Ruger Mini 14 Review 

My dad passed away a couple days ago, this rifle was one of the few guns he left for me. He was always bragging about how good of a rifle the Mini-14 was, and was always super proud of it. I'm just glad my dad left me with such a great rifle.

I love the classic wood look over the tacticool.

The mini 14 is such an underrated rifle..

Best part is the brass flies out violently enough to effectively suppress your right flank. Thanks Ruger!

Inserting the magazine has to be one of the most over mentioned things about the rifle. Once you understand what you are trying to do it's simple. If you assume the mags just push in because you are used to an AR, then you'll have problems, if you are used to AK's, M14/M1A etc. then it's a non issue.

The funest, most dependable, adaptable, and accurate floating breech gun I have ever owned. Love them.

I bought my Mini 14 the same day my dad bought his AR. My father doted and pampered his AR. Basically shot it at the range or shot prairie dogs with me on occasion. My Mini 14 was a work tool. It went into the scabbard on my horse and was used to shoot coyotes, foxes and various critters on our place. It basically replaced the .30-30 I had been using up to then. My father passed away 10 years ago and I own his AR now, My grandson shoots it more than I do.

I love the Mini 14, but the wood stock is the way to go. Always loved the wood stocks. M1A Standard looks beautiful in wood.

nice vid man, good quality and thank you for educating the masses on the awesomeness of the Mini

I love my mini 14. It's light and it shoots every time I pull the trigger.

You have created the best Ruger Mini 14 review ever! Thanks for explaining the accuracy issue and how Ruger resolved it.

I actually laughed out loud when you were talking about the entrance hole in the hair spray and what your old lady did, man that reminded me of my wife so damn much! enjoyed the video and im looking forward to getting a mini 14 in the near future, you know, before they become illegal in California like everything else out there.

Nice video! Helps a lot in decision making. Very straight forward review. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, just got one of these in stainless. I love this rifle. Grew up with it so it is familiar and a lot of fun. Lot of history is nice to go along with it to.

I have my Mini from way back in 78. I have never had accuracy issues with it, even with sustained fire. It is not sub MOA but it is combat accurate. I must have put thousands of rounds through it and it still runs flawlessly. I have a set of replacement springs but the old ones are still holding up, recoil sprengs ect. I would like to get a new 580 series model though to have and old and new one. Excellent review !!

been shooting my dads since late 70s as a kid. Really great guns with a trigger job! Mag drop is exactly like a 10/22!

I just Bought and have put 45 rounds thru so far and I haven't had any issues. I really like it

My benchrest shooting friend is getting 5 shot 1 groups at 100 yds with his new 584 series mini 14 Ranch rifle....no shit boys. Get the right ammo and a good scope. I can get under 2” groups with mine, they wear Leupold scopes

Thanks for the overview. For the money it looks like a good alternative to the more expensive AR

Picked up a 300 AAC Blackout version for $699 recently at Academy. I went to our local outdoor range Sat. and put 50 rounds through it. It kicks more than I expected but it wasn't overly harsh. Glad I bought it.

It is my personal believe that had 5.56 and min 14 been around during ww2 this would have been the rifle the United States would have chosen.

If Ruger would get on the ball and put an AR magwell on the Mini 14 they would sell a trillion of them!!!

That tactical model looks amazing...

A.A.Ron....Best part is the brass flies out violently enough to effectively suppress your right flank.....OMG I saw one of these at a range and it was throwing casings 40 feet. That might be the funniest thing I have read in a while....Bravo

I have a bi-centennial version of the Mini-14 and love that rifle so much. I got it new through a local gun shop decades ago. When I came to Arkansas and went to work for the prison system here I found that they used the Mini-14's also along with the Remington 870 shotguns. I was glad that they had these guns and I knew how to tear down the Mini-14's and took my cleaning kit to work to clean out the guns when I had to work the towers.

