altajava
Bearcat
I'm looking at buying a used mini 14. What year did Ruger fix the thin barrel problem?
Mini 14
- Thread starter altajava
- Start date
vincef329
Bearcat
2008 I think but really not sure. I'm replying to pass this link along to some other strategies regarding accuracy.
http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/accurizing-mini-14-ranch-rifle-35-hit-bulls-eye/
http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/accurizing-mini-14-ranch-rifle-35-hit-bulls-eye/
hickoryhillbill
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2014
- Messages
- 113
Don't be afraid of the thin barrel unless you are going to be doing mag dumps every chance you get. One of my most accurate minis is a 183 with buffers, smaller gas bushing and barrel strut. Less than $80 of add on parts and 11/2 in groups at 100 yds. Pretty good for iron sights and 64 yr old eyes. 
DGW1949
Hawkeye
altajava said:
Can't help with the dates.....but the transition to the new-type barrel began during the 580 serial number prefix, so some "580's" have it, some don't. All 581 and up prefix's do.
Hope this helped.
DGW
DGW1949
Hawkeye
roylt said:
With the exception of their newer "Target" version, Ruger has allways chambered the Mini-14 to be 5.56 compatable. You can verify that by downloading the appropriate manual off of Ruger's website.
Hope this helped.
DGW
Sorry roylt, but I don't think there is much the same between a mini-14 and a PC carbine... other than they are both made by Ruger.
Can't quite figure out what you mean.
The potential problem I think in the .223 / 5.56 debate I believe is more likely in bolt action rifles and the slight difference in head space and if you shoot a 5.56 round in a rifle specifically chambered for .223...there is very slight gap that can cause excessive pressure which can potentially damage the rifle.
Can't quite figure out what you mean.
The potential problem I think in the .223 / 5.56 debate I believe is more likely in bolt action rifles and the slight difference in head space and if you shoot a 5.56 round in a rifle specifically chambered for .223...there is very slight gap that can cause excessive pressure which can potentially damage the rifle.
mohavesam
Hawkeye
altajava said:
Not sure what you perceive the "thin barrel problem" to be? The short barrels give up velocity. The target barrels give up portability. The newer tapered barrels are different in the external dimensions only. "Bullet hose" shooting and/or cheapo com-blok ammo will ruin any accuracy potential with a commercial utility rifle.
The offset slide handle design has flex in recoil operation. Not a function of a thin or fat barrel model. Like the Garand and M-14-type NM mods, money cures all accuracy woes (same as any rifle). Fact is, the rifleman makes accuracy.
Chuckfish
Single-Sixer
hickoryhillbill, what barrel strut did you use? I'm in the process of doin up my mini and I think I either want the "Accu Strut" or the MoRod. I just put it in a Hoague over molded stock and it made all the difference in the way it handles.
hickoryhillbill
Single-Sixer
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2014
- Messages
- 113
Chuck, Tru-shot Technologies makes one also and is the one I have on 3 of my minis. Did I mention that I like Minis. 
Chuckfish
Single-Sixer
Bill, thanks for the info, but after looking at all the choices I'm going with the original barrel strut " Accu Strut ". and a replacement rear sight from "Tech Sights" . My Mini is a truck/farm rifle.
Thanks all for the info. I don't plan on doing mag dumps with these so I figured it was fine. I did get the one I was looking at because it looks like a safe queen. It's a 185- M14 to go with the other safe queen I found. A 189- M30. Still haven't figured out how to post a picture.
chet15
Hawkeye
Ruger changed the barrels to the new type between 580-47117 and 580-500xx.
Also, the earliest of the New Mini-30's also had a pencil barrel. I think Ruger changed on this model when the 6.8 was introduced, but there aren't may Mini-30's with pencil barrel.
Chet15
Also, the earliest of the New Mini-30's also had a pencil barrel. I think Ruger changed on this model when the 6.8 was introduced, but there aren't may Mini-30's with pencil barrel.
Chet15
steelshooterco
Single-Sixer
On the old pencil barrels the diameter at the gas block was 0.500" on the new mini's it is 0.620".
Reason I know is that I've converted some older items to fit the newer Ranch models, and had a machinist open then up for me.
Reason I know is that I've converted some older items to fit the newer Ranch models, and had a machinist open then up for me.
Chuckfish
Single-Sixer
Any suggestions on scope mounts for a pre "dovetail receiver" model. I would like to mount a red dot sight system on my mini-14. I've looked at so many rail mounts and none look very sturdy.
