Feeding problem with Mini 14

[soyarm]

I borrowed a mini 14 the other day from a friends collection and took it to the range for some shooting practice and fun. The round in the chamber fires first time every time. It ejects properly and with authority but then things go wrong. It will not pick up another round from the magazine. If I reach up and work the ejection rod manually it picks up a round and feeds it no problem. Its weird and although it does make a good single fire rifle I want it to be a semi auto. . What is going on and what should I do to remedy the situation? Suggestions please.

 

[gatling]

Sounds like a magazine problem. Are you using Ruger mags or an aftermarket mag?

 

[Richbaker]

Mag or under-powered ammo, which could cause "short stroking".... What kind/brand of ammo?

 

[blume357]

My vote also is after market magazine... has anybody ever noticed that usually these mags have no makers name on them? Try an original 5 round factory mag and see what happens. Also, one thing to try with the magazine is don't fully load it.... 5 or 10 rounds and see what happens.

 

[soyarm]

Thanks for replies everyone. I was using aftermarket mags..all I had. I will try again with a Ruger mag. I thought about that myself but it didn't make sense that it worked fine when operating it manually. So off to the range I go again and that is never a bad thing.

 

[gatling]

I am off to the range with my Mini 14 today as well. Life is good.

 

[Firsttimegrampa]

Also did you have the mag inserted properly ? They go in different from an AR

 

[Geoff Timm]

When you put the mag in the Mini you insert it at an angle and then pull the bottom back until it locks. It rocks in like an AK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz0Jb8dPTPc about 3 min. if you are in a hurry.
Geoff
Who uses 20 round Ruger mags exclusively, well sometimes the original 5 round, but ranges like the long VISIBLE mags for safety.