The Mini-14 - The Royal Bermuda Regiment's Service Rifle

Did you know that the Royal Bermuda Regiment used the Ruger Mini-14 as its service rifle for over 30 years? If not, this video will give you the low down!
Be sure to check out our accompanying article for this video here -
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[@TheArmourersBench]

If you guys enjoyed this video on the Bermudan Mini-14, check out my latest on Malta's AKs! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqW0pI2jhq96jM0

[@ChrisB.C.]

I've always thought a Mini-14 in a Choate stock was one of the coolest looking rifles out there. I never knew is was actually an issued rifle to any military. Very interesting video!

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you! Yeah, not a bad looking rifle. Thanks for watching.

[@ste887]

personally i like the classic metal side folder. not as comfortable as a solid folding or non folding stock, but have to admit it has class. even if only thanks to the A-team and GTA vice city

[@tyler1768]

South America police and military have bought a few back in 70 and 80s

[@tyler1768]

Mexico to as well

[@shoelessbandit1581]

Yeah i always thought they were used by the police exclusively most notably American and French police departments

[@blondbowler8776]

Just goes to show, there is ALWAYS something about guns you didn't know before, even after seven plus decades. This is pretty cool. Thanks.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Glad you enjoyed it, more to come. Thanks for watching!

[@protea38]

This was the rifle my department used. When they retired the Mini-14, I retired with it.

[@richardlucero165]

We are still using it!

[@sancho7863]

Damn, now that’s loyalty

[@tballstaedt7807]

You did the department a favor by taking it with you.

[@sancharino4672]

AR15 AR10. And if I could only have one. My 585 series Mini30 would be the one i kept. Light utterly dependable. And has enough bullet wieght to be relied on. Keep your pea shooters. No thank you

[@PalmettoNDN]

@@tballstaedt7807 LOL. Agreed.

[@314299]

I'm surprised that these types of units have the autonomy to select their own service weapons, one would have thought that they would be required to issue either a current or past British rifle.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Something for further research to see what spurred this and why they were allowed such autonomy.

[@newdefsys]

@@TheArmourersBench Being a British Oversees Territory, Bermuda's exact place within the UK always requires subject context. For the Royal Bermuda Regiment, it was formed by act of the Bermuda parliament as a Home Guard. Bermuda has its own officer cadet corps but it's graduates' only receive the Queen's Commission after finishing the Royal Military Academy, UK. The highest ranking officer in the RBR is a Lt. Colonel with an 'Honorary Colonel' position held by a member of the royal family. The RBR is listed in the British Army's Order Of Battle and has official placement within British military parades. However, Bermuda is 'self-governing' and has internal autonomy and the RBR is funded by the Bermuda gov't which no doubt influences the decision making process on everything, including procurement of equipment. Enter Bill Ruger.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Indeed, that was my understanding. I think the major factor both in the 80s and more recently is what the Bermudan govt could afford. I can't imagine the Rugers were too expensive and the SA80s were gifts. Certainly helps! Thanks for wat hing and the further context.

[@miketaylor5212]

@@TheArmourersBench in 1984 in the states you could by a civilian model mini 14 for less than 300.00 usd.

[@KB4QAA]

@@miketaylor5212 I was going to say I bought my Mini-14 around 1990 for about $250 in the US.

[@RMMilitaryHistory]

Another fantastic insight into lesser-known service rifles across the world, Keep up the great work Matt!

[@chillios2222]

Of course issued the M16 type over 22 years but had a personal mini in the 5,56 liked it with the wood stock and scope, in my opinion it was a nice simple rifle

[@ktgiffin8147]

