M1Carbine v Mini 14

These two rifles just scream to be compared to each other. The Inland M1 carbine modern manufacture versus the Ruger Mini 14. So we decided today to do a 100 round shoot off at 50 yards as well as a shoot off at 100 yards and check accuracy & function including mag dumps.

[@larry1824]

The M1 has a history factor that can't be denied! They make great truck or trunk carry around in rural areas

[@BlitzenSpeaks]

Mine got a Choate folding stock. I use 110 grain soft point bullets. It's my primary home defense weapon because it has no recoil, and a 3 war record for reliability! I love the "war baby"!

[@Covert_Arrangements]

Gosh watching this has been a breath of fresh air. Finally someone knowledgeable regarding what the rifles intended purpose is. So many folks use the 1 MOA standard and to be honest I think that’s a bit overused. Great review , I’m a huge fan of the Mini-14 and the M14 and the m1 carbine. My favorite rifles. 😊

[@daffyduck7336]

While station in Boise Idaho with the marines I came across a very unusual version of the M 1 carbine at gun dealership by the name Parcells (spelling is questionable) this carbine had been modified by the Melvin Johnson fire arms company, it was rebarraled. To 221cal. Cartridges , I believe it was called the 221spitfire. It the only one of this type I've ever seen, I aways wondered how this Cartridge performed, I understand it was a necked down version of the 30 cal carbine Cartridges. I would have liked tried it out on the range anyone else run across weapon? And what was its performance like.

[@LatestHour]

Thanks for taking the time and effort! The M1 carbine is the handiest and most fun rifle I've ever had the pleasure of shooting. The Army trained me on 5.56 so I know where to hold. The Mini 14 combines the best of both worlds into one of the most beautiful semi-auto rifles ever made.

[@nocturnalrecluse1216]

Agreed, except for that nasty sulfuric smell of the 30 carbine after being fired.

[@Shark_Theory]

I feel like the mini 14 while cool is kinda obsolete to the ar15 but i guess the same can go with the m1 carbine as it is a obsolete p90 but there is just something that interests me about the m1 carbine and its bullet compared to a 5.7 or 556

[@alonzahanks1182]

@@nocturnalrecluse1216 That was your buddies fart lol

[@nocturnalrecluse1216]

@@alonzahanks1182 Yeah. My m1 carbine can get mighty gassy. 😂

[@alonzahanks1182]

Wow Thats realy weird mine has never done that Sounds like black powder lol mine smells like the rest of my guns lol might be some thing your cleaning it with.@@nocturnalrecluse1216

[@gilanbarona9814]

A lot of older ethnic minority guerrillas in Myanmar (Burma to us old timers) still use M1 and M2 carbines to fight the oppressive Tatmadaw. The M16 is more effective in many ways, but the carbines continue to have devoted users out in those jungles. They must be pretty good.

[@Range-Report]

A most enjoyable, and information packed video. Nice work.

[@cephasmartin8593]

I bought a Series 186 Mini-14, manufactured in 1994, in February. Since I had heard about accuracy concerns with early Mini's I bought an Accu-Strut and an Amega scout rail and installed them before sighting it in, so I don't have a before and after comparison, but what I can tell you is that my Mini shot a 1.5 MOA at 100 metres before I got run off by hungry mosquitoes, so I wasn't able to fine tune it. They say that the newer models with the improved barrel are more accurate. Frankly, I like the looks of the Accu-Strut on my Mini-14. Take care and keep your barrel clean. Bo Leggs.

[@darrenchard2221]

Both are amazing carbines, love the old fashioned look, shame they are off limits to me in the U.K. as I would have at least 1 of each!

[@gustavesoucy-breton6841]

@@TheCrusher72 getting a gun permit in the uk is too hard.

[@paulhare662]

It's like deciding which hot sister you want to ask out first. The trick is to eventually do them both.

[@drdrake63]

I decided to do both sisters at once 😉

[@ahmadjarrad2635]

This is so messed up 😂

[@marcopkiller]

Or take the younger one.. Ruger )

[@andrescepero2086]

@@ahmadjarrad2635pp7j.

[@7wt]

I don’t have any sisters, can I borrow yours?

[@tobization]

I picked up both of these rifles recently. My M1 Carbine, a 1945 Standard Products that I completely went through and changed the springs, used all new (old stock) bolt components, and lubricated everything. Muzzle and throat were almost nonexistent. The Mini-14 (in .223/.556) I bought was brand new and in stainless. So it has the latest and greatest barrel, action, etc. The results mirrored what this video showed. The M1 Carbine was far more accurate and an absolute sweetheart to use. I'll keep hammering away with the Mini but I'm surprised that Ruger has yet to erase some of the gun's somewhat shaky history.

