I am 74 , grew up on iron sights , learned how to really use them in the Marines . Today’s “ shooters “ depend too much on optics . Yes it is fun to nail a long shot dead on with a scope , but with your eye and skill it is more fun and satisfying . Have fun with your mini .
This is nice to hear. I'm 45 and grew up on iron sights too, because my dad was also a Marine ('67-'71) and taught me the fundamentals. He started us on bolts and revolvers.
Sure, but were you using pre-loaded cartridges? I grew up using a flintlock and there truly is nothing more satisfying than firing a projectile that you rammed down the barrel yourself.
Thank you sir about your comment on the difference between iron sights and scopes. Most of the young guys I talk to have never used iron sights only scopes, there is a more gratifying feeling when you hit your target using iron. No artificial implements. Just me and my rifle.
Loved your comment about are you an iron sight shooter. I'm over 70, still prefer iron over optics; quicker, easier, simpler and less prone to failure. I still shoot iron sighted military surplus rifles; most days I can get 3-4 inch, 10 shot, groups. To shoot better than that I now need optics on modern firearms. Except for varmints and competition shooting, there isn't much that even a 6 inch group won't get done at 100 yds
Mini 14 is a very good gun, and very underrated by many people. I have an AR-15, AK-47 and a Mini-14, all good guns. But the gun I like to shoot the most is the Mini-14.
I too have all of the guns you listed. I however have an SKS 'M' model that will accept any regular AK-47 magazine. I like the Mini 14 but I have found that the SKS that I have is way more economical to shoot and I use it all the time.It has a receiver that will accomodate any kind of scope I want to put on it and can still use the open sights even when the scope is mounted. I know people have said that the 7.62X39 is not that accurate but these guns are not the run of the mill SKSs. They are extremely accurate and up to 400 yards it is deadly as hell. I have been offered $1.200 for it and some are willing to trade and give me cash. Every time I let somone shoot it they come away pretty amazed at the way the gun operates and shoots.
@@TBullCajunbreadmaker people say 7.62 is unreliable because what they are trying to convey is that trash AK copies are shit. Of course they are, they are knock offs lacking original Soviet design and manufacturing. I'll put my Russian Vepr Ak up against any rifle for accuracy
Great video. Love my mini's, I have a 14 and 30. I also own ARs and all other types of long guns and pistols. Its nice to see another gun owner appreciate other firearms whether they're the best shooter, more capacity, or better caliber, whatever. Enjoy your mini 14!
@@susanmenegus5242 bought mine from a pawn shop. Stainless steel finish. Former police issue $425.00 . Took awhile to find. Just stop by regularly at several shops . Also look for gun shops that deal with estate sales. Currently prices are high. Good luck and enjoy.
My local gun dealer convinced my to buy one, and even gave me a great discount. I think it was around $425ish at that time. What a beautiful rifle and easy shooter. I think I've only put 100 rounds through it, but I'll have to give it some more love after watching this.
I bought a Mini 14 back in the mid 80’s. I have bought and sold many guns since then. I still have the Mini and have never even considered selling it. Mine is fine accuracy wise. It’s a good gun to have in NY as well.
1:45 I have a Ruger Mini 14 and it runs all sorts of .223/5,56mm ammo with absolutely no problem, incl an after-market 20 round mag of unknown make! I wish I had your proficiency as an iron-sights shooter. You have my respect, Sir!
Nice video, thanks for taking the time. There has been a lot of talk about inaccuracy in the Mini-14. Well, apparently Ruger also felt that the Mini-14 was a bit inaccurate and Ruger dealt with the inaccuracy issue. Ruger made some changes and the newer Mini's are a lot more accurate. The Mini-14's with the prefix of 580 and higher are the rifles that are more accurate. I agree with what you said about many modern shooters not shooting iron sights to begin with, therefore many aren't the best shooters with iron sights. I've seen some very good shooters with red dots and scopes, etc. that didn't shoot as accurately with iron sights. It seems like it could be a generational thing. The Mini-14 is just a really fun rifle and it's very easy to maneuver while looking great at the same time.
