Ruger Mini 14

Closing out 2023 we have the Ruger Mini 14 chambered in .223 which is the most requested firearm here at the Milsurp Garage. I have been looking forever for a 180 series Mini 14 which is the serial number prefix denoting the first 60,000 produced from 1974 to 1977 which have a few design differences which are appealing to me but apparently looked at as inferior to most.....even the Mini 14 fans. Finally found this 1976 Bicentennial version that is in mint condition and wanted to be mine.
Come along for a solid hour worth of history, design examination, shooting demonstration, disassembly and reassembly, and whatever else we find it in our hearts to do with it.
Cycling inert snap caps through this gun for function examination/testing is made possible by Realistic Snap Caps at realisticsnapcaps.com and you can purchase these examples yourself using coupon code milsurpgarage at check out which will get you 10% off and shipping is free. These snap caps have the look, weight, feel, and balance of real rounds while being totally inert and safe. Their construction is such that they have a firing pin protection pad in every primer pocket and bonded "projectiles" to prevent them from coming loose over time. I love this product and endorse them without any monetary compensation from them what so ever.
Thanks all! Like and subscribe!

[@chriscaz1239]

Another top notch video from Milsurp Garage. Can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2024.

[@AZCactusTac]

I bought a mini 14 from the used section of my gun club earlier this year. Didn't know much at all about it but I really liked the look of this rifle. Turns out its a 180 series.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Nice. Who would sell one of these? Nuts.

[@nathanmielke1977]

That was really a wonderful presentation. I am new to the Mini-14 because my state outlawed everything else, so it's nice to get a history lesson on the only type of semi-auto rifle I'll ever be able to own. I have the Ranch 58x series and she's a real sweetheart, she just reaches out and touches target with iron sights. Great firearm.

[@dmaxvb]

Yes! Just got my first Mini 14 and love it. Mine is 58x series, but now I want an old one like this too. This is like a late Christmas present watching your review. Thanks!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@TheW1200]

Absolutely top notch content, definitely is my favorite in depth video regarding the mini 14 👍🏼

[@MilsurpGarage]

Awesome, thank you! Appreciate the kind words.

[@richbutler7828]

No matter what firearm your dealing with it always helps to be a little smarter than the gun. That is where the trouble starts for some. The Mini 14 does everything Bill Ruger designed it to do. as long as it is used for it's intended purpose it will be a reliable trouble free little carbine. It will never be a sniper rifle or is it a platform made to hang every gadget and devise there is on it.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Well said.

[@Zkpe02]

I have the 183 series in stainless steel….bought new in 1982…👍

[@MilsurpGarage]

Nice. The stainless ones look great. Thanks for tuning in.

[@darrellwoods5961]

I own a 183-××××× series 223. Damn Good gun. Fun Factor is Beyond Belief.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes sir, I agree.

[@lavida57]

Ive been wanting the 14 and the 30. But other thing just got in the way. Love them! Thanks

[@MilsurpGarage]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@keithchambers3826]

This is a great review.I even learned a few things , good dog

[@MilsurpGarage]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for tuning in.

[@milsurprifleguy7091]

A very nice in depth video about the Ruger Mini-14 . I bought mine , a 180 series , 1976 year production , in the early 90’s . Mine has a scope mounted to it , a flat black ventilated top hand guard , which I believe is wood , not plastic , by the feel & sound of it Also a different front sling attachment . I think it was set up for a bipod . I also have a Ruger .44 mag carbine and a .44 mag Super Blackhawk

[@MilsurpGarage]

Nice. Check out my Ruger 44 carbine video!

[@milsurprifleguy7091]

@@MilsurpGarage I did look through your videos and saw that one , plus the one on the AMT Automag . I have a AMT Hardballer .

[@MilsurpGarage]

@@milsurprifleguy7091Nice!

[@bobroyes589]

I got a 180 about a year ago. I knew it was on older model I didn't realize it was from the first years. I say all the better, I honestly just liked the look of it and the feel. I pick it up and think M-1 Garand. Loved this video!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Awesome! Thanks for tuning in.

