My New Mini-14 Ranch, Picture

Go Navy · 03-09-2009, 08:46 PM

Finally got one. They are extremely scarce here in Pelosi-land. I wanted a stainless model, but these days you grab what you can get. This one has the new barrel contour and is in the serial number range of 580-78xxx.

I put a Burris EuroDiamond 1-4x30mm (w/illuminated reticle) scope on it, using Ruger's 30mm medium height rings. I felt this scope would be about right for defensive purposes, and even some 4-legged varmint work if the opportunity arises. The sling is Browning's woven horsehair sling, which is definitely not "military" in appearance but I thought I'd give it a try and see if it grows on me. If not, I have other long arms that could use it.

Go Navy · 03-09-2009, 08:59 PM

Correction: that is a 1-4x24mm scope; the outside tube diameter is 30mm. I bought it new on eBay. My first impression, just checking it out at home, is that it has pretty good, and maybe very good, eye relief and is very bright. I may have it set too far aft, but we'll see when I actually start shooting.

The stock pleasantly surprised me because it is not bad at all, considering that it's probably "only" birch.

I haven't gone to the range yet to sight in and start breaking in this rifle. I'll send a range report when I do. This is the 4th Mini-14 I've owned, the first I've owned of the new barrel series, and now the only Mini-14 I have. Had to get one ASAP due to worries about new gun control politics on the horizon.

If I get a chance to buy this same rifle in stainless, that is going to be serious temptation, as I struggle to keep my shaking hand away from my wallet.

A-FIXER · 03-09-2009, 09:05 PM

Hey Navy, How did your mag hunt pan out was you able to get compliant ones if not no need to say so, just hope you got what you need to do what you need it to do... By the way it is nice....

stalkingbear · 03-09-2009, 10:22 PM

Congrats on your new Mini Ranch! YEARS ago, I built a bull barrel Mini to use on coyotes and jump shooting jack rabbits when going to gunsmithing school. That Mini was incredibly accurate when I got done with it, but most are only so-so on accuracy out of the box. They have increased in accuracy a long way since the recent complete retooling Ruger made on the Mini tooling however. Let us know how it shoots.

jclem · 03-10-2009, 07:01 AM

I got a stainless model with the composite stock a couple of weeks ago. I could not be more pleased. Enjoy it. I find it easier to shoot, handle, and especially easier to clean than my issue M4. It may not be quite as accurate, but it's a hell of a lot more fun to shoot my ranch it whatever I choose to wear that day than it is to shoot the issue weapon wearing body armor

Go Navy · 03-10-2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-FIXER

Hey Navy, How did your mag hunt pan out was you able to get compliant ones if not no need to say so, just hope you got what you need to do what you need it to do... By the way it is nice....

A-Fixer, thanks for asking.... today I bought three 10 round metal Pro Mag magazines for the Mini-14. They're compliant here in Taxifornia. They cost $20 bucks apiece. They go in and out of the rifle the way they should, but I haven't shot with them yet.

I wonder if somebody makes a buttstock mag carrier for the Mini?

I do have some "pre-ban" magazines but 'nuff said on that.......

Go Navy · 03-10-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jclem

I got a stainless model with the composite stock a couple of weeks ago. I could not be more pleased. Enjoy it. I find it easier to shoot, handle, and especially easier to clean than my issue M4. It may not be quite as accurate, but it's a hell of a lot more fun to shoot my ranch it whatever I choose to wear that day than it is to shoot the issue weapon wearing body armor

jclem...welcome back to civilization! You got the model that would have been my first choice. However, I can buy the Hogue overmolded stock by itself and drop my Mini into it. Gotta shoot mine a bunch before I decide that. What ranges have you shot yours at so far? How's the accuracy? Have you scoped it yet?