The Mini 14 is a great rifle. Leave it to Bill Ruger and Jim Sullivan to take the M14 action and make it more operator-friendly by combining the gas piston, operating rod and charging handle into a single assembly, driven by a direct impingement system. Some complain about it not being a tack driver, but then, consider that it was never really supposed to be. A service rifle just has to be able to hit a man-sized target at about 300 yards, but it absolutely has to go bang, so back in the day, they emphasized reliability over accuracy. I had a Mini Thirty that generally shot 2 MOA, which was perfectly acceptable for its intended use. Remember that the acceptance standard for the Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.1 was generally 3 to 4 MOA, with the (T) selected rifles being closer to 3. 3 MOA for a sniper rifle would be totally unacceptable today, but back then, good enough was good enough. Firearms today are generally more accurate, and that's partly because we understand more about things like barrel harmonics, but it's also because generally, people don't drive their guns as hard as they used to. We tend to baby our guns more today than past generations did because most of them were ex servicemen and they used their guns as their military instructors had taught them, so even when the Ranch model went on the market, people were looking for different qualities in a rifle than we do today. All this to say that the Mini 14 does everything it was intended to do.

[@blackhawk7r221]

Believe it or not, the US military only has a 3 MOA requirement. FM 3-22.9

[@ktgiffin8147]

@@blackhawk7r221 That's pretty consistent with what I've seen from other countries, too. Service rifle accuracy doesn't have to be good, it just has to be good enough.

[@Shot_Gunner]

Excellent points here! You nailed it. My thoughts exactly.

[@SierraAV8R]

Back in the day, when I was a starving student, the Mini-14 was nearly HALF the cost of an AR15. I settled for one, but found that it was supremely rugged and reliable. Now that I can afford whatever I want (and have a collection of paramilitary rifles from around the world), I still rely on a stainless Mini as my “truck gun”.

[@bluebeastsrt]

I would also use the mini as a truck gun. Because I wouldn’t care if the piece of junk got stolen.

[@jacksonsinclair2615]

I really wanted to like the mini m14 but i thought it was kind of clunky when I actually shot one. Id much rather have an M1 carbine that is one of my favorite rifles.

[@donarthiazi2443]

🧢

[@MrToad-actual]

I’m a M1A/M-14 guy so this is pretty cool. I actually looked at a mini 14 the other day and the bolt hold open reminded me of the M1 Carbine’s bolt hold just on the opposite side

[@chrislang5659]

Love my Mini 14. Ran it with an A.T.I. stock for a while and never got used to the cheek well so I went back to the original wood stock. Classic!

[@Hal-zf4fv]

The old British SLR or self loading rifle was a smashing bit of kit. Well outdated now but I used it regularly. Very powerful weapon. Saying that I also loved the way older lee Enfield! Damn even I could hit a barn door with one of those.

[@snook1249]

The SLR was a beast.

[@funwithflags7506]

Definitely not outdated by any means if given to the right solider.

[@snook1249]

@@funwithflags7506 they defo still have their place in the toolkit. Maybe not so much for urban/domestic use where collateral might be a concern, but no hiding behind walls when the SLRs are out to play!

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

@@funwithflags7506 Well given to the right soldier a flintlock musket would be a formidable weapon. Granted the FAL is much, much more modern and effective today than a flintlock, but intermediate caliber rifles have proven their superiority over the 7.62 rifles. Even so, I'd personally much rather be given a G3 over a FAL in any situation.

[@TheBucketSkill]

@@snook1249 Its not even about collateral, its about it being 21 inch in the barrel and that won't due in basically any type of urban environment. Clearing houses in iraq was tedious with the original M16's, and there about the same in length.

[@ptonpc]

An interesting video. I imagine they were good enough for what they were intended and the budget. It's not as if Bermuda was expecting to see the 3rd Shock Army coming over the horizon. That's the thing people seem to forget. Most of the time you don't need the best. You just just need good enough, especially if that is all you can afford.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Absolutely, for rare policing duties and internal security they are definitely adequate. The French and N. Irish police showed that. Thank you for watching, glad you found it interesting!

[@blueduck9409]

Ruger has a reputation for making quality firearms. It would not surprise me to learn that the mini 14 served in a capacity that equalled some of its competition. Personally, id carry one into combat.

[@m783w]

In a world war scenario the Queen/King can call on the RBR to deploy.

[@noneedtoknow07]

That's how militaries function, it doesn't have to be good, it just has to be good enough. People think military grade and assume it's some spec'd out super gun with heat sensors and smart opitcs. Nope if someone went to the store and bought an AR-15 and slapped a run of the mil optic on it, you are basically at battle parity with the U.S. army infantry man.

