New Mini 14 vs "Old" Mini 14

B

Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
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Been considering saving up for either a carbine or a handgun of some variety, and one of the models I've been interested in is th mini 14. Now, reading around it seems in 2005 they changes a few things resulting in roughly twice the accuracy (some numbers I've seen indicate 4MOA pre-2005 va 2MOA post-2005). So far the only concrete change I've seen listed is the change to 1:8 rifling. Does anybody know if there were any other changes made? And just as importantly what is the easiest way to tell the A) Date of Manfacture and B) whether its new style or old style?
 
I've heard the same things. I can vouch for the old ones sucking- 4 MOA was a good day. I was very happy the day I sold it. For the $$$ they go for, I would get an AR- oh yeah- I did!
 
My understanding is that Ruger is making their own barrels now. Before 2005 they bought barrels from venders and quality was spotty.

I have owned several Ruger rifles in the past and they all had less then wonderful accuracy. Reviews of the newer rifles have been good.
 
I like Rugers and own one now and have owned others in the past. However, I've never seen a compelling reason to have a Mini-14 or Ranch rifle over any other semiauto; particularly given their cost. I hope that the new barrel helps as they have always seemed to be a good concept with poor execution (or accuaracy, more precisely).
 
The big thing I've heard about them is they tend to keyhole. Anyone know if that problem was solved?
 
I have an old, 1980, Mini 14, and it is true that it is certainly no bench gun. The biggest problem is the pencil thin barrel that vibrates and plays hell with accuracy. Accuracy can be improved greatly with a barrel stabilizer. The sights suck big time on the older guns and mounting a scope sight is an exercise in futility. The trigger sucks but can be improved if you know what you are doing.

Another reason to steer clear of the Ruger is magazine availability. After market magazines are not reliable. Ruger mag's usually are, but they are expensive. And you can't just slap a mag in the well as you can with an AR or AK. It takes technique.

Nevertheless, despite my criticism, I have owned the rifle for over thirty years because I like it's "feel". And shooting offhand inside fifty yards, I can hit with it about as well as I need to assuming my needs are not great.

I do also have a scoped AR for those times when I want to hit things at 100+ yards.

Don't know what changes were made on the newer model Mini. Hopefully they used a heavier barrel, improved the sights, made provision for a scope mount, and improved the trigger.

I like the Mini and in some ways I prefer it to the AR although it isn't nearly the gun the AR is regardless of the maker. I can think of only two reasons to buy a mini over an AR and that is preference for the looks and feel of the mini. In terms of performance, versatility, and reliability, I'd go for something else.
 
Here's the thing- if you're familiar with the Garand style actions you should really strongly consider a Mini. They actually are very reliable guns, I've never seen one keyhole. They point instinctually and are very lightweight, especially when compared with AK's. Cheaper to buy than an AR, easy on brass for reloading, gas system is very easy to maintain and extremely reliable. Run Ruger factory mags and you're set... some folks complain about their cost but honestly... they cost about what Circle 10's do for AK's... they can be tempermental with Promags tho. Eagles and Tapcos work well. Haven't tested any Thermelts yet.
 
I had an old model Mini 14 and sold it. Always wished I had kept it even though it had its flaws. The newer models have a few improvements. The barrel is heavier, and flares just a bit before the gas port. The front site is on a differnet barrel band than the old ones. The rear sights are improved from the flip up leaf site on the old ranch rifle.

There are a few more things, but if you look at the two, a new model is quite obvious.

Doc
 
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