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10/24/2025 4:24:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: raf][Edited] [#1]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Clan_McIntyre:


Sorry, but you are the one who is wrong. It is very comparable. Jeez. Now we can get back on topic.
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Originally Posted By Clan_McIntyre:
Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By fxntime:
Buy a used big boy ''mini'' and just get a M1A/semi M14 for the same price.
Apples and oranges.  I own both, and neither are directly comparable--no offense.

But we digress, and back on-topic.


Sorry, but you are the one who is wrong. It is very comparable. Jeez. Now we can get back on topic.
My original (and referenced by you post) concerned comparing M-14s and M1As to Mini-14s.  Any fair-minded and educated user will agree that these platforms are fundamentally different, while having "some" similarities.  Mostly, differences concern differing gas systems, and related parts.

I own both platforms, have shot, cleaned, and maintained both platforms. Re-loaded ammo for both platforms   They are very different.

Even poster fxntime (whom I have come to respect) did not dispute my comments.

@fxntime

@Clan_Mcintyre
10/24/2025 4:37:13 PM EDT
[#2]
Just picked mine up, arrived earlier (was supposed to be here on Monday). Just made it to the FFL today and I picked it up.

First Mini 14 of my life and second Ruger firearms I ever owned.

Didn't think it would feel such a solid platform. Was expecting way less.

I love this thing. Will take pictures ASAP. I really love it.


10/24/2025 5:36:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#3]
Here it is, in all its beauty. I am honestly very impressed. Never would have thought. I love it.

A Mini 14 Ranch 50th Anniversary in the Floridian lush.

Mini 14 50th Anniversary Florida by Solo__, on Flickr

10/24/2025 5:54:44 PM EDT
[#4]
... another one. Sorry for the multiple posts, might have edited - but it deserves it. It deserves the attention.

Mini 14 50th Anniversary Florida by Solo__, on Flickr

10/24/2025 8:03:35 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
My original (and referenced by you post) concerned comparing M-14s and M1As to Mini-14s.  Any fair-minded and educated user will agree that these platforms are fundamentally different, while having "some" similarities.  Mostly, differences concern differing gas systems, and related parts.

I own both platforms, have shot, cleaned, and maintained both platforms. Re-loaded ammo for both platforms   They are very different.

Even poster fxntime (whom I have come to respect) did not dispute my comments.

@fxntime

@Clan_Mcintyre
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By Clan_McIntyre:
Originally Posted By raf:
Originally Posted By fxntime:
Buy a used big boy ''mini'' and just get a M1A/semi M14 for the same price.
Apples and oranges.  I own both, and neither are directly comparable--no offense.

But we digress, and back on-topic.


Sorry, but you are the one who is wrong. It is very comparable. Jeez. Now we can get back on topic.
My original (and referenced by you post) concerned comparing M-14s and M1As to Mini-14s.  Any fair-minded and educated user will agree that these platforms are fundamentally different, while having "some" similarities.  Mostly, differences concern differing gas systems, and related parts.

I own both platforms, have shot, cleaned, and maintained both platforms. Re-loaded ammo for both platforms   They are very different.

Even poster fxntime (whom I have come to respect) did not dispute my comments.

@fxntime

@Clan_Mcintyre


Of course they are fundamentally different. Just as a piston-driven AR is to a direct impingement AR, they are all but identical in manual of arms, aesthetics, and ergonomics, caliber difference notwithstanding.
10/24/2025 8:04:02 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Here it is, in all its beauty. I am honestly very impressed. Never would have thought. I love it.

A Mini 14 Ranch 50th Anniversary in the Floridian lush.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54877531606_ded2c2ba58_k.jpgMini 14 50th Anniversary Florida by Solo__, on Flickr

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Very nice! Howsit shoot?
10/24/2025 8:08:38 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Clan_McIntyre:


Very nice! Howsit shoot?
View Quote
Don't know yet! Just picked it up this afternoon. If I can, I'll try it on Sunday
10/25/2025 12:48:22 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
... another one. Sorry for the multiple posts, might have edited - but it deserves it. It deserves the attention.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54877512856_917780dfdc_k.jpgMini 14 50th Anniversary Florida by Solo__, on Flickr

View Quote


Congrats! Fine looking rifle, hope it serves you well.
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."