[@KentuckyLasslo]

Nice video! Great comparison of these two rifles

[@waynebrown616]

I've owned both. The main thing I like about the M1 Carbine over the Mini-14 is portability.

[@Privat2840]

The carbine is great for what it is. Carbine is only 5 pounds and the 30 cal carbine round is basically a pistol. The Carbine is designed to function as a long range pistol which makes it great for home defense. The 30 cal round will not travel through a dozen wall, yet is equivalent to a .357 Mag for knock down power.

[@cliffords2315]

WWII Audie Murphy won the Congressional Medal of Honor using the M-1 Carbine!!

[@jeffadams9807]

@@cliffords2315 He Won The MOH, By Using A Radio (To Call In Artillery On Armor) & A .50 Cal MG On A Burning Tank Destroyer (To Deal With Infantry)...

[@daviddomingo7768]

​@@cliffords2315 remember famous mobster Bugsy Siegel ? He was tore up by an M1 carbine with ball ammo. One of the bullets went through his head with so much pressure...one eyeball was pushed out of the socket 15 feet away . Truly effective round .

[@RalphReagan]

As much as I absolutely love the Mini 14, I'd choose the M-1 carbine.

[@semiauto3148]

Absolutely nothing better than a nice cool day at the range! Ok. Maybe a couple things, but this is a family channel ! Hahaaa. Love both rifles. I have a Plainfield machine m 1 with the metal guard on it. Love it !!!! My mother bought for me when I was a teenager. Still have it to this day..

[@RobertoBren]

Good video. I have one of the earlier Para Ordnance M1 Carbines. I lubed it and worked the slide about 400 cycles then cleaned and lubed it again. No problems at all using WW2 15 round mags. The 30 round mag was designed for the M2 carbine and has a 3rd retaining lug for it. Used in the M1 with only 2 retaining lugs it wobbles and causes misfires as it does in yours.

[@loboheeler]

The 30 round mag is notoriously unreliable, even if it's a GI issue and you have the M2 catch. Someone I know that used an M2 early in Vietnam said the 30 round would work fine in full auto, but jam a lot in semi-auto. Not sure if the current Auto-Ordnance or Inland has the M2 style catch, or if it will fit in them.

[@douglasj2254]

Thanks for another great video. That vertical stringing you observed with the Mini is one of the things I hate about it. I used to do a lot of shooting with the Carbine as well and it held zero much better when she got warmed up, even with that skinny barrel, as you seem to have noticed. By the way- gorgeous Carbine! Makes me miss mine. Peace.

[@patrickkelly9721]

Light, crisp triggers are great for the range. There's no adrenaline pumping from rounds coming towards you. That's why mil spec is the way it is.

[@ScottAT]

Training training training.

[@gentleoldguy4990]

The sound of a "steel mosquito" going by your ear will make anyone forget about what has a better trigger! Best to ya',,,,!

[@jesspeters1611]

The Max effective range of the M1 Carbine was 250 yards according to old Army and USMC Field manuels. But many shooter could hit up to 300 yards and more.

[@nightrider1850]

I can hit a 30 inch steel target at 300 yards all day long with both. The M1 carbine was well liked because it was light and handy to carry. My Grandfather was issued one as a rifle platoon leader in WW2. The first chance he got a swapped it out for the M1 Garand. He told me that the first German soldier he shot with the carbine took 8 rounds before he went down. The next time out it only took one out of the M1 Garand.

[@Matas226]

The M1 Carbine was used by many law enforcement officers as a patrol rifle back in the 60's, 70's and early 80's. It was small light and minimal recoil. The AR 15 took its place.

[@cliffords2315]

We gave M-1 Carbines to the South Vietnamese Army, they did a great job with them.

[@kevincollins6617]

law enforcement used to use mini 14s before ARs became popular.

[@CharlesSmith-ye3fv]

I Have Three M-1 Carbine, saginaw, A Winchester, A Rock Ola,A GP 100 Mini 14 Ruger ,Lov Them,101 Tennessee Prepper Smoky Mountain TN,👍👍

[@russream3732]

Rock Ola - that is sweet! I have a 1944 IBM. Wonderful shooters.

[@noahcount7132]

Dave, the accuracy issue you're having with your earlier production Mini-14 has been largely resolved by the factory in more current models of both the Mini-14 and Mini-30, but they tend to suffer from a heavy and gritty-feeling trigger pull. That's easily resolved by removing your trigger group and sending it to Accuracy Systems of Byers, Colorado, for a trigger job that will give your Mini an orders of magnitude lighter and smoother-feeling trigger pull which also helps to enhance the accuracy of more current production Minis.

