Recently Pat of the Survival Blog reviewed the Mini-14, with which he has a couple of decades of experience. However, through email with that reviewer I found he has only owned and fired the older Mini-14s with the thinner barrels, and has not fired the newer model Mini-14 with thicker barrels and retooling, in production since the mid-2000s. This matters. (My review of the Mini-14 Tactical).
A few updates/corrections to the Survival Blog review:
- Newer Mini-14s get closer to 2 MOA, or better, out of the box, not the 4 MOA referred to, which is more appropriate for older, non-accurized Mini-14s.
- While some new Mini-14s are advertised in the $750+ range, CDNN sells this newer model for under $569, which is the price one of my brothers paid. Got mine from CDNN for $589. Sometimes police trade-ins of the older models are available for ~$400.
- Factory magazine are readily available for $15 less each than the $50 and $40 suggested in the Survival Blog review, for 30 and 20 rounders, respectively. Check CDNN and Cheaper Than Dirt. On sale for $5-10 less than that at times.
- New Minis now come with 5, 20, and 30 round magazines depending on the model, not just 5 round magazines as the review states.
- Contrary to the Survival blog review, firing pins available at Midway. But as the review mentions, spare parts are rarely needed with the Mini-14.
Let’s also address the myth; the Mini-14 is fine for killing varmints, but is not a combat weapon. It’s a 5.5.6mm round, same as AR variants. If it will hit/kill a small animal, it will hit a man as well. That’s just reality.
I have some experience with the AR-15 (M16 and M4). If you know how to repair/maintain an AR-15 variant, have the spare parts, have a lot of brass-cased ammo, and want to clean that direct impenitent system, then the AR is the carbine for you. They are very accurate, and reliable – when clean, oiled, and when you have all he spare parts you need.
My brothers and I chose the newer Mini-14 Tactical for a long-term survival carbine because we want an accurate weapon that’s not picky about ammo, cleaning, and won’t need a lot of maintenance.
Good points
I like the Mini-14. Been a few years since I owned one but I always say I will eventually pick one up again.
I am always amazed that people are still reviewing the mini-14 based on the original models with the thin barrel. The first rifle I ever bought was a mini-14 (580 series) with the new barrel and other improvements. I concur that the newer mini’s are capable of 2 MOA or better at 100 yards. They are extremely reliable and less susceptible to malfunction from dirt, dust, and grime getting into the action than the AR platform (not just my opinion, this article is a fair assessment: http://www.ar15.com/content/swat/200203-AR-15_vs_Mini-14.pdf ).
My mini-14 weighs in at a little less than 6 lbs with iron sights and no magazine. In order to get an AR into the sub-6 lb. weight range you have to really get creative with its components.
I love my mini-14 and will never trade or sell it. In a SHTF scenario, I would feel comfortable grabbing either my mini or my AR, but like you said, with the mini-14 you don’t really have to worry about lugging around a pouch of replacement parts.
I’ve got a mini-14. Had it for many years, never had the first problem with it. It’ll last longer than I will and it’s probably more reliable!
Wonder how many people bought their first Mini 14 because of the A-Team. I loved that show as a kid, but looking back at it now it was a pretty corny show. haha!.
pioneer preppy,
Get one of the thick barreled ones, they’re pretty accurate.
Underground Patriot,
I was surprised that was on SB, and more surprised there was no follow-up with letters. Now I have to take his gun reviews with a grain of salt – are they current/accurate, or not?
Arsenius,
I know you’re a bolt gun guy! But the Mini is fun and relatively cheaper to shoot. I like it, and my wife can handle it whereas she can’t shoot the Mosin Nagant.
3rdMan,
If I remember right, no one in that show ever got shot!
Hmm… Maybe Survivalblog is doing us mini lovers a favor. Yep, this little mini here in my hands is just a cheap wannabe gun. No need for those bad guys to duck at 200yds out. You can come closer guys, you have nothing to worry about…
Or… Hey officer, that’s just my ranch rifle in the case there in the back. Yep, you don’t feel threatened by a mere ranch rifle. I’ll be going now, Have a nice day officer.
Or… Hey Joe, did you hear about Frank? Thieves broke into his house and stole all his ARs. Funny thing though, they left his mini behind. I guess it wasn’t cool enough looking for them. (Okay, this is a stretch, but you get the idea).
Oh yea…. All you old-timers out there, your mini-14 isn’t good enough anymore. Yep, can’t even get a spare firing pin for it. Better dump those old Ruger mags before they become worthless. Sure, I’ll help you out….
I’m probably missing a few more examples…
SG in Virginia
I have the Mini-30 ( same design ), I love this gun . Its perfect for my pack scabbard and is just a good , reliable general purpose carbine . Mine is brand new so I cant comment on any of the problems with older models people talk about . I would recommend it . There is also an outfit in Florida that makes specialty ammunition specifically for this gun ( mini -30 ), some really nasty stuff from what Ive seen .
I was looking around for a good hi cap .223 and not an AR variant. ( Too many issues with parts and reliability). I found a great condition used police MIni -14/bull barrel that had already been put thru the pace and twik’d to close 3″ groups w/ factory sights. Yes a few scratches on the stock but at 200+ yards was impressive at fast fire drills. I got this gun for $425 on a police resale thru buds guns.
Put a scope 4-16×40 on this and really took it up a notch. I can take out the numbers on a paper target at 150 yds when scope has been zero’d in. I liken this gun to the old dodge 225 engine. Doesn’t look like much, not the hottest in the world, but almost indestructible and does what it is supposed to do and does it well. Wouldn’t trade this gun for the top made AR in the country.
Well one obvious reason its reliable is the fact that its action is based on the WW2 Garand . That as everybody knows is a long proven design and well known for the amount of abuse and neglect it can suffer and still do its job . I have a Garand and even though its heavy , I would trust it with my life . Now if Ruger would just upscale the Mini design for a pounder cartridge like 30.06 or 308 , it would make tons of money filling a gap that exists for a heavy caliber semi auto carbine . I have never owned an AR , why ? I just dont like them . I prefer a clean weapon that doesnt have all sorts of crap sticking out all over it . The more you bypass the drain , the easier it is to stop up the plumbing …..keep it simple .
I purchased my mini-14 in the late 90′s and have no complaints about it’s accuracy. I was never expecting a target rifle, just a light, handy rifle useful for dispatching hogs and other varmints at my deer lease. It has, and continues to do just that. Not picky about ammo and just a he’ll of a lot of fun to shoot.