Song dynasty poet
10/25/2025 3:14:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Strela:


Congrats! Fine looking rifle, hope it serves you well.
View Quote
Thank you brother. It is mainly collecting now - I have a passion for Americana (our culture, tradition,  classic products push me)  -  BUT wife and son are leaving to check out one more college before decision on Sunday THEN I'll be shooting!
10/25/2025 8:47:08 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Don't know yet! Just picked it up this afternoon. If I can, I'll try it on Sunday
View Quote


My next gun purchase very much depends upon your report when you return! @Solo_

10/25/2025 12:09:43 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Clan_McIntyre:


My next gun purchase very much depends upon your report when you return! @Solo_

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Then it's mandatory for me to test it to the best of my abilities - soon enough (hopefully tomorrow) AND report back here (to you).

Which - all of the above - I will do.

ARFcom is home
10/26/2025 4:35:24 PM EDT
[#12]
As I had mentioned a couple of times, I was able to go shoot it.

@Clan_McIntyre - she's a keeper.

I am very, very happy.
Shoots soft, shoots accurate. I zeroed it quickly (SIteLite laser on this Trijicon 1-10X that I bought specifically for this rifle), target at 25 yards shown below.
I started with the center of the target, zeroing the scope - going back and forth from the SiteLite to shooting, rinse - repeat.

The top left and top right smaller targets were the final tests once zeroed in. Not bad - not bad at all; certainly not worse than an AR15.

Which is enough for me with this rifle - due to its known previous history (previous iterations). It's definitely been fixed.

Oh and this is common, cheap ammunition by the way - the one you buy in the bags at your LGS; unbranded range ammo.

It's done.

Mini 14 zeroing by Solo__, on Flickr


Mini 14 zeroed by Solo__, on Flickr


10/26/2025 5:20:04 PM EDT
[#13]
Now I gotta get one. Looks like it shoots really good!
10/26/2025 5:25:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Clan_McIntyre:
Now I gotta get one. Looks like it shoots really good!
View Quote


ETA @raf, thank you OP for making this thread. This is how I found this rifle that I didn't know I would end up liking this much.

It's a matter and mixture of a traditional American rifle (I was missing my Garand M1, I feel this one sorts of covers that for me - for a while at least), it truly shoots well - feels great, it's a great build, it can be a collectible and it just looks great.



10/26/2025 6:41:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#15]
... adding a couple more pictures of what it looks like with this Trijicon LPVO 10x scope.

Mini 14 50th Anniversary scoped by Solo__, on Flickr


Mini 14 50th Anniversary scoped by Solo__, on Flickr

10/27/2025 1:37:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: backbencher][Edited] [#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:  As I had mentioned a couple of times, I was able to go shoot it.

@Clan_McIntyre - she's a keeper.

I am very, very happy.
Shoots soft, shoots accurate. I zeroed it quickly (SIteLite laser on this Trijicon 1-10X that I bought specifically for this rifle), target at 25 yards shown below.
I started with the center of the target, zeroing the scope - going back and forth from the SiteLite to shooting, rinse - repeat.

The top left and top right smaller targets were the final tests once zeroed in. Not bad - not bad at all; certainly not worse than an AR15.

Which is enough for me with this rifle - due to its known previous history (previous iterations). It's definitely been fixed.

Oh and this is common, cheap ammunition by the way - the one you buy in the bags at your LGS; unbranded range ammo.

It's done.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54881914343_176e71373d_k.jpgMini 14 zeroing by Solo__, on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54881984740_5796c29463_k.jpgMini 14 zeroed by Solo__, on Flickr
View Quote


Are those groups roughly 2" across at 25 yds?  So 8 MOA?