[@cephasmartin8593]

About what does the trigger job cost? I don't feel like I have much trouble with my trigger, but a little lighter pull would be nice if the price is right. Take care and keep your barrel clean. Bo Leggs.

[@rickodell6095]

An Accustrut might help stiffen whippy barrel.

[@hoagie9080]

@@cephasmartin8593 you don't have to send your trigger assembly off. If you add an M*Carbo trigger spring, that will reduce your trigger pull to about 4lbs. Also a Wolff hammer spring will assist with shooting cheaper ammo with deep set primers. Just those two springs by themselves make a huge difference. I've also added a Wolff recoil spring and Accu-Strut

[@ColburnFreml]

M855 (green tip) hasn't always been the best round for accuracy either.

[@noahcount7132]

@@cephasmartin8593 -- The trigger job cost me $70 plus postage. A 3.5 to 4.0-lb pull is advertised. I don't have a gauge to measure the pull, but the trigger job made a gigantic improvement. Type Accuracy Systems Byers Colorado into your favorite search engine for current information.

[@cjr4286]

I would stay in the elevator all day with THAT choice of music!

[@PhillipJ]

Good video, I just picked up mini last weekend...183 series. I haven’t ran any ammo through it yet but I am hopeful it satisfies. I’ve had many a feeding problems with the M1...it is a finicky beast when it comes to magazines.

[@bluescatreimer]

I have both, they both great rifles.

[@rogerehinger6694]

Almost everyone refers to the .30 carbines as a pistol cartridge even though it has always been chambered as a carbine. Very few pistols were ever chambered for it and those came well after production of the carbines ceased ( from original mfrs).

[@shawntailor5485]

My uncle carried a 30 carbine and a welrod, was sf when sf wssnt even a concept. He said the option was a gyro rocket wich he said was a piece of shit . My cousin and I played with it when we were kids .

[@loboheeler]

The .30 Carbine only looks like a pistol cartridge, but is much more powerful. I had a Ruger Blackhawk in .30 Carbine, and it was awful to shoot with standard ammo. Big flash and high recoil. Requires handloading to work right in a pistol.

[@glennhelm9525]

Compare the ballistics b/t the .30 carbine & the .44/.45. Even with the mag rounds the .30 is very comparable. 3

[@lewis9888]

Yeah. Ruger made a 30 Carbine Blackhawk.

[@lewis9888]

And don't forget the 30 Carbine pistol (The Enforcer). Most parts are interchangeable between the Carbine and the Enforcer as long as both were made by Iver Johnson.

[@stevemiller7433]

I have an M1 Carbine and a Mini 14. The M1 carbine weighs a lot less. Ruger products always weigh more than they have to. The M1 is easier to shoot well, probably just the sights. This comparison is not fair to the Mini, however, as you are shooting the old "Pencil" barreled version. The newer thicker barreled rifle is less prone to heat stringing. As for reliability, the M1's weakness has always been it's magazine. If I were to pick one it would be the M1.. Just the Weight difference makes ALL the difference. If they trimmed 2 pounds off the Mini, it would be more viable.

[@nightrider1850]

He's also shooting the wrong ammo. He should have been shooting a 55gr not a 62gr bullet

[@daniele.f.2963]

My Mini 14 was NRA high shooter. She eliminated the center with a hundred rounds using iron sights. You made an excellent choice.

[@regsparkes6507]

Good video David, and the results you've shown here for the Ruger bears out what I've heard,..that there are better ( more accurate ) shooting rifles out there than this one. I am not surprised at the grouping you got with the M1 in .30 cal. Enjoyable to watch, Thank you.

[@CharlesSmith-ye3fv]

It comes down to preference . Lov Them Both.

[@hoagie9080]

Really wish that these "comparisons" and "reviews" used a current Mini platform rather than an older model. Things have changed since the 180 series Minis. I can regularly shoot 1"-1.5" groupings with my Mini 30 at 100-150 yards with both irons and a small red dot.

[@drdrake63]

Hoagie 90 I’ll be happy to do a new review if you will send me your new mini rifle LOL also there’s a big difference between what groups you can get out of the cold barrel and what groups you can get after say 50 rounds fired quickly. Regardless, I don’t have anyone providing me these firearms the are guns I bought with my own money so I can’t make everyone happy.

[@johnluhrs8494]

I just got my first Mini 14 and when sighting it in was shocked how accurate it is shooting ballistic tip 55 gr. bullets. Shooting the FMJ bulk ammo was disappointing to say the least. You're shooting such small groups does not surprise me at all.

