Did the Mini-14 Have a 223 Rem Chambering Period? ~ Never Ask Again!

[@harrisonmantooth7363]

I've had my Mini 14 close to 40 years now and never had an issue with it. I keep it clean and I use Ruger factory mags.

[@gregmcelhattan6982]

I half half a dozen mini 14s 30 year speed have M1A have colt H bar served in the USMC zero and i mean zero problems all great old rifles

[@chrischiampo7647]

A Bean Supper in a Submarine 🤢🤢🤢💨 Lol You Made My Day With That One Mr Gunblue 😂😂

[@ErikHenrichsen]

Might increase the buoyancy of the vessel...

[@ditto1958]

Lol, immediately hit “like” when I saw that

[@paulmasters2590]

​@@ErikHenrichsen😅😮😮😮😊

[@scottdunn2178]

Instantly added to my lexicon 🤣

[@3henry214]

Gives a new meaning to "emergency blow"....

[@retirednavychief6983]

Thanks so much for clarifying this old question. I have a 181 series, and have often had near-arguments with gunshop experts who don't want to sell me 5.56 ammo for my Mini 14.

[@bianchijock3501]

WOW THANK-YOU!! You just saved me from a nightmare. I was given a 1975 Mini-14 in 1977, and was assured by my father-in-law & brother-in-law that in spite of the markings, it loved 5.56. I've shot nothing else in it for 45 years, although I haven't used it much in the last 10. I just bought a new one for my grandson yesterday, and I took mine along for a new sight at the most reputable gun store around. Then, I picked-up some range ammo on the way out. The two gunsmiths (a Vietnam and a Gulf vet) reacted in horror, and pointed to the .223 marking, explaining very expertly (and loudly) that the 180- series was chambered ONLY for .223 and only the 580- series was made to handle 5.56. I felt outgunned standing there in the store surrounded by good old boys all nodding in agreement, and I sadly bought some .223 wondering how I may have damaged my beloved weapon over four decades. This morning, I stumbled upon your video, and I actually almost cried. The pronouncement had been like a sucker punch yesterday, and you info came like awaking from a bad dream this morning. (What an amazing coincidence!) You can bet we'll watch a great deal of your stuff over the next months, and will support you the best we can. Both Both

[@peterf4552]

You were being attacked by Fudds. This, straight from the Ruger Factory Manual: "The RUGER®MINI-14®RIFLESare chambered for the .223 Remington(5.56mm) cartridge. The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S.military, or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice." Seems pretty unambiguous to me!

[@stupiditypissesmeoff330]

^ what he said. Calm down. You weren’t saved from anything. These higher pressures are non sense, they’re not that much higher(eye roll)

[@jonstauffer4177]

In 1995, I was in a Militia group. My group leader's son had a Mini - 14, and all he ran through it was 223 ammo. Thanks for helping to clear the confusion from some of my friends.

[@jefftaylortaylor5836]

Sir, you cleared up an argument I've heard for over 30 years...thank you!

[@GunBlue490]

@@jefftaylortaylor5836 Thank you. Unfortunately, the argument persists because folks simply don't open their owners manuals. This knowledge, apart from the history behind it, was always available.

[@Phil-ey6yh]

I've run 855 and 193 in my 1977 mini for years and I'm still here with the correct amount of fingers. It's never been a problem. That rifle eats everything from the trash steel case that i could afford as a younger guy, up to mil-surp back when it was cheap and plentiful. I never had a "spontaneous, rifle-initiated field strip" in my life with it. It'll run 5.56 all day.

[@CapoKabar]

This is why i have always loved and respected ruger. From the 10/22 30 carbine to the SR1911, they are legend

[@Mjdeben]

I think these arguments persist because they can. We're lucky enough to live in a developed country where we have very comfortable lives, and have plenty of free time to argue about all sorts of philosophical meanderings: AR vs AK, .9MM VS .45ACP, Whopper vs Big Mac, .223 vs 5.56. Love hearing your perspective on things. Keep em coming.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

Enjoyed the talk Gunblue. Just an FYI that as a student of history, you should be aware of this- "Russian GRU defector Stanislav Lunev said in his autobiography that "the GRU and the KGB helped to fund just about every antiwar movement and organization in America and abroad," and that during the Vietnam War the USSR gave $1 billion to American anti-war movements, more than it gave to the VietCong,[27]" -Wikipedia

[@GunBlue490]

Yes, I was always aware of that. Meddling in American affairs is their game, because it's always easier and cheaper to subvert and convert a people from within than to overtake them by force. It's a concern that the FBI was once very devoted to years ago, which is no longer apparently the case.

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

@@GunBlue490 Rightly said. The FBI was purged of American patriots starting with Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton and was completed by Obama. Now they are nothing more than Praetorians helping to purge America of "counter-revolutionaries" (i.e. anyone opposed to their Marxist insurrection).

[@davidgay2792]

AR 15 started coming around when in 1997 they were starting to be used at the NRA national matches. At the time I was still using the M1A in 308 and we found that the AR could be fired with less recoil which made it more popular and quicker to get back on target. I got mine a bushmaster in 1998 and started building my own a few years later. Good talk thanks,

[@xmackc1100]

Did the same. Started a year or two later than you with an M-1 from CMP and then realized the AR was more accurate, easier to shoot, and a lot cheaper shoot and to reload. I built up one from parts kits so I could get a free floated match barrel and it took months to get them.

[@hairydogstail]

The AR-15 started coming around in the mid 1970's with the growing survivalist movement..

[@joeycrooker1282]

I got a Bushmaster in 1986 , at Benning's school for wayward boys

[@jasonb4350]

Purchased my first colt in 1991

[@LRRPFco52]

Colt SP-1s, Sporter IIs, and Carbines were very popular on store shelves in CA in the 1980s, along with Hk91s, Hk93s, Hk94s, Uzis, SAR-48s, Mini-14s, but no real AKs to be found, with maybe a few Mitchell exceptions. Eagle Arms EA-15s started showing up in the mid-late 1980s, followed by Quality Parts/Bushmaster. I saw all of this first-hand as someone who frequented gun shops regularly.

