What do we think of the Mini 14?

[echo1]

Mini mags can/are finnicky in a X39 RAR. PAX

 

[Gravel]

If Ruger sold a mini14 with AR mags, I’d buy one. For me, the Ruger mags are the biggest compromise inherent in the Mini14. Nothing else about the rifle bothers me at all.

That would absolutely destroy the value of the current Mini14 though..

 

[ptmn2]

I bought one over 30 years ago. It shoot nice and I like it, but I wish I had purchased the Mini 30 version instead

 

[safetyfirstont]

I'm sort of in the market (building up cash reserves ) for another Mini Thirty . I got plenty of mags , might as well share the wealth with another one .

 

[jkody]

They are a great alternative for those who don't want to bother with the "evil black rifle". The newer models with the cold hammer forged barrels are more accurate than the earlier models. Out here in the valley, I recommend them all the time for folks that have some acreage.

 

[Funjeff]

Hoping Ruger is working on an Sbr folder like the AC556.

 

[dvoncock]

Seems like we’ve been dancing around one point, but I’ll go ahead and put it bluntly: our options for California-compliment ARs kinda all suck.

For me, that is a strong argument for the Mini’s continued relevance despite being an objectively obsolete design.

Did I mention that I hate featureless and fixed mag ARs?

 

[safetyfirstont]

Seems like we’ve been dancing around one point, but I’ll go ahead and put it bluntly: our options for California-compliment ARs kinda all suck.

For me, that is a strong argument for the Mini’s continued relevance despite being an objectively obsolete design.

Did I mention that I hate featureless and fixed mag ARs?

I agree. I do like the Fightlite Scr though. Great design . But they are slightly more expensive than a mini 14 with some of the parts proprietary.
The fin grip , mag lock stuff needs to go away . CA doing what CA does.

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

I agree. I do like the Fightlite Scr though. Great design . But they are slightly more expensive than a mini 14 with some of the parts proprietary.
The fin grip , mag lock stuff needs to go away . CA doing what CA does.

I tried the Fightlite SCR, and honestly liked the mini 14’s manual of arms better.

 

[dvoncock]

I tried the Fightlite SCR, and honestly liked the mini 14’s manual of arms better.

Im not familiar with the Flightlite SCR. How’d you like it in terms of shootability, accuracy, etc.?

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Im not familiar with the Flightlite SCR. How’d you like it in terms of shootability, accuracy, etc.?

So, just about any AR-15 5.56 upper will mate to a Fightlite SCR lower. So accuracy is gauge by your uppers quality/spec

However, The Gen 1’s had a pretty horrible trigger, with the Gen 2 you get a better trigger, but nothing like an aftermarket AR-15 trigger. The SCR is almost all proprietary so no go on aftermarket help for lower, etc. not popular enough US wide I guess.

If you like hunting rifles, or mini 14, shotgun stocks then it feels fine. If you are more comfortable with modern arms, pistol grips, ergonomics, etc then you will probably be disappointed.

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

The mag release is too far forward for strong hand, so you will have to break your grip, or use your weak hand to reach around to hit mag release as it is not Ambi. Definitely slower than a standard AR, and I find the Mini 14 or M1A easier to change mags on with push paddle release

I sold it because I was not a fan of mag changes or manual of arms with the hunting style stock with rear charging handle. Would rather rock a mini 14 tbh. And yes, you can get a side charging upper, but they are all kinda meh

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

I’m not knocking Fightlite though, they gave us an alternative to neutered AR’s in State; and I knew of a few people who really liked theirs. Take my experience and opinions as a consideration, but ultimately try one out for yourself if interested. My SCR lower was quality built.

 

[Darqhelmet]

They are cool here only because they are featureless. The gun was garbage when they released. They "fixed" the accuracy, but they are still mediocre at best. Any state that doesn't have our stupid laws you never see them because a 500 dollar AR out does them by every metric. Get a ranch rifle of some flavor and have a better gun all around.

 

[Darqhelmet]

..

Here eyes aren't crossed enough to be a true mini 14

 

[Hylander]

Love the Mini.
Getting another one in a week or so.
I have no complaints, not even a complaint about the mags, they are a none issue.
They function 100%
Yes they cost more than AR mags.
To me, saying they need to take AR mags is like saying a Sig needs to take glock mags.

 

[safetyfirstont]

Love the Mini.
Getting another one in a week or so.
I have no complaints, not even a complaint about the mags, they are a none issue.
They function 100%
Yes they cost more than AR mags.
To me, saying they need to take AR mags is like saying a Sig needs to take glock mags.

Agreed. I never understood why cost of mags and the gun was such a big deal. The big picture is the ammo is going to be the biggest costs by a 1000 miles. Last time I checked , the mini 14 and AR15 is the same ammunition

 

[Gawernator]

Agreed. I never understood why cost of mags and the gun was such a big deal. The big picture is the ammo is going to be the biggest costs by a 1000 miles. Last time I checked , the mini 14 and AR15 is the same ammunition

Yeah except the AR-15 is better in every way and you can use PMAG’s lol

 

[DrewN]

Do Ruger mags work? Yes. Would a Mini be a better gun if it was STANAG? Also, yes. Not light years better, but better. And it would undoubtedly sell more rifles for Ruger.

 

[ef9boy88]

Inherited mine from my uncle in the 90s. Love that rifle. Mine has been accurate, and super reliable. Most times when I go shooting alone I take a bolt gun, but when I've taken people they want to take ARs.