Just got myself a Mini-14!!!

[CrossRifles2008]

So I just picked up the Mini 14 at walmart. I know I should support the local gunshop, walmart was the only one that had the model I wanted. Its the 5 round mag and wood stock one. I'd like a flash suppressor, but not tracking any new factory versions that have a flash suppressor, and wood stock. First three serial numbers are 582. Now I want to pick up some 30 round mags. Which are the best? I don't mind paying for Ruger mags, just saw that their reviews aren't great on Midway.

 

[E]

In my experience, Ruger factory mags for the Mini work better than any others -- but I've only used factory 5 and 20-rounders. They cost more than after-market mags in the short run, but in the long run, the $30-40 factory mag is cheaper and less aggravating than the $20 after-market that you replace with another $20 after-market (or $30-40 factory mag).

With after-market 30-rounders, I found I can keep them working pretty reliably if loaded with just 20 -- in which case I only need a 20-rounder, and that takes me back to the factory 20-rounders anyway.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Are the factory 30 round mags good. I will diffenatly get a few 10s & 20s but would like to have atleast two 30s i think they will fit well in my 511 tactical vest for the range.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Not a talkitive bunch I guess

 

[Bob G]

The Ruger Mags are the best in my opinion, and they will retain their value better. Personally, I prefer the Ruger 20 rounders. You got yourself a very reliable weapon there. Keep it clean, and at the ready.

 

[cagedodger]

While the factory mags are definitely the best, I've had no problems with Pro-Mag 20 rounders.

In a side by side comparison they look as well made as the factory mags, just without the Ruger stampings.

I prefer the 20s because that's how I buy ammo; in 20 round boxes.

Cage

 

[Bob G]

While the factory mags are definitely the best, I've had no problems with Pro-Mag 20 rounders.

In a side by side comparison they look as well made as the factory mags, just without the Ruger stampings.

I prefer the 20s because that's how I buy ammo; in 20 round boxes.

Cage

Just load two mags and it'll even out. :lol: I agree some of the after market stuff is every bit as good. I think it's the Clinton gun ban that compels me to buy Ruger stamped mags. Depending on the outcome of the next election; I think a similar ban is a real possibility.

 

[cagedodger]

While the factory mags are definitely the best, I've had no problems with Pro-Mag 20 rounders.

In a side by side comparison they look as well made as the factory mags, just without the Ruger stampings.

I prefer the 20s because that's how I buy ammo; in 20 round boxes.

Cage

Just load two mags and it'll even out. :lol:

And increase my ammo usage by 50%! :lol:

Cage

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Definatly gonna stock up on Ruger 20 round mags. I here it gives the ranch rifle better balance then the 30s. I still plan on getting two Ruger 30s as stated earlier. I think they will fit great in my 511 vest.

 

[Ditmo]

I've had good results with the tapco Gen2 30 rounders. No malfunctions in ~600 rounds. I still prefer the factory 20 rounders though.

 

[single action]

The thirties really feel more akward in the gun and are tough on the bench when cutting paper IMHO bob

 

[blairsville-dave]

Crossrifle - you seem to have your mind made up, so why ask for opinions.
Do what you want, but unless you plan on the world coming a end in the near future 2 or 3 20 round factory mags should be enough for most anyone. Dave

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Crossrifle - you seem to have your mind made up, so why ask for opinions.
Do what you want, but unless you plan on the world coming a end in the near future 2 or 3 20 round factory mags should be enough for most anyone. Dave

Dave I'm asking to see if anyone has experience on the Ruger 30 round mags. If they are awkward for bench shooting then it doesn't change my mind. If someone were to say "I bought 4 and only 1 worked" that would change my mind. If they all function I would like a variety. Not sure why that bothers you.

 

[hawk_driver]

The Ruger 20 rounders are great, never had an issue. Pro-Mag 20 and 30 round mags I have had problems with them locking in the gun. The best non-Ruger I have tried is the Tapco polymer 30 rounders. I bought 3, they all lock in with no issues and never had any feeding problems with them.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Thanks Hawk-Driver. I picked up a Ruger 20 Rounder Today. LGS has them for $30, will test it out this weekend. When Midway has Ruger 30s available I will pick up two. Leaning toward twenties for the majority of my mags though. Also like my 5 for hunting too. I like the idea of variety for my Mini 14.