[@soaringbob]

Thanks for all the background on the mini. I bought mine in the 80's and never thought about 5.56 versus .223, and just figured both were fine! As for AR-15's, I seem to remember they were available but very high priced, and that was the reason I went with the Ruger mini-14. When my state decided to outlaw black rifles in the late 90's while grandfathering in rifles owned before their cut-off date, that prompted me to add one to my collection! Thanks for your service in Vietnam, and welcome home. Maybe we crossed paths over there! I started service with the Navy Seabees stateside my first year out of bootcamp, then went to Vietnam to serve with the brown water Navy in 68 and early 69 (we were a combination of Navy and the Army's 9th Infantry Division troops as a team), and then we went off to play with beach landing U.S. and ROK Marines in 69. What did I think of the M-16? My Seabee battalion had M-14s when I arrived in early 67, but mid year brand new M-16s were added to the armory. We only went to the range once to try them out so I didn't have much experience to make any judgements about them other than they kicked a lot less than the M-14s. In Vietnam I never laid hands on an M-16, but rather carried or stood watch with a 1911 .45, M-1 carbine, 12ga pump, M-60, Ma deuce, or the king of machine guns of the era, our 3"-50's! I did bring home a couple pairs of jungle boots, and spent a few years wearing them out, plus I bought a surplus green field jacket or two and wore them out, too, so hippies weren't the only ones wearing military garb!

[@waynehajek6346]

Welcome home from a Seabee brother. CBMU 302 Detachment India NSAD Ben Luc, Delta region, 1970-1971.

[@fjb4932]

​@@waynehajek6346 soaringbob, Glad you made it out. CBMU-302, Subic Bay 1978-79 "Done did." ☆

[@essoclemson2242]

Just when I thought I knew everything about AR’s, you come along and show me that I didn’t know a thing. 80% of what you said in this video was new to me. Thank you for what you’ve done for our Country, and thank you for teaching me something that I couldn’t learn on google.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you.

[@chuckvt5196]

As a Vietnam-era veteran, I can totally agree with all you said about those days. Only hippies wore the OD uniforms they bought, and none of us wanted anything to do with owning an AR. Great video!

[@GunBlue490]

Exactly. Archie Bunker's meathead son in law wore a field jacket. It represented some weird perspective by draft dodging hippies. I never could fathom it.

[@the1knifepro169]

When I was coming up it was the poor kids that wore Army-Navy Vietnam era clothes. Usually the jackets and boots they weren't trying to be tough or steal valor it was just that their parents were poor and those clothes were cheap and tough.

[@jayjason423]

Veterans, as soon as they do anything right, their benefits will be cut. Remember that. Probably explains their lack of interest. 😉

[@LRRPFco52]

A good friend of mine bought a Colt SP-1 as soon as he got back from Vietnam in the early days, then went to college in Texas, then got commissioned in the Army, went SF. He was in Vietnam before 1965 build-up, doing OTB stuff in Force Recon. He had a very interesting career.

[@the1knifepro169]

@@LRRPFco52 Absolutely!

[@stickfighter1038]

Good background and some info that I did not know. Ruger really took advantage of inexpensive ammo, the mini-14 for the 556 and later mini-30 in 7.62x39. Bought my first AK before the first Gulf War and my first AR and a Mini30 in the year after I completed that deployment. The Clinton AWB in 1994 did a lot to peak peoples interest in the AR, AK and other then forbidden fruit firearms.

[@LRRPFco52]

Roberti-Roos Ban in California sent a shockwave of interest in AR-15s across the Nation in the late 1980s, then came the Clinton/Biden/Feinstein Crime Bill/AWB.

[@jerryw6699]

I remember asking the Scheels gun manager if they had any of those black rifles back in the day, maybe the late 90's or early 2000's. He said smugly, "we only sell hunting rifles." now go to the same store and there are at least 100 different "black" rifles and rightly so, it's what sells, I still love the old walnut and blued steel, but, I do have my share of PCC's and such. I counted the other night, and I have 7 folding rifles and many older military surplus with bayonets. It's part of our wonderful hobby. Thanks for the vid.

[@shottskii]

I have a mini 14 now in part because of you! More Mini videos please!

[@LrngMn]

USMC started issuing camouflage beginning near the end of 1968, called ERDL(Engineer Research Development Lab). Made in brown or green background, or 'Highland' or 'Lowland', the green was used predominately in Viet Nam. When I enlisted in NR in 83 to be Corpsman w/1/25, we we were still wearing that pattern, which had been designed in 1948, btw. Good vid. Thanks.

[@JR15A2]

I bought my first AR-15 (a Colt R6600DH) in 1986. They weren't unpopular or hard to find at all back then. Also, the first AR-15 (a Colt SP1) I ever shot was purchased by my father in 1971. He was the furthest thing from a Rambo wannabe you would ever meet. He bought it because he thought it was super cool, high-tech, and fun to shoot. Maybe things were just different up there in the deep blue northeast.

[@aukula1062]

This guy is a Fudd.

[@LRRPFco52]

Yup. AR-15s and other semi auto military rifles were very popular in the 1980s in the Southwest US from what I experienced.

[@allmyhobbiesareexpensive2676]

I also call BS on the 'only hippies wore OD', the south pretty much lived off of milsurp for basic everyday uses.

[@williamjarvis3473]

In the 70s while in the army you could buy civilian m16 from the rod and gun club for under 200 bucks. We carried CAR15s in central America. Lots of people had ar 15s in the 80s

[@peterolsen269]

I totally agree, I was buying ARs in Alaska which is also "Blue". I went to high school in the Boston area and the accent is unmistakable. I don't find his story that credible regarding the availability or demand for ARs in the eighties. I've been in the Aviation industry for 40 years and NOBODY is shoving the metric system down my throat, not unless they just don't want to fly. He needs to get out of the garage more I think? A man you ask what time it is and he tells you how to build a watch.

[@hairydogstail]

The 5.56 NATO Colt TDP chamber has a minimum go gauge of 1.4646 and the 223 commercial has a minimum go gauge of 1.4636..The 5.56 also has a longer throat than a 223 to match the longer bullets used by the military like the 62 grain and tracer round to prevent pressure problems....The 223 Wylde uses the same head space gauges as the 5.56 chamber except the throat is a little tighter yet long like the 5.56 throat..