I paid $275 for my Mini-14 in back in 2015. It's a Series 181 made sometime in 1981. The pawn shop owner "threw in" all the magazines he had in the shop. (3) 30 round (3) 20 round & (5) 5 round magazines. It doesn't shoot as well as my Rock River Arms LAR-15 but it goes everywhere with me in my Polaris XP 1000. I know all about the early Mini-14s, at 150 yards it will take down man size targets.
You lucky hound! Good for you! I picked up my Mini-14 GB at a local pawn shop for $700 4 years ago and it’s now worth at least double and it’s the only Mini-14 variant I prefer, otherwise I wouldn’t buy one.
David - I have lots of long guns, but only two pieces of "glass." Both on 22 rimfires. LOVE shootin' IRONS!! I do have quite a few "peep" sights, though... Thanks for the video!
I've got a 182 series which I bought new in Summer 1981 as a present to myself for my 16th birthday with money made from mowing lawns. My Mini-14 is still with me all these past 40 years. It had been the most reliable and rugged rifle I've ever owned. I also trained the on the M16A2 with USMC in the late 80's, and now have my own Colt AR15. I've always considered the manual of arms to be easier with the Mini-14. I like the safety switch on the Mini better than on the AR, but the magazine release on the AR better than on the Mini. I also consider the Mini to be easier and quicker to shoulder into a ready position than the AR. It's also easier (because of the open bolt design) to perform and visually verify a chamber check with the Mini. My preference is for the Mini-14, though I appreciate the M16/AR15 platform as well. The action of the AR-15 is directly in line with the barrel, whereas the action on the Mini-14 is off to the side. So, easier to keep site on target with the AR-15. My 182 series is wood on top and bottom, so no metal shroud covering the action rod. The rear sight is also as you see in the video. It is the best rear sight ever put on the Mini-14. Unfortunately, Ruger dropped this particular rear sight design decades ago. Stupid. Also, as in the video, my Mini-14 is a strict iron sight rifle -- no scope mount points. My Mini-14 with the pencil barrel is not as accurate as my AR15, but it is accurate enough. Iron sights on a paper plate at 100 yards. No complaints. I should add that my Mini has a 1-in-10 twist, and shoots 55 grain the best. Later Mini-14's have a 1-in-9 twist. Also, the newer 580 series with thicker barrel are more accurate. Maintenance on the Mini-14 is stupid low. Takedown is not as easy as with the AR15, but not difficult either. As demonstrated in the video, the whole trigger assembly may be removed for inspection and cleaning . No such convenience with an AR-15. I put a drop or two of Ballistol on action and bearing points, and that's all. Frankly, I've run the Mini bone dry many times without any problems. The tolerances of the open bolt design and of the action bar are very forgiving. I've often said that "You can't go wrong on a Mini-14, and the Mini won't go wrong on you." Would be nice if Ruger made a second design that accepted AR15 magazines. They could call it the Mini-15. Ha, ha.
Dang I have watched several videos , you sound like a parrot 🦜 why don’t you make your own video if you’re going to yak yak yak , heard all that before everyone has same things to say about mini’s
I’ve owned several over the years. None of the older skinny barrels but have very good results from both the heavier barrels and the new ones that are heavier still. I’ve found all of to be completely reliable and group about two inches. I love them.
The recivers got stamped .223 but the barrels were built for 5.56 due to it was originally built to be a lighter m14 for military use and they built tons of barrels for the military but the AR platform already took off and due to being cheaper and faster to produce than the mini 14 the mini was left behind .
I bought a Mini 14, (Ranch Rifle) back around the time of the wooflu lockdown. I was getting a little tired, fatigued with the AR's and wanted something different and it didn't disappoint. BUT, getting the bolt back in can be a little of a struggle at times. (noticed you skipped that part) but absolutely love the rifle. Great video too.
Thanks for your interesting video. I have a 583 series in stainless. I love everything about it except it was causing me problems where the brass was landing . I installed an adjustable gas block using the proper torque and it has worked out very well. It did not cause any malfunctions.
