Can't believe I watched an hour long video, about something I've done hundreds of times, that was interesting and informative...You sir, are a master at instruction.
I was thinking the same thing, I've done this plenty of times and the only thing he does different than me is add grease and somehow I still found this video interesting. I have to be honest though, I had to watch this video twice because I fell asleep watching it the first time.
Both my grandpas were war veterans but died when I was very young. This kinda feels like one of them sitting down with me and passing down some serious knowledge.
This is not only the best Mini 14 instructional video I've ever seen, but it also gave me that childhood quality time with Grandpa feeling. Thank you so much sir. God bless.
I liked this video as well. This is the last rifle my grandmother and I went shooting with. He is the one who taught me how to shoot and everything about firearms.
I agree...I’ve learned more about this rifle in an hour and 10 minutes than ever expected! Excellent job explaining the process and even better...he’s concerned about us saving our money for our next purchase! 👍🏻😘
Good morning Sir. As the owner of Mini 14 and 30, I appreciate the time and effort you've put into your videos. You are my reference for all things Mini! Subscribed 🙂
I just bought a new Mini-14 and want to thank you for this detailed and very informative video. I now feel confident that I can take care of my Ruger. Well done sir.
I have one which I purchased in 1976 and it has" Made in the 200th year of American Liberty" stamped on the side of it. I went to work for the prison system in Arkansas in 1983 and found that they used these guns and they worked great when cleaned properly. I found also that many other agencies have the same guns and the one I have the earlier sights on it, but the company changed them later on the newer ones. My gun is highly accurate and I have killed squirrels and snakes with it. I use to bring my own cleaning kit to work to clean the state guns when I worked in a tower where the guns was kept along with the Remington 870 shotguns.
New Mini 14 owner here and this by far was the most thorough and informative video about how to clean this firearm. Thank you so much, just completed my 1st cleaning with confidence!
I have to say I am 64 yrs young and you sir are very good teacher, it is too bad that we all fall for the advertising schemes on all the cleaning products, I just purchased a new mini 14 and I really enjoyed you instructional video, I feel confident that I can clean my gun without any problem ! Thanks so much for your help...
This Gentleman is an ABSOLUTE pleasure to watch, listen and learn from. The genuine nature and high integrity of his character is so refreshing. I immediately subscribed to his channel not only for his impeccable instructions and knowledge he exhibits but also for his character and demeanor. This gentleman is a model of decency, honor and good character and a reminder of what "good people" are. Thank you sir for sharing all that you share and providing the character of a man that others can aspire to emulate. I salute you.
I'm in my 60's and have seen and read many things. I really don't know how I stumbled on this video, but as retired military, it brought back a lot of memories, some good, some not so much. I wish the younger generation would learn from experience...not believing that the latest, greatest products on the market are superior. Frog Lube vs Mobil 1 and auto grease is a no brainer. Waste your money if you want, but for all the money I've saved over the years, I have a lot more to spend on ammo. Excellent video and thank you for the absolute BEST video I've watched on cleaning a Garrand action!
I’ve had my Mini14 for years and I enjoy it to the point I sold my AR and kept my Mini. I have cleaned it many times but watched your video because it’s always good to see someone else’s knowledge and experience. Thank you for sharing.
I'm in the final stage of deciding whether or not to buy a Mini-14 and needed some info and this guy's video is very detailed and perfect for what I was looking for. Absolutely fantastic information. Love how he broke down every aspect of the Mini-14 in easily understandable terms. And he's hilarious because he's a tinkerer. He can't leave anything alone or factory; he has to tinker with it lol. He reminds me of my brother in that every time he opens a package the first thing he does is disassemble it entirely to see how it works, tinkers with it, then puts it back together. Absolutely hilarious.
Listen to his detailed analysis, this guy is more than accurate, but most importantly, Realistic! I’m a proud Mini30 owner, I’m on board with this instructional video.
I bought a used mini14 from a co-worker. The serial # comes back from 2003 manufacture date. With this video I broke the rifle down and found a filthy rifle. It was wet with oil and gritty black dirt inside. He must of sprayed oil into the action. I got all the oil cleaned out and all parts are clean and dry. there was a broken buffer . I am ordering new parts and look forward to shooting the clean mini 14. Great Video. Thank You. Very helpful.
Amazingly helpful! I am new to the mini 14. Bought a new SS one and have not taken it to the range yet, I've been learning all I can about the mini 14 first. Your video is a gift! Very informative, very interesting! This video should go into the ruger video archive! Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your experience and knowledge!!
Thank you very much for this video. I think my mini 14 will last much longer thanks to you, I just got it used (1982 model) and had plans on cleaning it and the methods I was about to use would have most likely done more harm than good. I appreciate the history lesson too as well as the tips and tricks. I love this gun!