[@GunBlue490]

Not so. A .223 Remington is not at all limited by bullet lengths. That's a rifling twist issue. A .223 with a fast twist will handle the same bullet lengths as a 5.56 NATO rifle.

[@hairydogstail]

The 223 has a shorter throat than the 5.56 and a shorter minimum go gauge..Using 5.56 spec ammo in a 223 chamber AR-15 can cause pressure and reliability problems..@@GunBlue490

[@tkalus5736]

You are correct. The 5.56 throat is a little longer than the .223. The Wylde falling in between. This allows 5.56 ammo to be loaded to slightly higher pressures than .223 ammo. Weatherby used the same long throat theory in their rifles. The Wylde chamber was developed to allow the use of longer bullets, such as the 80gr Match King. These bullets would be seated to an overall length that would allow for maximum powder capacity in match loadings. The trouble was they had to be single loaded as they were over magazine length. If memory serves, the .223 is loaded to about 55k psi and the 5.56 is loaded to about 62k psi. Is that enough of a difference in the shorter throat of the .223? As a side note .223s often have a 1/12 twist rate, while the 5.56 will use a 1/7, 1/8 or 1/9 twist. The faster twist will work with most bullet weights but the 1/12 has limits. Good shooting!

[@akforge]

DPMS and Rock River Arms was selling AR-15’s in ‘07. But yeah, not that many manufacturers like there are now (2023).

[@GunBlue490]

'07 is yesterday in the history of the AR-15.

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Back in the fall of 1988 two of my buddies walked into Dick's Sporting Good's just outside of Syracuse, NY. One bought a Ruger Mini 14, the other bought a Colt AR15. Both rifles were brand new and were sitting on the shelf.

[@onpsxmember]

I'm quite a pale one and stumbled over someone going to matches in the death valley wearing a particular hat. He was so happy when I asked about it. It has a mesh that keeps the head cool and some have a pad that is dipped in water for a few minutes and slowly evaporates cooling further. Look for a Tilley air-flow hat. Left a like as always for the constant good quality.

[@Robnord1]

Good to see you again Sir! I got my first AR-15 (DPMS Lite 16) in 2008. It was a FOMO (fear of missing out) purchase. Gun channels and some of my buddies were saying Obama would instantly declare them illegal, so I had to have one.

[@jaysonmartinez2830]

I Just bought my 1st Ruger mini 14, & it's awesome. I've heard (seen on KZbin) a lot of people saying that the 14 isn't very accurate, jams...etc etc. Thank you for all your knowledge on this rifle. I am a Marine, & I look forward to watching all your other videos. Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@s.p.ltd.3886]

Similar to the Vietnam my Dad told me that he had no interest in the M1 Garand when he came home after WWII, however this all changed by the 1960s when I was a young teenager and he began to say that the M1 Garand and the 1903 springfields were the greatest rifles ever made.

[@mohammedcohen]

...my late father wanted an M1 Garand...hr got one of the first M1 Carbines that the government surplussed out in the early 60s - I was only 12 or 13 at the time and didn't appreciate the collectibility of those guns...never thought to look at the maker of various other features...around two years after he passed away in 1984 I bought one of the Korean imports from an FFL at Pratt & Whitney in Jupiter, FL - it was in sorry condition, but over time I restored it to shootability...

[@backachershomestead]

Great topic! I've had this argument several times. I always said the same thing about the manual. I took a trade on one of those target models w/1200 rounds of 223. Never been shot

[@chrisszymanski5225]

Found my '77 manual....cover page, page 1 and 13 just like you stated...keep videos coming, very informative

[@dougharlow6037]

1st great looking dog. You are absolutly correct. I called Rugar just to make absolutly cleat about a 1983 Ruger Mini 14, 223 Cal, stainless (early guns are called the Ranch model) I asked is it OK to shoot (XM855 green tip (.556) OK to shoot in this gun, Rugar said, the only thing to be careful of, Make sure the bullet casing is NOT STEEL, check with magnet, steel Receiver: bullet will wear out the barrel sooner).

[@dougharlow6037]

I think your miss reading. Ruger told me "the bullet" casing is NOT STEEL. They are not talking about the cartridge case. (ie brass). I hope this helps@@redrider7730

[@Matt-tf1wz]

First of all, thank you for your service I am a vet myself alot of my family went to Vietnam as well and just a special thanks for all you fellas that had to go over there. I'm new to your channel and just love your content. Keep em coming and I love that you were drinking a beer what's your favorite beer?

[@johnnyrocko2933]

I must have had a different gun store than most. Mine was attached to a large police equipment store that catered to a large number of LEO in my area. They had AR’s,AK’s,H&K 91,93 and 94’s, AR180’s,FAL’s, M1a’s and more. Lots of SKS rifles as well and 70$ a case 7.62x39. It was the first place I saw a Dawoo rifle. They had Mini14’s too but since Bill Ruger didn’t trust civilians with 20 and 30 round magazines we couldn’t get those. Or so he thought. The store ordered them and sold them to whoever wanted them. Latest copies of the Shotgun News on the counters. Late 80’s. Good times

[@GunBlue490]