[@bobroyes589]

I think it's a 1975 model.@@MilsurpGarage

[@Boomhower89]

Mine came with 3 30rd tap so and they work perfectly. There is a little hole in the mag and a small ball inside the gun goes in that hole so you have to rock it. Mine is the newer version and works like a charm. It’s no way sub MOA but then again neither am I. Great channel

[@MilsurpGarage]

Thanks! Enjoy that mini 14!

[@StrictlyPlinking]

Don’t care what other snobby mini 14 collectors say. What you have is a gem. I also appreciate the mini 14… looks, design, simplicity, functionality, lineage, etc. I love mine for dang sure. 👍🏼

[@MilsurpGarage]

Are there mini 14 collectors hating on the early ones? Weird.

[@StrictlyPlinking]

@@MilsurpGarage am sure you’ve heard… 😆 thin pencil type barrels, accuracy, etc. Regardless, manage our expectations and it’s all gonna be all right.

[@jeffryheintz5738]

The problem I've noticed people have with the mags is, they grab the mag, push the release, then let go of the release. The release then pushes on the back of the mag trapping it between the release and the peg in front. they try and force it which does not work. If they'd just push the release and let it fall out they'd be fine. They try to put it in like an AR, and take it out like an AK. It's neither. as always, Great video.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Appreciate the kind words. Thanks for tuning in!

[@thegael1996]

The action on the early Mini 14s seems smoother with that roller on the bolt.

[@MilsurpGarage]

My opinion is that once Bill Ruger saw how popular these were becoming, cost saving measures for production were implemented.....and first on that list was this roller as that surely added more complexity (money) to the production.

[@thegael1996]

@@MilsurpGarage While they did cheap out get rid of the rollers on the bolt, at least they improved and simplified the bolt hold open device plus the upper hand guard.

[@dannyo6699]

I'd love to find a stainless Mini even if it's one of the older models. Those in a wood stock are beautiful rifles. Just something about the stainless in wood look. It's just really attractive. I've got 2 580 series, the new models. One is a 582 and the other is a 584. I run both factory and Pro-mag magazines in them, and neither give me any trouble. I don't run 30 rounders; I've invested in 20 rounders, and they work just fine. I believe it is a result of the newer rifles that the magazines tend to work better. I speculate that 1 of 2 things happened with the newer models. One, Ruger was aware of the issues people had and to make the rifles more attractive to potential buyers, researched and refined the rifles just a bit so the aftermarket magazines will function much more reliably in them. Or two, some upgrade Ruger made to the new rifles inadvertently fixed the reliability issues the rifles had with aftermarket magazines.......or I managed to get 2 rifles that just plain work the right way. Who knows, it's just my speculation. Either way, I love the Mini 14's. I also have AR-15's, they are what I learned on in the Military, so I have them too. But in a SHTF situation, if I had to give out my AR-15's to family and friends for their own protection, and I was left with just my Mini 14's, I'd sleep well at night knowing I'm well-armed.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yeah, the aftermarket magazine thing is strange as some people report no problems and some do have issues. Thing about genuine Ruger mags is that there is almost never an issue.

[@dannyo6699]

@@MilsurpGarage Agreed. You never hear about reliability issues with the factory mags. Now if the just didn't charge $40.00 each instead of $19.00 each....... When you place a 20 round factory mag beside a 20 round Pro-mag mag, you are hard pressed to see any difference outside of the bottom plate.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Looks the same but isn’t it function we judge them by?

[@dannyo6699]

@@MilsurpGarage absolutely. Mine function.

[@garofalo1707]

This was a really good video on the Mini 14 and please do another video on it🙂

[@MilsurpGarage]

Thanks! One of these days I will do a range video with it to test accuracy.......so many rumors that it has accuracy issues.

[@BrianDuffie]

The XGI was an attempt at making a mini in 7.62 x 51 like the M14.There were problems with this and instead of completely scrapping the project they developed the mini 30 because the size of the rounds worked better.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Interesting. The A Team were definitely part of the trial period! Thanks for tuning in!

[@gjp3863]

I've owned a 181 series mini-14 for over 43 years now. Bought it in 1979. Rather have this than the AR platform rifle M16 I was issued when in the military.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Nice. How’s the accuracy?

[@1957Shep]

I once had a first year production Mini-14. But that is one that I let get away.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Never thought any got away from you Shep!