[@lzxray6781]

The Mini 14 is not made of forged steel, it's die cast metal and the barrel is to thin and is very inaccurate. I've owned one and hated it, the front blade sight is fixed.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

The Mini-14 is a great little rifle, along with the Mini-30. They look fantastic too.

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

Have they fixed the mini-30 so it will actually reliably run steel cased 7.62x39 ammunition?

[@191601916]

Mini 30 is trash bro

[@PlumbNutz]

I have a mini 30, it will not feed aftermarket magazines without jamming or hanging up. Only the factory magazine works. Have not had an issue with steel cased ammo.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

@@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920 Apparently they've done something. I know there were a lot of issues reported in the past but it seems like the newer Mini-30's run steel no problem. I have had no issues whatsoever but I don't have a ton of rounds through it yet.

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

@@notsosilentmajority1 you’re the second to note that. Good on Ruger (per usual) to make incremental improvements to their guns.

[@workshopblackbird]

Absolutely fantastic overview of the mini 14's short and dignified time as a military rifle. Thank you for taking the time to research and compile this information. I've been showing folks the Royal Bermuda Regiment for years when discussing the rifle and from here forward I will be directing them to this video. Cheers

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you! Very glad you found it informative.

[@johncox2865]

When I bought my Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, I didn’t want an alien-looking gun like the AR. The little Ruger has never let me down.

[@PalmettoNDN]

Then you don't shoot it 😂

[@ironmatic1]

@@PalmettoNDN you have a bunch of comments on this video hating on the mini 14 lol touch grass

[@pheorrungurd8746]

I have owned several Mini-14's, and never got better than 3in groups, my worst was after shooting the second mag in a row, only letting it cool enough to use the scope to attempt correcting zero, I got a 5.5in group. Not good enough practical accuracy for me. If I need to use a rifle to shoot anything but paper, I want as few mechanical variables screwing up accuracy, seeing as I am human and can screw up enough on my own.

[@blackhawk7r221]

Accuracy is very much a hit or miss with the Mini-14.

[@johncox2865]

@@PalmettoNDN the hell I don’t

[@shanek6582]

They must have never watched an episode of The A-Team, nobody’s ever gotten hit with a mini14.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Haha so very true.

[@haroldellis9721]

The BDF actually scores very high in competition, and besides ranges on their post, they have a longer range, with butts, on the western side of Warwick Long Bay.

[@314299]

Somehow in spite of the lack of achieving any hits with the Mini-14 the A-Team still managed to come out on top, and without killing anyone.

[@berryreading4809]

Exactly! It's the greatest less lethal weapon ever developed! Especially when paired with tire seeking bullets for vehicle interdiction 🤣

[@wakeupcanuck6763]

@@berryreading4809 who needs a 50 Cal for that.

[@deadhorse1391]

The French police also use /used the mini 14 with a neat wooden stock that used a sling attachment similar to a M1 carbine.

[@afd19850]

More of this please, great little video. Mini14’s always remind me of the A Team as it was featured heavily alongside the AC556 version. Was also in Commando!

[@TheArmourersBench]

Next week's video is on some rare found footage of a rare prototype submachine gun in action then after that a look at a little known Cold War weapon - the off-route mine. So hopefully stuff of interest!

[@afd19850]

@@TheArmourersBench awesome! I like the fighting on film ones too but listen to it on Spotify instead when at work.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Ahh Thank you mate, I'm glad you like the podcast too. Lot of fun.

[@tommccormick9290]

In the 90s I had mine configured with the Choate stock with a Buffer Technology's recoil buffer it was really soft shooting. But when adding a Surefire light & adapter to the barrel it threw it's balance off.

[@HoH]

Just discovered your channel via Twitter. Really cool stuff, keep it up!

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you!!

[@wilfredosoto2722]

I’d love to see any video of troops using the mini-14 in drill and ceremonies, as I’ve never seen that. The selection of it as an actual service rifle is intriguing and ironic in a way as it uses the same ammunition as the M-16, and the M-16 was developed as a the replacement for the M-14 because it was deemed too heavy and obsolete for the modern battlefield. The M-14 being basically an “improved” M-1 Garand. I’ve shot all of them and they’re all very impressive and have there use, based on their design.