Thank you for this video. the Mini 14 is a nice carbine, and it provides many hours of fun to so many people. It is more an alternative to the US M1 Carbine than to the AR15. In its intended use, it works very well. I put a reflex sight ( Burris fast fire III) on mine as I was dissatisfied with the rear sight (it requires tools for adjustments).
Only9mm, Mine does the same ( or as i like to say, " Fires in two directions...." ). Allow me to reiterate what you said ( fearing it was glossed over ), "...easily 15-20 YARDS..." ! ☆
I have the exact mini 14 purchased in the 1980’s. Stainless steel and wood. Rugged simple lightweight and extremely reliable. Accuracy is about 4 inches at 100 yards. Nothing to brag about. However the mini 14 should be enjoyed for what it is and it is an excellent rifle.
Oh the triggers clean up nicely too. I have a 583 and I’ve gotten 2 moa from a rest. Reasonably 2.5-3. It is a little more accurate than an AKM or right about where a really nice AKM will shoot: they give you rings and a rail, silly not to use them. The ghost ring irons are a pain to adjust and the front sight is too broad. Not a huge fan but I put a cheap Bushnell scope on mine and I can ring steel at 300 yards smaller than a torso at my club no problem. That’s really all I need from a rifle like this. It would be nice to be able to mount a light on it.
I'm 51 and only started hunting and shooting with scopes 2 years ago. Deer, elk, hogs, rabbits, squirrels etc... hundreds of critters fell to iron sights. Scopes are nice for sure but not necessary by a long shot! Lol
I guess I have been unlucky with both Minis I have owned, one a "pre-ban" stainless and the other a late (2017) model. Our host suggested that guys who accuse the Mini of poor accuracy are kids who have only shot ARs with optics. Well, I don't own any optics. I have only used irons on my M1, M14, M16, AK and Mini-14s. And both my Minis were lucky to do better than "pie plate" groups at 100 yards. That being said, yes it is a reliable mechanism. And I don't fault anyone who prefers it; to each his own. But if I'm shooting far away stuff or itty bitty stuff, give me an AR/M16, M1 or M14 any day. I also prefer a rifle that lets me change a firing pin or extractor myself in two minutes rather than needing to send it to Ruger, etc. Peace and thanks to Mr. Drake for a nice video.
Awesome gun. I was fortunate and in the right place to acquire a mini 14 with the original folding stock that came with it. Also came with original stainless mags. Two 30 rounders and one 40. Love it. Best part was the price!!! Cheap
I got one and Love it. had it for more than 20 years. Took Deer with it with hollow point Boa-tails. Most Shots are in 20 t0 60 yards, but I'm sure it would do at 100 yards.
I had an identical one like this in 1989 and unfortunately, the accuracy was not very good after the first few rounds. Sold it for a Colt 1991A1. In 1997 I got a blue one and I kept it for few years and sold it. Finally, I got the new one in 2007 with the plastic stock and flash hiders. I love the Mini 14.
Great video! That is the exact rifle (stainless steel!) that I drooled over as a teenager. I now own two awesome Minis, but sadly neither are stainless. Love the Mini for it's classic looks, compact frame, and overall fun factor. Thanks for your straightforward review and interesting commentary!
When I was in Fort Ord, CA, (1966) our final rifle test was 62 pop-up targets. They were equally selected from 50 yds to 1,000 yds. I only missed one shot: the last one. I over-compensated my 200 yd zero & put the bullet about 6" in front of the target. Maybe I got "Buck Fever" at the thought of Maxing that test..... M-14 is a very fine shooter with open sights. Would be cool to have one now.
I have 2 Mini 14's one is a stainless 70's and one is a recent blued. The first thing I did with the recent blued Mini was replace that big ugly handguard with a Choate ventilated handguard, big improvement. I have had AR15's Colt, S&W and DPMS and I actually prefer the Mini 14's. I have M1 carbines and the Mini 14 is about the same size and has a similar operating system. I use Ruger and a couple different brands of aftermarket mags and they all function the same. I put a brass catcher on (which can be switched back and forth between the 2) because the Mini does like to throw the brass way out there. Mini's are a fun rifle and I think you will enjoy yours.
