Mini 14 Accuracy

Kcoyboy · 06-13-2009, 10:40 PM

Clem so you say the new gas block may be damaged? I guess they stake each one differently as mine wont budge period. So do you reload? Thats the way to get the best accuracy.

Clem321 · 06-14-2009, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kcoyboy

Clem so you say the new gas block may be damaged? I guess they stake each one differently as mine wont budge period. So do you reload? Thats the way to get the best accuracy.

I reload, but I haven’t reloaded .223 in a while. When I did, I loaded up some with 748 and Sierra 55 gr. bullets. They worked very well in the old Mini. I will have to look and see if I have any of that ammo left. It is probably loaded substantially lighter than factory stuff. It would be interesting to see if the gun would function with it now that I have the gas bushings installed.

Kcoyboy · 06-17-2009, 09:11 PM

24.3 Hod BLC 2 was the best load for me in the old MINI. It shot good in the new mini too with IMI fmj55 bullets. But my best load on the new mini is 19 grains of AA2200. Unfortunately its an overrun powder thats no longer available. I bought a lot of it years ago for $50 per 8lb jug. Its my favorite powder for 308 3030 and 223. have the new mini down to about 1 and a half at 100 yds. So probably wont be messing with that gas block. thanks for all the info. Hey we really do have to love these minis to mess with them this much. It would be nice if Ruger made them with the adjustable gas block to begin with!! also standard with a bull barrell and adjustable trigger!! Hey Ruger if you are listening I like your products but it would be nice if you t wreaked them out a little more to make them a competative rifle like the M1A!! Also would be nice if you brought back that old 308 experimental rifle in 308! Looked like a beefed up mini was called the XGI. It made it to the gun magazines but that was about it although I hear a few got out. Dont know why it didnt make it to full production? Now with the M1A going for $1600 or so wouldnt this be the time to unveil a new XG1 in say the $1000 range to compete? Just a thought but with this Obama administration might be a gamble. Anyone else hear about the XG 1?

blaster · 06-17-2009, 11:48 PM

a mini 30 on steroids, I'd buy one.

jrswanson1 · 06-18-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kcoyboy

Hey Ruger if you are listening I like your products but it would be nice if you t wreaked them out a little more to make them a competative rifle like the M1A!! Also would be nice if you brought back that old 308 experimental rifle in 308! Looked like a beefed up mini was called the XGI. It made it to the gun magazines but that was about it although I hear a few got out. Dont know why it didnt make it to full production? Now with the M1A going for $1600 or so wouldnt this be the time to unveil a new XG1 in say the $1000 range to compete? Just a thought but with this Obama administration might be a gamble. Anyone else hear about the XG 1?

Ruger XGI - PerfectUnion BBS

Clem321 · 06-18-2009, 10:54 AM

I have always had the feeling that development of the Mini was never completed. They took it far enough to make it inexpensively, but didn’t really complete the development to make it accurate, particularly when hot. Experiments with variable gas blocks or changing out gas bushings are some of the minor ways people are able to tweak and develop the guns for their own requirements. If the US military had ever taken a serious look at the Mini, they would probably have come up with a list of changes to further the development and make it a real combat rifle. Perhaps with the new version of the Mini, Ruger has actually done their homework and finished developing the gun. I hope so.

Kcoyboy · 06-18-2009, 08:40 PM

Ive got an old ad from the late 80.s that has a picture of the XG1 in it, would forward the pic but dont have a digital camera and dont know how. I asked the question on another forum and many people answered and said it didnt make it to production although one guy had one and showed a picture. Dont know how he got it? No one had any info on why it didnt make it to full production. Bill Ruger was kind of a weird guy who didnt want odinary people to have hi cap clips so who knows. Also the infamous FBI shootout in Miami where 2 FBI died and several wounded with a Mini may ha ve had something to do with it. Anyway I have an HBar AR which will shoot a lot better than my new mini but frankly I like wood stock rifles. Thats why I have a M1 carbine and a M1 Garand. we all like the Mini or we wouldnt be on this forum!!! Good shootin to yall from Kentucky!! Wish I hadnt got rid of my Polytech M14 butttttttttttttt what the heck. It would do 1 inch at 100 and I only paid $450 for it back in 91.

