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Mini-14

84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
edited January 2017 in General Discussion
OK, I like the Mini-14. It is not an AR. It is not an AK. It is what it is. At 200 yards it feels real good to me. I like American made. I even like the .223/5.56 just to shoot. For thin skinned varmets at or under 200 yards it is just right. Using the rifle for 2 leg varments at or under 200yards it also works very well. Just thought I would have a gun subject and stur the pot. My 2 cents [8D]
Oh yea, I also like the 10mm. Nothing to do with the Mini 14 topic just a little back ground.
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Comments

  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i picked up a mini-14, and the thing is so dirty. i don't think it has ever been cleaned. so who has the best teardown book for it and where do i get it???thanks
  • tsavo303tsavo303 Member Posts: 8,913 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Performance wise, I see no point with all the ar's out there
  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,271 ******
    edited November -1
    I couldn't hit a barn with mine.
    From inside the barn.
    Sold it after Sandy Hook and doubled my money.
    Word is the new ones are more accurate.
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,224 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    Worth owning?
    Sure, the new ones are pretty good, and they're NOT an AR.[;)]
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Kinda what I thought. I've got several AR's. Watching a movie where they are using a Mini-14. Although they have a bad reputation, they have always intrigued me.

    Thanks. Keep em' coming.
  • searcher5searcher5 Member Posts: 13,511
    edited November -1
    Had an older one. Patterned like a shotgun at 100 yards. Gave it to one of my kids. Told her it was good for "pray and spray"

    Mechanically, however, it great.

    Peace

    Dan
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've heard they have made inroads into improving the accuracy.

    I do appreciate having firearms that fill a niche without having the "Evil Black Gun," look

    I've got (for example) a tricked out Marlin Camp 9, I'd stack up against any 9mm AR out there.

    Shares magazines with my S&W model 59, and my Kel-Tec P11. A pretty potent trifecta.
  • JamesRKJamesRK Member Posts: 25,670 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    When Mecklenburg Correctional Facility was a maximum security prison they had ARs and Mini-14s. They considered them interchangeable because they both used the same ammo, but they preferred the Mini-14 because it was less expensive.

    The wizards who declared them interchangeable were impressed with anybody who could put twenty of twenty on paper with either gun.
    The road to hell is paved with COMPROMISE.
  • bambihunterbambihunter Member Posts: 10,788 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I too couldn't keep my older mini-30 or mini-14's on a plate at 100 yards from a rest.
    Ironically, a guy I used to shoot with had an AC556 which is more or less a class III version of the mini 14 and it was more accurate than mine, even after thousands of rounds through it in "rock and roll mode" (select fire or full-auto).
    Fanatic collector of the 10mm auto.
  • nordnord Member Posts: 6,106
    edited November -1
    I own an earlier Mini-14. Iron sights an it'll do up a soda can every time in excess of 90 yards. Want more? Get a target rifle. Want reliability under just about any conditions? The Mini will fit the bill.

    Just remember... The Mini is a utility rifle. It's great for it's intended purpose. If you happen to be an unfortunate coyote out at 100 yds. or so, then you may expect to be feeling the heat. Conversely, if you're a shooter looking to put out the eye of a coyote at that range, there are better choices.
  • SawzSawz Member Posts: 6,049
    edited November -1
    I used to pick Starlings off at 75 yards consistently with mine, with the peep sight that came with it. Took a bit to get used to but I had no complaints with mine. It was as accurate as I wanted it to be. For more accuracy I have different guns
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks all.


    Keep em' coming.


    I've used an "accurized" M14, as our units "designated Marksman." I've also extensively used the M16. I am familiar with both.

    Thank you for the reply.
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Back in the days when a Colt AR-15 H-Bar cost $799 (retail), a Mini-14 was priced at $399, it was an attractive alternative. I'm not sure what the current retail price of a Mini-14 is, but AR's are so inexpensive now that it hardly makes sense to buy a Mini, unless you really want one.
  • flyingcolumnflyingcolumn Member Posts: 374 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've owned one for 30 years and it's never failed to perform. It eats any ammo I give it and it's very accurate for a semi auto with open sights. Definitely worth owning.
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,224 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mark christian
    Back in the days when a Colt AR-15 H-Bar cost $799 (retail), a Mini-14 was priced at $399, which made it an attractive alternative. I'm not sure what the current retail price of a Mini-14 is, but AR's are so inexpensive now that it hardly makes sense to buy a Mini, unless you really want one.