Had a mini-14 for years amazing weapon

the mag reload is the best part!! silliness.

Great Review Guy

I bought mine during the 1st firearm ban. Due to name, style, etc., it was skipped on the ban list. It is a great carbine, fun to shoot & accurate as iron sights can be.

Awesome review! I have the 88 Series Ranch Model which is the Pre-2005 model (pencil barrel). It has the scope mounts and I never had any issues with the "barrel flex" you mentioned with the older models. To eliminate any future barrel flex issues I installed an "Accustrut" system and that keeps the barrel stable. In terms of reliability it is extremely reliable. I have never had any FT Fire or FT Feed issues. This is with steel case or brass ammo. That is with Ruger factory magazines. If there is one weakness with the Ruger 14 (for me at least) is the aftermarket magazines. I did have failure to feed issues. I have the AR and AK and love the Ruger just the same. The price of the Ruger Mini-14's have gone up quite a bit since I bought one. The AR was really expensive then and the Ruger was cheap. It was only abut 2 to 3 years ago you could get a Ruger Mini-14 in the $600 range. But now at $800 wow!! But overall still a great value!

This guy is awesome. Hilarious as hell in person.

love my mini 14. i prefer it to the ar platform, but i still like the ar.

if an adapter was made for ar 15 mags they would sell so much more still on my to buy list

Good vid! First mini 14 bump fire video ! I’m sold now!

My Mini-30 came with two mags. I love it!

Thanks Love your enthusiasm & vids

The Sarge in full metal jacket said: "its wood and metal and feels good!" (About the M14)...

I bought mine back in 2010 and I love it. On top of that Ruger's customer service is awesome. I have about 1000rds through mine with only on failure to eject and I blame that on cheap ammo

I bought mine in 1976 for $200.00 And once I sighted it in I didn`t have to touch it again.I even reloaded for it .because it was so fun to shoot .It kept the price down. One of my favorite reloads was a Sierra 63 grain hollow point .And it was very warm load.It worked great on water filled milk jugs and water bottles .not much left afterword.

Thank you. I love your review of this gun. I was looking for a small rifle with some more power. I ran into this one watching Hickock45. I was thinking of the Howa Mini and the Mossberg Patrol rifle. But the Mossberg seems to have a ton of play with the magazine and the bolt is unreliable. The Howa's magazine seems to be very wobbly. But this gun is more expensive but reliable. The magazine doesn't seem to be too expensive. I'd rather pay more for a GOOD reliable gun than a cheap and unreliable weapon. Thank you.

0:14 has been around since the '70's and not everyone has even heard of it Anyone who ever watched the A-Team knows the Mini14...

Two years ago I bought one, the first new rifle I got in a long time. Great fun, amazing accuracy out of the box. Fell in love the after mkt mags aren't a problem. Pro mags work just fine. A few months later I got a Springfield Ar. The "saint" but in CA form. Id rather be ready w my Ruger. So comfortable to shoot, no black gun issues. Well worth the $899.

LOVE both versions...and I own em both! Great with a 90rd drum mag!

I like mine which I carry folded in my GMC van......I petty the fool, who, doesn't like the mini 14.

I like everything about my mini14, from the fire it belches to the rock & lock mags... igot one from the 90s with no scope facilities. So i got an ultimak scout rail.

I've had my mini 14 since Christmas. I love it. I've added an accustrut and a hogue hand guard. two of the best mods in my opinion. just an excellent gun. I live in CA and its so hilarious how they banned the AR. mini shoots same round. same capacity. of course the mini was an easy choice! BTW I have gotten mine to bump fire. doesn't seem like to like steel cased.

lol I REALLY love that stock. Mine is similar it's a 580 series and came with a tactical polymer stock with an attachable rail for the rear sight above the bolt.

I've had my new series mini longer than I have my AR. I bought it as a companion for my Garand and M1A. They look great in the rack together. The thing I was most impressed with over ARs I'd tried out was the trigger, and it's just gotten better over the years, smooth with a crisp break.

