Click here to purchase your own Mini-14 Rifle.
1) When did the Mini-14 first become available on the civilian market?
A: The Mini-14 was introduced by Ruger in 1974.
2) Was the Mini-14 ever used by the U.S. Military?
A: No. The Mini-14 has been used by several law enforcement agencies and other militaries, but was never adopted by the U.S. Military.
3) What caliber is the Mini-14?
A: The Mini-14 is chambered for the 5.56 NATO round, so it will shoot both 5.56 and .223 Remington ammunition.
4) Was the Mini-14 ever offered in other calibers?
A: Yes. The Mini-30 is chambered in 7.62×39 Russian. In 2007, Ruger introduced the Mini 6.8, chambered for the 6.8 Remington SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge). Some export only models were chambered in .222 Remington so they could be exported to countries where civilians are prohibited to own firearms chambered in military calibers. Interestingly, in the mid 1980’s, Ruger announced a version of the Mini-14 chambered for .308 Winchester called the XGI. It was never put into production due to design problems that could not be overcome.
5) Is the Mini-14 a copy of the U.S. M14 battle rifle?
A: Basically it is. The Mini-14, the M14 and the M1 Garand all share many features which were first seen on the Garand.
6) Are there many variations of the Mini-14?
A: There are few. The AC556 is a selective-fire version capable of full-automatic fire. The Mini-14/30GB came from Ruger with a skeleton folding stock, threaded barrel, flash hider and pistol grip. In 2006, Ruger started producing a target version of the Mini-14. It features a thumbhole laminate stock, heavy barrel and harmonic barrel tuner.
7) Will AR-15 magazines work in my Mini-14?
A: No. AR-15 and Mini-14 magazines are not interchangeable.
8) Are there replacement stocks for my Mini-14?
A: Yes. Several companies like TAPCO and Butler Creek produce replacement stocks for the Mini-14. These can be had with features such as folding or collapsible buttstocks, pistol grips and accessory rails. They are also available in different colors.
9) Can I install a muzzle brake on my Mini-14?
A: Yes. You can have the barrel threaded for a screw-on brake or install a pin-on model that doesn’t require gunsmithing. Note that on the newer models with serial numbers starting with 195 or higher, the barrel diameter is larger and the pin-on brakes may not fit.
10) What is a Ranch rifle?
A: The Mini-14 Ranch rifle has integral scope mounts machined into the receiver. This allows easy scope mounting without drilling and tapping the receiver or using a side mount. Special rings are required and are supplied by Ruger with new guns. Other ring manufacturers also produce rings to fit the Ranch rifle.
11) I have an older 180-series rifle and am having trouble finding parts for it. What is the problem?
A: The 180-series was the first series of the Mini-14 that Ruger produced. Several design changes occurred for the following series to upgrade the rifle. These changes make some 180-series parts difficult to find since Ruger ceased manufacturing those parts that were changed. The changes also make most aftermarket products incompatible with the 180-series.
12) What capacity magazines can I get for my Mini-14?
A: Magazines from Ruger and other companies are available in 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40-round capacity. The Beta Company even offers a 100-round dual drum magazine for the Mini-14.
13) Can I mount a scope to my standard Mini-14?
A: There are two ways to mount a scope to a standard (not Ranch Rifle) Mini-14. The first and more secure way is to have the receiver drilled and tapped by a gunsmith to accept a scope base. This will permanently alter the firearm and can be costly as the receivers are quite hard. On models with a removable plate on the left side (most will have this), a side mount can be installed. This uses the existing slot in the receiver and does not require any gunsmithing.
Im A correctional officer and we use the mini 14 in our towers.. they work very well for quick standing shots and are very durable.
Comment by Josh — March 31, 2010 @ 1:52 am
I am a correctional officer, and Ive always wondered why we use the Mini-14. It seems like all the corretional departments use the Mini-14. Is there some kind of law behind this? Or what its the main reason for this???
Comment by JC — June 6, 2010 @ 12:36 pm
I have a 180 series mini 30, i’m confused because i can’t find ammo that has the .308 bore i know that the Russian ammo is between .310 and .311 is this all that is available? When i read the owners manual for the mini 30 and it specifically states to use ammo that was manufactured to U.S. standards, what ammo should i use? I know that i need to use the brass case because of the inferior firing pin and weak spring any help would be greatly appreciated.
Comment by Gary — December 11, 2010 @ 10:06 pm
I would like to add a scope to my 188-series Mini 14, but Im not sure how the side plate comes off my rifle. It looks like it might have a pin whole to push in on but it just wont budge. Can anyone please help with this easy one. thanks
Comment by jeff myrick — January 21, 2011 @ 6:04 am
I am looking for a collapseable stock for my mini-14, 180 series. Any suggestions?
Comment by Daniel Tobin — March 23, 2011 @ 8:40 pm
Daniel,
My son has a 180 series with a Butler Creek folding stock and needs a “stock” stock. I’m sure he would trade. The Butler Creek is Stainless (or silver finish), black, and with pistol grip. If you are interested, pls contact me at bumper j m at g mail dot com. Thanks.
bumper
Comment by John Morgan — April 14, 2011 @ 9:06 pm
I have a new mini 14 and I can not find the outside Diameter to the barrel, does anyone know what the OD is for the Standard Mini 14 stock Barrel I have read like 4 different ones SO I am not sure which one it is thanks for any help.