Good overview of a fine rifle. I just picked up a new and I think the heavier barrels are supposed to be more accurate. I haven't shot mine yet. I think you hit the nail on the head about shooting the iron sights. A lot of people have never used them.
It doesn’t have modularity, but it runs hands off reliably. I have hundreds if not thousands of rounds without a complete strip. Chamber wipe and bore snakes. No malfunctions at all. It throws the brass 15 feet or more with its gas piston system. Accurate enough. Doesn’t transfer heat back to the receiver. Battle proved M1 action. No buffer tube. No wonky charging handle. Not as precise but more rugged than an AR for sure. If I needed a rifle for survival purposes where maintenance will be iffy, I would take the Mini with polymer stock over an AR any weekday and twice on Sunday. And I own the AR type and shoot a bunch... well not as much lately for obvious reason. One thing, actually two things create malfunctions in any M1 derivative, do not grab the op rod while shooting. The later 580 series rifles like mine have a plastic cover to mitigate that. Also do not ride the charging handle back to closed. Pull it and let it snap back on its own.
I bought a SS mini 14 new about 1980 with a SS flash suppressor and two 30 round Ruger mags ... and put it away, never have shot it. I think I even have the box I came in.
The newer serial numbered 580-XXXXX will have even better accuracy than you were able to attain due to modifications by Ruger. The main mod being the thicker tapering barrel. I also shoot iron sights at 100 yards with great accuracy from prone or sitting. I have also tried a scope at 225 yards with just as good of results. I have never had any problems with operation and for the most part it has performed flawlessly throughout my ownership during which time I have put well over 6000+ rounds thru the rifle. Good video and glad to see someone else has good basic shooting skills using iron sights.
Good video. I enjoyed it. I've owned four Minis, over the years. I've found them all to be reasonably accurate. The problem I always had was that they wouldn't hold a good group, as they heated up. The one you got seems to have a pretty decent trigger. The ones I've had were all different. Some much heavier of a pull than yours and often gritty feeling also. That's, lightly addressing the earlier ones. I don't know what series yours is, but it's before Ruger changed the barrel contour and made some other changes to the gun. My current Mini is a stainless Tactical carbine, and it's a 581 series that was made in 2009. With the new barrel contour and other improvements, I found it to be very accurate. Well, very accurate for having fairly course sights and a real heavy, gritty trigger. I had the trigger group polished and worked on by a gunsmith in Utah who specializes in Mini 14 trigger jobs. After getting it back, it now breaks cleanly at 3 1/4 pounds and he even installed an over travel stop. So that when it breaks, it only travels a small amount and is quick to reset. I did end up putting a scope on it, and now it's easily the equal of any of my AR15s, in shootability and accuracy. I always liked my Minis, even with their quirks / issues but, with my new one (actually had it for eight years) I really love it. It's become one of my favorite guns.
Back in the 90's I was disappointed how many rifles were coming out that didn't have a front sight. I would go to gun shows and if it didn't have a front sight, I wasn't interested. Unfortunately my eyes ain't what they used to be.
Accuracy Systems in Colorado guarantees sub MOA groupings at 100yds. Having them work on a brand new stainless ranch model, right now. Putting in a 223 Wylde 1" straight barrel.
Can u post pics and vids of it while shooting it along with specs? I have heard of Asi. Very very good rep. Just no vids of people with thier guns firearms etc. Thx
What ever happened to your mini from ASI? Are you going to post video of it shooting? Its now 6.30.2021. Or have a web site you post on ? Like perfect union or ruger forum etc . There are no vids of ASI minis . beginning to believe its a myth.
@@rontate7719 just got it back (5 month lead time) so haven't shot it yet. I've got to break in the barrel, but they sent it back with the test group at .477 MOA.