[@brucekendall9873]

@@drdrake63 Basically any Mini-14 made after 2005 is nothing like the old ones in terms of reliability and accuracy, so that's going on almost 20 years ago. I'd grab one man, you can find some for pretty cheap. I know they say not to sell your guns, but I was on a budget and if you're gonna, I sold my old Mini-14 for a 2005 model and i've used it more than any rifle I have ever owned aside from my AR. Way more customizable too, the whole works. Absolutely love it, and literally every issue you had with it in this video would completely disappear even without aftermarket parts. Wouldn't even be a contest. Could you imagine if every M1 was replaced by a mini-14 in WW2? my god it would be unfair lol, it'd be comparable to the Sturmgewehr. Add a full auto option and damn. Guarantee they wouldn't replace a Garand with it though, maybe paratroopers would love it though.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

"Regularly shoot 1-1.5 MOA" Polenar Tactical would like video proof.

[@davidhayes7596]

Mini-14 has a great reputation for feeding ammo and mechanical function. Several different companies made the m1 carbine. I’m sure if Ruger made m1’s they would function better. You can get mixed results with m1’s. Mini-14’s are way more consistent across the board. Mini-14 has no combat history with US military. M1 does with all due respect. Playing musical chairs with history. Mini14!

[@lewisbales6190]

Ruger did make an M1 Carbine Blackhawk Revolver and two companies made M1 Carbine Pistols (The Enforcer).

[@Marcus-p5i5s]

Actually, it's chambered for the .556 and handles the .223. If chamber for a .223 the pressure of a .556 round could damage the weapon. ;)

[@bykrydr21]

The biggest thing is that your Mini 14 is not the newer 5800 series the changes to the barrel make a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in accuracy thanks for the excellent video

[@buckwheat9932]

My M1 carbine has never let me down, no jams, no miss fire, Great for house to house combat, and is a WW2 rifle, wan't to do 300 yards plus than do buy a Mine 14.

[@MadManInMyVisions]

The ammo is expensive compared to the .223

[@Sionnach1601]

Yup, very objective, honest review, well done. Probably need a tie-tac microphone on your collar for narration on the shooting range. Apart from that, very discerning, comprehensive review, and love your matter of fact and down to earth calm personality!! Have subscribed!

[@douglasmaccullagh7865]

My GI M1 Carbine is very reliable with 15 round mags, but does not like the 30 round mags. When I bought it, the fit in the stock was loose and the 100 yard groups were poor. A new (synthetic) stock tightened the group's up nicely. It is a real sweetheart and very reliable.

[@jt4055]

Love your 30 cabine. Really nice.

[@lolhs96]

Thank you for the comparison, not enough people see the similarities and want to compare. It would be interesting to compare to a Mini 30, which is technically same calibre projectile to the M1

[@raycarl7933]

Several years ago I bought a 4 pack of unmarked stainless 20 round mags from Midway for my Mini-14, never had a problem. Maybe I was just lucky.

[@bradbo3]

I sold my mini-14 and mini 30....wish i had held on to them. My mini 14 was the newer version with the much thicker barrel...but would severely open up groups after it heated up.....put a heat sink on it and it improved immensely. My M1 is still at my FFL waiting for my 4473 to clear. Cant wait to shoot it.

[@1945jlee]

Nice... I had an M2 in USAF on remote site in West Germany 1965.

[@montanamountainmen6104]

I like the M1 Carbine, I shoot it a lot. I tolerate the 5.56.

[@dragdragon23]

The mini14 stainless is in such a beautiful condition. Love both rifles!

[@karsonbranham3900]

As far as effective range between 5.56 nato and us cal .30 M1, ballistics of the carbine are more energy downrange up to about 200 yards where the 5.56 just starts to pull ahead. Effective range on the carbine is 250-300 yards, about 100-150 yards less than the 5.56. The M1 carbine is a better PdW than the AR platform, as there is not an AR platform that I have seen that is as light as the M1 carbine. I have owned mini 14’s and I prefer the M1 carbine. If I wanted longer downrange effectiveness, then one really has to upsize cartridge and bullet weight to at least .270 Winchester, 6.5x55 Swedish, or .308. At most common effective engagement ranges the M1 carbine in my opinion is hard to beat. Great video overall! Thanks for posting.

[@loboheeler]

100 yards is the effective limit for the M1 Carbine. Stupid thing is the sight has that as a minimum. As a close range lightweight fast firing light rifle it does well. As a defensive weapon, you can improve the performance a lot with better ammo than hardball. It may be called a "pistol" cartridge, but a damn powerful one if you use the right bullets.