Kcoyboy · 06-18-2009, 08:43 PM

My eyes cant see as good as they used too It said XGI not XG1 in the ad in front of me. Anyone else hear of the XGI?

jrswanson1 · 06-19-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kcoyboy

My eyes cant see as good as they used too It said XGI not XG1 in the ad in front of me. Anyone else hear of the XGI?

Look here: Ruger XGI - PerfectUnion BBS

Everything you ever wanted to know about the XGI and with pictures!

Ruger offered one for sale at auction two years ago. They still have parts for 100 left in the plant.

Jim

Kcoyboy · 06-19-2009, 07:31 PM

Thanks Jim!!! Wonder if Ruger will try again?????

jrswanson1 · 06-19-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kcoyboy

Thanks Jim!!! Wonder if Ruger will try again?????

They're having enough problems getting Mini-14/30s out the door with the current loadings. I don't think it will happen.

On a side note, I believe the accuracy was the same as the Mini-14, but there were problems with cracked receivers, at least on the blued ones. The SS receivers apparently didn't have that problem. Personally, I would love to see the XGI in stainless that uses M-14 magazines. With the current regime at Ruger, this might happen, but I doubt it.

Jim

Kcoyboy · 06-30-2009, 12:50 AM

well I hear the new minis are flying off the shelves plus the price has gone up considerably if you can find one. Bought my last one before the Obama rush for $604. good Ruger shooting to yall from Kentucky a gun loving state!!!!!

rl356 · 07-11-2009, 07:51 PM

The Mini-14 wasn't really built to be a tack driver. That being said, there are ways to improve the accuracy of your Mini-14 without spending a lot of money. One of the more popular "mods" that I've heard of is the addition of an Accu Strut. The Accu Strut is a harmonic dampener that attatches to the underside of the barrel, and to the front of the gas block assembly. They cost about $120 online and work with both old, and new, Ruger Mini-14/30s. Though I've not had personal experience with one of these yet, I've heard good things from people that have.

jrswanson1 · 07-11-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rl356

The Mini-14 wasn't really built to be a tack driver. That being said, there are ways to improve the accuracy of your Mini-14 without spending a lot of money. One of the more popular "mods" that I've heard of is the addition of an Accu Strut. The Accu Strut is a harmonic dampener that attatches to the underside of the barrel, and to the front of the gas block assembly. They cost about $120 online and work with both old, and new, Ruger Mini-14/30s. Though I've not had personal experience with one of these yet, I've heard good things from people that have.

You can also build your own from clamps and a pipe for a whole lot less and get the same results. Adding a muzzle brake or flash suppressor helps, too.

Jim

Longarm · 07-14-2009, 07:20 PM

I have last years NRA model mini-14 and I love it. It is pretty darn accurate with a shorter heavier barrel. I shoot mine with open sights.

duff66 · 07-15-2009, 07:21 PM

The 181 series Mini-14 I had was an accurate enough rifle to have taken several deer. Most were head shots and a few neck shots. It had the complete wooden stock with out the plastic hand guard with holes for cooling, and open peep sights. That rifle never failed to fire any type ammo that was put through it. There was never a jam from that rifle. Of coarse a good cleaning after being used helped that Mini's record. I can testify that the Ruger Mini-14 is one of the loudest .223 caliber rifles I've fired. It was accurate and reliable enough that I carried it in the trunk of my patrol car as my "things can turn harry in a few seconds rifle". The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 had some riding time beside it as well.

Go Navy · 07-22-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kcoyboy

It would be nice if Ruger made them with the adjustable gas block to begin with!! also standard with a bull barrell and adjustable trigger!! Hey Ruger if you are listening I like your products but it would be nice if you t wreaked them out a little more to make them a competative rifle like the M1A!! Also would be nice if you brought back that old 308 experimental rifle in 308! Looked like a beefed up mini was called the XGI. It made it to the gun magazines but that was about it although I hear a few got out. Dont know why it didnt make it to full production? Now with the M1A going for $1600 or so wouldnt this be the time to unveil a new XG1 in say the $1000 range to compete? Just a thought but with this Obama administration might be a gamble. Anyone else hear about the XG 1?

