Range Report New Model Mini-14

[Go Navy]

I finally got to the range this afternoon, to sight in my new Mini-14 stainless w/Hogue stock, and its Burris EuroDiamond 1-4x24 scope (which I bought on eBay, essentially new in the box). Ruger fans note: this is the updated version of the Mini-14 with tighter tolerances and a fatter barrel.

When I initially mounted this scope, I did not torque the ring bases enough using my FAT Torque screwdriver, amateur that I am, so its first trip to the range a couple of months ago was utterly wasted. Never hit the paper at 50 yards. And I didn't figure out what was going on until I was putting the rifle in its soft case to return home, and finally noticed the scope was loose.

Today was a different story. I grabbed a box of 50 rounds of Black Hills .223 Rem, 69 gr. Matchking HP and that's all I took. At first I wasn't on the paper, so I started shooting at corners. After aiming at the upper right hand corner, I got these two, tight, two shot groups in the lower left corner (first picture). I shot the second 2-shot group after looking through my spotting scope and finding the first group, and wanting to confirm that the scope was that far off.

After walking two shot groups first up, and then right with several scope adjustments, here is the final group (2nd picture) of 9 + 2 out of a hot barrel, all falling within the diamond. The next to last group is outside the diamond to the left, and required one more scope adjustment. I literally used up the last 11 rounds in my 50 round box and put them all in the diamond. This rifle likes this ammo, so I must find more of it. Note that 69 grains is heavier than your garden variety 55 gr .223/5.62 stuff. But Ruger put a twist rate in this rifle that can stabilize somewhat heavier bullets. The Army, by the way, has gone to a heavier 5.62 bullet, too, but I don't recall what theirs weighs. I think it's even more than 69 gr.

I have to say that this rifle, not really broken in, shooting out of a hot barrel, with the guy pulling the trigger not really having shot it enough to get good with it, is looking like a pretty accurate piece, especially given that this is a carbine type rifle with an 18.5 inch barrel. I disregarded all the purist mandates to clean between every "x" number of shots, let it cool, etc. I just kept shooting and adjusting the scope in elevation first, and then azimuth. By the way, the Burris 1-4x scope is just fine for this rifle and the glass is excellent.

To show you what the rifle looks like, here it is (3rd picture), taken after returning home from today's session. The scope looks large on it, but that's because it's a relatively compact rifle. It's a sweet piece and I really like it. It has the tried and true, come hell or high water, scaled down, gas piston M14 action. By the way, it has good, rear-adjustable and front-fixed iron sights as standard, if someone wants to "go native" and travel light in a SHTF scenario.

[ArkansasHunter]

Good job !!! feller and thanks for the pictures. I like the mini 14 in a synthectic stock.
It looks good !...A.H

[xd45]

Gah, I've been trying to get my hands on a mini 14 forever...Very nice sir.

[Go Navy]

Originally Posted by xd45

Gah, I've been trying to get my hands on a mini 14 forever...Very nice sir.

Hang in there, xd45; it's worth the wait! Just get the newer version when you do.

[Archetype_wyo]

How much was your Mini? Is there much of a cost difference between it and the Mini-30?

[Go Navy]

Originally Posted by Archetype_wyo

How much was your Mini? Is there much of a cost difference between it and the Mini-30?

Archetype: I paid $809.99 at retail in a local gun shop for mine on 3 March 09. Plus Taxifornia sales tax and some disgusting and useless gov't fee of $35, which has some murky relationship to background checks and/or collection of records by the gov't.

I don't know what the cost diff. would be vs. the Mini-30 but I suspect there is close to none.

Go get your Mini-30 if you want one. You earned it. Get it before Pelosi/Reid/Obama tell you that you cannot.

[Archetype_wyo]

Yeah, might not be until the end of this year or when I get next years tax return til I can. Never know though, I might decide I can save money lol. I was watchin some videos by Nutnfancy on youtube, he's a pretty good guy does alot of reviews on tacti gear and stuff. I guess he was on a first-name basis with Ruger and sent them a letter telling them that they should make the Mini with a heavy "bull barrel"/target barrel and they did so lol.