[@1957Shep]

@@MilsurpGarage I don`t sell or trade anymore. But that one got away 30 years ago. traded it in on my Colt AR-15. Still have that one.

[@nunyabeezwax1413]

Great rifles fun to shoot. The only problems I’ve ever had is with steel cased ammo.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yeah, I never use any steel cased ammo at all. These supposedly reject it.

[@crankygunreviews]

wow that is an Oldie but Goodie! I have a 580 series and I love mine, but yours does look very desireable

[@MilsurpGarage]

180 all the way! Thanks for tuning in!

[@dannyvision730]

Great video on the mini ...A++++

[@MilsurpGarage]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for tuning in.

[@jamesnewman5695]

I have one serial numbered 180. My buddy has a much newer one. I have a feeding problem with mine. Takes a lot to get the first round to feed, but once it feeds it fires every round in the magazine with no issue. I only have ruger magazines and I have tried several magazines.

[@MilsurpGarage]

How’s the bore look? Sounds like a chamber that needs some cleaning. Are you using brass cased ammo?

[@jamesnewman5695]

The bore is clean, and I only use brass.

[@albundy7459]

Love my mini. The mag issue in my opinion is because of the AR15. You don’t need to grab the mag. Just hit the release and it falls right out.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Exactly. What could be easier?

[@dangerman007]

My favorite joke regarding the accuracy of this rifle is go ahead and watch the old TV show the A-Team. You can tell they are using the Mini-14 because no one ever got shot in that show...🤣 Happy New Year!

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yes! Hilarious....and they were full auto AC556’s too! It’s explained by fans that the gunfire was purposely close enough to scare, not kill, because they were that good and the people that hired them did not want killings on their hands......and also that they had an “agreement” to be allowed to operate by the government but not to hurt anyone and the attempts to apprehend them were a sham.

[@itsmemckee2110]

I've been looking at a lot of Mini 14 videos. Last week for my birthday my dad gave me 180 series Mini 14. The serial number shows mine was made in 1976. It's in amazing shape but the only problem is that whoever had it before my dad had put a scope on it, so it doesn't have the rear sight. Ruger no longer makes parts for the 180 series so finding one is tough. Right now I have an old Nikon Monarch 4.5-20 power scope on it which is probably to much but it's ok.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Keep your eyes open on eBay, you will find a sight. Until then, have fun with the scope. Im curious, how do you find the accuracy with the scope?

[@itsmemckee2110]

@MilsurpGarage I found a website that has them but they're 150$ but I feel like I'll need it. I haven't got a chance to get out and shoot yet. I'm bad about build ARs and never having time to shoot. I'll definitely let you know how it shoots.

[@emadkaraja5655]

Good fine

[@gtc1961]

So funny, just picked mine up on Tuesday....

[@MilsurpGarage]

A 180 series or a newer one?

[@gtc1961]

@@MilsurpGarage Oh yes, brand new , 585 series...

[@bobroyes589]

Just an observation here, if it wasn't for the M-14's flash hider it isn't all that much longer then the mini 14.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Overall length 44.3’’ for the M 14 vs 38’’ for the Ruger…..a bit of a difference, the Ruger is a real small package.

[@keithchambers3826]

Good job

[@MilsurpGarage]

Thanks! Appreciate it.

[@luked2767]