    Yeah, I saw Minis the other day for $700 IIRC, but it's still NOT an AR.[:p]
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Sounds like were 50/50 so far.
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    Sounds like were 50/50 so far.


    What do you plan to do with it? If you just want to keep it in your pickup truck to plink or to shoot at the odd coyote then the Mini is is fine. It was designed to be a mild mannered 5.56 semi auto and capture police and civilian sales. It works fine in that niche.
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mark christian
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    Sounds like were 50/50 so far.


    What do you plan to do with it? If you just want to keep it in your pickup truck to plink or to shoot at the odd coyote then the Mini is is fine. It was designed to be a mild mannered 5.56 semi auto and capture police and civilian sales. It works fine in that niche.



    Sounds about what I'm looking at it for.

    As stated previously, I've got several AR's some worked "customs," if I need further accuracy in the .223/.556 platform, I've got that covered.

    I like and desire, a varied assortment.

    Thanks for all the replies.

    Keep em' coming.
  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,209 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
    When Mecklenburg Correctional Facility was a maximum security prison they had ARs and Mini-14s. They considered them interchangeable because they both used the same ammo, but they preferred the Mini-14 because it was less expensive.

    The wizards who declared them interchangeable were impressed with anybody who could put twenty of twenty on paper with either gun.

    We had old Remington .06's. and 12ga. They brought in the mini 14 and just added them to the gun case in each tower without taking away anything. Everyone thought they were so cool. But when I dropped a round into the yard at the AWs it was the .06 I picked up. [;)][;)]
  • gunnut505gunnut505 Member Posts: 10,290
    edited November -1
    Mine is from the 80s, it wears a 3-9X50, hits within a dime at 125yds are common. I won't own an AR/MSR because I don't like the thought of a tiny pin or spring falling out & turning the gun into a doorstop.
    I had plenty of exposure to the M1a/M14 platform for quite a while, and even if the Mini isn't a .308; it weighs almost the same.
    The folks that can't hit a barn from the inside must have learned to shoot Minis from the A team.
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Still sounds like we're 50/50. [:D]
  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,365 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have one I kept just to have one ( late 70's early 80's model I do not remember for sure its a bright SS version ) for all the magazines I had bought never really put it on paper to check but I have had many in the past sold them off , the last one I sold during one of the panic buying for 2x what I paid .
    at one time they were the poor mans ( me and others I will guess ) AR rifle as they were half the cost of a AR , now you can buy a AR style rifle for the same or less than a Ruger , to me buy a AR it has many options and upgrades
    if its a screaming deal I would buy another Mini 14 or mini 30 , but with the AR prices low I would pass on the ruger
    oh one more point it looks like a traditional Rifle so no bad press for being a black rifle
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Ditch-Runner
    I have one I kept just to have one ( late 70's early 80's model I do not remember for sure its a bright SS version ) for all the magazines I had bought never really put it on paper to check but I have had many in the past sold them off , the last one I sold during one of the panic buying for 2x what I paid .
    at one time they were the poor mans ( me and others I will guess ) AR rifle as they were half the cost of a AR , now you can buy a AR style rifle for the same or less than a Ruger , to me buy a AR it has many options and upgrades
    if its a screaming deal I would buy another Mini 14 or mini 30 , but with the AR prices low I would pass on the ruger
    oh one more point it looks like a traditional Rifle so no bad press for being a black rifle



    And your last sentence Sir, lends a lot to its appeal.
  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    hit and miss on accuracy, if your lucky to get one that can do 2moa play the lottery


    now if ruger would pull their head out of their * and make them compatible with ar magazines they would sell better and be more desirable
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 1911a1-fan
    hit and miss on accuracy, if your lucky to get one that can do 2moa play the lottery


    now if ruger would pull their head out of their * and make them compatible with ar magazines they would sell better and be more desirable



    I agree, that would be a very smart move.
  • gunnut505gunnut505 Member Posts: 10,290
    edited November -1
    Thermold made (might still make) magazines that worked in ARs AND Minis; just a matter of where the hole(s) are that keep the mag in the well.
    Both rifles are subject to mag inconsistency, some don't fit anything well, and some only work on odd days of even numbered weeks in leap years.
  • Laredo LeftyLaredo Lefty Member Posts: 13,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have several Mini's and like them. As mentioned they are not tac drivers, but are good for what they are intended. If you want a match Mini get one with the Boss type harmonics stabilizer on the barrel.
  • armilitearmilite Member Posts: 35,490 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    I've heard they have made inroads into improving the accuracy.