The great thing about the Mini 14 in California is that it doesn't have a "bullet button". So I can reload faster than any AR 15 in the state!

Solid reliable and effective weapon platform

Plus it just looks like a normal hunting type rifle. It doesn't scare the crap out of your neighbors! I've had mine about 10 years and love it.

Had my Mini 14 since 1988 before I went on a Mediterranean Float with 2/8 Marines and since it's an older gun, I just like to shoot it and don't worry about accuracy that much. I bounce cans and smack steel just fine. I have the AR15s but, that wood has a feel all it's own.

I love the blowback system. Less cleaning less fouling. No dam gas tube to clog. Gota love that. Mini version of the tried and true M1 Le Grand / M14 weapon systems!!! What is there not to love?

Anyone else get A-Team flashbacks? Faceman, Hannibal, Mr. T with the SS folding stock mini?

I'm loving my mini 14, they're tough to beat

You forgot the most important part. Mini will fire when dirty and muddy..while the AR-15 will be crying for a bath..

I like the black on wood. Looks awesome

I’m sure it’s easier to get your hands on this versus the mean and scary AR-15.

I owned one of these in the 70's and let it get away from me. Bought another one about 10 years ago for $200 in rough shape from a pawn shop. Cleaned'er up and have put countless rounds through her since. She's been my truck gun from the start and hits what I aim at and about as dependable as the sun comin' up. Only complaint is she is "mag picky"....and those factory Ruger mags ain't cheap if you want a few. All said and done best 200 bucks I ever spent. IMHO if you can get one of these at the right price don't hesitate.....she won't be there when you come back.

TAPCO make the polymer magazines with the steel reinforcement around the attach hole. Great no jam mags $15-$18.

I love the factory walnut stocks on the Ruger Mini-14 & Mini-30!!!!!!

Good reviews

I've owned several over the years , the one I have now is great.

I like the sleeper effect of the wood stock. Young punks won't know what's coming.

Great video! Thanks👍

The old mini 14 is a good reliable rifle and the old 182 series I have has never jammed. It is pushing 40 years old now. I will attest to the fact that the gun has too thin of a barrel and is about 2.5 MOA accuracy. It likes 55 gr FMJ ammo the best. I have shot the AR platform and to be frank, I much prefer the ergonomics of the Mini. I can get a sight picture with those Mini 14 sights far faster then with those goofy AR sights that are half a mile above the barrel and that ridiculous straight stock thing which has you shouldering the gun almost on top of your shoulder. I have used Magpul stuff and talk about crap. I'll stick with original Ruger steel mags for a mini 14.

I love my mini14 ranch rifle

I'm your newest subscriber, great channel. I LOVE my AR but I am foremost a Ruger guy and have been putting away my pennies for a Mini 14. I am from NY and the Mini 14 is not listed as a "Assault Weapon" and is NYS compliable so all you New Yorkers here is a perfect gun for you, in my opinion. Thanks again Gun Guy 45, Peace Out!!!!

Cool video thanks for your time

Sick video Bro..

I love my Mini 14 as well, but I am also hit and miss on inserting the 30 round mags. The 5 round magazine that comes with the rifle is a breeze to insert, however.

I have one and love it. My only complaint is Ruger sets the cost unreasonably high. Bought mine used. Love to have another

If you find an older Mini14 get an Accustrut or a Mo-rod for the barrel to help with accuracy. An Ultimak rail also helps and adds an excellent optics mount.

I can get under 1.5" groups at 100 yards (and I'm not a great shooter) with mine...I can't see myself needing to shoot anything further out that that. Fires every time no matter the ammo or whether it's been cleaned...tough guns to beat. Got mine used with a sling, scope, and 3 mags for $375 at a local gun shop.

Love the barrel pointed at your right arm....

bought mine from a state trooper when he retired, also got 5 banderilleros of .223 fmj in the deal which was $300.