Quite a few police forces around the world used the mini14 as it does not look so millitaristic and I feel that's a great plus of owning one. If they made it so it had M1 carbine short stroke piston, chrome lined the barrel, offered it with 30 round mags, folding stock and such, maybe even a stripper clips guide and a select fire version then I feel the mini 14 would have had alot of Millitary and police contracts worldwide. They made more M1 carbines during WW2 than M1 garands so in alot of nations that got aid from the US after WW2, apart from frontline troops, they would use a carbine if they could. So nations looking to adopt a more modern weapon to replace the M1 carbine and also get into 5.56 NATO as by the time the mini14 came out most nations did not have a 5.56 rifle I feel it would have sold very well as it's a handy rifle and same manual of arms as the M1 carbine. As for .223 Vs 5.56 NATO CIP does not differentiate, usualy a millitary 5.56 chamber will be a little more loose than a .223 and have a shorter lead, but it's totally fine to shoot 5.56 out of a .223 marked gun, you would only run into problems if it was an early designed rifle in .222 rechambered to .223 or if you had low QC wartime production ammo. As for the twist rate, most will be shooting 55 grain out of a 1/7 not so accurate a 1/8 to 1/10 is better for most .223 and 5.56. Yes I have shot 5.56 out of my mini 14 and .223 chambered rifles just fine. Is it as versatile as the ar-15? No, but ARs are boring to shoot and this is much more fun. Not so long ago AR15s used to be expensive and the mini14 was alot cheaper. Ironicaly AR15s are the cheapest centerfire semi auto rifle now in the US with some under $400 AKs used to be very cheap and now an import is close to or over a grand. I would love it if a company made an M1 carbine 9mm gas gun that took double feed mags. I used to shoot the cheapest russian steel case ammo out of my mini14 with no problems, all calibers apart from 9mm are just so expensive now.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Research I’ve done shows Bill Ruger himself did a few things to virtually sabotage the Mini 14 as far as military contracts go…..there was a load of gun control stuff going on….and other things related to Ruger…like lawsuits.

[@luked2767]

@@MilsurpGarage as soon as he died they came out with the factory 25 round 10/22 mag.... I love the nambu pistol, shame about the caliber but I know it's what inspired his first gun. Back in the day the mini 14 would have sold very well, I feel it must have been sabotaged or not wanting to be related to military contracts. In a few EU nations they use them as they look more traditional. I like them but a millitary will just go with an AR, when it came out im sure it would have been cheaper than an M16 and the commonality with the M1 carbine is a big plus. Ruger does make good products and the US is kind of strange as in the rest of the world they use cold hammer forged most of the time, I think all Ruger barrels are, the revolvers are great, the SR9 is one of the few good polymer DA/SA (I don't like striker fired guns) , the mini 14 will always be a classic as it's fun to shoot, the Ruger AR15s seem decent but have never tried. I would love it if they made is so their semi auto 9mm pistol caliber carbines would take a double feed magazine like CZ scorpion mags.

[@Squeezer999]

nice, i own a transferrable ac556.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Very nice

[@paulargent1003]

Look not at the mini 14 a 3:01 s a M14 in 223 but as an M1 carbine in 223 👍

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yup, feels more like it! Thanks for tuning in

[@tberkoff]

You need to do a video on the FBI Miami shootout. Also, that rifle looks so small in your hands at the range! Lol.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Yeah, will do. It's scheduled. It's 10-22 sized!

[@clementglinski3924]

Nice video. a little talky but worth the listen.

[@MilsurpGarage]

Well, I started this because I was sick of 40 second videos saying “this is my Ruger mini 14…..ok, see ya later”. Believe me, I TRY to be brief…..just so much to say!

[@clementglinski3924]

@@MilsurpGarage Gotcha!

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

I just wish so badly Ruger could have somehow made it so that the m16 mags would work in the mini. That’s the 1 stupid thing that just makes zero sense to me. And what’s even worse is the Ruger mini mags look soooooo similar to a stanag mag (m16’s technical name for the magazine STANAG ) oh well maybe one day I’ll pick one up.

[@MilsurpGarage]

As I touched on in the video, Bill Ruger had a “magazine capacity limit” thing going on back during the introduction of this rifle so 5 round mags were standard with a 10 round option......the other larger mags were for police or military contracts only. It was an appeasement attempt....see the video for details.

[@NobleSavage44]

M16/AR mags were nowhere near as prolific back when the Mini came out. The AR didn’t become main stream until 2000 or so. When I got my 197 series around the mid 90’s, AR ‘s were almost double the cost of a Mini.

[@drummer0864]

556 has a thicker case, has more powder, loaded to higher pressure. No joy on the Marlin, model 99 sight yet. I have ripped apart all my gun stuff and reorganized, but haven't found it. I haven't lost faith yet, it may still turn up.

[@MilsurpGarage]

The all elusive Marlin Model 99 sight!

[@rogermorrill4700]

Not XG1 it’s AS XG ISSUE

[@MilsurpGarage]

ahhhh XGI, got it.

[@Rancherinaz]

Great video . Great looking gun too .

[@MilsurpGarage]

Thanks for the kind words.