A-FIXER · 03-10-2009, 09:44 PM

[quote][/QI do have some "pre-ban" magazines but 'nuff said on that.......
__________________
UOTE]
ABSOLUTEY..NUFF SAID....who knows what the feds watch or read....

jclem · 03-10-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go Navy

jclem...welcome back to civilization! You got the model that would have been my first choice. However, I can buy the Hogue overmolded stock by itself and drop my Mini into it. Gotta shoot mine a bunch before I decide that. What ranges have you shot yours at so far? How's the accuracy? Have you scoped it yet?

I'm full-time in the National Guard and we have a free to use "Sportsmans' Range" on my post (Camp Robinson, AR). I'm getting good accuracy at 100yds with iron sights from prone unsupported and kneeling. I'm not much for measuring groups. Everything I've shot would be an unpleasant center mass hit on your average bad guy. No plan for scope right now, just buying ammo and I still have to get my wife a CCW. She has her permit but is very picky about pistols (she's a former Jarhead Officer). I'll be shooting 200yds next time out. Stay in touch, squid... Sorry, I couldn't resist.

boomer.hide · 03-12-2009, 01:43 AM

Nice rifle, I have a M4 and a ranch rifle, I enjoy shooting the Ruger over the M4. The ruger points alot better. Never had a malf. with the Ruger

jclem · 03-12-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomer.hide

Nice rifle, I have a M4 and a ranch rifle, I enjoy shooting the Ruger over the M4. The ruger points alot better. Never had a malf. with the Ruger

Agreed. I like the trigger pull better too. I've been stocking up on ammo so I can keep a stockage and have a shooting supply. I mananged to find a 30 round Pro Mag locally today. I am very pleased with my Ruger. I even have a Ruger hat now

CAPTBOB · 03-12-2009, 07:57 PM

You gotta love the new Ruger. Picked up the new Ruger Tactical with 20 rd. magazines about a month ago. Ordered 4 more 20 rd. clips and a 5 rd for the range and to make it legal in the woods. Put a 1 to 4 Bushnell Shotgun scope on with the supplied rings. Everything seems to be working as it has not missed a beat at the range during several sessions and about 100 rds of mixed ammo.

Mando · 03-17-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go Navy

A-Fixer, thanks for asking.... today I bought three 10 round metal Pro Mag magazines for the Mini-14. They're compliant here in Taxifornia. They cost $20 bucks apiece. They go in and out of the rifle the way they should, but I haven't shot with them yet.

I wonder if somebody makes a buttstock mag carrier for the Mini?

I do have some "pre-ban" magazines but 'nuff said on that.......

Have you shot with those Pro Mags yet? mine needed a little 'adjustment' before they worked right. And i'm still not satisfied with the followers. They seem too narrow and not shaped quite right.

Go Navy · 03-20-2009, 12:22 AM

Mando, haven't shot the Pro Mags yet. Will advise...stay tuned.

Mando · 03-20-2009, 08:28 PM

Edit- I think the problem is that the promag body doesn't narrow at the top in the back like ruger mags do. This allows the follower to wiggle side to side, which is probably what caused my problem. (last cartridge popping out as the action is cycling.)

Another thing- I had to grind a bit on the back of the mag where it sticks out to catch in the magwell for the mags to fit right; one of them wouldn't even *click* into place loaded. I think they were too long.

But the cartridge jumping out problem doesn't happen every time. Hopefully you won't have any problems with them.

03-09-2009, 08:46 PM	#1
Go Navy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Taxifornia Posts: 117	My New Mini-14 Ranch, Picture Finally got one. They are extremely scarce here in Pelosi-land. I wanted a stainless model, but these days you grab what you can get. This one has the new barrel contour and is in the serial number range of 580-78xxx. I put a Burris EuroDiamond 1-4x30mm (w/illuminated reticle) scope on it, using Ruger's 30mm medium height rings. I felt this scope would be about right for defensive purposes, and even some 4-legged varmint work if the opportunity arises. The sling is Browning's woven horsehair sling, which is definitely not "military" in appearance but I thought I'd give it a try and see if it grows on me. If not, I have other long arms that could use it. Attached Thumbnails __________________ GOA/NRA Life Member USN Veteran