I grew up in New Hampshire so I recognized the accent right away. "If you do it every day, all day long, it's alot simpler..." No wonder this is the most thorough, detailed and informative video I have seen on this gun. There is no substitute for hours, days, and years of experience. After watching this I was able to disassemble, clean and reassemble mine with total confidence and no difficulty. I'm a reader and love detailed instruction manuals, but your video is a must see for anyone who owns an Ruger Mini. Thank you.
All I can do is add another compliment. This is the voice of experience. He's not some come-lately blowhard simply reiterating what he saw in someone else's video. I learned more about my Mini, and firearms maintenance as a whole.
Sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your extensive knowledge of this amazing weapon. Very detailed and comprehensive instruction on breakdown, cleaning , lube and reassembly.
You clean the weapon just like my father a WW2 Marine, taught me when I was a kid, refreshing to see the same knowledge in use. A very well done instructional video.
I modified my 5 round mags the way he described and it works flawlessly if anyone is worried about doing it. The piece is made of plastic and cuts easily and can be smoothed with a fine file or sandpaper. 👍🏻
This instructional video should be a must watch for all Mini14 owners. Presenter is well spoken and communicates necessary information with detail. Narrative is thorough yet concise. Video visual is very effective and aliged with verbal dictation. Gold standard in "how to" Gun Videos.
Bought this rifle for my daughter. Her and I will be watching this together. glad you mentioned the oil in the barrel. i always placed about two drops down the barrel and let it flow down. Fantastic job on this. But this a great instructional video.
Like spending time with my Grandfather. A soothing voice full of knowledge. I always enjoy watching & listening to your videos. Please keep sharing your knowledge with us.
Thank you sir very much for this video. I'm an Army veteran and have owned many firearms, but just got my first 580 series mini 14. After spending an hour with you sir I feel at one with my new rifle. You are amazing. Thank you again. PRO PATRIA VIGILANS
This is the best video I have seen on the Mini14. I'm new to the Mini14 and was rather intimidated by the job of cleaning it. This makes it look much easier. I have the all-weather model like in this video.
Nice video. I can actually see what he is doing and how he is cleaning the rifle. This is honestly better than the Ruger video. Thanks for the information, buddy. Keep up the good work.
You made this so interesting that I watched 1 hour and 10 minutes of something I have done many times i also watched it because I wanted to make sure I have been doing it all the right way. Thank you sir.
Im so happy you made this video--------I learned so much from you on how to clean my Ruger SR1911 and now Mini 14cant wait to watch and learn. Thanks for being an excellent Teacher
It's refreshing to listen to someone who actually knows what they are talking about instead of listening to someone recite memorized wiki sentences. This is a real video, unlike the typical prescribed 10min youtube video done just for monetization.
"You don't have to worry about things. Be not afraid." The lines you sling, sometimes it is as if you are speaking directly to me. Most of my local family stopped shooting once my interest in firearms really took hold. Despite all of the crazy content online, I feel confident I can reach out to you for honest guidance. If you ever write a book, I am buying it.
Very timely video. My Mini 14 has not been fired much and I've just recently gotten interested in it again. Just got set up with a vice and made plywood blocks like you showed in an earlier video. Works great for all kinds of things! I'm back with Hoppes after trying Balistol. It works fine but two of my cats love the smell. Hoppes smell keeps them away.
Showing some love for the Mini 14! A welcome sight. Thanks for the video. I just bought a Mini 14, and I will be referring to this video often while cleaning it.
Gotta love the Mini 14. Ruger made a Gem in making this. I've had mine little over 15 years. Been offered quite a bit over full price for it a few times with it kitted out with accessories I've put on it but its DEFINITELY the last of all my firearms I'd ever sell or even think about selling.
@RogerChapman I see it's been a few years since you commented but wondering how you liked and what you thought of yours when you got it? And do you still have and shoot regularly? Cool seeing others that are into the Mini 14 and other very similar firearms like myself. Nice pick and hope you've enjoyed it!
I love this guy. And what a great video! If you're into cleaning and maintaining your rifles and actually enjoy the after-shooting TLC, this hour long presentation goes by in a flash. I've watched it before and it feels like it's fifteen minutes long. Peace.
This is truly excellent. Some superb tips that can not be found elsewhere. I am in my 80's and can really relate to the cost cutting suggestions. Thanks for making it.
Great video. Thanks.for both the practical money saving advice, but also showing how simple it is to maintain this rifle. I was thinking about buying one, and now I'm pretty sure I will.
Dear Sir; Thank you very much for your very comprehensive answer addressing my question comparing the Ruger mini 14 and 30. Given all factors I think the mini 14 has the edge. You are an excellent source I hope not to lose . All I need now is the money to buy one.
GunBlue, good evening. Just got my quart of LSA today. Got a batch from 1990. Using your single drop approach I think this thing will last me a lifetime... LOL. Many thanks again!
That was great. I learned at least 3 new things that will be very valuable in cleaning any of my guns, not only the mini 14. Enjoy your videos very much.
