Ruger Mini 14.

[okrattler]

I've been thinking about getting one for a while now. Are the newer ones any better accuracy wise than the other models? I've heard they are but I don't know from personal experience. I have three .223's already so I really don't need another but I've always liked the looks of the mini 14 so I don't see why one more would hurt.

I guess I could consider a mini 30 as well as far as that goes. How many of y'all shoot either one and what's your opinion on them?

[Colton]

I have a 580 series and accuracy is bleeping terrible, worse than I ever thought possible. I should sell it but I am weak and all my guns have sentimental value to me. Not sure about the newer series, hopefully they are better and maybe I got a lemon, who knows.

[RJH1]

I had a 580 series and the accuracy with 55s wasn't bad. I shot 3" groups at 200 yards several times. That said when you through a 20 round mag quickly the groups would start to open up, so I guess it depends on what you are expecting. I have always preferred the looks and handling of the mini to the AR, but that is just personal preference. Mine was completely reliable, and I feel accurate enough for what I had it for. I consider buying another one from time to time still. I guess the main thing is to understand that a Mini is not an AR, and try not to compare the two because they are really very different guns

[Flint knapper]

I barrowed one from a friend to check the accuracy. The thing was all over the place. I have herd that if you get one from the Ruger custom shop, the accuracy is a lot better!

[TacticalCowboy]

Completely overpriced and underperforming.

[Spearchunker]

Ar wins in every category.

[Artos]

They are still well received & have a cult like following...I never owned or shot one. I checked my old auctions but the mini 30's I sold were too old to recall.

Here's some recent mini 14's / Ranch Rifles.

Currently:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/771936439

Recently Sold:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/769481074

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/759688547

[okrattler]

My grandpa has a custom Mini 14 with a fluted barrel and a laminate thumbhole stock that will keep up with any AR I've ever been around....but....he paid to get it that way too. I don't necessarily expect it to be a prairie dog rifle but I'd like to be able to hit coyotes and head shoot hogs at least. I don't know what twist the barrels are but I assume 1:9 twist. The fact that I might be shooting hogs with it makes me lean a little more towards the Mini 30.

[okrattler]

I had a 580 series and the accuracy with 55s wasn't bad. I shot 3" groups at 200 yards several times. That said when you through a 20 round mag quickly the groups would start to open up, so I guess it depends on what you are expecting. I have always preferred the looks and handling of the mini to the AR, but that is just personal preference. Mine was completely reliable, and I feel accurate enough for what I had it for. I consider buying another one from time to time still. I guess the main thing is to understand that a Mini is not an AR, and try not to compare the two because they are really very different guns

I'm right there with you. I've shot a mini 14 my uncle has and I really liked it but I really didn't shoot anything that far away or enough to really test the accuracy. I can shoot an AR just fine but I grew up shooting bolt guns and mini's have more of the "traditional" rifle feel to them I guess you can say and they're a little more comfortable to me. Plus I like the looks of them as well.

[Robertt]

Shot turkey at the base of the neck at 80 - 90 yards the last five years. I love mine.

[dallred]

No problem with mine. Killed coyotes and pigs with it. It's for sale. Search dallred if interested.

[Clay C]

If you just want one to have one then just get it. If you want one for a purpose, an AR!5 is better in literally every way.

[wytex]

I have a NRA Version and it is very accurate for some reason. I have been told the shorter barrel cools down faster and maybe that's why?????
We have 2 and really like both, the NRA has taken many coyotes , weighs a lot less than my AR. Never had any issues with it.

[backwoods]

I have a 580 series which was a machining and production improvement over the prior series (180 I believe). It is indeed more accurate than the older styles that I have shot.
Ruger enhanced the 580 series further by putting a heavier barrel on.
My 580 is as accurate as my Marlin .30-.30. I consider both to be sub 100 yard guns.
The Mini is a good "ranch" rifle as it was intended.
There are subjective areas where the Mini outshines an AR15. I find that they are easier and more comfortable to carry in the woods with a sling.

[2B4Him]

I love my mini-30. It is my 'go to' gun when just jumping on the ATV to cruise around or just walking around. Great for hogs, varmints, etc. But I consider it my 'ranch gun' - I don't think of it as some long-distance competition gun.
So, the accuracy is fine with me. It is a great hog killer (or deer) to 100 yards easily.
I recently made some mods to mine as shown.