That's quite the alphabet soup. Police departments don't allow cops to carry any rifle on the job. All police departments have qualification regulations to keep vicarious liability lawsuits from suing towns and chiefs out of their fiscal britches. Maverick rifles... uh, I don't think so. I get tired of that unfair blog mischaracterization. Bill Ruger was a very loyal and patriotic American, who sought to preserve the Second Amendment. Any gun company IS about preserving the Second Amendment. He was well aware of the attack on it and knew the enemy, who was stalking any opportunity to demonize shooters. He was trying to preserve sporting firearms as he knew them, and believed that high capacity guns would legitimize the liberal press and give anti-gunners more ammo than any magazine. It was merely a numbers game, and I'm not at all convinced that I couldn't withstand any conceivable threat that existed in those days with the 10 rounds that he favored. Things have since changed, but nobody was under mortal threat when he made his statements. It had nothing to do with his trust for Americans. He was fearful of further encroachment by government and was trying to keep an increasingly angry dog away from his beloved Second Amendment. History proved his fears were quite prophetic. Almost immediately, the gun culture took a turn that I sincerely regret. I lived through the terrible changes from the wonderful gun culture of my youth. We kept guns in unlocked walnut furniture glass cases in the living room. Every Sunday afternoon, folks tuned into African hunting episodes with Robert Stack shooting dangerous game with a .458 Winchester Magnum on the American Sportsman, on ABC! In the 7th grade, I built a bedroom gun rack from a three ring binder in the Junior HS wood shop. That would incur an FBI investigation now and a local news reporter's snooping around with a TV camera. HS kids in my town brought target rifles to school to store in the Principal's office and walked or took the school bus with them without even a gun case. That would be imprisonment for the Principal now. That's the America Bill Ruger grew up in, too. In the 60s, walked from my house to the local woods with a .22 under my arm through the city streets, and mothers would call out, "have fun and be safe!". Mattel sold millions of toy guns that were advertised on TV and given at Christmas. I owned a Mattel Tommy Gun and a holstered pair of "Fanner 50's" that I played with outside with my friends when I was 8 years old. I took my Daisy everywhere after I turned 10, and every boy I knew had one. It stood in my bedroom. Guns were beloved by Americans. That's the America Bill Ruger was trying to preserve. Whether he was mistaken in his personal approach to the matter or not has nothing to do with trust for Americans, and it's quite unfair to paint such a broad brush. He created guns for Americans. The First Amendment comes just before the Second and he was using that right, whether others agreed or not. Factually, if it wasn't for his introduction of the Mini-14 and the introduction of an otherwise military caliber, tons of surplus 5.56mm ammo would have been dumped into the ocean, and the .223 may never have caught on.

[@kccodex8931]

"Police departments don't allow any cop's to carry any rifle on the job." What did I miss? Plenty of cops are issued AR 15..

[@johnnyrocko2933]

@@GunBlue490 I never said the police carried anything. The gun store was connected to the building that housed the police supply store. There were always police officers in the gun store. Local, sheriff’s department officers, state troopers and others. I’m just relating what I saw. I don’t know what firearms they bought or what some of their personal feelings were, I just know the store carried a multitude of different firearms types. You were the one that said no one was interested in those types of firearms back then. I also knew the owner personally and knew his feelings about the second amendment. As far as Mr. Ruger is concerned I think he made it pretty clear that he didn’t trust ordinary Americans to be in possession of standard capacity magazines for their firearms. If he did he would have allowed them to be sold. No matter to me, as I said I never had any problem getting new in the white box 20’s and 30 round mags for my Mini. That’s just the way it was. Once again I never said those officers carried anything but I can say this. Up until then I didn’t have much use for police. I saw them as the enemy but those men I met during that time changed my mind. They took the time to talk to a young guy like me and I’m proud to say many of them were my friends. I experienced the same America you did. My Dad kept his guns in the same kind of cabinet you described. Bought it at Sears. It held a prominent place in our family room for years. He even let me store my Johnny Eagle big game hunting rifle in the cabinet alongside his real guns. When I was old enough I got my first “real” gun the way most boys back then did. A Marlin single shot .22 on Christmas Day and it spent many days with me on the range and in the woods learning the skills and responsibilities of firearms ownership. You see, I grew up in the same America you did and had the same experiences. To bad that America is gone now. I really wish it wasn’t so.

[@Justin-rq6kf]

​@@GunBlue490The problem is he missed the core reason of the 2nd Amendment. It was not for hunting, it was so people could band militias and be on the same playing field as the troops of the federal government.

[@terrythornock6468]

@@GunBlue490 many of the Idaho State Police and Idaho City Police Officers carried AR-15’s in their Patrol cars when I was in High School and rode around with them. That was 1975-1978. I’m not sure what they carry now, as those I rode with have long since retired. I love the information about the Mini-14. I bought my first one in 1982. I traded it in on an Arma-Lite National Match AR-15 in 1998. I’m still kicking myself over that one. Nothing worse than saying good-bye to a gun!!!

[@89fingerslouieXRP]

...and in Canada a hunting cartridge for big game (deer or larger) has to be 0.23 or bigger. I love this! I was always told I could shoot 223 in a 556 because the 556 can handle higher pressure than the 223 but because of casing shoulder angle/head spacing you could run into problems with a 556 in a 223 chamber. Now lets talk 223 wylde.

[@GunBlue490]

The cartridges are identical in everything except the somewhat higher 5.56mm NATO pressures. There's no difference in case dimensions whatsoever. The NATO chamber uses a longer freebore (leade) to allow some forgiving bullet jump, and is tested to greater pressures. I may cover the Wylde matter at some point soon.

[@89fingerslouieXRP]

@@GunBlue490 Thanks!!!

[@hairydogstail]

The NATO/military brass is thicker in the web compared to commercial223 cases to handle higher pressures. The outside dimensions are exactly the same..@@GunBlue490

[@upcycle.outdoorsman9629]

@@89fingerslouieXRP You are correct, and @GunBlue490 nailed it in the difference. I handload for a 5.56mm AR platform, and also own a Remington 700 SA in .223. The 5.56 will shoot it all, the .223 has it's 'pet' loads because it will spike pressure with its short freebore.

[@davedrake5036]

That's great info, and it cleared up that debate. Thank you for your service brother. I to am a Vienam vet . I Served in Vietnam in 1971 in the 173rd airborne brigade. There were still alot of troops there, and I can guarantee the war was not over!

[@mikes9759]

Great Vid as usual sir!! Glad you brought this up. A buddy of mine and I were in s shop in 74 and the owner had just gotten one in. We were sold on em right away, because we both loved the Garand and I had shot the M-14 in the service. A month later we both had mini's. I'll still take that mini over an AR any time!

[@MLZ1957]

Thank you for your service, I have a 582 + series mini 14 and stamped on the back of the receiver is clearly marked 5.56 Nato.

[@AZCactusTac]

I received a mini14 from the 1st series the rifle was ever produced. When i got it they told me at the gun store not to run 5.56 only .223. As I was researching the gun I found contradictory sources but nothing definitive. This has been very helpful. Thank you.

[@user-do1fq8oy9c]

Listening to this guy talk, is like watching grass grow! AR15 was available at my LGS in the 80s, thats when i gought mine. They were everywhere in thw 90s all around Tulsa OK. Guy paints a colorful story that moves as fast as paint drying! I couldnt take it anymore.

