Considering a Mini-14, looking for some advice

[Knecht]

So, as the title says, I'm recently considering to get a Mini-14. Looks like people either love them, or hate them. I don't intend to start another debate why it sucks or why it's awesome, I just want some advice.
I live in Czech Republic. Currently we can own pretty much any semiauto rifle. But that may change, sadly, which is one of the reasons I'm looking at this gun now... it may not fit into the evil black rifle family. I have several AKs, as well as ARs, among other things. I much prefer the AK. To me, AR is somewhat more accurate and that's about it... nothing else for me to like there. The Mini-14 seems to have some of the features I like on AK: side charging handle (did I mention I'm left handed?), 2-point magazine insertion and a similar style mag release lever. Not a fan of the Mini's safety, but looks like for a left handed shooter it's not that bad, plus I rarely use safeties, anyway. The only dowside of the Mini's features, to me, is the peephole rear sight. I would much prefer a notch sight, but ok... perhaps I can make some, if necessary. I would likely use some optic, anyway.
While I'm a long time Ruger fan, I'm completely new to the Mini-14. I understand there were some changes in the manufacturing and newer rifles seem to be more accurate. That's good. But also looks like many aftermarket stocks and parts are incompatible with one of the styles. How big deal is it? Is it just about the barrel diameter and profile? So, in theory, could I modify a stock ment for the earlier version to accept the later one? Namely the Hogue stock.
How is the forearm grip for a left handed shooter? Does the op-rod get in the way, when you hold the forearm in your right hand?

 

[Mobuck]

I don't have all the answers for your questions.
The safety lever inside the trigger guard is typical of the Garand/M-14 design. I dislike this type simply because it puts your finger very close to the trigger possibly before you're ready to fire. That said, it's FAR better for a lefty than the doofus AK safety lever.
The forearm is uniform in cross section so no difference in left or right hand shooting. The 'op rod' should not be in the way at all. If you don't do this already with the AK, learn to manipulate the charge handle with your right hand rather than reaching over the top. Allows you to hold the rifle in shooting position while doing so.
The 'peep' (aperature) rear sight is (for most shooters) more accurate than the notch rear sight and gives a longer sight separation adding to accuracy.
"AR is somewhat more accurate and that's about it" o_O Myself and many others feel that accuracy is #1 and everything else is secondary.:devilish: So if you're OK with run of the mill AK accuracy, you should be happy with Mini 14 accuracy.
As far as stock interchangeability, I have no opinion or knowledge of that. Just my opinion but if you are looking for a LEGO rifle, stick with the AR.

 

[kmoore]

I am 67 years old, left -handed, left eye dominate. Been a shooter and gun owner from an early age. I shot in rifle matches starting at age 14. That was .22lr position shooting where I obtained Distinguished expert, at the time the highest ranking for ages 19 and under. As an adult I became a Master class shooter, at the time the highest ranking.
I started shooting what is called High Power matches at age 18. I had the M1 Grand in 3006, It was a national match model. I used the M-14 also national match models, I had 2 of those over the years. My last HP matches were shot with a national match AR-15. Now that was the best semi auto I ever fired at a paper target out to 600yds. I was ranked as an Expert, a class under Master. Shooting all those left handed which is difficult but can be done.
I bought 2 different Mini-14s in my youth. I could shoot them fine maybe because of my background. Meaning operate them. This was in the 1970s. Those were different then the newest Mini-14s in a few ways. Being left handed is not a big problem, shooting them you just adapt a little. At that time I went on a quest to accurize the Mini-14. I wanted them to shoot as good as their name stake. A close friend was a top shooter in USA, a gunsmith and engineer. We spend time together trying to work the rifle up to be really accurate. I found they were real dependable but, accuracy that I expected, the rifle as a whole needed to be changed. I gave up. Far too much cost and time. Sights, trigger, barrel, without even figuring into better bedding of action and tuning the gas system. Back then there were no aftermarket upgrades for accuracy. It was making parts to make a better shooter.
Sorry a little long in my presentation but shooting a Mini-14 left-handed is really doable. I wouldn't ever expect one to be a match accurate rifle, they were never made to be. A dependable rifle YES.

 

[DGW1949]

Ruger's Mini is a very good, very reliable, purpose-designed gun, but firing off a bench while chasing little groups on paper ain't it's purpose. So if that is the primary use you have in mind, I wouldn't bother.....Getting on to your concerns; Don't sweat the safety being activated with one's trigger finger. That particular feature was copied from the M1/M14 family of US-Military rifles and has proven to be quite safe for even a green recruit to use....Interchanging (factory) stocks can be problematic, depending. Some aftermarket stock makers claim theirs will fit any Mini except the 180-series, but I have my doubts as to how well their idea of "fits" matches mine....I know a couple of left handed Mini-owners and neither seems to have a problem operating their rifle.....Oh, one more thing; If you keep asking opinions of the Mini platform, sooner or later you're going to run into a lot of myths. One of the most frequently encountered myths is that you can not buy support parts. But yes you can. Genuine factory parts can be had from Midway USA, Numrich Arms, or ASI. Fire control parts, pins, springs, screws, extractors, ejectors, new or used bolts, and new firing pins can easily be had...There's so many outlets for genuine factory Ruger mags that they sometimes get into price wars with each other. So never mind the ridiculously-expensive MSRP that's stated on the Ruger website, I've bought 'em for close to half of that, just takes some patience and shopping around.....

