New Mini-14s - BOTH HERE

[QB]

I posted this on the Ruger Forum but wanted to show off one of my new babies here....

UPDATE:
Just picked up my Mini-14 with SCAR stock (model 5829) last week and got my 5832 (Amerga Ranges Rail model) this week. I field stripped both rifles, cleaned and lubed them and they are all set to go to the range. I just love the SCAR stock. It was fit very well at the factory and was very easy to field strip. May remove a side rail or two and move the front sling adjustment to the other side but other than that, I have no modifications to make to this rifle. The Amega Ranges rail model feels considerably lighter of course and is probably my favorite. I only plan to put an Aimpoint H-1 optic on both rifles so I don't really need any rails other than the top one. I like the "sleekness" of the Mini-14 5832 with just the rail on it. But I do like the collapsable stock on the SCAR model.

I'll a range report once I get them both to the range. I'll be testing out three types of ammo with factory 20 and factory 30 round mags. I'm in the process of getting the correct sling attachments (I use Urban E.R.T). My SCAR model with just fit into my AR15 case, just barely (I sold my AR15 but kept the case since it was so nice). And I have a case the Amerga Ranges Rail model fits in so I guess I'm good to go. May buy an attachment for the underneath of the SCAR model since the heat shield is a little too far back for me to balance the rifle correctly. But I don't rapid fire much so I don't think I'll have a problem with the aluminum stock heating up.


A quick pic of the SCAR model




And the Amega Ranges model


A big thumbs up to Becky at Sporting Arms for ordering these rifles for me and making sure that the model 5832 had the tapered barrel (Davidsons website picture shows the pencil barrel).

[Weg]

Very nice. Tell us how it turns out accuracy wise. I have always found Mini's to be very reliable with good mags, but I have seen few that would shoot sub 3" at 100 yds. Hope yours shoots good.

[MeMelYup]

What caliber?

[QB]

.223 Rem/5.56 Nato

[jeeperbryan]

Id be interested in range report too. I think it's hard to beat a Mini 14 or 30 as a brush gun. I've never shot one past 100 yards but I've heard they have accuracy issues.

[QB]

Tuesday I'll only be able to go to an indoor range that is 25 yards and test fire it for functional issues. Not sure when I'll be able to go to an outdoor range and even then I have no idea how to test for accuracy to where it would could be compared to other rifles. Not sure what the procedures are for testing and what the parameters are. Tested at what distance, with what kind of ammo, with what kind of optics and of course by what level skill shooter? Is the testing done using some kind of bench rest? I'm not trying to be a smart aleck, I just don't think that I'll be able to report the true accuracy of the rifle because I've never done any testing like that. Heck, I haven't even shot a rifle 100 yards yet.

I'm fairly new to long guns (but not semi-auto handguns). I have read that there's a difference in the accuracy of older mini-14s and the newer ones due to the change to the tapered barrel design. I've read stuff about stringing shots once the barrels (older pencil barrels) heat up. I'll certainly post my results and report of the distance, ammo used, optics, etc. but it probably won't be very scientific I'm afraid.

I sold all my AR15s and decided to go with the Mini-14s just because I liked them for some reason. I find them easy to field strip/clean and just like the way they feel and shoot. Will I shoot them as accurate as some of my AR15s? Maybe not my VTAC with that sweet JP trigger but then again, for the type of my shooting, it might not matter. I think my Mini-14s will be fun range guns. I'm committed to keeping the two models that I purchased and have lots of factory mags stocked up along with ammo so I think I'm good to go.

[Keith]

Nice rifle. I have the Mini14 with the ATI stk and like it except the pistol grip makes the index finger to low from the triger if you grip it correctly and I have large hands. Im curious if this one feels better? On mine I have to reach up and forward to hit the trigger. Its a simple bad design by ATI.
The ATI is squared off before the finger grooves start. My middle finger grasps the square block and my ring finger goes were the middle finger should be. The one you have also does it but the square part looks shorter and thats a good thing. You also have bthe stainless barrel great field rifle!

[karder]

Very nice. Mini-14s are under rated in my opinion. They are not sniper accurate, but they make a good truck or house gun. That one sure is pretty, congrats!

[jonrjen]

Sweet little Mini, looks like you will be having some good times ahead of you. I must say I do like the looks of your new rifle.
I just picked up a pre-owned Mini #5820, it has never been fired, but I can't wait to get out and get it dirty. Also look forward to picking up a #5819 later this week.
The poly stock makes it so much lighter than my older Ruger Ranch mini so it will be interesting to compare the two. Now that I have an assortment of the Ruger Mini, I guess I will begin to cull out my SKS rifles from the safe, but I sure will miss the super cheap price of the 7.62x39 ammo.
Please report back on the brands of ammo you try and any problems it may display.
Thank you,

[Rex B]

I understand current and recent production is accurate "enough".
I think MOA or 1" groups at 100 yds from rest is a reasonable expectation.
Anyone have first-hand knowledge?

[ddstuder]

This chart may help you get it sighted in!
Hope this helps.

[QB]

More info/comments. The 5832 has the same flash hider installation as my model 5829. There were two "teeth" on the rail that were slightly damaged which didn't make me happy but my optic is going to cover it up. It wasn't something I'd send the gun back because of but gee whiz.........can't these things get to the consumer without being bunked up?? I'm sure my dealer would have shipped it back but I decided to just keep it.

'm very happy with my long guns now. The two mini-14s, a PC9, Saiga .410 and FN PS90. Now to get them all to the range more often!!! Wasn't able to go Tuesday as planned because their rifle lanes are closed until 12/10 (which I found out once I got there, bummer). So these two new Mini-14s will have to be tested out in a few weeks.

Note: one dealer I contacted about the model 5832 said that his Davidsons rep told him they all had the older pencil barrel. Meanwhile my local dealer contacted her rep and the rep said they were an April build and should have the tapered barrel. The local dealer ordered one for me and said if the barrel wasn't right they'd send it back. It was tapered so all is well............big thumbs up to my local dealer....Becky at Sporting Arms out of Lewisville, TX!!! I purchased my model 5829 from them as well.