[@TheArmourersBench]

You can see some drill at the end of this video, it looks very much like they simply adapted the earlier drill for the L1A1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5rPhYt5ptGjrNE

[@anthonydowns9632]

Last year I got a Mini 14 Tactical model. I LOVE IT! Being a vet I would use it in CQB/urban environments no problem. Yes M4 etc over the mini but it is practical for a few things. Great vid! I had no clue about this.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank for watching!

[@FunForbes12]

Hey just wanted to say great vid!! As a Bermudian it’s crazy to see you do a vid on my country. It’s also crazy that I’m in the background in the last clip. Hype to see that.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Haha that's fantastic. Absolutely, found this topic really fascinating.

[@heinrichmuller7974]

i've always loved the ruger mini-14, it's wonderful to shoot and is very accurate in the right hands, probably one of the reasons why it's the choice of rifle for prison guards who are on wall duty. i stumbled onto on of your videos by mistake (the one about the french anti-tank mine) and am now watching your videos avidly, thanks

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thanks Heinrich that's wonderful to hear!

[@redswift31]

Interesting, honestly for the purpose that its intended for I would say that the Mini-14 was damn near perfect. Lets face it they didn't need much more than a standard rifle. Hence why the gift of the old L-86 is just as good.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching!

[@uncledibby]

l86 was hot ass trash

[@callumwilliams1449]

@@uncledibby It was the L85A2 which has had a pretty good career throughout Afghanistan.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

This is really cool! I'd love to see more about distant British Regiments that use other rifles, if any others besides the Falklands and their AUGs exist.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you! I will see what to can dig up.

[@Tourist1967]

@@TheArmourersBench There's more to choose from - the Cayman Islands Regiment and the Turks & Caicos Regiment were stood up last year. They are also UK Overseas Territories and were patterned on the RBR.

[@XRinger]

When I was stationed in Bermuda April 63 to April 65, I never saw a rifle range on the island. At NOB we only had a pistol range. So we only trained on WW2 vintage shotguns and 1911s.

[@XRinger]

@Graf von Losinj I guess that would have been better than using Horseshoe. For some reason I can't picture anyone being able to shoot on any of the South Shore beaches, Horseshoe and Elbow. Maybe dry-fire drills. I remember a local man who was facing prison time, because someone found a very old box of .22 rimfire bullets in his garage. The man had no idea who put them there, since many people had lived in the home before him.

[@amarbaha]

I have a Mini 30 (7.62x39) and I love it! It’s the AK round vs the Mini 14 .223 ie. AR 15 round. The Garand action is great

[@DefunctYompelvert]

I’m just speculating but perhaps they adopted it rather than the M16 because colt had just stopped producing the M16A1 in 1982 and was focusing on M16A2 production for the US marines in 1983

[@oscarpuente2029]

I owned a mini14 , years ago, never let me down. shot alot of different ammo. she is still ready to go with its new owner!

[@snakethepeg7828]

You gotta move on bro, she's gone

[@jimjoelliejack]

I have a mini 14 in 5.56, I’m in the uk so it’s straight pull single shot, it a very short rifle and is very good for use from a vehicle

[@Pk-io6xe]

I didn’t know y’all were allowed to own them. I guess I never really looking into UK gun laws though. Is it true suppressors are easy to get there though?

[@jimjoelliejack]

@@Pk-io6xe The firearms laws in the uk are very strict, you can own any calibres as long as you can justify the use, you can’t have fully automatic weapons ( why would you anyway?) you can have semi auto in .22, but no other calibres. Suppressors are allowed but they are a separate individual item on the licence.

[@Pk-io6xe]

@@jimjoelliejack So what’s the common justification for different calibers? Like is it just hunting and target shooting or can you give other reasons? And would you be able to own something in .50 BMG?