Or roughly 1" groups?
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
10/27/2025 5:09:49 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


Are those groups roughly 2" across at 25 yds?  So 8 MOA?

Or roughly 1" groups?
View Quote
Haven't measured, looks like roughly 1"? Off hand, unsupported (but scoped)
10/27/2025 9:26:29 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#18]
So I realized the (Vortex, 34mm) rings were too high. They were 'medium height' - but since a 34mm tube MUST sit on the rail (apparently I can't find 34mm rings that will sit directly on Ruger's cast-on scope ring mounts, because they simply don't exist) I could then use the lowest rings - and I did.

Amazon has a service overnight for those, so I overnighted them and returned the medium height ones.

Better both in terms of compact look and feel AND I noticed that I can acquire the target even more rapidly with the lower sitting scope, since it's a more natural stance for my neck as I shoulder the rifle.

Mandatory Florida jungle pics

lower scope rings by Solo__, on Flickr


low rings by Solo__, on Flickr

10/27/2025 11:36:03 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Haven't measured, looks like roughly 1"? Off hand, unsupported (but scoped)
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Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Originally Posted By backbencher:  Are those groups roughly 2" across at 25 yds?  So 8 MOA?

Or roughly 1" groups?
Haven't measured, looks like roughly 1"? Off hand, unsupported (but scoped)


Ok, so about 4 MOA.  Not bad, you could pass an Army qual w/ it.  Couldn't tell how large your target was.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
10/27/2025 11:42:07 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


Ok, so about 4 MOA.  Not bad, you could pass an Army qual w/ it.  Couldn't tell how large your target was.
View Quote
Unsure if I would pass it - too old now (57), but I love the thought (I did serve).
Now, I want to go and shoot the 100 yards. I shall/will, just need to get some work done and I should have the time to head to the outdoor range here in town that has 100 yards lanes. Want to!
10/28/2025 6:22:02 PM EDT
[#21]
By the way, as a sling setup *I* chose the following, basing myself on what appeared to be the easiest (to fit) choice.

The stock slot does appear to be precisely cut for an M1 carbine oiler - but the sling ring on the side isn't. Too narrow.

While alternatives have been offered, the Vietnam M1 carbine style sling is a perfect fit.

Shown in picture below - mine is original

Attached File

10/29/2025 9:03:28 PM EDT
[#22]
Solo
What is your opinion of the length of pull.  The stock looks a bit long.  I like no more than a 13" LOP.  I know you have a LPVO but, that stock just looks a tad long for me if I was to use the iron sights.  

kwg
10/29/2025 9:25:41 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By kwg020:
Solo
What is your opinion of the length of pull.  The stock looks a bit long.  I like no more than a 13" LOP.  I know you have a LPVO but, that stock just looks a tad long for me if I was to use the iron sights.  

kwg
View Quote
You read my mind. It's a tad long. I am going to see if I can remove that rubber pad - likely I can't.
Still natural overall - don't get me wrong, it's not awkward or excessive - I am just someone that (say) prefers an A1 stock versus an A2 stock. A lot.

PS I am about to buy the Mini 14 tactical (stainless) as well and THEN I'm going to SBR it.

I am literally awash in Mini 14 extravaganza!


10/31/2025 9:26:30 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By kwg020:
Solo
What is your opinion of the length of pull.  The stock looks a bit long.  I like no more than a 13" LOP.  I know you have a LPVO but, that stock just looks a tad long for me if I was to use the iron sights.  

kwg
View Quote


It's longer than a normal mini, about an inch longer as best I can tell.  I personally like it but not everyone will.  Being a solid wood stock, shortening it shouldn't be a big challenge.
10/31/2025 9:56:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#25]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Ameshawki:


It's longer than a normal mini, about an inch longer as best I can tell.  I personally like it but not everyone will.  Being a solid wood stock, shortening it shouldn't be a big challenge.
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Listen,
I am AWFULLY torn between buying a Tactical (STAINLESS) with the folder stock OR just the folder and, from time to time, swapping it with the current 50th Anniversary stock.

