Good Quality Magazines for Mini-14?

Tip · Mar 16, 2020

So, I finally got a Mini-14... always wanted one but, wanted to find a good deal first.
These don't surface much in my regular "fishin' holes" and to find a very clean example (a 1998 SS Ranch Rifle) with a decent scope was a plus!

Only shortcoming: it came with only one 5-round magazine.

For those with experience, please share your recommendations regarding value, brand, (if aftermarket) and source.

Thanks, all!

Captain America · Mar 16, 2020

I only use Ruger magazines, they just plain work.

WAYNO · Mar 17, 2020

There are no after-market magazines that have given me more trouble than those for a Mini-14.

Some folks have had decent luck with some after market brands. I no longer will even try anything but factory original Ruger brand.

ejb69 · Mar 17, 2020

stick with ruger mags , they work

Tip · Mar 17, 2020

Thank you for the replies...
Looks like I'll order 30-rounders from the Ruger site.

Captain America · Mar 17, 2020

Tip said:
Thank you for the replies...
Looks like I'll order 30-rounders from the Ruger site.

This is personal preference but I recommend trying a 20 round magazine, that's what I prefer. The 30 round magazines just seem to throw the gun a little out of balance for me...YMMV.

protoolman · Mar 18, 2020

You can go prone or shoot off a pickup hood with the 20s. With 30s it's pretty hard to do that.

Tip · Mar 18, 2020

Thanks for the responses!

Tip · Mar 18, 2020

Btw, I found a NIB "LE ONLY" 20-rd mag. for a fair price.
At least now, I've got a few factory magazines to test at the range.

dfletcher · Mar 18, 2020

I picked up some unbranded Mini 14 magazines a few years back that had me thinking Ruger manufactured them during their "we don't like +10 round magazines" days. Weld spots, steel gauge and by all appearances look like Ruger factory. And they work. But other than those, I stick with factory. Agree, 20 rounders over 30.

Blackmore · Mar 21, 2020

If CDNN ever gets any more of the OE straight 20 rounders, they're GTG.

Tip · Mar 21, 2020

Blackmore said:
If CDNN ever gets any more of the OE straight 20 rounders, they're GTG.

Thanks, Blackmore. I'll keep watch for those.

COSteve · Mar 21, 2020

Deleted

Tip · Mar 21, 2020

COSteve said:
dfletcher said:

I picked up some unbranded Mini 14 magazines a few years back that had me thinking Ruger manufactured them during their "we don't like +10 round magazines" days. Weld spots, steel gauge and by all appearances look like Ruger factory. And they work. But other than those, I stick with factory. Agree, 20 rounders over 30.

Click to expand...

I agree that the 20rd are better balanced than the 30rd. And actually, Ruger subcontracts to mag manufactures who make them per Ruger's specifications. So they don't actually manufacture any themselves. How do I know? Look at my reply to the quote below.

Blackmore said:

If CDNN ever gets any more of the OE straight 20 rounders, they're GTG.

Click to expand...

Absolutely agree. I have 5ea Ruger brand 20rd curved mags and 5ea OE brand 20rd straight mags as the OE brand are actually manufactured better than the Ruger's. Instead of a bent mag catch loop like Ruger uses, OE spot welds on a solid tab just like the quality M14 mags are made. In addition, the OE mag bodies have better spotwelds and actually fit much more securely in the magwell. As far as feeding, I've had no issues with either the OE or Ruger mags so they both are reliable...

...the straight mags are a must for the vibe. Don't you agree?

YES! I agree! That's a good "look."

I appreciate the shared knowledge here. Thanks, Steve...
Thanks, everyone.

mpalm · Apr 13, 2020

I've had good luck with aftermarket mags. I have a federal ordnance brand and 2 PMI mags.(Precision Mag Industries)
Got them on gunbroker
Congrats on your purchase. It Looks nice. My Mini 14 is a stainless/wood stock as well and it's one of the best looking combinations in my opinion.

Good Quality Magazines for Mini-14?

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