[@jimjoelliejack]

@@Pk-io6xe different targets/ quarry, you can’t shoot deer in England with anything less the .243, Scotland .223 anything smaller than a deer you can use any calibres, 50 cal you can own but they are restricted to land such as military ranges. All calibers you need a reason to own,be it target or vermin / game. When shooting game you legally need to use expanding ammo, target only shooters can not purchase expanding ammo .

[@draco-amercon]

I've owned a mini-14 it was an older ranch model with a pencil barrel, although the gun was reliable it's accuracy deteriorated after the first two shots (3 plus MOA at 100). Improvements on the rifle in the early 2000s, the rifle now sports a 16-in barrel, with a heavier tapered profile unfortunately Ruger did nothing about the design of their gas block, that heavier tapered barrel gets pinched down to the original pencil diameter at that gas block which ruins the accuracy.

[@armyvet7070]

The issue comes down to bedding and the rotating bolt design - high heat generation along with a slamming OPROD design creates a loss of bed adhesion and the tolerances start to open up as you say, after 2 rounds

[@westcoaststacker569]

I bought the Ranch model back in ~1984, I loved it but could not hit cans etc out past 50' it seemed. Long before the internet etc... and I though I just sucked at peep hole sites, bought a scope and it did not help. While with my 10/22 I harvested rabbits and a quail with ease. Also my Marlin .357 lever action I was super comfortable with. I still cherish the Ranch rifle and now know of its faults, I should take it to be retrofit someday to do it justice since it has been left in the safe too long.

[@tballstaedt7807]

You are spot on on the accuracy. I think 3 moa is optimistic though.

[@garywinters2282]

Very interesting video! The Ruger Mini 14 is a well liked ranch rifle here in the USA.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thanks for watching Gary!

[@67daffy]

Wow awesome to know it was my favourite rifle i owned.

[@stevemiller7433]

I wonder if that heavier barrel is available to the civilian market.. it might correct some of the shortcomings of the commercial barrel.

[@ApurtureSci]

I don't know about their home market, but back in the day Ruger sold manually-operated Mini-14s in the UK in Ranch and GB configurations. I believe the current generation of Mini 14 has a much heavier barrel as standard.

[@stevemiller7433]

@@newdefsys Yes. I have the new Mini 14, the barrel is thicker but it tapers.

[@miketaylor5212]

the new mini 14s all have the heavier barrel they no longer sell the pencil barrel model they also now have the protected front sites.

[@TheRyanDude]

They could do with less gas or an adjustable gas block too. Mine would send brass into the next zip code

[@1iculungman]

I had a mini 14 stainless with choate stock and upgraded the FSP to gov style with m7. shot well.

[@callsignbenzo1293]

It's hard to say which one's better the ACOG or the Elcan because both of them are very useful in their own right honestly if I'm engaging targets from like 50-400m I would use either one of them without complaining about needing a different optic

[@jacobfarley2332]

Not gonna lie, that combo woodland DPM and MTP looks pretty awesome

[@garyK.45ACP]

Seems a strange choice. I am sure that ARs could be obtained for less $$$ and are more versatile with various attachments. But I am sure the Rugers serve the needs of the Bermuda troops.

[@Hunter_Johnson]

The decision was probably made at a time when the Mini was less then an AR-15. ARs have only become cheaper relatively recently.

[@blakedavis2447]

In the 80s the mini 14 was absolutely cheaper

[@muddyhotdog4103]

The m16 also had a bad reputation after vietnam, tho unwarranted due to early fixed issues the bad rap did hang around for a while(heck even today)

[@garyK.45ACP]

@@muddyhotdog4103 I'm going to guess there was something else in play regarding the decision to use Rugers.🤷‍♂

[@muddyhotdog4103]

@@garyK.45ACP ya I'm guessing mostly it was a money issue ( colt m16s cost way more back then) , but those rumors could've played a part who knows.

[@jamieclinnick8086]

My Dad owned a Ruger Mini 14 throughout the 80's & 90's. Unfortunately we had to give it up during the mandatory Australian gun "Buy-Back" in 1996. It was such a beautiful rifle to own, maintain and fire.

[@TheHonestTruth]

@soldierofliberty easy there...... not everybody plans on going out in blazing glory. Not all Australians sold. Most did. It was a different time in the world. I'm sure that the auzzies wouldn't think twice about it if they had another chance in the year 2022.