[@karsonbranham3900]

Roger Downs that is precisely why I have several thousand handloads for mine. I can comfortably reach out 200-250 yards. I built mine from scratch with a Fulton receiver a match grade criterion barrel and the rest of the parts are all USGI surplus new parts. An original that is new. It shoots tight.

[@georgewhitworth9742]

Dude here hasn't heard of AR pistol braces...

[@bobbybyrne4415]

For the thirty round magazine for the M-1 Carbine cut a little off the spring, they have a heavy spring and with the spring needed to be longer it is causing to much tension on them when they get around to 15 left in the magazine from starting with a full load which is contributing to jamming issues. After trimming the magazine spring stretch the spring some too, this solved my jamming issues with the thirty round magazines for an M-1 Carbine

[@MsRoller20]

I love both modele, nice video too.

[@mikematusek4233]

I have both though my carbine is from 1971 Universal, It came with a plastic 5 rounder. It loves the 5, 10,15 round mags, and hates the 30. The Mini-14 Is fun too.

[@firefuzz1]

Just FYI, the 30 Carbine cartridge is neither fish nor fowl, pistol or rifle cartridge, it was designed as an "intermediate" cartridge, whatever that means. The entire cartridge/carbine platform was designed to replace the pistol to give "non-combat" type troops that still needed a weapon a range and accuracy advantage over a pistol. Another fact I just learned recently is that according to the U.S. Army since it started issuing semi-auto/auto rifles with the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, M14, and M16, the M1 Carbine is statistically the most reliable of the weapons with more round fired between malfunctions than any of the others.

[@bojiden5042]

Def 2 of my top 3 favorite rifles

[@ScottAT]

Hi, have you ever compared the older mini like yours, (I assume 278 series) to the newer 580 series? It’s a pretty big difference. I installed a harmonic stabilizing rod on mine, giving it the appearance of an M-14’s gas rod extension housing, however the reason for installing is to ensure slightly better groupings. It worked. I also installed Wolff extra power chrome silicon springs, extended magazine release lever, Hoague stock, I fabricated my own brass deflector/picatinny rail, so I could low mount a Nikon 4-16 Active Target Scope, and an Ultimak Rail. Mine (580-1) is the variant without the bird cage on the end of the muzzle but since I’m stuck in a blue state for 5 more years that’s ok. I learned from an older gunsmith than myself how to tune the Mini-14’s trigger and bring it down to 3 pounds crisp. One thing anybody can do is use polishing compound and felt pencil tip shaped wheels on a dremel to polish out the mating surfaces on a mini-14, clean with rubbing alcohol before and after and re-lubricate/grease and that will take out some of the grit. Oh, let me add, I understand Lancer Magazines (new kid on the block) has a mini-14/30 magazine either already out or in the works. Lancer Magazines have a steel top end mated/molded to a composite body in the manufacturing process. Supposed to be able to drive a car on top and it won’t deform…

[@Hornet_Legion]

It's the 180 series with 1 in 7 twist barrel. Ruger was trying to get ahead of the game for that series by having a barrel that would stabilize heavy bullets. With a 180 series I had once I mounted a scope on I was getting 1.5 inch groups with 168 grain factory match. I was getting 2.5 inch with 62 grain. Without a stabilizer. With the 55 grain m193 it was spreading the shots out wildly. Pretty much typical behavior. With 52 grain match handloads the bullets disintegrated out of the barrel. The m16a2 HBARwas able to stabilize the 55 grain better even though it also had 1 in 7 twist but the barrel is pretty thick.

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

I saw a test of the M1 Carbine. It made a small hole going in but a huge exit hole.

[@BlitzenSpeaks]

I've owned both. After putting them head to head, I sold the mini14. I love my "war baby"!!! It's my primary home defense weapon! 110 grain soft point bullet, 15 & 30 rd mags. Choate folding stock. It's perfect!!!

[@USAACbrat]

The problems I had with the issue DCM Carbine were moving rear sight, replaced with Simmons Peep sight made for the M-1 Carbine and after about 3 years cracked a bolt lug changed a flat bolt for a round one.

[@threesondad]

Don't know why people keep comparing older Mini 14s to other rifles, yeah the mag mechanics aren't the best but the barrel has been vastly improved.

[@kaipo8489]

Onwed a bunch of both and sold all of my minis. M1 carbine and ruger deerfields are my choices of bush guns

[@christiansantiago3007]

I feel like a big problem with the mini 14 besides the thin barrel is the chonky front sight. I think the M1 is still a better rifle but you can get a used ranch rifle in the $5-600 where the M1 commands a higher premium. Good video! Still very much want an M1 carbine but not unhappy with my own mini 14.