Comment by Ritchie White — June 2, 2011 @ 2:52 am
I’ve read the entire page and do share some apprehension about my firing pin reliability. However, I purchased my Mini in 2006 and have never had any problems with it. I keep it very clean internally, and have never used any kind of eastern bloc ammo. I do my own reloading with American brass, primers, bullets and powder. No problems gentlemen. The only problems Ive had with Ruger products, is the disassembly/reassembly procedures. They win the prize for that.
Good luck folks with yours. To this point, I’m not ready to jump ship and have and do own several Ruger firearms.
Comment by John Bailey — December 13, 2011 @ 7:45 pm
Forgot to mention, that my Mini is the 580 series in stainless.
Comment by John Bailey — December 13, 2011 @ 7:51 pm
The Mini 14 was used by the us military. They were in the inventory at US Embassies and carried by Marine security guards.
Comment by Mark — May 23, 2012 @ 7:17 pm
I have a series 180 and am looking for the extractor. Is there anyone out there that can help. Thanks.
Comment by Jon — June 19, 2012 @ 2:23 pm
Let me try this again not sure the first one went through.
I have a series 180 Mini 14 (223) and am in need of an extractor. Is there anyone out there with info as to where I might get one. I have tried all the sites I know of figure someone must have it in their pocket, and I’d like to buy it. Thanks in advance for any information.
Comment by Jon — June 19, 2012 @ 2:38 pm
Brownells has a stainless one for 9.95. I’d call them first and ask them to look up the anything else..
780-014-005WB
Extractor, SS
Mfr. Part: KMS01400
Comment by Mark — June 19, 2012 @ 3:48 pm
Brownells, Midway, Numrich, Bob’s
The (SS) does not fit the 180 is what my email from them said. I am half tempted to buy the blued one from Midway even though they to said it would not work. I know it is a close match, so I am not sure what about it won’t let it work. But there’s probably something. Thanks for trying though Mark.
Comment by Jon — June 19, 2012 @ 4:37 pm
Anythings worth a try, thanks.
Comment by Jon — June 19, 2012 @ 6:09 pm
Have a series 180 Mini 14 and tried to install a JC .22 conversion kit. All parts would install except the bolt. Any info would
be appreciated.
Comment by Bill Winter — June 25, 2012 @ 1:59 pm
There is a gunsmithing business in Byers, Colorado that has an impressive web site as they deal with
Mini-14′s on a regular basis. Once I can get some money ahead (?) I plan on sending mine in for an
serious upgrade. They seem to take pride in the work they do, not just the bottom line. If your really
serious about your weapon, take a look.
Accuracy Systems Inc.
1661 Behrens RD
Byers, Colorado 80103
Tel: (303) 822-6849
Fax: (720) 367-5095
E-Mail Us:
accuracyinc1@aol.com;
Comment by Dale — July 29, 2012 @ 6:06 pm
i have a couple of mini 14′s but i am not happy with rifle because of firing pin breakage and i would love to see a heavier firing pin upgraded or at least a pin made out of titanium this would probably encourage more police and military usage as well as more civilians being comfortable with a mini 14 for home usage as a defensive weapon
until that time mine is relagated to a plinking toy, i basically don’t trust the gun as it sits now, ive got one that has broken twice now and thats a police model.
Comment by jim — September 19, 2012 @ 4:07 pm
Is the 223 clip the same as a 222?
Comment by Ross Bennett — January 26, 2013 @ 12:12 pm
I am looking at a Mini-14 Ranch rifle with a serial number beginning with (196-)xxxxxx
and I have received different opinions as to whether it is compatible with the 5.56 NATO ammunition. It has “CAL .223″ stamped on the receiver behind the rear sight. I am seeing problems with ammunition supplies these days and sometimes 5.56 NATO type ammo is available when .223 is not and I sure would like to know the answer to this question before I make an investment in this rifle. Is this the difference between a Mini- 14 Ranch rifle and a Mini-14 “Standard”?
Comment by Paul Davis — February 9, 2013 @ 9:44 pm
There is a ton of info on this on the WEB. But bottom line is, if it says .223 stick with that. If it says 5.56 you can safely shoot both. It has to do with the chamber damsons being different and 5.56 having the potential for the average round to develop more pressure.
Comment by Mark Barnum — February 10, 2013 @ 9:18 am
Dimensions
Comment by Mark Barnum — February 10, 2013 @ 9:20 am
Thanks for the reply, Mark. Since I posted, I was digging on the Ruger website and I found a PDF file of the manual that supposedly applies to the 196- series model that I am looking at. Their wording still leaves an opening for some doubt, though I am sure that they thought they were being perfectly clear…
It says, “The RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH RIFLES are chambered for the .223
Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Ranch Rifle is designed to use either
standardized U.S. military or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges
manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.”
Still leaves room for doubt, eh? May just have to make a call and spend some time on “hold”.
Comment by Paul Davis — February 10, 2013 @ 2:44 pm
Bottom line…… Will a ranch rifle with (Cal 223) stamped on the back fire 5.56 NATO ammo?
Comment by Dan — February 14, 2013 @ 3:47 am
I received this response from Ruger Customer Service:
“Response:
Ruger Mini-14’s have 5.56mm chambers and are designed to use either 5.56 or .223 factory ammunition loaded to United States industry specifications except in the Target model. Also may be called 5.56 x .45.”
Also, see:
http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/specSheets/5801.html
Comment by Paul Davis — February 14, 2013 @ 5:07 pm