The new Ruger SR-556 has a four position adjustable gas block and is gas piston operated. I would really like to get my hands on one but they are pricey. When you really look at the specs and design of it, it almost looks like they took everything wrong with the AR-15 and corrected it.

Laufer · 10-11-2009, 03:10 AM

Having a Mini 30, do you guys ever mark your fat front post sight with a tiny orange dot at the tip?
Shouldn't this help basic plinking at 25-50 yards?

Mark8252:
to paraphrase what you said, bricks and jugs also don't care, but my (40's vintage) Savage .22 has a better (bead) sight than Minis from '90 thru 2004.

dodgeman · 10-12-2009, 06:00 PM

My mini 14 is the only semi-auto that I have seen that has never jammed. As far as accuracy goes, so-so at best. As far as ammo goes, mine doesn't seem to care, it all functions fine. Mine does change the point of impact alot depending on how hot the ammo is, so once you get some ammo you like, zero your rifle and then try and stick with that ammo.

jrswanson1 · 10-16-2009, 02:42 PM

I have one Mini left, 186 serial number, and it still consistently hits 1.5 MOA with a variety of loads, no stringing, and it has yet to jam/fail no matter how much I abuse it. I've shot hand loads and commercial loads, no probs. I don't buy Wolf, but I do buy milsurp ammo, which also works great.

I'm really itching for the 6.8 version, the magazines are dimensionally close to the AR mags, unlike the .223 mags, which are too skinny.

Jim

06-17-2009, 11:48 PM	#24
blaster Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: big pine key, florida Posts: 1,294	a mini 30 on steroids, I'd buy one. __________________ peace through superior firepower

10-11-2009, 03:10 AM	#38
Laufer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Down south. Posts: 544	Having a Mini 30, do you guys ever mark your fat front post sight with a tiny orange dot at the tip? Shouldn't this help basic plinking at 25-50 yards? Mark8252: to paraphrase what you said, bricks and jugs also don't care, but my (40's vintage) Savage .22 has a better (bead) sight than Minis from '90 thru 2004. Last edited by Laufer; 10-11-2009 at 03:12 AM.

06-13-2009, 10:40 PM	#21
Kcoyboy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	Clem so you say the new gas block may be damaged? I guess they stake each one differently as mine wont budge period. So do you reload? Thats the way to get the best accuracy.

06-17-2009, 09:11 PM	#23
Kcoyboy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	24.3 Hod BLC 2 was the best load for me in the old MINI. It shot good in the new mini too with IMI fmj55 bullets. But my best load on the new mini is 19 grains of AA2200. Unfortunately its an overrun powder thats no longer available. I bought a lot of it years ago for $50 per 8lb jug. Its my favorite powder for 308 3030 and 223. have the new mini down to about 1 and a half at 100 yds. So probably wont be messing with that gas block. thanks for all the info. Hey we really do have to love these minis to mess with them this much. It would be nice if Ruger made them with the adjustable gas block to begin with!! also standard with a bull barrell and adjustable trigger!! Hey Ruger if you are listening I like your products but it would be nice if you t wreaked them out a little more to make them a competative rifle like the M1A!! Also would be nice if you brought back that old 308 experimental rifle in 308! Looked like a beefed up mini was called the XGI. It made it to the gun magazines but that was about it although I hear a few got out. Dont know why it didnt make it to full production? Now with the M1A going for $1600 or so wouldnt this be the time to unveil a new XG1 in say the $1000 range to compete? Just a thought but with this Obama administration might be a gamble. Anyone else hear about the XG 1?

06-18-2009, 10:54 AM	#26
Clem321 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 142	I have always had the feeling that development of the Mini was never completed. They took it far enough to make it inexpensively, but didn’t really complete the development to make it accurate, particularly when hot. Experiments with variable gas blocks or changing out gas bushings are some of the minor ways people are able to tweak and develop the guns for their own requirements. If the US military had ever taken a serious look at the Mini, they would probably have come up with a list of changes to further the development and make it a real combat rifle. Perhaps with the new version of the Mini, Ruger has actually done their homework and finished developing the gun. I hope so.

