Ruger Mini-14: Homestead Defender Pt 2

PART 2 OF 3:
The Ruger Mini-14 is everything that Ruger says it is: light, fast handling, and durable. Right or wrong, Ruger has always marketed the Mini-14 as ranch and varmint rifle. However it also is a viable, high-value defensive rifle choice that makes a lot of sense and thousands of good people have purchased a Mini-14 with that exact use in mind. Nutnfancy has had a lot of trigger time behind Minis and can attest to their durability, reliability, and indeed impressive handling characteristics. For those users wanting customization, the Mini-14 can be outfitted with folding stocks (Butler Creek folder being the best) barrel shrouds, flash suppressors (older Minis), normal capacity magazines, and optics. In recent years the Mini-14 was finally improved by Ruger: thicker, more accurate barrel, an improved synthetic stock, and improved iron peep sights. Nicely done. The Mini-14 represents a good value in tactical carbines that can serve well in the defensive/offensive role as needed by law enforcement, select military users, and good ole civilian sheepdogs. But it has some definite downsides that a potential buyer should consider. First, its touted lightweight will be worsened by the fitment of optics using the heavy steel Ruger rings (included). And the normal capacity. quality magazines for the Mini-14 (like ProMag brand and Ruger factory mags) are usually made of steel and will add even more weight to your loadout (compared to AR-15 alternatives). Other downsides include: still unimpressive accuracy of only about 3 MOA with standard ammo, lack of an integral Picatinny rail system for optics mounting, inability to mount flash suppressors to new Mini-14, lack of accessory railing for light mounts, and a higher cost for magazines. The Target versions of the Mini-14 with their adjustable harmonic barrel dampeners totally correct the accuracy problems inherent in the design and they shoot tight groups. However they are much heavier (add 2 lbs) and more expensive, negating the high value advantage of the Mini-14. The design also comes in 6.8 SPC and 7.62x39mm loadings but their mags are harder still to find and Nutnfancy recommends the standard .223 version unless you want a deer rifle as well (get the 6.8 SPC in that case). Also be advised the 7.62x39mm Mini has a looser chamber to accommodate surplus ammo and it is even more inaccurate. But despite a few drawbacks, the Mini-14 remains a high-selling favorite among American shooters. For defensive use out to 100 yrds, the Mini would serve admirably despite its lack of ultimate accuracy. Couple that will diehard reliability and reasonable cost, the Ruger Mini-14 still remains a smart choice for the tactical carbine buyer.////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 7 out of 10///////////////


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Category:

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[vinnybarbin111]

So exactly what is your experience with a Mini-14? Do the guns that you are using in this video even belong to you? I'm betting I will not get a response from you. LOL

[nutnfancy]

@vinnybarbin111 He's working, and you're right, you're not going to get a response from him. But to be fair, he generally doesn't respond to any channel that is "unavailable". Thanks for playin. -- Veri (Nutn's sister)

[TheStrikeforce629]

One reason for lack of accuracy is due to the retaining screws at the fore end of the stock. The factory does not tighten them to a uniform tension, Generally, if you loosen the 4 screws and tighten them equally, you'll see the accuracy increase.

[bobmartinify]

223 is 5.56mm 6.8 would be 1.24mm wider, the barrel would be about the same thickness if maybe a few mm thicker, nothing to write home about but these rifles are great so im not complaining... lol, great vid

[Maddawwg45]

nutn ive been looking into one of these for a tactical/recreation shooting gun about what do they run price wise now ? btw i know your a big big fan of lighter is better but i prefer the durablity aspect of the proprietary ring mounts yes i know that it affects eye relief and mouting of the scope but honestly i prefer open sights in a carbine rifle but thats just me

[Paulmarti]

Wouldn't a 30-rounder technically be high-capacity for a Mini-14 since factory standard mags only go up to 20 rounds?

[prplflh71]

So long as you're talking about "proper terminology" (standard capacity vs high capacity)......refer back to part 1 of the video where you reference "so long as the political climate ALLOWS". What we should be saying in these cases is "does not PROHIBIT". Goes along with discrete carry vs concealed carry and so on. We need to all stop using the words and terms the Left have created to cast a bad light upon us. Great videos! keep'em coming!

[jnpiel]

@siesonekmk I might not be able to spell never have. But on active duty I was a 4th award rifle expert( the highest scores on the kd range in the marines) also a 2nd award pistole expert. I wasnt kidding I will put my money aganest any shooter that is not a pro full time comp shooter, with any ar with stander barell aganest me and my mini 14 any day. Its all in the fundamentales and very soon I will have the vids up to prove it.

[siesonekmk]

@jnpiel If you are indeed a "combat marine" you need to seriously get some training in English.

[TheGuyWithAWeirdName]

@nathanial41 yes he does it

[SuperRip7]

that's still pretty good for 100 yards.

[lostd00d]

@ClydeMcFarlain LOL yea thats all i care about