 

[Cedar Creek]

I use a Ruger 10 round magazine nearly all the time in my Mini-14. Also have two Ruger 5 round magazines and a 30 round magazine, but I find the find the high-cap mags are awkward or cumbersome. But I don't really think of it as a defense rifle - mostly my knockaround and camp rifle + predator calling.

Cedar Creek

Cedar Creek

 

[CrossRifles2008]

By the way what ammo do you guys like for your Mini 14?

Target _______________

Hunting ______________

 

[Mus408]

Congrats on your new Mini 14!

I recently bought one too,with wood stock and factory 20 rd. mag. Got a better price on it thru my local dealer than Walmart. Picked up 2 extra mags,and plenty of ammo,and will enjoy on my vacation in Blue Ridge Mts. next week!

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Congrats to you too. Please update me on how she performs on your trip.

 

[Bob G]

Definatly gonna stock up on Ruger 20 round mags. I here it gives the ranch rifle better balance then the 30s. I still plan on getting two Ruger 30s as stated earlier. I think they will fit great in my 511 vest.

You'll need 3-30's, two in the vest, one in the weapon. Otherwise you'll have an empty pocket while battle ready. :lol: Seriously, buy some 30's, just because. They may not be around forever. Better to have and not need, then need and not have. :wink:

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Thanks Bob

 

[Richbaker]

I got 4 C-Products 30-round mags a few years ago, no issues with any of them. They work...

 

[Major T]

CrossRifles, I have a pair of five round magazines, and four or five twenties. The 20 rounders are for SHFT/zombies and such. All I ever use are the fives. CDNN usually has good prices on Ruger stuff, jack

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Thanks Jack. I know I will make use of the 5 Round Mag too. Got a 20 the other day and will test out my Mini 14 Saturday. Really eager to try it out, never shot a Mini 14. A lot of experience with the M4/AR platform from the Army. With all the strong opinions comparing the two I hope I like it.

 

[sargents1]

I go with these for my 20 and 30rd mags http://www.cdnninvestments.com/mi14230blmag.html
I have three 30rd and three 20rd and all have been flawless in my gun. Plus they are reasonably priced. Buy one or two and see if they work with your gun.

BTW, I find that the 20rd rectangular mags are very handy in the gun. These ones here (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/mi220prblmag.html) give the gun a M14 style look and they are quite compact for 20rd mags. I find they work well for shooting off the bench.

As far as ammo, I dont get very picky. I use Wolf / Tula / Federal Bulk (from wal-mart) and other el-cheapo ammo for target and plinking use. I dont hunt with my Mini but if I did i would probably handload something on the heavier end of the spectrum and use high-quality bullets like a Nosler partition.

If you are coming from a M4/AR background you will find the Mini to be a bit different experience. You dont get the "sproing" sound of the buffer spring that you get with the AR guns. I like the Mini for being able to do a visual / press check easily. They also tend to be very light and handy as long as you dont get carried away with adding stuff on to them.

One thing I do find is that the Mini does tend to rise more under recoil than an AR due to the barrel being above the line of the stock. It is only an issue when trying to shoot very rapidly (such as when doing a 3-Gun competition).

Congratulations and good luck with your new purchase.

Post some pictures!

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Thanks sargents1,

That's my min 14 in my avatar, but I will post more pics from the range. I'm no gonna shoot the crap out of it Saturday, probably about 50-70 rounds to sight in the rear sight and get a feel for it. I will be using a 50 Round Remington 55grain UMC MC Box. Possibly some Hornady Zombie Max, since I heard good things about the grouping gotten out of the mini with Hornady 55 grain V Max. I'm thinking with the rate of twist I don't want to go much heavier than 60 grains. Thinking if I hunt with it, it will be Hornady 55 grain V Max or Winchester 64 Grain Razorback. 64 Grain is probably the heaviest I would use. I will post some pics and a report after Saturdays range trip.

 

[CrossRifles2008]

Update:

Took it to the range, and it fired all Remington UMC flawlessly. Also fired Hornady Zombie Max without problem. Found it to be plenty accurate. Used iron sights out to 100 yards and didn't miss the 8" black target I put out there. I love it.