Great video! Enjoyed your detailed but not boring description of the rifle and it’s workings. I have a 1953 H&R M1 Garand that I got from the CMP and most all I did to it was a super clean and complete re-stocking with a walnut CMP stock. With a National Match rear peep sight now installed, I can hit 10 shots into about an inch at 100 yards all day, as long as I let the barrel cool a bit btwn strings. Peep sights are my favorite irons, and can be VERY accurate if only you know how to use them! Thanks again for your time and excellent work.
I have a mini (Ranch) 196 series I bought in 2000 when I lived in Calif. , I think it was $450 at the time. I see the primary advantage to having a rifle with no muzzle device no pistol grip no adjustable stock and basically looks like a bolt gun. Is for example, instead of facing a crowd of looters breaking out the windows of my store stealing everything and setting it on fire, I am able to dispersing the group with cover fire, flank and render the real instigators to non combatants . In the end face the police or a judge with a low tactical civilian home defence weapon that cost me $450 not my $2500 AR that looks (badass) scary tactical assault like rifle that makes me look like some kind of want to be special ops guy. 90% of the bullets maybe used to keep the opponents head down and gain a vantage position, nato rounds are full metal jacket that take more people off the battle field than casualties made with hollow point rounds or highly accurately placed rounds to center mass. People loss sight of how a weapon is used to take advantage of an opponent in a fire fight.
A few years back, I found a stainless Mini older model with a stainless scope in the pawn shop for $350.00.........yea, I can't believe I let that one go, but I just didn't have any money at the time, so...........yea I probably won't get that opportunity again. This is a beautiful copy of the rifle. Very nice looking in Stainless and wood. It just looks good. I do run Pmags and others along with my Ruger mags in my Mini, and I pretty much don't have any issues with it. Maybe the newer 580 and higher number models (mine is a 582 series) don't have those issues like the older guns did. I even have success with last shot hold-open on them. I have a few Pro-mag magazines that I had to file a bit on to get them to work, but after working on them a bit, they work too. And they aren't so expensive.
Good gun, iron sights yes! Mine has an amazing swirled walnut stock (got lucky) and is also stainless. Likely the next generation after yours, different rear sight , etc. Mine shoots 4 MOA at best. Tried to improve it but really who cares? Ever had an AR that clogged up after 100rds and wouldn't shoot? You won't ever have that problem with a Mini, chews up everything and REALLY flings those empty cases hard and far! Most fun gun ever, pure USA. So American.
The iron-sighted Mini gets much the same treatment that the old .30-30 and .35 caliber lever guns did years ago. Most guys simply weren't willing to learn to shoot the guns, so they gained a by and large unfair reputation for not being accurate
The sights on that particular firearm you have are very rudimentary. If you add in the pencil barrel and the harmonics and heat you have accuracy issues. I have the same exact rifle as you have in this video. I find it harder to consistently produce good groups with this rifle. I know that the 5800+ serial numbered rifles have addressed the sights, barrel and even improved on an already very good trigger. I found this video a very good representation of the pro’s and cons of it in this configuration. Thank you for the review. Semper Fidelis🇺🇸
I got one. Made in 1986. Shoots fine, no modification. And no, it doesn’t over lap bullet holes at 50 yards. But it is just fine for critters of house cat size and larger.
Outstanding video sir. Your time and effort are both greatly appreciated. So sick of hearing how the mini 14 sucks. I myself am an OUTDOORSMAN......not a military man. I think guns without wood are ugly, and have no place in this world other than a battlefield. In South Texas where I live, the ranch is my battleground and hogs are the enemy. Mini 14 works just fine for me.
@Jim Dean I really enjoy the old school guns that have that beautiful wood finish. Just my preference though. You can keep all that political cry baby bs though. You can't budge me with your big scary liberal crap. I understand why people like the military style weapons. I'm just an old school hunter. Bolt action 22-250 with a wood stock and I'm in 7th heaven. By the way, I got a 162 pounder with a 22lr earlier this year. Thanks for the reply. God bless.