[@cornpopwasabaddude4188]

@soldierofliberty absolutely

[@johnpenn74]

Australia didn't sellout., They surendered to the political opposition. Reaping what they sew.

[@rogerc6533]

Honest people always pay the price for the actions of insane criminals and sensationalist politics.

[@diegomontoya8095]

@@TheHonestTruth you live in a dystopian authoritarian hellscape. I dont care what fool sentiment that led to them doing a freedom buyback. Have fun on the state farm. serf.

[@hamm6035]

I don't remember what stock I got on my mini. Folding stock. Rattle can camo and a red dot on a machined Ruger mount. Farm boy as hell but very dangerous to 200yds.

[@miketaylor5212]

i put a choate folder on mine i had a choate stock like the one pictured above on my m1 carbine.

[@dennispersson9466]

Some Extra info: In the 80's, and 90's Ruger catalogs, the Mini 14 specs listed select fire, was 'Law Enforcement Only', and only Mini 14 had folding stock. Mini 30, had too strong recoil for folding version. Panama army had the 14. After Ronald Reagan removed Noriega, we 'upgraded' them to M16's. Brought the Mini's back here, and were 'branded', "Noriega Specials", by the gun shops, that sold them off. (Sold for $150, Newer Rugers were $250, at the time.)

[@jonathanferguson1211]

Fascinating Matt, thank you.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thanks Jonathan, I used your book to check the TES dates!

[@jonathanferguson1211]

@@TheArmourersBench Well that's worth the price alone, surely!

[@brianv1988]

I still own my Mini-14 don't use it very much anymore since I got a AR-15 that I can put Optics and vertical foregrip bipod on it with a laser now that's my range gun and go to long gun

[@JimDMarines]

I loved my mini 14!

[@harpseal9234]

I never knew bermuda adopted this rifle in america its known as a great alternative to an ar15 but if you dont load that mag right, you Will have rounds feeding improperly . thats pretty cool to find out

[@danflores8445]

The mini-14 is a great platform and an accurate rifle.

[@alexsmart5452]

The only upside to a Mini-14(or Ranch Rifle) is the weight. It even feels much lighter than the AR15/M4(which itself is light) Its downside is it horrible accuracy(they said they got them in the mid 80s, so 2.5moa at best. Worse than an AKM) and tendency for the hand guard to get very hot, very fast. 90-120 rounds in 5 minutes, and the hand guard could give burns to exposed flesh.

[@miketaylor5212]

i must have been lucky with mine i could cover a 5 shot group at 100 yards with mine i wasnt fast firiing it but iwasnt using a 1 minute cooldown either.

[@williamskora8920]

River began to make it's own barrels in house and these newer Mini 14s also have a significantly heavier barrel than those 1960s era rifles. Their accuracy, while not match grade are definitely fine for a service rifle.

[@Ruben1994OL]

2,5 MOA worse than an AKM? The reports that I found after a little bit of searching shows AKM accuracy to range from 4,5 - 6 MOA. 2,5 MOA is a tighter group than the M16 and M4 accuracy acceptance standards in the US Military. I would personally consider a 2,5 MOA Ruger Mini 14 to be a pretty good representative of the model, as I understand that they usually hover around the 3,5 - 4 MOA mark. (which still is marginally better than the average AKM judging from the numbers I could dig up)

[@westcoaststacker569]

@@Ruben1994OL Wish I knew this back when I was berating myself for being a lousy shot with my 1984 ranch rifle. While my 10/22 could not miss.

[@Ruben1994OL]

@@westcoaststacker569 The rifle is very rarely the problem, but in your case it probably was. Had the same problem with my K98. I was shooting 4 inch groups at 100 meters, but could shoot the wings of a fly (being metaphorical here) with my .22 and it just didn't make sense to me, until I did some research on the K98. They are often just not that accurate.

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Love the Mini 14! I prefer it to the AR15, but I'm just old school I guess.

