest, I have not shot the older versions to know if the accuracy has improved or not. I have nothing to compare it to.

 

[EKing]

Have you tried the Garand?

. Strong men will respect you. Beautiful women will fall at your feet. The enemies of freedom will flee in dismay.

That's good stuff!
Yes, i just recently received my M1 from CMP and it is everything i dreamed it could be. The Mini-14 filled that gap for many years and now I have 2 of 3 commercially available rifles with the Garand type operating system. Next up, the M1A (once i leave MD, that is).

 

[mikemike328]

i saw a couple at gun connection today

 

[Threeband]

Garand was a brilliant engineer.

Compare the compactness of the Garand action with that of the Schmidt Rubin, or the SKS for that matter.

Schmidt Rubin bolt:

Ever since I was a kid I have questioned the engineering skills of designers who must locate the magazine eight inches in front of the trigger, as in the Schmidt Rubins, the SKS, and Mossberg .22s.

 

[Alan3413]

If you reload, make note that a mini 14 will hurl spent brass into the next county.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

The Mini 14 will remain in your safe long after the ARs are turned into The Hillary Rodham Clinton EBR Reclamation Center.

 

[llkoolkeg]

If you reload, make note that a mini 14 will hurl spent brass into the next county.

Not a problem just so long as the busty girl in the lane to your right is wearing a turtleneck...because the Mini sure knows how to shoot the 3-ball!