OMG. I just ran across this video & am coveting your gun. Well all Mini 14's, I've had my eye on this gun for a long time & am saving up for it. Enjoy!!
I bought my first Mini 14 in 1983 and my latest in 2015, it being the stainless Ranch Rifle. They are outstanding rifles. I do have an A2 style flash hider on the stainless model as well as a Weaver 4X optic. I get three inch groups at a hundred yards. Trigger is very good. Just a joy to shoot. I have AR pistols for other purposes but for a carbine length rifle, I prefer the Mini 14. I’ve had a few friends try it as well and they all have the same comment. “Sweet!” I enjoyed the video.
Dave------I had one and living in upstate NY its a cool rifle........a target rifle its not....but it is a hell of a lot of fun....it ran great...no complaints....thinking of getting another....I am always wheeling and dealing....lol....GBY buddy
Awesome video man! I just picked one up on a trade aswell, it's a 1985 but it came with a scope already mounted. I think I might haul it off and go with stock configuration like you. I think it would be more fun that way, grabbing it from the backseat of the truck etc. However, the previous owner somewhere down the line removed the front AND rear sights. So I'm going to have to pick those up. I'm hoping the front sight won't have to be pressed on, I do notice there is a channel where a front blade would apparently pin on. Anyyway thanks for the great video review of this rifle!!
You know, when you hear the multitude of complaints on the Mini-14 you have to remember we live in a polite and pampered society. If you dropped off a single factory stock Stainless Mini-14 with say 5 magazines and 100 rounds on the border of Iran and Afghanistan, you would have at least 5 men dead as the result of WHO would take ownership of it within the closest regional tribe and it would be a treasured item. Here in America they have become twice as expensive as they used to be say 10 years ago, whereas the Black Rifle has dropped due to market saturation. The Mini-14 is the Blue State Patriot Rifle. In my area - a tiny village of less than 800 families at the tip of the Appalachian mountain range, Upstate NY this has become the Rifle everyone either has, or wants. Why? The Black Rifle is so neutered in NY state that it is actually dangerous for the owner to operate because of the political climate of down-staters. Also, I’m not intending to pick on anyone but even IF you have a neutered AR pattern rifle, some out of jurisdiction”woke” Police Officer is going to brain you, cuff you and arrest you for owning it in the first place, and you will be in jail and be forced to proove your innocence with a woke provided Attourney in a reversal due to NY being a guilty until you can proove your innocence state yet they set convicted pedophiles free. And they will no matter what confiscate it, the local papers will denigrate you as a pariah, and your “woke” parole officer will become your new mommy. If you actually have the black rifle here, you are at risk. Sell it and get a mini-14 if in a blue state. It’s not worth ruining your life over. A guy had an old, old Vietnam era 20 round magazine in his tool box, a police officer who was VISITING him off duty arrested him. He is in PRISON. yes, PRISON. It’s not worth it, you will be persecuted, if your neighbor sees it, they will red flag law you, and 20,000 dollars later you might be lucky enough to only have a parole officer for 6 years as your new mommy and a full year of “community service” (indentured servant).
My Mini-14 is a 186 series, too. I put on an Accu-strut and a scout rail and mounted a scope on it. I shoot 1.5 inch groups now. The Mini-14 is a great rifle and it isn't one of those scary black guns.
I put a Troy Industry's Chassi on my 1980 Mini-14. It hits dinner plates 100% all day at 200 yards. 4 Power scope. Does not malfunction. I like my Tapco cartridges also. Silencer threads right on.
Very good review. I have one but have not used it much. It has a scope sight and is not the stainless model. I now know how to take it down and.clean it thanks to you. Yes, I heard they have questionable accuracy and you set that straight. I do want to call some coyotes and hope the gun is up to this task. I don't expect to shoot them beyond 150 yards if even that far. I just think it is such a handsome looking gun.
Enjoyed the video. Love my Mini. I have several ARs and an AK, but there's something endearing about a gun with a wood stock. Would love to see a follow-up video if you ever feel led to. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on a great gun. She's a beaut!