....Hope this helps.

DGW

 

[WAYNO]

I have a lot of experience with both the AR platform as well as the Mini platform. I have found many of the Mini haters have never owned one. I continue to own both, and with factory peep sights I cannot shoot one more accurately than the other. I earned the Expert medal and I do know how to shoot. Involving upgraded components or optics could show one platform performing better than the other. But not always in favor of the AR. I have shot some AR's that were pitiful.
The Mini is far more rugged. One of my Army MOS's was small arms repair. I consider the AR to be fragile. I continue to own both platforms. As a range or sporting firearm the AR can still provide wonderful service. If I could only own one it would be a Mini. Fortunately I don't have to make that choice so I will continue to own both.

 

[Knecht]

- Well, bench shooting is not really my thing, I like to shoot off-hand. Most of the time I get to short 50m ranges, 100m at best, 300m once in a year maybe. So there's little use for me to have a rifle built for accuracy over that distance (plus my eyes are not great, anyway).
- What I said about the AR was ment that yes, it's more accurate than AK which is fine, but other than that, it's very unappealing to me and I don't really enjoy shooting it. I shoot it enough to keep myself familiar with it, but there's little joy in it for me.
- As far as parts and magazines availability, it will always be a problem here, as most of the sellers mentioned above don't ship internationally. But there are ways to get what I need. Not much chance to get factory magazines any cheap, but I can live with the fact that I'll likely end up paying around $60-70 a piece.
- I guess both my eyesight and my habit cause me to prefer open notch sight. I have a backup notch sight on my ARs as well. Just works better for me.
- Maybe it wasn't said clearly in my original post, of course the right side charging handle is an advantage for me as a left hander. It was more like a rhetorical question.
Thanks for all the input, everyone.

 

[hittman]

If your area bans “assault rifles” like my state did, the Mini 14 and 30 won’t make the cut. Here the ban includes semi-auto / magazine fed. So even 10/22 is out. However, my pump action Remington using AR15 mags is fine and so are the Nylon 66, Marlin 60 etc cause they’re tube feed.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

just in case you might be interested in some thing else that is mag. fed

Henry Supreme

https://www.henryusa.com/rifles/lever-action-supreme-rifle/

 

[XUSNORDIE]

I love my Ruger's, my AKs, and have way too many AR platform rifles/carbines......I'd take the M1A SOCOM Tanker over them all. Think of it as a Mini14 all grown up and ready for the heavyweight ring. ;)

 

[Hankus]

@Knecht - have you thought about a Mini 30 in 7.62x39? I would assume that ammunition for it would be more plentiful than .223/5.56x45 on that side of the Atlantic?

 

[Knecht]

@Knecht - have you thought about a Mini 30 in 7.62x39? I would assume that ammunition for it would be more plentiful than .223/5.56x45 on that side of the Atlantic?

No. Ammo availability is the same, 5,56 still being made while 7,62 surplus is drying up and new production costs the same or more than 5,56. Also, if I wanted a 7,62 semiauto other than AK, I would choose the SKS. Had one, sold it, the only gun sale I regret. I would possibly consider the .300BLK model, as I'm already reloading that caliber, anyway (while factory made is even more expensive than both the 5,56 and 7,62)

 

[Chief]

If your area bans "assault rifles" like my state did, the Mini 14 and 30 won't make the cut. Here the ban includes semi-auto / magazine fed. So even 10/22 is out. However, my pump action Remington using AR15 mags is fine and so are the Nylon 66, Marlin 60 etc cause they're tube feed.

This such a grey area here in Illinois. There are still Ruger , plain jane 10-22 still offered for sale here, but not the tactical model which is on the ISP’s list . I haven’t seen any ordinary Mini-14s for sale though.

 

[hittman]

Mini 14 and 30 Ranch models are okay here. Stores here stock many of each at about 1100.00 each of course.

 

[Chief]

Mini 14 and 30 Ranch models are okay here. Stores here stock many of each at about 1100.00 each of course.

Thanks hittman! I thought that was the case but like I said it’s a cluster. I wouldn’t mind having one myself but the cost is a bit much for me for what it is, although what it is seems to be the only legal .223/5.56 semiauto.

 

[Air-cooled]

.I'd take the M1A SOCOM Tanker over them all. Think of it as a Mini14 all grown up and ready for the heavyweight ring. ;)

I like the SOCOM...and the .308 caliber.