I am literally torn.

SAVING UP anyways for a full rifle (new), the tactical in stainless; I just bought last night the gas block with the iron molded front sight in it from Samson; so THAT I am ready


ETA I have mentioned this specifically in reference to the LOP because the folder has a slightly smaller shorter LOP
11/8/2025 2:28:12 PM EDT
[#26]
Finally got to see one in person. Very nice ....like the French Police  style stock with side sling set up and wood handguard. Could live without the shiny bolt with 75th logo.

Unfortunately this version is banned in WA and I already have a new type standard mini and a pre ban GB .

They should use this stock config on all future Mini 14.
11/8/2025 5:13:33 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By tangeant:
Finally got to see one in person. Very nice ....like the French Police  style stock with side sling set up and wood handguard. Could live without the shiny bolt with 75th logo.

Unfortunately this version is banned in WA and I already have a new type standard mini and a pre ban GB .

They should use this stock config on all future Mini 14.
View Quote
Banned???

11/8/2025 7:04:17 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Banned???

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Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Originally Posted By tangeant:
Finally got to see one in person. Very nice ....like the French Police  style stock with side sling set up and wood handguard. Could live without the shiny bolt with 75th logo.

Unfortunately this version is banned in WA and I already have a new type standard mini and a pre ban GB .

They should use this stock config on all future Mini 14.
Banned???



Bayonet lug, I'm guessing.
Vintage Ain't Retro.
11/8/2025 8:14:06 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Z09SS:


Bayonet lug, I'm guessing.
View Quote

11/9/2025 8:35:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: tangeant][Edited] [#30]
Threaded muzzle.

They will most likely ban all Minis by name the next go around.

They banned by name a few guns by name that passed their assault weapon evil parts configuration test namely BM59, M1a and SKS.

Bayonet lugs aren't on evil parts list.  The law they passed ( straight up Every town cut and paste ) is completely retarded they didn't even put in a Olympic pistol exemption like CA.
11/9/2025 9:51:09 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Originally Posted By tangeant:
Threaded muzzle.

They will most likely ban all Minis by name the next go around.

They banned by name a few guns by name that passed their assault weapon evil parts configuration test namely BM59, M1a and SKS.

Bayonet lugs aren't on evil parts list.  The law they passed ( straight up Every town cut and paste ) is completely retarded they didn't even put in a Olympic pistol exemption like CA.
View Quote
Attached File

12/20/2025 6:59:56 PM EDT
[#32]
Walked into my LGS with no intention of looking at a Mini-14. Saw the 50th anniversary on the wall and thought it was a used old GB model. When I asked about it and held it, I had to have it. Very BA looking and well-constructed. That Walnut stock and bayo lug/flash hider just set the Mini off for me. Good job Ruger!
12/20/2025 7:38:06 PM EDT
[Last Edit: rock71][Edited] [#33]
The only redeeming quality of Mini-14s is that they look cool. That, they excel at.
Distinguished
12/20/2025 9:18:10 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rock71:  The only redeeming quality of Mini-14s is that they look cool. That, they excel at.
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They're reliable, are often legal in the communist held states, and have the same  intuitive open action of the Garand, M14, & M1 Carbine.  It's easy for a noob to understand and keep track of a live round in the chamber b/c it's easy to see what's happening.  The SKS doesn't share the same action but is also similarly intuitive b/c of the open nature of the action w/ the exposed bolt carrier.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
2/24/2026 5:06:46 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Colt653:


[ french accent ] who needs a rear sight, when you have the happy switch"

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/2275/IMG_7935_jpeg-3629204.JPG
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A number of them have ladder style sights on the barrel in front of the receiver.

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