Mini 14 will not feed

[King of Spain]

Just picked up a used Mini 14, with a Butler Creek folding stock.

It is an older series, 184.

We took it out to shoot.

I was using both stock Ruger Mags and Pro Mag magazines.

I was using cheap Tul Ammo, .223, 55 gr. FMJ steel cased ammo.

The round will fire and eject but does not load the next cartridge.

At times the bolt may go far enough back to stovepipe the empty cartridge.

It did this with both mags.

Thank you for you help, David.

 

[blume357]

Try some better ammo first.... if that does solve the problem then you probably need to send it home to Ruger.

when you say Ruger magazines.... what capacity? .... with feeding problems... always fall back on the factory 5 rounder.

 

[96/44]

Is the bolt locking back, or short stroking (fired cases barely eject/don't eject)? If it is just short stroking, a good clean and lube will probably cure it. Make sure the gas port and piston are clean.

 

[Jeff Quinn]

Please try some good ammo.
The only reason that crap is on the market is because it is cheap. There is a good reason that it is cheap. Buy some quality 223 or even better NATO-spec 5.56mm.

Jeff

 

[KurtC]

How does it work using a factory stock, OEM magazines and proper ammo?

 

[xtratoy]

How does it cycle if you operate it by hand without firing the cartridge?

 

[King of Spain]

Ok, thanks for all incite and advice.

Gave the gun a good cleaning and oiling.

Everything looks and feels ok except that with the mag in, there is some downward play.

I am going to replace the magazine release spring and see if this addresses the feeding issue I have.

Any thoughts?

Thanks once again.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Gas block

Make sure that the 4 allen head screws at the gas block are tight. If they are loose, you will get gas bleed that will cause the bolt to fail to travel to the rear far enough to strip next round. I have seen this from time to time and they do work loose over time. Good luck!