[@Mong0thepawn]

I simply buy carbines/rifles with Wylde chambers and not worry about it. Many years ago, I bought an old "SGW" Scheutzen Gun Works a.k.a Olympic Arms AR-15 A2 built in the mid 1980's. I just checked and it has both Caliber 223 and 556 on the side of the receiver. My memory is not the best, but I do recall 2004 when the AWB of the Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act sunset. There was a sudden surge in people buying rifles based on the A-15 and Kalashnikov patterns. The buying frenzy slowly died off until the Sandy Hook attack. The AR-15 now is a huge political totem that is both reviled and cherished by different groups of people.

[@Jack-xy2pz]

Somehow the AR-15 smells a little bit more like freedom than the Mini-14 ?

[@GunBlue490]

@@Jack-xy2pz How's that?

[@johnshields9110]

Great commentary! Being a firearms interested youth, I tracked the development and use of the regular 222 Remington, then the 222 Magnum and the 223 in the early 1970's. I was an active varmint shooter, and limited bench shooter. I encouraged my brother in the Air Force to buy a SP1 AR, which were pretty rare for the public. I later bought an early Mini 14, then an HK93, the latter being spectaculary accurate. I used 556 brass to handload for both rifles but resizes with care to fit their respective chambers. Had very good results with what you would call pretty hot ammunition. The older Mini 14, using a B Square Mount, I shimmed and set up for another older brother, will shot 1 MOA, with hand load ammo, with the shooter being very deliberate. The Mini 14 buttstock really slips around a lot, and some of the barrel runs where not the best of steel I have been told.

[@Master...deBater]

I had a scoped 80s mini-14 that wouldn't shoot any better than 2.5-3 MOA! I brought it to my gunsmith and asked if anything could be done to improve its accuracy. I told him I wanted to shoot varmints...he said "nope...if you want a semi-auto varmint rifle...buy an AR"!

[@johnshields9110]

It took a lot of load development, and patience to get the Mini-14's I worked on too shoot well. If it doesn't have a better barrel than normal, it may not matter, what you do. It's a difficult stock design to keep it from slipping around on your shoulder. How the screws are torqued around the gas cylinder and a few other concerns are pesky detail too. Your gunsmith is right, about Ar's being easier.

[@Master...deBater]

@@johnshields9110 I ended up selling it for more than I paid for it and kept the vintage Weaver scope...so it's all good. I think it was made prior to Ruger making their barrels in-house...so that may have been the problem.

[@tomk1tl39]

From I can remember when I did qualification on the M16, there were two designations on the form: .223 / 5.56 . . .the .223 was used !......if I made an error, it is because this was in '66.........time has flown by now and still have memories of that time ! . . .tks for the great videos and say HI to Benny ;-)

[@828enigma6]

I bought at 17 , through my father (GCA 68), in 1968, a Colt AR 15 SP1, 1:12 barrel. In my hand, it felt like a "Made By Mattel" toy. I was 17, thought I might get drafted, and wanted to be familiar. I've fired every sort of 223/5.56X45 ammo I could get my hands on. No problems. And I still have it. Not sure this 223/5.56 chambering controversy has any basis in fact.

[@JR15A2]

All AR-15s made by Colt have a 5.56 NATO chamber, so it doesn't in your case.

[@gsitzkowitz]

A personal note, I went prairie dog hunting for the first time about 15 years ago. On my first trip I had a Thompson Encore in 22-250. One of the other guys brought an Match grade AR-15 with a 24” bull barrel. Needless to say his hit ratio dwarfed mine many fold. So much so that I acquired my own version of his rifle, a 13 lbs behemoth! I’ve already burned out one barrel on the gun and am on my second one. For me there’s just no better prairie dog gun out there! I later built a 300 Hamr from Wilson combat with a 16” barrel for deer and hog here in Texas. We don’t shoot out past 200 yards here much. My bolt guns are just collecting dust in the safe! I can’t say enough good things about those 2 ARs as my main hunting guns.

[@marktwain2053]

If you look in your owners manual, under ammunition, you will see that it states the Mini14 is rated for standardized US military (5.56mm), or factory loaded .223 sporting cartridges. The only one specifically excluded is the Target Model.

[@katrinadarling3271]

Best article I’ve ever seen (including owner’s manual) on this subject. I think you could maintain time has more than proved you correct. I believe the first Gun Blue video I ever viewed was about the Mini 14.

[@lunaticred1277]

I shot 5.56 in a older Mini 14 and had no problem. But i stopped doing it because i thought i might damage it. Great now i can shoot both now without any worry, Thanks. Wish the first Mini 30 rifles could shoot berden primers with out worring about damaging the firing pin. Take Care!

[@IHateYoutubeHandles615]

5.56 worked fine in mini 14's and in ARs though you would get higher pressure signs on the base of the brass (the image of the ejector on the base of the brass.) In the late 70's and early 80's anyone shooting (not including military folks, maybe) viewed the 5.56 as just another name for the .223. Commercial reloaders used once fired military 5.56 brass to reload .223.

[@donschneider7252]

Thanks very informative. Good to know my ranch can use 5.56 as well as 2.23. I have often wondered and didn't get a users manual as I bought it used.🙂

[@GunBlue490]

ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/manuals.php

[@donschneider7252]

@@GunBlue490 thank you

[@waynehajek6346]

As an advisor, I often had my choice of weapons to use. Turned in my M-16 for a M-14 after two incidents of failure to fire after a bandolier of ammunition. The M-14 was heavier and was limited in the amount of ammunition you could comfortably carry, but it was very dependable and much more powerful. While providing security for the Corpsman in the villages around our camp, I carried a M2 carbine which was cut down by the armorer. It was very dependable also as both weapons were short stroke gas piston operated. I have never owned a "Black Rifle" since coming back.

[@gizmocarr3093]

I bought a Colt civilian AR 15 model in Ocean Side California while in the Marine Corps in 1974 from a gun shop. In 1977, I bought a Ruger #3 in 223 Remington caliber from the PX in North Carolina. The Colt AR cost $326 dollar and the Ruger Cost $169 dollars. I have use this cartridge ever since.

[@lancelacour6717]

Agreed. I've given my version of this speech many times. My first Mini-14 was a 181 Model and the availability of surplus ammo was a selling point that was mentioned by gun store counter men to every prospective customer. People would walk out of the store with a Mini-14 AND a 1000-round case of 5.56 NATO surplus ammo.