[@VCBird6]

This comment didn't age well, haha

[@brucekendall9873]

Didn't they change all these problems like a decade ago? Seems like everyones talking about all the problems with the older models. Thing definitely beats out the M1 by a long shot no pun intended

[@floydteter4323]

Good video, through my results are a bit different. I have both a Mini-14 and an M-1 Carbine (recent Auto Ordnance reproduction). Broke in the M-1 Carbine by cycling the bolt 1,500 times. Put a touch of grease in the charging track. Roughly 700 rounds downrange and rarely get through a 15-round mag without at least one FTE. Different ammo brands, different mag brands (including USGI) - same results. Zero issues after 500 rounds with the (used, but new to me) Mini-14 with Ruger mags. Maybe Inland's reproduction is just better. But for me, the Mini-14 wins hands down on the basis of reliability - no contest at all.

[@jesspeters1611]

I have 2 30 round mags for the M1 Carbine, both function flawlessly.

[@Privat2840]

The one in the video was old an rusty. I suspect that or damage over the years or rust on the spring has effected it's performance.

[@plightfoot8491]

I have an original M 1 Winchester WW 2 carbine shoots and works like new great fun gun and very accurate my dad opened the crate in 1964 the gun was in cosmolene it came with 2 10 round and 2 30 round mags the bayonet a stock pouch for the 10 round mags a woven shoulder strap and canvas gun bag not sure of the production date but he said it was military production my dad used it for hog hunting very few rounds fired until I got it loved it to this day

[@TonyYarusso]

...wait a second, you're shooting at Oakdale, aren't you? Did a big ol' double-take when you showed the sign for the 50-yard range!

[@frugalaudio]

I apologize if I missed it in the video, but what vintage is that Mini-14? If it's older than the 580 versions, I'd be interested to see the comparison with one of the newer Minis.

[@mmartinez4134]

There are differences I have a 182 and it doesn’t take down as much as a 580.

[@richardsims1958]

no taper on barrel so it is not a 580 version it is an older version.

[@scottdunn2178]

The early ones also had a 1/12 twist rate...

[@USAACbrat]

Every Carbine came with an oiler. I have never seen a reviewer use an oiler.

[@Seregtir]

The .30 carbine is the original intermediate cartridge. It’s effective out to 330 yards, and has as much energy at 100 as a .357 at the muzzle. Underwood has some incredible solid copper ammo that leaves unbelievable wound channels and deeply penetrates without mushrooming. It’s just not as fast and flat shooting as the .223.

[@loboheeler]

The 30 Carbine is a very fast firing and quick handling at shorter distances, which is what it was designed for. I shot mine on a bench with a good 4X scope at 100 yards, and it was nothing to brag about. It irks me that the good late model sight's lower adjustment is 100 yards. Should start at 25 yards.

[@frankbrowning328]

Impressive results from your 30 carbine. If you were to experiment with a few different types of ammo and shoot it from a lead sled I'd bet the groups would shrink dramatically. Add a scope or a red dot and it should be even easier to get some really great groups. I have nothing against the Mini14. It just often needs a little help in order to keep the accuracy consistent. The target model Ruger produces addresses this and they really shoot well.

[@texascelt8363]

I have a I.A.I 30 carbine assembled in Houston Texas from G.I. parts it's a tack driver at 100 to 150 yards but it does not like the 30 round mags. Also have a stainless mini14 186 mod. I put an accu-strut on it and aftermarket sights and it is also a tack driver haven't brought it out past 200 yards but a 200 it is a 1.5 to 2 Inch shooter so plenty accurate for me and I have used 30 round aftermarket mags from original equipment and haven't had and feed problems

[@USAACbrat]

Your replica M-1 is different than issued. New 15 Mags shoot without a hitch. 30 rd. clips were M-2 issue.

