Mini, Ranch, Tactical
- Thread starter 53ofmt
- Start date
Here's my mini 14 tactical.
Don Lovel
Hunter
Chamber a tactical version in 6.5 Grendel
Otherwise based on previous mini .223 and mini 30 ownership... ho hum
Otherwise based on previous mini .223 and mini 30 ownership... ho hum
No personal experience, but I'll try to help w/the OP's question.
IN GENERAL:
Mini-14- chamered in 5.56 NATO.
Mini Thirty- chambered in 7.62 x 39.
"Ranch" model rifles tend to have 18.5" barrels.
"Tactical" models tend to have shorter (16.12") barrels, and all of them seem to have flash hiders. Current offerings include one model with a w/pistol grip folding stock (18" barrel), one model chambered in .300 Blackout, another with a telescoping stock w/pistol grip.
Mini Thirty models are currently catalogued in 7.62 x 39, in both 16.12" and 18.5" barrels.
Clear as mud?
——
The models can be confusing. Some “models” seem to differ only in their factory magazine capacity(?).
Wood stocks, synthetic stocks, telescoping/pistol grip stock, folding stock, etc. Blued or stainless finish. Short barrel, or really short barrel? Flash hider, or no?
——
***If I were looking for one, I'd start to narrow choices by choosing my:
-caliber
-metal finish
-stock design
Once you've got those down, things like barrel length and flash hiders might come into play.
Big internet sellers (like CDNN) will advertise very similar rifles, for noticeably different prices. The difference is often between a 5-round mag included and a 20-round mag included.
——
Do some research on different generations of Minis. They've often been blamed for mediocre accuracy. I think some changes in later models have helped fight that reputation, at least somewhat.
"Someday" I'll get a Mini-14 of some flavor… but I'm not sure exactly what configuration it will come in.
IN GENERAL:
Mini-14- chamered in 5.56 NATO.
Mini Thirty- chambered in 7.62 x 39.
"Ranch" model rifles tend to have 18.5" barrels.
"Tactical" models tend to have shorter (16.12") barrels, and all of them seem to have flash hiders. Current offerings include one model with a w/pistol grip folding stock (18" barrel), one model chambered in .300 Blackout, another with a telescoping stock w/pistol grip.
Mini Thirty models are currently catalogued in 7.62 x 39, in both 16.12" and 18.5" barrels.
Clear as mud?
——
The models can be confusing. Some “models” seem to differ only in their factory magazine capacity(?).
Wood stocks, synthetic stocks, telescoping/pistol grip stock, folding stock, etc. Blued or stainless finish. Short barrel, or really short barrel? Flash hider, or no?
——
***If I were looking for one, I'd start to narrow choices by choosing my:
-caliber
-metal finish
-stock design
Once you've got those down, things like barrel length and flash hiders might come into play.
Big internet sellers (like CDNN) will advertise very similar rifles, for noticeably different prices. The difference is often between a 5-round mag included and a 20-round mag included.
——
Do some research on different generations of Minis. They've often been blamed for mediocre accuracy. I think some changes in later models have helped fight that reputation, at least somewhat.
"Someday" I'll get a Mini-14 of some flavor… but I'm not sure exactly what configuration it will come in.
Last edited:
^^ Well, that was pretty thorough. 
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I'm working with a later version in .223 right now that has the heavier barrel, trying to determine if accuracy is going to be good enough to keep it interesting (based on the old saying "only accurate rifles are interesting"). Have a good 30mm Leupold 3-9x Patrol scope on it in Warne rings. Shot it a little Tuesday with 62 gr Federal factory ammo - not too bad. Got a 3-shot 100 yard group just over an inch. Plan to work up some handloads with 55, 60, and 63/65 grain bullets and see what's possible. I like the configuration of the rifle but not willing to settle for 3" groups, so we'll see...
