Ruger Mini-14

Ruger Mini-14 Capacity

Often sold with a 5 round magazine, Ruger, along with aftermarket magazine manufacturers, offer larger magazines with capacities of 10, 20, and 30 rounds.  The Mini-14 magazines load into the rifle similar to the M1A or AKM with its “Rock & Lock” method where you insert the nose of the magazine and rock it back as opposed to the straight-in insertion you see with an AR15.

Ruger Mini-14 Ergonomics

The Ruger Mini-14 takes the traditional design of the M1 Garand and M14 rifles and scales it all down to match the firepower of the much weaker AR15.  Its Monte Carlo style stock gives the user a more traditional grip on the rifle.  The safety, when engaged, sits inside the trigger guard and sits in front of the trigger guard in the “off” position.  The long-stroke piston, the reciprocating charging handle, and the bolt cam groove are all forged into the same piece, offering the user a “forward-assist” function by way of manually pushing the charging handle forward - and the round into battery - if needed.  The comb on the stock offers a comfortable cheek weld while using iron sights.

Ruger Mini-14 Fit-N-Finish

Forged out of incredibly strong steel, the Ruger Mini-14 is incredibly resistant to damage.  Offered in stainless or blued steel, the surface finish on the metal components can look unfinished, though the craftsmanship of the wood stocks shows off the pride Ruger has for their rifles.  The rough look and feel of the action has little to no influence after the rifle has passed its break-in period.  Older Mini-14’s with the thin, un-tapered barrel are known to suffer inaccuracy issues, and accurizing kits to correct it are offered.  The design was updated to a thicker tapered barrel (If the serial number starts with 585-XXXX or higher, you’re looking at the new version).  Be sure to apply white lithium grease to the camming groove in the charging handle, along the bolt lug groove on the inside-left of the receiver, and along the charging handle raceway on the outside-right of the receiver to have the best lubrication and longevity for your rifle.