[@peteshour768]

You are correct. Most of the units were issued green jungle fatigues in Viet Nam. However, my unit was issued camouflaged fatigues. In addition, we had Tiger striped and plain black fatigues. With that being said, "we stood out like a sore thumb" while in the rear echelon areas. We also could carry any weapon we chose to depending on the mission. One time a 1940's Greese gun 45 ACP, an AK47, but mostly a XM21. Your videos are the only videos I consider professional advice.

[@hambonefxd3653]

Thank you so much for all your videos. I own a mini 14 I bought new in the mid 90 s. I've always shot . 223. But not now. Thank you again Sir

[@charlesharper7292]

Always wanted a mini 14. Never got one. In my later years, i got an M1A.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Great info. This comment is slightly off topic but I always feel like I'm sitting in your presence, having a chat, while watching your videos. The popularity of the AR platform has always perplexed me. The cartridge doesn't have much use for anything larger than a coyote, in my area (SE Wyoming). If I needed a weapon for war, I would not choose that cartridge. I know some folks like to use it for whitetails but I would prefer something with a bit more power...like 243 or 25-06 or 270 (my favorite). I own an AR but it never leaves the safe. I only own one because the libs told me I shouldn't be able to have one. PS: I like your snowblower! 😊

[@dgunearthed7859]

Same. And I have a double barrel shotty because of the current pres. Thanks uncle joe

[@LRRPFco52]

Get a 6.5 Grendel AR upper. I'm not far from you in Utah and shoot the Grendels all the time. Awesome little cartridge.

[@afroghair6793]

The beauty of the ar15 is ubiquity. Like going to your neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar; and maybe a magazine and a few hundred rounds of 223/556.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@afroghair6793 Yup. It's an easy design to be well-regulated by the local citizenry.

[@esquad5406]

I turned 18 in 1974. That year I got my first AR15. A colt, I wanted it because everyone I knew had one. The local gun shop had a hard time keeping them in stock. Two out of every three pic-up's had one. But it is Kentucky.

[@LeatherNeck-0331]

thank you and welcome home brother...semper fi

[@frankmccarthy2624]

I’ve never liked the AR-15 but I do own a couple mini-14s ranch. I prefer sporter style. They’re 586 series and both have 5.56 stamped.

[@robertlawson698]

The Mini-14 has a few attributes that I've always appreciated compared to AR-pattern rifles: slimmer and more compact-more"traditional" appearance,a simpler design,a receiver made of steel,rather than melted-down beer cans.👍

[@timbrown5720]

Early 80's Millers Gun Center had a rack of CAR 15s. Mine is an SP 1 from 77.

[@sandspar]

Enjoyed that, thank you. Like your dog. As one who used an M16-A1professionally in the early 80's I can tell you that the AR-15 became popular when concerned citizens realized they could order uppers from the explosion of CNC vendors without restriction or govt. oversight after the election of 2008. You had to be here a few decades prior to see that precise shift, but just 5 years before that the Vietnam era M-16s were viewed as the best chance to own one of those weapons. Too small caliber for me if I got to choose, but as a memento I would have liked to have one.

[@danpatton3891]

I enjoy your wisdom, Thank you. I had forgotten, my Mini-14 (bought in 1994) could take either round. I had both, the 5.56mm NATO rounds and .223 Rem ammo in the safe. Over time, thought I bought the wrong ammo in the 5.56mm.

[@rykerparkingonly7441]

I do believe this was the most informative and definitive vid I have seen. I had just purchased 1000 rds of 556 for a new to me Mini-14 I had come across. So, I thank you for this info. Subscribing.

[@mohammedcohen]

...I brought a Smith Mod 39 back with me from Germany in 1974 and had a hell of a time finding fodder...all I remember buying was a box of Remington HP at a small sporting goods store in Wayne, NJ...n9ithingf like the wild popularity the round gained in the 80s with thew Smith 'Wonder-nines'...

[@Joesoph]

Well sir you almost got it right but you forgot about good onle Walmart. I worked there in the gun counter from 2012 to 2016. During this time I would carry two types of ruger mini 14s one $200 more than the other. The more expensive marked 5.56 Nato and the cheaper marked 223. After asked several times what the difference was I called my ruger representative. Apparently through his surprise Walmart orders special made guns at a cheaper price and had lesser quality barrels in them that was not rated for 5.56 and they say 223 rem only on them unlike other ruger mini 14s. Check into it before you jump to a verdict. Unless rhe rep was full of Bs which is possible.but Walmart does get special made guns at a budget to sell them cheaper just FYI.

[@dave_1958]

Just wanted to comment that your channel and Hickok45 have the best content and always enjoy the info sharing you produce. Life is good 😊

[@RickLowrance]

AR-15s were definitely rare back in the 70s and 80s. They were crazy expensive. My first rifle that I bought for myself was a Remington semi-auto in 30-06 SPR. I bought it in the late 70s. It was on sale at Dunham's (a major sporting goods chain in the Detroit area) for $169. A fellow I knew bought a Colt AR-15 around the same time for $1200. I thought he was nuts. You could buy a car for that kind of money. I had just bought a like-new used 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix for $1700.

[@tomwoehle3519]

Had a mini 14 in eighties. Great gun. does not reeat in accuracy. Now a tack driving AR is 500 bucks.

[@bobdixon4998]

Much love and respect to you brother. God bless! I was too young for Vietnam, but my brother was 13 years my senior. So he went in the Marines in 67, and was in danang on January 27 1968 and Con Thien on January 29 his birthday. So anyway I Look at you nam vets as my brothers too. Thank you!!!

[@richardfassett9755]

I bought my first AR -A Colt SP1 for $85 in 1978. Complete with sling, bayonet, a few aluminum mags. Can’t do that anymore!!

[@mikehuskey-s5z]

I have had my mini 14 30 years or so , still operating well, thanks for the video

[@billgray7914]

Thankyou for your service and welcome home

[@SigmaSheepdog]

I'm from the Pittsburgh area and I started shooting back in 1973. From '73 until the mid-80's, finding AR-15's in the many gun shops that I would frequent was quite rare. Mini-14's, though not very plentiful, were much more common. Concerning this 223 caliber Mini-14, debate, my Ruger AC556F, made in 1985, is marked Cal 223 on the receiver.