03-09-2009, 08:59 PM	#2
Go Navy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Taxifornia Posts: 117	Correction: that is a 1-4x24mm scope; the outside tube diameter is 30mm. I bought it new on eBay. My first impression, just checking it out at home, is that it has pretty good, and maybe very good, eye relief and is very bright. I may have it set too far aft, but we'll see when I actually start shooting. The stock pleasantly surprised me because it is not bad at all, considering that it's probably "only" birch. I haven't gone to the range yet to sight in and start breaking in this rifle. I'll send a range report when I do. This is the 4th Mini-14 I've owned, the first I've owned of the new barrel series, and now the only Mini-14 I have. Had to get one ASAP due to worries about new gun control politics on the horizon. If I get a chance to buy this same rifle in stainless, that is going to be serious temptation, as I struggle to keep my shaking hand away from my wallet. __________________ GOA/NRA Life Member USN Veteran

03-09-2009, 10:22 PM	#4
stalkingbear Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Ky Posts: 35	Congrats on your new Mini Ranch! YEARS ago, I built a bull barrel Mini to use on coyotes and jump shooting jack rabbits when going to gunsmithing school. That Mini was incredibly accurate when I got done with it, but most are only so-so on accuracy out of the box. They have increased in accuracy a long way since the recent complete retooling Ruger made on the Mini tooling however. Let us know how it shoots. __________________ Sponsored by...............space available

03-12-2009, 01:43 AM	#10
boomer.hide Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Eastern Maine Posts: 105	Nice rifle, I have a M4 and a ranch rifle, I enjoy shooting the Ruger over the M4. The ruger points alot better. Never had a malf. with the Ruger __________________ TWO TO THE CHEST, ONE TO THE HEAD

03-20-2009, 12:22 AM	#14
Go Navy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Taxifornia Posts: 117	Mando, haven't shot the Pro Mags yet. Will advise...stay tuned. __________________ GOA/NRA Life Member USN Veteran

03-09-2009, 09:05 PM	#3
A-FIXER Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 492	Hey Navy, How did your mag hunt pan out was you able to get compliant ones if not no need to say so, just hope you got what you need to do what you need it to do... By the way it is nice....

03-10-2009, 07:01 AM	#5
jclem Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 12	I got a stainless model with the composite stock a couple of weeks ago. I could not be more pleased. Enjoy it. I find it easier to shoot, handle, and especially easier to clean than my issue M4. It may not be quite as accurate, but it's a hell of a lot more fun to shoot my ranch it whatever I choose to wear that day than it is to shoot the issue weapon wearing body armor

03-10-2009, 09:44 PM	#8
A-FIXER Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 492	[quote][/QI do have some "pre-ban" magazines but 'nuff said on that....... __________________ UOTE] ABSOLUTEY..NUFF SAID....who knows what the feds watch or read....

03-12-2009, 07:57 PM	#12
CAPTBOB Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: CLARKSTON, MICHIGAN Posts: 5	You gotta love the new Ruger. Picked up the new Ruger Tactical with 20 rd. magazines about a month ago. Ordered 4 more 20 rd. clips and a 5 rd for the range and to make it legal in the woods. Put a 1 to 4 Bushnell Shotgun scope on with the supplied rings. Everything seems to be working as it has not missed a beat at the range during several sessions and about 100 rds of mixed ammo.

03-20-2009, 08:28 PM	#15
Mando Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kalifornia Posts: 153	Edit- I think the problem is that the promag body doesn't narrow at the top in the back like ruger mags do. This allows the follower to wiggle side to side, which is probably what caused my problem. (last cartridge popping out as the action is cycling.) Another thing- I had to grind a bit on the back of the mag where it sticks out to catch in the magwell for the mags to fit right; one of them wouldn't even click into place loaded. I think they were too long. But the cartridge jumping out problem doesn't happen every time. Hopefully you won't have any problems with them.