Mini 14

[thearborbarber]

I have been tossing around getting a Mini14 in 223. I see the newer 580 series has done away with most of the accuracy problems of the 181 series. I have an AR15 and it is pretty boring. I have always like the Garand Action.

[Hank in Arkansas]

I have an older Mini14 Ranch Rifle, and I think it's a great firearm. Mine isn't too accurate (newer ones are better), but it is robust and VERY reliable. In fact, I have never had a malfunction in many years of shooting many thousands of rounds. I was trained by the Army on the M14, and that makes the Mini14 feel very friendly. I now also have an M1A Nat Match and an Armalite AR10B, but I still like the Mini14. Mine sports an old (but still very good) Weaver K3 fixed power scope. I doubt you'll be disappointed in a Mini14. Good luck!

By the way, "isn't too accurate" means about 3" to 4" at 100 meters. That's called "minute of terrorist" accuracy, and suits me OK for a utility rifle.

[thearborbarber]

That's all I am looking for is decent accuracy. My brother has one and it is ultra reliable. 3-4 inch groups are what he sees as well. I have read the new 580 series can get below 2inch groups on a regular basis.

I have never been a big AR-15 fan. It is a good rifle but I don't care for the sights being so high and there is just something wrong about blowing gas directly in the bolt.

[Henry Bowman]

I have 3 mini's in the gun safe. A blue ranch rifle, a Blue regular mini and a stainless mini. I have about 15 30 rd mags and try to keep at least 1000 rds on hand. These rifles a for the coming unplesentness. One for me , one for my son and his family and one for my son in law and his family. Very reliable and accurate enough. I used to teach prison guards how to stop escapes with them.

[thearborbarber]

I broke down and bought one. $617 at walmart for a blued ranch rifle. The closest I could find was at another sporting goods store for $799.

[VTDW]

This thread is worthless without pics.

[Swampman]

I broke down and bought one. $617 at walmart for a blued ranch rifle. The closest I could find was at another sporting goods store for $799.

Let us know how it shoots.

[thearborbarber]

You ask and you shall receive.

It's only a camera phone picture.

[Nightfisher]

Don’t let anyone tell you that they will not shoot. Just like any other rifle you have to find it’s likes and did likes.

I purchased a used 189 Minnie 30 - 7.62X39 with a Tasco 3x9 scope this past summer for $300. I purchased several different boxes of ammo from Gander Mountain for it and went to the range. Couldn’t get a 20 inch group at 100 yards with any of the ammo. With some help and suggestions from the members of http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ I went to work to see if I could do better.

First I ordered dies and started reloading. This improved the groups. Installed a flash suppressor that acts as a muzzle break. I found that some of the ammo that I first purchased was rem brass with small rifle primers and all of the other brass was large rifle primers. The brass with the small rifle primers did the best. Then I found that the scope was bad and removed the scope and shot with open sights. I couldn’t believe that I could do as good as I did with open sights. I have never been able to shoot open sights.

Then with a suggestion from a member on A Perfect Union I got hold of some Hornady V-Max .310 diam. 123 gr. Loaded them with IMR 4227 and now shots 1.5 inch 5 shot groups at 100 yards with open sights. I an very pleased and will leave it as it is.

[Hank in Arkansas]

Arborbarber, I think you'll have loads of fun with your new toy. Back when my daughters were teenagers, they loved to shoot the Mini14.

I'm not sure what the future holds for our country, but when you get extra cash, stock up on magazines. I prefer Ruger brand mags, but there are probably some other decent ones out there. I've also stocked up on factory ammo and reloading stuff for the Mini14. A few years back, I bought a case of South African 55gr ball that's just going to remain in storage. Never can tell when mags and ammo might be hard to get.

The Mini14 is easy to reload for. Mine has a barrel twist of 1 turn in 10", and will stabilize most bullets up through the mid-60 grain range. It seems to prefer 55gr bullets, and that suits me fine. I use regular dies (don't seem to need small base), and crimp with a Lee Factory Crimp Die. All gas operated semiautos need some extra caution in handloading, but the results are rewarding.