[@robertlawson698]

Another fact many shooters might not be aware of: In the early days, Ruger chambered a few Mini-14's in .222 Remington. Not very many of them around. They turn up occasionally at gun shows.

[@GunBlue490]

They were made for European countries that prohibit civilian sales of military chamberings. Those few examples were over-runs of French and some other export productions.

[@gameragodzilla]

@@GunBlue490 Interesting. I actually heard the original cartridge the scaled down AR-15 was .222 Remington before they decided they needed more punch and developed the .223 Remington. Funny how the chamberings would've changed had the .222 Remington been kept.

[@cmaster0368]

@@GunBlue490 That is very interesting. I have an old 60s Model 70 in .222 so that makes me think maybe I should keep an eye peeled for one of those rare birds. Love your channel - great video.

[@hairydogstail]

The original AR-15 was chambered for the 222 Remington..

[@44hawk28]

I was in the early 80s about 10 years after they rifles introduction. I remember seeing a couple of those rifles in the gun shop I worked in. They were superb rifles. Just says that many 14 was for what it was designed to be I happen to own a Mini-14 in a short, folded up close-quarters engagement rifle. But I also understand that the ammo, the 55 grain Full Metal Jacket. Is only effective in the first two hundred yards and I don't even plan on firing it but about half of that distance or less. But remember. When you shorten the barrel on a 556 or 223. It gets blisteringly loud quite quickly. If you put a muzzle brake on it, you'll have to take a drill and can't those ports forward at least five degrees or you're going to pay for it with your hearing.

[@gdaddy7351]

I think it can be argued that the North Hollywood Bank of America robbery in 1997 precipitated the interest in AKs and ARs. The suspects had the LEOs outgunned and out-ranged. That incident was the impetus for my agency (and many others) to begin equipping officers with ARs. And, unfortunately, because of lower costs for Norincos, the criminals began acquiring AKs.

[@skynetupbracknielson590]

For starters, thank you for your service, and thank you for your knowledge. It was awesome to watch.

[@sgtsplice9643]

I believe Desert shield and storm ARs began raising interest. Operations in middle east sent many troops out, then ARs in many forms began really to become popular. But I remember thinking the M16 was easy to shoot when it would shoot ( I had nothing but trouble with them my entire career). I also remember everyone complaining they were being issued a .22 rifle that would explode on a stick or frond. I saw rounds exploding on sand being blown in the air. I have to say though, shooting an AR or Mini is a whole lot cheaper than 30-06 .308 and 30 USC. And the only thing I even slightly miss from that era is the security of the oven they called a helmet. And I might be the only one in the world on that!

[@Prepare2Survive]

My target version mini 14 with harmonic balancer on the barrel doesn't have the thumb hole stock. It has the regular hogue overmold monte carlo stock. The thumbhole stock version might have been more popular, but in my state (Connecticut) we couldn't legally buy any semi autos with a thumbhole stock so I got stuck with a regular stock. By the way the target version is VERY accurate. Shooting from a rest using my handloaded ammo I get sub 1 MOA with it.

[@jamescampbell9533]

I’ve had three rugers and they all were horribly inaccurate. The mini 14 seems to have that reputation and I can certainly understand.

[@Prepare2Survive]

@@jamescampbell9533 Yeah, aside from the "target" version mini 14 that has the heavy 1 inch thick barrel and harmonic balancer on the end that's adjustable I also have one of the older pencil barrel standard ranch versions and that one is nowhere near as accurate as the target version. At least with factory loaded ammo, but it does much better with handloaded ammo that's loaded down to around 2200 ft per second. For some reason, at least with the one I have it prefers the downloaded weak ammo. Doing that gets me 2-3" groups at 100 yds. The target version is in another league of it's own getting sub 1" groups at 100 yds.

[@GaryAndrienVansluys]

I used the 5.56mm South African round in my Mini 14 for many years. I only used Ruger mags...20 & 30 round. Never had a stoppage ....

[@lawerncemiller6557]

I recently watched one of your videos about mounting scopes and scope bases made me remember a predicament I got into with a 6.5x55 swedish Mauser it had been sporterize including a scope I replaced the scope and rings with a better one couldn't get it to site in shot really high not enough adjustment to bring it down found the problem was with the rear of the receiver the raised part of the rear receiver where the groove for the stripper clips had been machined off to much + canted to the rear of the receiver making the base to short an canted rearwards after a lot of studying and figuring determined the rear base for a larger ring Mauser was .100 thousands thicker a little more than needed took all day but we got it used a 1in piece of bar stock rapped various grits of sandpaper it turned out nearly perfect fit a trip to the range proved good it only having to adjust the elevation a few clicks downward

[@cenccenc946]

I recall an AR showing up at the local gun store in the early 80s once. It sat on the shelf for over a year. The local police department finally bought it, so no one else in the community would buy it. Never seen another one replace it.

[@GunBlue490]

Very typical. Three dealers I knew wouldn't touch any military style gun for that reason, and that rule didn't change for many years.

[@cav4353]

Good garage talk! Thanks for sharing some of your vast knowledge with us, you are an excellent instructor.

[@richardcreurer2935]

I knew the Mini 14 had been designed around use of 5.56 NATO round. I just had not the history and rationale behind the design itself. Thanks for knowledge and education on this topic, Mr. GunBlue!

[@M4jeff]

Saying that you couldn’t find an A.R. 15 on the shelves in the 80s is just not true! This man clearly did not grow up in Texas or come near a gun store in central Texas. The gun shows were absolutely sick with AK 47 and eight or 15‘s as well. I have great respect for this man. He’s passed on much knowledge, but he must be in a blue state somewhere in the Northeast , which ironically is where most of these guns are manufactured. I got my first A.R. 15 when I was 16 years old for Christmas. I spotted it on a father-son outing to the gun store just prior to hunting season circa 1983. Happy shooting.

[@BigBosley]

The AR was all over the PNW/Seattle area in 1990. It was hugely popular.

[@BigBosley]

They were about $1K each.