[@johnmills969]

I grew up in South Texas . A lot of the ranchers and rice farmers used mini 14s for protecting stock and crops. From varmints and hogs. Damn good truck rifle. They no chamber it for. 233 , 7.62x39 and 300 blackout.

[@kaisercreb]

there is or was a 6.8spc version too bad they didnt make the superior 6.5 grendel

[@Rustyshackleford85]

Excellent taste in firearms.

[@Joshua-hz3cl]

Glad to see its still in service

[@sgtjarhead99]

I bought one of those Choate stocks for my Mini back in the late '80s. It might look cool, but I felt it made the rifle feel very unbalanced and front heavy. Eventually went back to the factory stock. Sold that Ruger off years ago because I needed the money. I might eventually buy another one in the future as the Mini has gone through a lot of improvements since then.

[@kevin6385]

An interesting choice for sure. I think a great choice.

[@rizaradri316]

Royal Bermuda Regiment Ruger Mini-14 is my favourite Mini-14 pattern. Man, if my country were "gun friendly". I'm gonna to make a clone of this rifle or buy one if these rifles entered surplus market.

[@georgerobartes5989]

Served the RUC well . Along with my issue AR type , I had a private purchase Stainless Steel Mining in semi auto version with Cherokee folding stock that could be jammed into tight places . Yes , there as well, if necessary ! Did Ruger proud . Unfortunately it would seem that the later ones have a barrel accuracy problem which may have contributed to the change . The L85 being a very accurate little beast ever since introduction from the SA80 programme. Many of the improvements to that platform were made when Royal Ordnance owned H&K . The HK steel mags are still probably the best STANAG compatible mags ever produced and can be comparatively easy to mod into 20s or 10s for ' other purposes' , such as urban sniper or counter sniper . Since my Mini 14 has long gone , was the receiver ever modified to accept Stanag type mags , I wonder . Perhaps another contributing factor ? But the Ruger makes for a great training rifle for the youngsters .

[@thorfinthorfin3010]

Our Sheriffs Office carried these in the 1980s. They liked them. Of course now every Patrolman carries M4s

[@kevindarrell2504]

Serving RBR soldier here🙋🏿‍♂️ all is factually correct I entered and trained with the ruger and now I use an SA80 I love to shoot with it bit hate doing drill with it...i miss the ruger alot i can probably strip and reassemble with my eyes closed .

[@TheArmourersBench]

Kevin, great to hear from you, thank you! Yes, not the best shaped rifle for drill!

[@toughtrackdetecting1154]

We in the FIDF now use the SA80A2. I actually have no issues with it at all as it hasn't failed me once so far and iv worked it very hard on occasions, live & blank!! I used the Aug for years and I don't rate it at all. But that's my personal opinion.

[@awmperry]

“IW LSW” just means the sight is a version either adapted or specially designed for the IW (L85) and LSW (L86) components of the SA80 family - the L85A2 is still an SA80 IW. So it doesn’t mean it’s surplus, just that the rifles have the sights that they were issued with.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Yeah definitely, I didn't mean they were surplus because of the markings or weapon they were issued with but rather they were made surplus when the urgent operational requirement procured sights were replaced en masse with ELCAN.

[@awmperry]

@@TheArmourersBench Exactly. Yeah, just wanted to clarify as the nomenclature in the SA80 programme has been a bit quirky over the years. ;-)

[@TheArmourersBench]

@@awmperry absolutely, beyond messy! Thanks for watching!

[@tyzilla87]

A beautiful weapon, for a beautiful island and country 💯💪👍🙌🙏😎

[@mongoose4117]

I had the Choate stock on my mini 14, years ago when the Choate, made in Bald knob, Arkansas😝👌😎was a brand new thing. One of the best stocks, not incuding factory folders, for the mini. Very light weight and attractive. If bedded properly, mini's can shoot quite well. I'm surprised to learn the mini had made it into military service. I shot mine for years, eventually the barrel wore out and bullets just tumbled down range. Many desert jacks credited to that mini. Sold it to an individual, cheep. He claimed a new barrel would be installed.

[@Totes_ma_Goat]

I put a chotes stock on my m1 carbine. Now I got a mini mini m14 😀. To all those that say I bubba it ? Oh well I like it and none of the original rifle was altered except the stock.