I enjoyed the comments over damaging the barrel crown, I too have always considered you would have to be the "brute force and ignorance" type of person to ever damage a crown, just a little care and thought avoids any chance. I also agree with copper deposits in the bore. I took my mini to the range yesterday and fired around a 150 rounds through it, I was zeroing sights and as a result pausing between shots to make necessary adjustments and then shooting with careful aim firing frequently, but not making like I had a machine gun. Today I cleaned the gun and even though it is new (I did do a few shots and a barrel clean as a sort of barrel break in procedure previously) I could get virtually no copper out of the barrel, barely a hint of the blue green on any patch and the barrel came clean very quickly. Overall I was very surprised how clean running the Mini is, you could certainly fire a lot of rounds before you'd ever have an issue.
Such a detailed and well explained video. This should also teach the younger generation that there is nothing better than experience. Pay attention newbies, the world is not all about you and you are not always right. Respect and listen to old timers. They KNOW through experience that you don't have.
Without a doubt THE BEST VIDEO I've seen on the mini 14. Very thorough along with practical tips along the way. Thanks so much for taking the time to put this video together.
I love listening to your wisdom. Yes, this video is 6 years old but still very relevant. I just ordered a wood/stainless mini 14 ranch. I can’t wait to shoot and clean it.
Great video! Lots of good info. Removing the charging handle and bolt has always been a problem for me and it's kind of magic when it happens. You gave me some tips that will make it easier.
Great vid. Got my mini 14 cleaned and my new Hogue stock swapped on all at the same time. Completely agree with swapping out the factory sights with the tek sight. Thanks for the thorough content.
Thanks GunBlue490 for sharing this video with the public. I asked my gunsmith if I could look over his shoulder while cleaning my Mini-14 and he looked offended/shocked. Guess he didn't want me learning the art of cleaning my own guns. LOL :-)
Thank you sir for another outstanding video. Please stay healthy and live as long as you can, your knowledge is priceless to us your audience ! God bless
Thank you so much for this video. You sir are an excellent instructor. I have a 186 series that I purchased from a friend at work. He regrets selling it. He was in the Army and prefers this rifle to the AR15/M16. I love this rifle as well.
I'm glad you touched on the grease. I too am a fan of less is more when it pertains to lube and grease. I worked on a 1911 once that had so much oil in it the slide wouldn't operate.
Great video. Very informative. One thing to note, people I know who have shot on rifle/pistol teams in the military have found that bronze brushes do adversely affect the accuracy of the bore. So, while it may take longer to clean, they only use nylon bore brushes.
An excellent and very thorough video. The Mini 14 of today (580 series and later) is far better in build quality than the older Minis. I have a 580 series and used to have a 185 series. The 185 was actually a fine gun in its own right, as it was lighter than the newer ones with the heavier barrel, but began to string shots once you fired more than 1 magazine. My 580 is a keeper. Solid as a rock and 100% reliable.
I always loved and wanted a Ruger mini - 14 as it's basically just a smaller M -14 which in my opinion is a very underated semi auto rifle nowadays, you just made me respect Ruger's quality even more, I own a Ruger pistol and it is built like a tank and very well made, I personally want the exact spec you have here in stainless and black, beautiful rifle!
Thank you, sir. This is one of the best firearm maintenance videos that I've come across. It will be of great help to me and I very much appreciate you sharing your time and expertise.
Absolutely fantastic video.I have owned two Mini-14 rifles. My first was a GB model which became illegal to own in California so I traded it for a Stainless Steel 180 model. I added the same rear sight you have on yours but the tall blade front sight on my rifle was now too tall, so I lowered the rear all the way and filed off the front sight to zero the rifle it at 25 yards. The sight company (I forgot the name) makes a replacement front sight that I may order that matches your factory sight with the protective ears. You should mention by installing the new rear sight the scope rings that are included with the Ranch Rifle are now to low. Of course the stock is not designed for scope use and a accessory to raise the cheek weld will be needed.
I have left my stainless mini original, but I like the look of the front sights you have added. I have one from the 80's ....beginning serial #185. I can't tell you enough how I appreciate the video. I have shot this gun very little...not so sure why. It was not bought to be a hunting rifle s my other rifles are, and shortly after getting it, I got busy in my life making a living and it was basically cleaned as best as possible and put up. I never did take it down to the extent you have done . I will be doing this soon. The 5 round magazine holds 5 quite easy....I just took it apart, and it is just as you described. Again, many thanks!!!
Just a fabulous instructional video. The mini-14 and the mini-30 are not my cup of tea. But I did buy one some years back at a much better price than they charge for one now. I still say that I can build two reliable ar-15s for the price of a new mini-14 today. Ruger is close to pricing these things out of the market. If I ever bought another rifle it would be the Galil Ace model in 5.56. I will bookmark this video and if I ever get around to shooting my mini-14 I will use this as a maintenance reference. Thanks.