[@dannyo6699]

The back cover on the Mini 14 receiver says .223 CALIBER not .223 Rem/Remington. Only the most recent models has it been updated to read 5.56 NATO. 5.56 is a .223 caliber round. I have a 581 Mini and a 584 Mini. The 581 still reads .223 Caliber, the 584 has 5.56 NATO. Thank you for the informative video and ending the controversy about the caliber of the Mini's. They are great rifles and have a good following. I have both Mini's and AR's. If I had to give out my AR's to family and friends in a SHTF situation for their own protection and all I had left were my Mini 14's, I'd sleep well at night knowing I'm well armed.

[@Dwayne7834]

Thanks for sharing your information. My Dad had a 760 Remington Pump Rifle. I believe he purchased between 68 and 72. It was chambered for 223 Remington. In the mid 70s I bought some 5.56 surplus ammo. Not knowing what I had I was told that it would shoot fine in the gun by the seller of the ammo. I had to take a wooden Dow to get the case out after shooting a round. I found a gun smith who explained what was going on with the ammo. The 5.56 ammo was expanding more than a 223 rounds would. And that I was lucky it didn’t maybe exploded. Very good information.👍

[@MrIkesimba]

Thank you for clarifying this!

[@rwcraver]

Thank you! It's always a pleasure to sit at rhe feet of those that were there. So much history revision occurs these days because the old guys are slipping away and keyboard commandos have the popular press. Thank you.

[@99Racker]

My experience was a bit different. When I returned from RVN, they declared my MOS critical and kept me on active duty for 11 more months. I served as a Bn. Training NCO at 5th FSR, Camp Pendleton. I was later released and got a job as a deputy. I bought a M1A (in the 500 serial block-- a relatively new product) with intent of match shooting. Well, too many work hours and now married, no time for a lot of range use. I sold the M1A and later got a Mini14 and found it less accurate than I was used to having. So, I found a M16 mechanic who built me a M16A1 on a civilian receiver using all military parts. Well, by this time, my department had traded the old WW2 weapons in the locker for more recent weapons, including the M16 and H&K MP5s. As a SWAT guy, I preferred the M16. I also carried my clone M16 type as a patrol rifle at times. The Corps had issued M14, M1 (3-×), M16A1, and 1911s. I was also used to the M60 and BAR. I guess that I didn't have that phobia about M16s you mentioned as I looked at them as a tool for specific tasks (and I now realize felt odd not having a rifle available). So, I maintain my M16 type as well as a brace of M1s ( a favorite) in .30 caliber and .308 just because I can and I like them. I would guess you have short and long guns for similar reasons. Good discussion as I had checked with Ruger back then to verify 5.56 NATO was safe in the Mini 14 (Ruger didn't add "NATO" to their manual). Thanks

[@claudeortega8289]

Thank you your service. Thank you for correcting my ignorance as well. 😊👍👍

[@johnross5909]

My mini-14 is chambered in .223 . I believe it was produced 1981-83. Wood top handguard. Shoot both ,223& 5.56 no problems over the 20 +years I've owned it. My great Uncle bought it new and never cleaned it. I broke it down about ten years ago. Hardly any carbon buildup at all. This gun was at many family gatherings and shot by many of my relatives. I was 8 years old the first time I shot it in 1984. I'd buy more mini-14s before I'd get an Ar-15. I do have an Ar-10 kids like it.

[@drivesideways6550]

Always great stuff! Cheers, I finished a beer with you!

[@lanelukefahr1184]

Always great to hear you talk about American history and how it relates to the hobbie I enjoy that so much. God bless you sir and thanks for making awesome videos! 👏

[@mattottie6410]

Your quite right, before i got to my basic training ihad never seen a m16 rifle only pictures of them used in Viet Nam. I still like my mini 14Gb...

[@74charger44]

I was one of those dummies that paid the money for a Colt ar15 in the early 90s. Still have it. I remember that I had to order it. I purchased it because it was the only firearm I new how to shoot. Marines M16 A1.

[@chrishill1286]

I have one of the pencil barreled 190 series. Had to cut the barrel down to 16.25" and recrowned the barrel and put a heavy flask hider on it. DId a trigger job on it and got a clean break just under 3 lbs. NOW it is tolerably accurate enough to hunt and kill with. Before the mods it was the worst accuracy I had ever experienced this at somewhere between 4-5 moa! Now it is 1.125~1.250 moa. Best accuracy is with NATO surplus 62 grain. The AR is popular because it is fun to customize our stuff here in America, that's why, we can build stuff!

[@frankstabler1920]

You are correct. The rule of thumb is that you can use .223 in 5.56 but not the reverse, but I emailed Ruger and was told that I could use 5.56 in my Mini-14. Oddly enough, my Springfield M1A manual says to use only 7.62 x51 because sporting loads in .308 are higher pressure than the military loads!

[@GunBlue490]

More recently made Springfield Armory M1A rifles are made for full pressure .308 Winchester ammunition and are marked as such.

[@frankstabler1920]

@@GunBlue490 I just bought mine about a year ago and the manual still says to only shoot military grade ammo.

[@desertcrab6331]

Thank you for this insight to set the record straight, I enjoyed it. I must confess it is my favorite gun of all.

[@Mr79dream]

Actually interesting, that we in Germany are not much behind the US with the Popularity of the AR-15. The first imports of Olympic Arms AR-15 to Germany started before 2003, don't know the exact year, but they still had to be modified to comply with our back then "Assault Weapon Ban" (Endet 2003) Not too much later, Oberland Arms started the first manufacturing of AR-15 components and assembly of AR-15s in Germany. Now we have 4 large manufactorers of real (DI) AR-15 and a few custom shops. Not to bad for our smal market, I think.

[@mattluszczak8095]

Sir would you do a vid on your vietnam experience. Thank you in advance and your service.

[@p99guy]

They were never rare in North Texas gunshop racks, got my first SP1 in 1976. And it was a .223 Remington, not 5.56. And would crater primers and show pressure signs with 5.56 It was $400 brand new.

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

Facts about the OD uniforms and the AR15. My dad didn’t see his fatigues until I went into the my grandmas garage attic. And brought them down I was 14 at that time 5 years later on my 19th Birthday my dad decided to get me a Colt AR15. simply to prevent me from joining the military. He knew what my fascination with a Military was. The rifle I still have it it’s a Colt match target 2 hbar.