Mini 14 reliability?

[Cali-Shooter]

I almost bought one back when (AWB 1994). Held off, saved my money, and the OLL market exploded years later, and I've never looked back since.

It's a fine shooter, and a great rifle, but just not for me.
But pricewise, the AR-15 has it cornered. If you are in a free state, it's almost a no brainer cost efficiency wise to get an AR-15 (like every other boring drone of a gunowner). If in the PRK or ban state, Mini-14 makes a bit more sense, although 'featureless' AR-15's are still available.

[StuckInTheP.R.O.Ca]

I have an old 180 series (circa 1979). I don't recall it ever having a malfunction.

[Creampuff]

Mini-14 hate is inevitable in these threads, often smug faux-elite nonsense based on nothing of substance.

I have to agree with you because I often wonder about those laughing about the mini14, if they have ever owned one.

But I also wonder about those tearing apart due to its accuracy. It was never built to be a tack driver. It is a great reliable ranch rifle (carbine).

[smbob]

Love my Mini 14. Not going to win any benchrest competitions with it, but that's not what it was designed for. It works perfect for the kind of shooting and hunting I like to do. Had the trigger group worked on and it is smooth and crisp right now. I also put in a smaller gas bushing so it only launches the brass about 5 ft now. I use Ruger factory mags only. Never had a jam or malfunction. Super easy to clean and take care of. Just a genius design in my opinion. Don't get me wrong. I love my AR's. I don't try to compare the Mini to them. They are two different weapon systems. They are both great in their own ways. My Mini 14 is not going anywhere. It's staying with me.

Robert

[Elgatodeacero]

My new series Mini14 is very reliable, just as reliable as my Colt AR.

Unfortunately, mini14's are simply not accurate. People that say they are either got very lucky or like to spout nonsense. There is no shooting discipline that requires accuracy in which you will find anyone using a Mini14.

Stop with the nonsense and hyperbole, Mini14's almost always display disappointing to very poor accuracy even with Federal Gold Medal Match ammo.

[-hanko]

I bet you do.

Interesting post v. avatar.

[TMB 1]

Same people who can't hit anything with the Mini can't hit anything with a Winchester 94 30-30 either.

[omega]

I never had a reason to buy a Ruger mini 14 when you could buy an SKS for less than half the prices

[nstoolman1]

My Mini in a 181 series shoots well enough to take squirrels at 50 yds. I don't think I will ever sell it. Paid $139 for it in '79.

[alpha_romeo_XV]

Recently came across a post by the survivors of the mass shooting in Norway in 2011 at the Workers Party Youth Camp. The nut job killed 69 people on the island, mostly with a Ruger Mini-14 so it must have been some what reliable. It did say that those who swam more than 200 yards off shore were safe due to accuracy limits. The story showed the wounds of the survivors. He used hollow points and ugly scars if not amputations were the result.

[steel30]

I often look to my right to see who I may be raining brass onto.

Too funny, couldn't find my brass from the first couple of mags last time. My buddy said they flew over his head...he was about 15' away.

[DirtRacer151]

I have a ton of ARs. I have a ton of Precision rifles. I have a few ARs that are built as Precision rifles. I also have a mini.

My mini just has open sights.

I don't shoot it from the bench. That's what Precision rifles are for.

My mini is fun to shoot in the off hand position at random steel targets on the range and in that regard I'd say it's plenty accurate. I also find that it is very reliable and I love that it doesn't look like every other semi auto rifle at the range.

When I get to the range and see everyone shooting their door kicker tactical ARs from the bench it's easy to understand why people disapprove of the minis accuracy. Your door kicker AR isn't a Precision rifle. If you want to do that then build a rifle for that purpose.

[Crazed_SS]

My mini has been great.. hits pie plates at 100 yards all day. No issues to speak off.

Obviously it's not a precision rifle, but it works just fine. Bonus points for no BB or AW hangups.

[jeffrice6]

New Mini's are great!!! Just as reliable as always but with improved accuracy! With my crappy skills I was still able to destroy clay pigeons at 100yds with bulk ammo...... All depends on what you want outta a rifle, golf balls at 200, probably not the rifle for you. Kill what you're shooting at with near perfect reliablity, Mini all the way!

[jeffrice6]

My mini has been great.. hits pie plates at 100 yards all day. No issues to speak off.

Obviously it's not a precision rifle, but it works just fine. Bonus points for no BB or AW hangups.

Helps if you mention series ~