06-18-2009, 08:40 PM	#27
Kcoyboy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	Ive got an old ad from the late 80.s that has a picture of the XG1 in it, would forward the pic but dont have a digital camera and dont know how. I asked the question on another forum and many people answered and said it didnt make it to production although one guy had one and showed a picture. Dont know how he got it? No one had any info on why it didnt make it to full production. Bill Ruger was kind of a weird guy who didnt want odinary people to have hi cap clips so who knows. Also the infamous FBI shootout in Miami where 2 FBI died and several wounded with a Mini may ha ve had something to do with it. Anyway I have an HBar AR which will shoot a lot better than my new mini but frankly I like wood stock rifles. Thats why I have a M1 carbine and a M1 Garand. we all like the Mini or we wouldnt be on this forum!!! Good shootin to yall from Kentucky!! Wish I hadnt got rid of my Polytech M14 butttttttttttttt what the heck. It would do 1 inch at 100 and I only paid $450 for it back in 91.

06-18-2009, 08:43 PM	#28
Kcoyboy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	My eyes cant see as good as they used too It said XGI not XG1 in the ad in front of me. Anyone else hear of the XGI?

06-19-2009, 07:31 PM	#30
Kcoyboy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	Thanks Jim!!! Wonder if Ruger will try again?????

06-30-2009, 12:50 AM	#32
Kcoyboy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	well I hear the new minis are flying off the shelves plus the price has gone up considerably if you can find one. Bought my last one before the Obama rush for $604. good Ruger shooting to yall from Kentucky a gun loving state!!!!!

07-11-2009, 07:51 PM	#33
rl356 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 398	The Mini-14 wasn't really built to be a tack driver. That being said, there are ways to improve the accuracy of your Mini-14 without spending a lot of money. One of the more popular "mods" that I've heard of is the addition of an Accu Strut. The Accu Strut is a harmonic dampener that attatches to the underside of the barrel, and to the front of the gas block assembly. They cost about $120 online and work with both old, and new, Ruger Mini-14/30s. Though I've not had personal experience with one of these yet, I've heard good things from people that have.

07-14-2009, 07:20 PM	#35
Longarm Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 4	I have last years NRA model mini-14 and I love it. It is pretty darn accurate with a shorter heavier barrel. I shoot mine with open sights.

07-15-2009, 07:21 PM	#36
duff66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 10	The 181 series Mini-14 I had was an accurate enough rifle to have taken several deer. Most were head shots and a few neck shots. It had the complete wooden stock with out the plastic hand guard with holes for cooling, and open peep sights. That rifle never failed to fire any type ammo that was put through it. There was never a jam from that rifle. Of coarse a good cleaning after being used helped that Mini's record. I can testify that the Ruger Mini-14 is one of the loudest .223 caliber rifles I've fired. It was accurate and reliable enough that I carried it in the trunk of my patrol car as my "things can turn harry in a few seconds rifle". The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 had some riding time beside it as well.

10-12-2009, 06:00 PM	#39
dodgeman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Macomb, Illinois Posts: 20	My mini 14 is the only semi-auto that I have seen that has never jammed. As far as accuracy goes, so-so at best. As far as ammo goes, mine doesn't seem to care, it all functions fine. Mine does change the point of impact alot depending on how hot the ammo is, so once you get some ammo you like, zero your rifle and then try and stick with that ammo.

10-16-2009, 02:42 PM	#40
jrswanson1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1,093	I have one Mini left, 186 serial number, and it still consistently hits 1.5 MOA with a variety of loads, no stringing, and it has yet to jam/fail no matter how much I abuse it. I've shot hand loads and commercial loads, no probs. I don't buy Wolf, but I do buy milsurp ammo, which also works great. I'm really itching for the 6.8 version, the magazines are dimensionally close to the AR mags, unlike the .223 mags, which are too skinny. Jim