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ruger mini-14
I Have been looking at 2 semi-automatic rifle for varmint hunting, bobcat coyotes, etc.
I have been going back and fourth between the mini-14, and the remington 7400. I need to know which would better suit my needs, i want to accurately shoot at about 200yds |
RE: ruger mini-14
The Mini 14 is designed for shooting at man-sized targets out to 150 yards. Very few are accurate enough for even 100 yard varmint hunting. The Remington in a .243 would be a good choice. Or an AR-15 - many of those will shoot MOA right out of the box.
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RE: ruger mini-14
with my mini-14 the best I have grouped at 200 yards was around 8 inch groups. The best groups ive seen with a remington 7400 in 30-06 cal. were 4 inch groups. the 7400 would deffinately be better than the mini-14 at 200 yards. Id seriously look into ar-15's Ive seen guys shooting 1 inch groups at 200 yards with basically stock ar's with nothing more than a scope and trigger job.
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RE: ruger mini-14
I agree with HighDesert, you should look into a DPMS R-15. They are much cheaper than a bushmaster or a rock river and they shoot very well. Guns and ammo (or a similar magazine, not sure) did a test on the DPMS utlralight 16" which most would assume is their least accurate gun due to the short and very thin barrel. They averaged under 1.5 inch groups at 100yds. If you go with a stainless bull barrel you will be much under that.
Good thing now is you can go and have a barrel treated with gunKote or dutacoat and cheaplyturn a stainless into a matte black. |
RE: ruger mini-14
The best I ever did with my Mini at 200 yards, with a scope, was 3 1/2". Not too bad, but no tack driver either. With my AR scoped, I averaged just under 1" at 200 yards. IMHO the Mini is a plinker, not a target/varmint rig.
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RE: ruger mini-14
Thanks guys, I think i'm gonna take your advice and invest a little more money and go for a dpms, which models do you think will suit my needs at a resonable price?
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RE: ruger mini-14
Avoid the Mini 14 at all costs for a varminter like everyone else said. And if you decide you really need one I have a 1976 200th year of Liberty Mini14 thats 95% or better I'd be willing to sell! hehehe
I had a Rock River Arms 16" Varmint with the NM lower, and I could put a 20rd mag in of Black Hills 52gr HPs and from my Harris bipod I could put 20 shots (rapid fire) inside a baseball at 100 yards. If I slowed it down it would put 5 shots into a ragged hole. Never owned a DPMS so I can't help ya out. I'm sure anything with a bull barrel anda good trigger will fit your bill nicely.:D |
RE: ruger mini-14
I have used my mini-14 for varmint hunting before I got my 22-250, I just limited my shots to 100 yards or less. they do work pretty good for inclose work. heres a picture of my mini-14 with my latest addition of a red dot sight and a 150 yard target from this afternoon i was using some light loaded handloads using 25 grains H4895 and a 55 grain Hornady sxsp chronographed the velocity at an average of 2,960 fps. Ive noticed the mini-14 to be a little more consistant with loads loaded to around a 222's velocity. with the results of the target I'm thinking it might be an alright yote gun to 150 yards maybe 200 yards. But I do have my 22-250 and its shooting sub moa to 400 yards. I really dont need to use the mini for yotes unless i just feel like.
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RE: ruger mini-14
I noticed Ruger changed the design of the mini 14. I wonder if they made the barrel thicker? This is a link to the pic.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5805&return=Y |
RE: ruger mini-14
I really have not noticed any thicker barrels on the Mini14 in .223. I know a few yote hunters (vets) that use one of the commercial M16 variants for varmints. They surprise me with their accuracy. For something that sounds and acts like a black mouse trap, it seems to be real good on coyotes.
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RE: ruger mini-14
The Mini 14 is a reasonable choice for a SHTF gun; there are better choices for applications where accuracy is important.
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RE: ruger mini-14
Mini 14s shoot patterns, not groups.
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RE: ruger mini-14
ROFL. Goes with having car antennas for barrels.
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RE: ruger mini-14
Expensive = AR-15 Cheap=NEF single shot in a sufficiant cal. for both choices!!!
