Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rilfe

[OWGEM]

I had one of these about 20 years ago. My understanding is back then the barrels would get hot and loose accuracy. Supposedly this has changed with a heavier barrel. Anyone confirm this?

How does one tell if it is a new barrel?

What would be a good price, wally world has them for $630.

 

[edsinger]

I am not sure, I am wanting to get a Mini-14 Target but I would like a bit of feedback on them as well. I like it, but wanted opinions of those who have shot it.

CDDN has a good selection for less than $700.

 

[nicajack]

First, I remember reading an article of the history of the mini-14 that said it was originally engineered to shoot the .308 round. Somewhere along the line, errors were made and it would not handle that much power. Thus, it was eventually chambered for the .223 and Chicom round.
They were never know for great accuracy. 3 to 5 inch groups at 100 yds. is the norm for most of them. The whole arm is designed to be short, light and handy. Thus the similarity to the M-1 carbine. A heavier barrel would add weight which was not wanted. It was not meant to be a battle rifle, able to handle sustained fire. They are fine for their intended purpose and function pretty reliably.
There is a target version available, but I have never looked at one. I personally have a 1982 one for sale on Armslist for $600 or trade. This is a pre-ban rifle that is usually more desirable than later versions. It is in almost new condition. $600 is a decent price for one like it. I also have a stainless one that I plan to keep around because it is scoped and that helps me shoot more accurately with my older eyes. It would bring about $725 in the present market...John

 

[edsinger]

Thanks nicajack for the information

 

[gunman41mag]

My mini-14 will shoot 2.5 inch groups at 100 yards, If you want more accuracy, buy the CLARK
Mini 14 Barrel Stabilizer kit & you'll get 1 inch groups with match ammo, according to CLARK

 

[bman]

haven't shot one but want one. the new models with heavier barrels have numbers starting 580 or higher.

 

[Slapstick]

The older mini's had what is known as the "pencil" barrel, long thin and relatively light. They are known for "stinging" hits usually vertically from left to right when they get hot. It’s due to several things most notably the thin barrel coupled with gas action to produce a vibration along the barrel. There are several things that help improve accuracy, namely a barrel strut or even just putting on a heavy flash suppressor that changes the harmonics of the barrel. Also over the life of the mini the rate of twist changed from 1 in 10 to 1 in 7 to what it is now, 1 in 9. This also contributes the mini’s bad reputation for accuracy depending on the weight of the bullet.

Newer mini’s have a heavier, tapered barrel past the gas block that reduces the amount of stringing and, a 1 in 9 twist. They are considered to be more accurate than the old mini’s. I have several of the older style mini’s and a friend has a newer style with the tapered barrel. From my experience the newer, tapered barrel is more accurate out of the box, how much so I can’t really say since my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be.

 

[UncleMike]

The older mini's had what is known as the "pencil" barrel, long thin and relatively light. They are known for "stinging" hits usually vertically from left to right when they get hot. It’s due to several things most notably the thin barrel coupled with gas action to produce a vibration along the barrel. There are several things that help improve accuracy, namely a barrel strut or even just putting on a heavy flash suppressor that changes the harmonics of the barrel. Also over the life of the mini the rate of twist changed from 1 in 10 to 1 in 7 to what it is now, 1 in 9. This also contributes the mini’s bad reputation for accuracy depending on the weight of the bullet.

Newer mini’s have a heavier, tapered barrel past the gas block that reduces the amount of stringing and, a 1 in 9 twist. They are considered to be more accurate than the old mini’s. I have several of the older style mini’s and a friend has a newer style with the tapered barrel. From my experience the newer, tapered barrel is more accurate out of the box, how much so I can’t really say since my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be.

+1
My Tactical Mini shoots rings around my 186 series Mini.
I have shot 100 yd, 1.5" MOA groups from a bench rest, with a scope, on the Tactical.
The best that I could get from the "pencil" barreled 186 Mini was 2.5".

 

[OWGEM]

Slapstick, thanks for the tapered barrel info, that is what I was looking for.

 

[GMack_1]

A very specific forum dealing with mini-14 questions can be found here: PerfectUnion Firearms Forum

 

[michaelrichardson]

New model mini I have access to shoots about 2" @100yrds. Groups open up after a few shots though.

 

[OWGEM]

GMack_1 thanks for the link +1

 

[Ltemfly4]

Obama in the market for a long rifle, but I am debating on the mini-14, or the AK, I love the feel of both guns, and I just shoot about once every month, anyone have suggestions on pro's and con's on both of these? Thnx.!

 

[Ltemfly4]

What is the biggest difference in the .223 and the .762?

 

[RTDoug]

I had a Ranch back years ago, and if I remember correctly it was a full choke.

Joke, I'm a Ruger fan, but the Ranch wouldn't do what I wanted.
Hitting a paper plate at 100 yds was about it with the irons.

Regards

 

[Doug]

I had shot-stringing problems with my pencil-barreled Mini 14.
This post https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/long_guns/112406-cryogenic_barrel_treatment.html describes how I cured it with a cryogenic treating of the barrel.

Doug

 

[The Gavman]

How do you know when your mini-14 was made and also when was the cut off for the "pencil barreled" mini-14's because I have a stainless ranch rifle that I have owned for 10 years or so but I bought it used but in perfect shape so I assume it is around 12-15 years old. I was thinking of putting a scope on it but after reading this I'm gonna get a stevens or savage.

 

[Doug]

How do you know when your mini-14 was made and also when was the cut off for the "pencil barreled" mini-14's because I have a stainless ranch rifle that I have owned for 10 years or so but I bought it used but in perfect shape so I assume it is around 12-15 years old. I was thinking of putting a scope on it but after reading this I'm gonna get a stevens or savage.

You can go to this page Ruger Instruction Manuals & Product History and cross reference your serial number to find out how old your rifle is.
The "pencil barrels" are the same diameter from the chamber to the muzzle. The tapered barrels are larger just in front of the gas block and taper down to the muzzle.
You could go ahead and scope your Mini and if it doesn't shoot well enough to suit, you could use the scope for whatever you get.
Realistically, most any decent bolt gun will shoot better than a Mini-14. The semi-auto action design is not as accurate as a bolt action. You can spend a lot of time and trouble to get one to shoot as well as an average bolt gun will shoot right out of the box, but if you put the same time and trouble into the bolt gun, it will shoot better.
But, gee, the Mini's sure are fun!

Doug

 

[lnholmes]

Agreed. My mini was actually my first gun purchase years ago. I'll keep it for
the sentimental value. Still like taking it out to shoot it every now and again.

 

[Barbecue]

CDNN does have a great price on them and I picked up the tactical with the ATI stock a couple weeks back. It does have the heavier barrel. Anyone wanting to check out the Mini 14 should watch Nutnfancy's video's on it. Here's a link.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLzxL8lH46s"]Mini 14 Homestead Defender[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fk84KLiaa4"]Mini 14 Against the World[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycagSJTvaJs"]Mini 14 Arrival of the Underdog[/ame]