Loves the fact his gun is not an AR-15...accessorizes his gun to look as much like an AR-15 as physically possible. The heart wants what the heart wants.

Would make a great companion to my M1A... next time I see one in the shop then it’s good as got

Great content, I'm thinking about getting mini 14 over a Ak-47 since I already have a 223- 55.6 AR-15 and can use the same Ammo.

mini 14 = new york legal ar 15

I love my mini 14.....!

Sportsmans guide has steel mags for $9. I use them in mine and theyre great. Just take a few minutes to wear them in as they fit a bit stiff at first.

A great example of why bump firing is not ideal unless yiur enemy wants to fire at you that way. Its better to put each shot right where you want them.

I got myself a Ruger Mini 14 and I love it, living in California I have to deal with some struck guns laws that make AR's very difficult to own, this mini 14 is awesome, I just picked up a Magpul stock for it and I can't wait to get it up and running again. I'm thinking of getting another Mini 14 cambered in 300 blackout. #ILiveInARHell #CaliforniaGunLaws

the only thing i did to my Mini 14 was add a scope. and it is very accurate,

Love my mini 14 in 6.8 SPC with archangel stock! Great hog gun too!💰

If you shoot an empty aluminum can the bullet will usually blow right through the can without moving it. Re: bump firing, you need to check out Tim on MAC.

only thing I don't like is the price

i got one , wish i had a threaded barrel with flash suppressor , its noticeably louder that an AR 15 mine doesnt cycle steel casings that well either other that it shoots very accurate

The Ruger mini 14 is an awesome firearm. I have the older version. But have owned the newer version. But traded it for good reason. But wish I had not. The older version is still a great firearm.

Nice review man , I live in California and am looking at these right now. Have to be quick because you never know when this will be banned or neutered. I'm not an AR fan would rather have an M16 (yes i'm old lol) and just prefer rifles anyway. Currently just own shotguns.

Just to follow up, I picked up a Mini-14 tactical a few days ago. I have not shot it yet, but if we get a break in the weather, I plan to do so. I like it because it feels pretty solid and it has the new thicker, hammer forged barrel. I don't like how it came with two 5 round mags, but that is my state for you. The trigger has gritty take up, but a clean break. I'll have the trigger smoothed out. I will let you know how I do compared to my M&P-15. I am inclined to like it.

I also love my mini it is superior to the AR in many was in my opinion mostly because of it's reliability. I run Tapco gen 2 mags that actually perform better then my factory Ruger mags honestly.

Thanks for the vid, I do dig the mini! Btw, you hit that hairspray in the center... Not sure how you didn't see the holes...

I have a 5808 stainless Target Model and I love it

38yrs of shooting my mini.only one failure to feed and that was because of a crappy after market magazine.fired a couple of thousand rounds and no problem with the mini it's self.put a strut on it to stabilize the barrel.it works.can hit target 400yrds.it's NOT a target rifle.was not designed to be.

Cool video.. i want one WITH a bump stock😃😃

I just sold both of my 583 series, they are a jack of all trades/master of none rifle. The rear sight comes loose unless you red-loctite it. The magazines are too pricey AND heavy. I installed barrel stabilizers from "true shot technologies" which helped great even with ruger's improved barrel. I DEFINITELY recommend the hogue overmold stock, it makes the rifle feel much better, especially while shooting prone. The weakest point was shooting at a fast rate. With both rifles i'd get fail to feed AND fail to eject issues. It was really annoying. I kept them in my safe, i'd never trust my life with them, that's what my shotguns are for. NY resident here, moving to Nevada in april, and i'm so happy about the freedom over there regarding guns.

loading gets faster with practice. you can feel the notch and hole line up. unloading you just hold the rifle level hit the release and the mag will fall. I've had mine for a year and love it.

So it’s a tactical semi auto, that’s not an AR? Perfect to avoid gun controversy.