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RE: ruger mini-14
ORIGINAL: RUNANGUN Expensive = AR-15 Cheap=NEF single shot in a sufficiant cal. for both choices!!! And for 50 dollars more than a NEF you can get a stevens (savage) Model 200, which is a much better gun then any NEF. And from my experience much more accurate. |
RE: ruger mini-14
Id say just buy a Savage 12 FVSS in 223 or 22-250. I have one in 223 with a tasco 10-40x scope and it shoots under half inch with white box winchester ammo, with handloads it shoots 1/4 inch no problem. those mini-14s will shoot groups that look like a shotgun pattern and a 7400 isn't a whole lot better for varmint hunting. If you want to hunt varmints i think you should buy a bolt action or an AR-15 of some sort. whatever your choice is itll be a lot of fun.
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RE: ruger mini-14
Another option (as if you need one) is the Kel-Tech SU 16. This is a AR variant, made to be a "truck" gun (it folds in 1/2). I have not shot one, but have read good things about the accurracy on the user forum. It is considered a more accurate alternative to the Mini-14. Price range is about the same.
Spud |
RE: ruger mini-14
I like the piston driven operation of the mini 14. Too bad Ruger does not buff the accuracy or at least give an option. Now, if anyone has a tack driving mini-14, would love to hear!
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RE: ruger mini-14
rugers supposed to be coming out with a match grade mini-14 this year has a heavy barrel and a McMillan style target stock and a better trigger. maybe it will be pretty decent I dont know guess we'll just have to see when it finally comes out
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RE: ruger mini-14
The Mini-14 can be "accurized" to produce some pretty fair groups. A heavy barrel, modifications to the gas system, and a better trigger can really improve things. By the time you get done, however, you will have more in the gun than a "V-Match" type AR-15 and it may or may not shoot as well.
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RE: ruger mini-14
the 7400 in a .243 will definatley be ore accurate. if you want to spend a little more money buy a nice ar-15 or armalite m-15 a4. they prduce phenomenal accuracy and you can get them in a wide variety of styles to suit you need and wants.
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RE: ruger mini-14
mini 14 is one of the most accurate on the market.
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RE: ruger mini-14
My Ruger Mini 14 does fine at 200 yards, but I had one before that you would be lucky to hit a paper plate at 200. Better accuracy can be found in an AR15.
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RE: ruger mini-14
ORIGINAL: chandlerwilliams mini 14 is one of the most accurate on the market. hmmmm?? what??? what tree did you fall out of?? Im not bashing the mini-14 i have one and love it I would never get rid of it. its a sweet handling gun and i just love the look of them and the fact the sights are where they are supposed to be, not 2 inches above the barrel like a AR-15. But..... the accuracy falls somewhere between OK and poor even with specially tuned handloads and optics added to it my best groups fair about what you see in my picture on page one of this thread about 2 to 3 inch groups at 100 to 150 yards. compared to any of my bolt actions this is absolutely horrible accuracy but for semi auto its ok because there are other semi autos out there that are alot more accurate, even as ugly as the ar-15 its a ton more accurate out of the box then and other semi auto on the market. I have to ask where did you hear that the mini-14 is one of the most accurate on the market?? did maybe you confuse the mini-14 with a M1A or a M-14??? |
RE: ruger mini-14
Gents,
Believe it or not, I already had a fairly decent out of the box Mini whenI bought it 2-3'' at 100 yards with WWB 55 grain. If you want some real cheap fixes that will help, try these: 1) Put a Masen slip-on Muzzle break. This took it to 1.5 to 2'' at 100 yards. 2) Slip on a Sims barrel deresonator. Yeah, I know, not made for this type of gun---But it works! 3) If you want really good groups use premium ammo. Yep, Winchester and Nosler have some pretty good stuff. You can read a review on the mini14 ranch rifle and winchester ammo that was used. I produced 3/4 inch groups. Go to gunblast.com The 55 grain yielded great results! 4) Use the Ruger 5 round mag. I did fairly well with a Masen 10 round mag, however, even with the Ruger factory 20 rounders I have, the groups were much larger. 