    I do appreciate having firearms that fill a niche without having the "Evil Black Gun," look

    I've got (for example) a tricked out Marlin Camp 9, I'd stack up against any 9mm AR out there.

    Shares magazines with my S&W model 59, and my Kel-Tec P11. A pretty potent trifecta.



    Yes they have but along with that the price has gone up as well. You can still buy a bunch of different AR's for that kinda money.
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by armilite
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    I've heard they have made inroads into improving the accuracy.

    I do appreciate having firearms that fill a niche without having the "Evil Black Gun," look

    I've got (for example) a tricked out Marlin Camp 9, I'd stack up against any 9mm AR out there.

    Shares magazines with my S&W model 59, and my Kel-Tec P11. A pretty potent trifecta.



    Yes they have but along with that the price has gone up as well. You can still buy a bunch of different AR's for that kinda money.



    I'm willing to wait on that one pissed off Mini-14 owner. [:D]

    Diversity is key, my Brother.
  • armilitearmilite Member Posts: 35,490 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    quote:Originally posted by armilite
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1
    I've heard they have made inroads into improving the accuracy.

    I do appreciate having firearms that fill a niche without having the "Evil Black Gun," look

    I've got (for example) a tricked out Marlin Camp 9, I'd stack up against any 9mm AR out there.

    Shares magazines with my S&W model 59, and my Kel-Tec P11. A pretty potent trifecta.



    Yes they have but along with that the price has gone up as well. You can still buy a bunch of different AR's for that kinda money.



    I'm willing to wait on that one pissed off Mini-14 owner. [:D]

    Diversity is key, my Brother.



    Well just make sure that pissed off owner bought it in the last two years.[;)]
  • TfloggerTflogger Member Posts: 3,396 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    New or old, bed the action with epoxy and tune the trigger.
    worked for me.
  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,224 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1

    I'm willing to wait on that one pissed off Mini-14 owner. [:D]
    That's how my brother ended up with his, traded a 10/22 for it.[:p]
  • 84Bravo184Bravo1 Member Posts: 10,461 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Horse Plains Drifter
    quote:Originally posted by 84Bravo1

    I'm willing to wait on that one pissed off Mini-14 owner. [:D]
    That's how my brother ended up with his, traded a 10/22 for it.[:p]


    Ive got a RIA/Armscor M20P, (much better than a 10/22) with optics & high capacity mags. I'll trade to a dissatisfied M14 owner. [:D]
  • shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,811 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would like a mini-30
  • wiplashwiplash Member Posts: 7,145 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The older Mini's had a problem with the front site coming loose. I had one that had that problem.

    The newer ones should be Ok with accuracy.
    There is no such thing as Liberal Men, only Liberal Women with Penises.'
  • pulsarncpulsarnc Member Posts: 6,553 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Have a 181 series mini. Works great feeds and shoots anything just have a problem hitting the side of the barn let alone the door.
    cry Havoc and let slip  the dogs of war..... 
  • jetmekjetmek Member Posts: 250
    edited November -1
    I bought a new one about 2 years back. I found the sights to be cheap garbage and it flings the brass into orbit. I put a nikon on it and found it was it was about as accurate at 100 yrds as my old milsurps with iron sights. Its fun to blast away with and not worry about some range safety officer eyeballing my non-nys safe act compliant AR's
  • 47studebaker47studebaker Member Posts: 2,251 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just got a Mini, haven't fired more than 10 shots out of it, none from a bench. I'm partial to wood and blue. Don't own a AR.
  • pwilliepwillie Member Posts: 20,253 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    ....I bought a safe queen from a friend(older model)....don't think it had ever been fired....with an "accurizer" Harmonic Balancer"....they shoot very good groups....and they work....tough piece of iron....reminds me of the old 30 carbine..
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