mini-14
I did not want to hi-jack the other thread.
Did Ruger ever sell a factory folder mini-14 that was not a GB model? I have seen a mini-14 with what appears to be a factory folding stock with no bayonet lug on the barrel. The front sling attachment was on the side suggesting that this is a factory folding stock. Did somebody have a GB folder and just changed the barrel out?
Sperling PE
Did Ruger ever sell a factory folder mini-14 that was not a GB model? I have seen a mini-14 with what appears to be a factory folding stock with no bayonet lug on the barrel. The front sling attachment was on the side suggesting that this is a factory folding stock. Did somebody have a GB folder and just changed the barrel out?
Sperling PE
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I've made the decision to shop for and buy a mini-14, but the pricing seems to vary widely. Condition, options, blued vs SS, stocks, etc. obviously drive much of this. Being that these have been made since the 70s, are there any pit-falls to look for from certain years or models? I'm looking for a solid shooter with lots of life left in it and not a safe queen. Thanks. Jeff 0 -
quote:Originally posted by tone59
i have heard the newer ruger minis with tappered barrels are much more accurate than the old pencil barreled versions.can anyone out there confirm or deny this?also im looking for opinions on 223 vs 6.8 as a defensive weapon
Supposedly the newer Ruger's are more accurate but they come with a heavier price as well. Their still not as accurate as a AR for the same price. As far as the difference between the .223 & the 6.8 what are you defending yourself from ?? If your defending yourself in a house I wouldn't recommend either. Now if you plan on doing some hunting the 6.8 would be a benefit over the .223 as to taking game up to deer in size. But on the other hand 6.8 is a lot harder to come by and most sales people in big box gun stores still have never heard of it. It also carries a price tag of about $0.75 a round.0 -
With Mini's it is kinda luck of the draw. I've heard how inaccurate they are so many times there must be some real dogs out there. My first Mini was OK, 2-2 1/2 inch groups, but nothing special. The Mini I have now will shoot at an inch or a little over all day long. Like I said, luck of the draw. I know nothing about the new Mini's, but I'll bet my old Mini will out shoot most of the new Mini's. 0 -
I've had 5 minis and found the newer ones to be somewhat more accurate. But, all but the special built one demonstrated stringing once the barrels were hot which occurs after about 5 rounds give or take. I bought a barrel stabilizer and it made a huge difference. I paid $590 for the mini and the stabilizer (AccuStrut) was $95. It still needs trigger work and the black sight was hard for me to see. For a little more, you can get an AR that will shoot better out of the box. What I like about the mini is its size, ease in field stripping, realiability, and looks. 0 -
One of the big issues we now have with mini's are the differing barrel twist-rates, which aren't marked like AR barrles. (1-9 HBAR for example..1 twist every 9") Older ones were like 1-12", which is OK for 50-55 gr max, heavier bullets yaw and tumble. Newer ones have a tighter twist for heavier bullets. I have one of each (old/new in .223) and I need to measure the twist myself when I get time. I use 55gr PSP's in my mini's, and 68 gr match in my 1-9 AR's.
Yes, both of mine change POI a lot when hot, and the sights compared to an AR system leave a lot to be desired.
I am 99.9% certain you won't get MOA out of an out-of-the-box mini, more like "Minute-of-AK" (3"-4" at 100) accuracy. But they're good for what they were designed for; a reliable all terrain battle-style rifle for defense or ranchers popping coyotes, etc.
As for 6.8 vs .5.56; both are fine for shooting people, that's what they were designed for. Since 5.56 is on a shelf in every gunstore and 6.8 SPC is pricy and darn-near unavailable at smaller stores, Wal-marts, etc, I'd stick to the 5.56. Especially if you want to shoot a bit, and you don't reload. 20+ bucks a box for 6.8 versus as low as 5 bucks a box for 5.56 (1 magazine of 20 shots) adds up quickly.
If a larger caliber is required, a 7.62x39 Mini 30 fits the bill and ammo is everywhere for this, too.0
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