5) If you are shooting for groups, give your barrel time to cool down. If you are just shooting for fun, dont worry about it. 6) I have not done it, but I hear that putting a Hogue stock is almost as good as putting a glass bedding ot the gun. It fits real tight! I have done 5 out of the 6 things here and I can shoot 3/4 to 1.5 at 200 yards (Not more than 10 shots though, the barrel gets too hot). I have shot 2"-2.5" at 300 yards. All in all, the cost for the brake and deresonator is $45.00. I think the hogue stock is about $40-70 on line depending on where you look. I have out shot my buddy who has a RR Arms that he paid at least $200 more than I did even with my slight modifications. The ammo will cost you more, but I have been amazed at how well WWB 62 grain had done for just plinking. Just use the other good stuff when you want good groups, it works. Hornady's 55 grain BT was not bad either. Porter. |
RE: ruger mini-14
I spoke to someone at Ruger and the barrel is the same diameterbut she told me they hadimproved the standard forthe the level of accuracy you should achieve out of one and had rounded the edges and refined it overall. Made it more user friendly.I think they are all ranch rifles now with the rings and better sights than the ones that use to come on them. The front sight looks like an m1 carbine type sight. Here are some pics of the new ones.
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RE: ruger mini-14
Another
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RE: ruger mini-14
And another
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RE: ruger mini-14
i gotta mini14 toped with a simmons 4x12 scope. it ain't never gonna be no 200yrd varmint rig. i might take a 100yrd shot at jacks or yotes with it though. the AR's are supposed ta be real tack drivers; but there pricey. i got no experience with a rem 7400????????but i alway's wanted a light 223 carbine bolt action like rem mod 7 or simalar. course once ya got one, and outfitted it youd only be a little light a the price fer a AR..
early |
RE: ruger mini-14
I would get a bolt action varmint rig or one of these new AR's if you want that kind of long range accuracy.
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RE: ruger mini-14
Welcome aboard early!! You will find some knowledgeable gunheads and hunters here.:)
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RE: ruger mini-14
ORIGINAL: Porter Rockwell Gents, Believe it or not, I already had a fairly decent out of the box Mini whenI bought it 2-3'' at 100 yards with WWB 55 grain. If you want some real cheap fixes that will help, try these: 1) Put a Masen slip-on Muzzle break. This took it to 1.5 to 2'' at 100 yards. 2) Slip on a Sims barrel deresonator. Yeah, I know, not made for this type of gun---But it works! 3) If you want really good groups use premium ammo. Yep, Winchester and Nosler have some pretty good stuff. You can read a review on the mini14 ranch rifle and winchester ammo that was used. I produced 3/4 inch groups. Go to gunblast.com The 55 grain yielded great results! 4) Use the Ruger 5 round mag. I did fairly well with a Masen 10 round mag, however, even with the Ruger factory 20 rounders I have, the groups were much larger. 5) If you are shooting for groups, give your barrel time to cool down. If you are just shooting for fun, dont worry about it. 6) I have not done it, but I hear that putting a Hogue stock is almost as good as putting a glass bedding ot the gun. It fits real tight! I have done 5 out of the 6 things here and I can shoot 3/4 to 1.5 at 200 yards (Not more than 10 shots though, the barrel gets too hot). I have shot 2"-2.5" at 300 yards. All in all, the cost for the brake and deresonator is $45.00. I think the hogue stock is about $40-70 on line depending on where you look. I have out shot my buddy who has a RR Arms that he paid at least $200 more than I did even with my slight modifications. The ammo will cost you more, but I have been amazed at how well WWB 62 grain had done for just plinking. Just use the other good stuff when you want good groups, it works. Hornady's 55 grain BT was not bad either. Porter. yep sounds about right for the folks at gun blast everything I've ever read at gunblast is either pure luck or a load of bull. |
RE: ruger mini-14
Maybe the ammo recommendations at gunblast can be a load, but my own modifications to the mini are legit. Any time you want to drive up from AZ and try it, let me know. I think my next move is the Hogue stock for it. I have been pleased with everything else.