[@cliftonhammock1152]

Oakdale Gun Club..... Lake Elmo Mn.......... I was a member there from 95 to 2015......Great Place to Shoot !!!!👍👍👍 I'm not in Minnesota anymore.....I miss that Gun Range...😢

[@vincentbearinger2242]

You need to buy the tech site for the Mini-14 for your particular weapon it will look just like the M1A or M14 sight you will definitely like it

[@cbwelch4]

My Mini-14, a 583, has double feed ramps. It has been really reliable. I have had 2-3 stoppages in over 2k rounds and the gun hadn’t been fired in a long time and was dry. I also have rarely taken the gun down fully for cleaning. Just lube (grease) with a wipe down of CLP and a bore snake. It runs. It also throws the brass over 30’ sometimes. The self cleaning gas piston is robust. I hear ppl say it isn’t as reliable as an AKM or M4, but that has not been my experience. It lubed it runs great. Also I have a bunch of Ruger 20 and 30 round mags and some 10 round Pro Mags and a 5 rounder for hunting. No issues with mags as of yet. I don’t like the ghost ring sight on the 583 with the set screws. Tightening the set screw moved the ghost ring so it took me a long time to zero it and I never want to touch it again. You can’t really test a pencil barrel Mini for accuracy. That’s self abuse. The 580 or better is a different animal. A little better than AK accuracy in my case. Best case 2” and 100 scoped, 3” all day. Meh but passable accuracy. Most types of military rifles including FAL’s, Aug’s, AKM’s are in that bracket, so for combat accuracy it is fine. I can hit steel at 300 yards at my club all day with mine. I have not shot an M1 carbine so I can’t speak to how that would work out. I do know the ballistics of the M1 are a little better than a hot .357. So I’d imagine the drop is much worse. Anyway, would I trust my Mini to save my life? Absolutely with out a moment's hesitation. In practical shooting is it as precise as my AR-15? Maybe not if you're shooting from a rest at paper at 100 yards, but not by much depending on you. Would you notice it in tactical combat shooting at realistic distances out to 200 yards? Probably not. (I have an optic mounted.)

[@ditchgator1]

There's a reason this piece (M1 Carbine) came with oil and a place to get at it fastkilokn...this piece was made to be operated wet with oil😉👍 Beautiful piece... Thinking I must of had one in a previous life...?😎👍👍

[@bernieeod57]

The Mini -14 was originally conceived to meet an Air Force requirement to replace the M-1 Carbine in Air Police service. Ruger didn't have it ready in time to submit and the AR-15 won out. The concept was to have a rifle and carbine which were ergonomically identical. M-14 for the rifle, Mini - 14 for the Carbine. Had the AR-10 been adopted, we would have had the same ergonomic compatibility in rifle and carbine as well

[@user-ly4bz9fw3k]

my 30 caliber carbine has bavaria rural police stamped next to chamber slide area....best i understand some were issued to bavaria rural police after the war.....works great....have owned the carbine for about 50 years.....

[@USAACbrat]

I use Carbine loads in my 300 BO for 90 g bullets.

[@davidlay5445]

Looks like an early mini. They are notorious for opening up when they heat up. But its an easy fix, at least on mine, with the accu strut.

[@killroywashere2282]

lol accu strut , aka the junk fixer

[@davidlay5445]

LOL, like bondo, but necessary on some projects.

[@USAACbrat]

My Winchester M-1 Carbine with a sliding rear sight would hold 1.5" at 100 yards. My brother's Mini 14 would be about 4". Old 30 rd. Carbine mags don't work. Winchester were forged. Rugers are known for pin holes. '

[@kct9967]

I bought my first mini14, because they said it was similar to the M14, (without saying my age) I trained with, it wasn't, but I got hooked on the mini, a great rifle.

[@jackmarage8138]

When you first showed the 30 rd mag loaded I could teal that it was loaded screwed up by the way the bullets were sitting. I wish I never sold my m1 . It was a surplus weapon that I never had any issues with.

[@blindfredy6128]

Had them both loved them both.

[@jesspeters1611]

I put a red dot, light and laser on my Auto Ordinance Carbine, it added a lot of weight, but it's a real dinger at 300 yard. Plus it is a blast to shoot. My friends all love it. With a bayonet installed it looks very modern and deadly. At one point I temporarily even put a bipod 😂 on it. Rarely has a performance issue.

[@timothyhudgins9147]

Hey drake enjoyed the video , just a suggestion try the "True Shot Technology " accu strut on the mini 14 it does away with barrel whip .

[@gentleoldguy4990]

Remarkable presentation! Thank-you! Best to ya',,,,!

[@denizen9998]

An added plus on breaking in the Me carbine is strengthening your grip and forearm.

[@michaelhorn4540]

2 of my favorite firearms

[@constantgardener4517]

Like others, have and love them both. Well…. Ok, LOVE the Carbine and only love the mini. 5 gal bucket has no chance at 280yds with the Carbine, very predictable rifle, perfect reliability and somewhat important, the more “shootable” rifle. The mini can be a bit intimidating .002 seconds after pulling that trigger due the time compressing muzzle blast when compared to The Carbine. You did the work, great video! I would NOT feel under equipped if armed with the little M1.