Shooting clays at 200-250 yards is a snap. God Bless, Porter. |
RE: ruger mini-14
ORIGINAL: Porter Rockwell Maybe the ammo recommendations at gunblast can be a load, but my own modifications to the mini are legit. Any time you want to drive up from AZ and try it, let me know. I think my next move is the Hogue stock for it. I have been pleased with everything else. Shooting clays at 200-250 yards is a snap. God Bless, Porter. Id love to take you up on your offer howfar is pleasant grove, utah form say pheonix, AZ?? might have to take a few days off. |
RE: ruger mini-14
A mini 14 is not the one you want for varmint hunting. even with a scope its highly unaccurate. If i was looking for a semi auto in 223 i would not hesitate to go for an ar-15. thats the one you want
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RE: ruger mini-14
The mini is way over priced to be a plinker and not accurate enough to be a serious rifle.
The Saiga .223s are more accurate and cost $100-150 or more less than the mini and are a better rifle IMO. For a serious semiauto rifle, there is no substitute for the AR. |
RE: ruger mini-14
HD Wolf,
I would say you are at least 12 hours from me by car. I'm about 40 minutes south of Salt Lake. I know a few years ago it took me aboutsix hours to get to Jacobs Lake, AZ. We were sown by Lake Poweel and doing somecliff diving etc. I remember driving to Flagstaff several years ago I think that was 8-9 hours? The 62 grain match from Federal has done reasonably well. Other have told me it really likes the heavy stuff. I have shot some 68 grainers through it, but not for accuracy yet. God Bless, Porter. |
RE: ruger mini-14
HD Wolfe,
Seriously. Try fitting on of these on the barrel. It might take a bit to slip on on, but it works! You can by a deresonator for $12-20 depending on where you look.  Here are the Masen Muzzle breaks. They make a difference as well. Put the Simms on before or you will be stretching that baby to get itover the muzzle break I know, I had to do it!  I got mine from Midway. God Bless, Porter. |
RE: ruger mini-14
asfar as factory ammo I found my mini-14 to like the white box winchester bulk ammo in 55 grain fmj the best. second best would be wolf 62 grain hollow points.
I also reload for it I achieved my best groups using federal match brass, cci small rifle primers, 25 grains H4895 powder, and Hornady 55 grain SXSP's. I noticed the mini-14 to favor lighter charge weights that push a 55 grainer around 3,000 fps pushing it any faster I began to see the accuracy start to go down hill quick. I might try that barrel deresonator, im also lookin into having a better trigger put in too I like a 2 stage trigger so i will look for a softer one, the factory 2 stage is just a little hard for my liking. I have a muzzle break for it its the choate m-14 style one. heres a pic. if you go back to page 1 of this thread you can see a picture of my complete setup plus a 150 yard target.  |
RE: ruger mini-14
HD Wolfe,
That is a real nice setup. I'll see if I can get a pic on here of mine. Is your mini one of the older versions? Mine is a newer Ranch rifle. I have noticed about a 1/2 inch difference between my pops older mini and my newer ranch. He has the same modifications that I have, but my gun will outshoot his. The newer ranch rifles are still not what they should be for accuracy, but the barrels are a tad bit stiffer with better steel in my opinion. in addition, they did change the twist rate in the new mini's. My dad does not do as well in shooting the heavier stuff. The max he can get a decent group is with your same 62 grain. I can really say by experience that the premium stuff by Winchester andNosler (55 Grain)does make a difference in my gun. Federal 55 grain and 68 grain match was good, but not as good. Hornady 55 grain was fair.I do get much tighter groups (As good asor even better than my dad's handloads) with Nosler and Winnie.You can't go plinking with that stuff though unless you have a few mil in the bank! I have not had very good success with the real light 40 grain varmint loads from Hornady or Winchester. One other thing I noticed as well. I really liked the convenience and quick aquisition with a red dot on my mini, but I did shoot better with my Leupold 3x9on top. God Bless, Porter. |
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