[@bobsmoot2392]

Old model Mini14s groups are cut in half with muzzle brakes. I didn't believe it, but tried on several. It's true.

[@egillis214]

73 years my M1 has been reliable. Grease it up, original mags and fmj ammo. 100% every time.

[@USAACbrat]

Hanging everything on the middle of the barrel leads to inaccuracy which the MINI is known for.

[@karlchilders3127]

That mag was overloaded at 29 rounds. I believe it is actually a 25 round magazine.

[@frankmiller95]

How about them French fried puhtaters, Karl?

[@robertthomas5906]

M1 carbine? I have a 30 mag and I have no trouble pushing 3 - 10 round stripper clips right in.

[@harrysmith1717]

I absolutely believe that the mini needs a different rear sight also

[@drdrake63]

100% agree with this statement

[@richardmcbride29]

I’ve been searching for one no luck

[@stevemiller7433]

@@richardmcbride29 I put an XS rear sight on the mini, didn't care for it.

[@bradfuller8120]

Tech sights are the way to go… www.tech-sights.com/mini-products/

[@bullboo1]

Any magazine failures are generally not the weapons fault. Check and replace springs and followers then alternate loading/unloading changing mags for self defense on a regular basis. .30 carbine can be loaded safely with hotter heavier loads then military and soft commercial loads for old worn out rifles giving about 1200+ Ft Lbs for 125 gr and 1000+ Ft Lbs 110 gr .carbine loads safe for WWII Carbines as apposed to 1300+ Ft Lbs from the M855 Cartridge. We use 125- 130 gr .carbine loads for deer in Texas. I have a buddy that has used them since the 50s for deer. Buffalo Bore has hotter and heavier .30 carbine loads for those that don't reload and cast bullets.

[@timhallas4275]

I am certain that the wide dispersal of shoots on target are far more you than either rifle. A true test of ANY rifle is done on a proper bench rest. I have seen 2 in groups at 100 yards with both these rifles.

[@loboheeler]

Yep, most 30 round M1/M2 Carbine mags will cause feeding problems. I have a number of those, and never was able to improve by hand fitting. Friend of mine who used an M2 in early Vietnam said the 30 rounders worked in full auto fairly well, but would jam badly in semi-auto. I use only original GI issue 15 round mags, and have no feeding problems. The original GI mags were made as throwaways, but they can be refilled a lot of times.

[@mikeking-lc3vl]

Buy both. I prefer my Standard Products WWII MI carbine. It's battle tested. But that doesn't diminish the Mini 14.

[@ALT_RIGHT]

Have the ruger Mini Target rifle. Its accurate as hell.

[@randymiller1604]

His 50 yard group was a joke bad shooting not the guns falt

[@stripervince1]

I have a 585 series mini 30 and wouldn't trade it for anything. I can hit a basketball at 500 yards every shot with open iron sights. Fantastic ruger. Oh one thing. Must use american brass, no tula wolf golden tiger or red army standard foreign ammo unless you put harder hitting firing pin and spring

[@mmartinez4134]

Bet you have that magazine spring in backwards?

[@reinaldomatos9822]

Great job.

[@bernieeod57]

The M-1 carbine is considered a "Wet gun" If your hands don't get oily when you pick it up, you did lube it enough

[@arazelaguan723]

Nice rifle .m1carbine..how much ..to buy this item today.

[@virgilhilts3924]

As a lifelong collector and shooter of the M1 Carbine, when it comes to 30 round magazines my best advice is to not waste your money. The vast majority of them are aftermarket/knock-off junk and not worth even $10 just to play with. There is only one truly reliable 30 round magazine for the Carbine and they have not been made in fast approaching a century, that is the USGI Hardback for the select fire M2. They were rock solid and reliable, the problem was they were VERY difficult to make properly thus expensive. For every one Hardback that passed QA there were about five that were tossed in the scrap metal pile. While utterly reliable they were just too expensive to produce so the military went to the Splitback version, which wasnt nearly as reliable or durable but cost a fraction to produce. Hardbacks are rare and expensive, even a beat up used one can easily fetch $100, NIW ones I have seen at auction go well past $300. About the only saving grace to them is that they were so difficult to produce that no one ever made a knock-off, where-as the vast majority of supposedly USGI Splitbacks are actually knock-offs. So just save your money and avoid 30 round magazines, but if you really just have to have one... save your money, tread water, and keep your eye out for a Hardback

[@michaels5251]

In AF basic, I trained with the M1 Carbine. Ours had a fully automatic bolt which I understand is now illegal. That bolt was something else to break down and reassemble...