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

Such a beautiful weapon

[@MrTristanryan]

Just got recommended, so I watched and subscribed. Nice video cheers

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thanks Richo! Much appreciated, glad. You enjoyed it.

[@enriquetachias920]

I have a book about small arms and it had a lot of info on the mini 14 and it’s Service and purpose in the world, originally it’s of course based on the m14 that was brought into service for American troops in the 1959-1964 for standard service rifle, of course it’s the shortest lived standard service rifle in US military history but it didn’t go away and is still used today but back to the mini14! Mister Ruger and mister Sullivan in 1967 created the mini14 as a military rifle for US troops but it never happened because of armaLite m16 project that you all probably know already so I’ll skip that, anyways the ruger mini14 never became American military rifle but in Bermuda Rhodesia and for the IRA in Ireland during the troubles was used by their forces mostly this carbine was used by police and correctional officers in prisons but in the end this little rifle really got it’s popularity form American ranchers and it soon became the American ranch rifle, I guaranteed in every American gun safe you’ll find one ruger mini14. Yes their that popular But the mini14 has had some spot light on it by criminals and terrorists in recent years the 1986 FBI Miami shootout, Michael Lee Patt used a ruger mini14 and another killer named Anders Behring Breivik a Norwegian in 2011 that attacked a summer camp know that I got all that out in the end this rifle is a very good rifle and famous weapon in history and in Hollywood, for such a simple rifle brought so much change to law enforcement on body armor and weapons they use today it’s a fact that one gun can change the world 🌎

[@christinegoodings6289]

they came up to Milcon in 83 with us (sister regiment) and the guys were all stilll using the SLR ...they may have gotten them issued by us though to save logistics

[@SamEEE12]

Going from the L1A1 to the Mini-14 must have been deeply disappointing

[@TheFirstVonGunther]

I cant imagine what its like to go from the stud that the FAL is to the toy a 20 round mini-14.

[@FakeSchrodingersCat]

Pretty much the same as going from the FAL to an M-16 but slightly smaller and more streamlined though a little heavier until they replaced the stock.

[@blueduck9409]

Its like changing from carrying bowling ball into combat to carrying a tennis ball. Im sure the reduced weight was welcomed.

[@m783w]

The island is tropical and a lightweight agile rifle which can take tons of sand was possibly what influenced the decision.

[@TheFirstVonGunther]

@@FakeSchrodingersCat the M16 is atleast a gunfighters weapon. I own both the FAL and M16a1, along side the m1 garand, m1 carbine, and Ive rocked the M14 in the war. The operating and bedding system is easily worse than the m16 systems. And ive seen bump stocks prettier than whatever that elementary school paper mache project was

[@FakeSchrodingersCat]

@@TheFirstVonGunther The mini-14 is the same caliber as the m16, size is similar, mini especially with the wood stock is heavier but it is still much lighter then the FAL, it is decently rugged especially the early models and the gas system is pretty robust magazine size is the same, and until the more modern optics and mount systems started showing up it was just as accurate. I do not see where you can call it toy or an elementary school paper mache project. Honestly I do not even understand the comparison to paper mache that denotes a certain idea frailty and lightness that just does not fit.

[@andrewwallace4821]

Wow what a surprise. I've never seen any actual history on our unit. I'm a junior officer in the RBR now and joined after the minis were retired. Great to see! Where did you get all your info? As an aside I also work at the National Museum of Bermuda, where we have the only known surviving example of the Mini-14.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Hi Andrew! There is sadly not too much out there on the RBRs history but there are a couple of good videos which I've linked to over in the accompanying blog for this video (at www.armourersbench.com). I list all my sources over there too. A mix of news articles, some RBR released info and observation when it comes to the SA80A2. What do you guys think if the SA80A2s?

[@andrewwallace4821]

@@TheArmourersBench it's a mixed bag. As we're part time we don't get a ton of hands on training these days, especially with recent cuts. The older guys love the SA80, as most of the mini 14s were old, worn out, and abused by conscripted soldiers with sub par skills. Breech block explosions were not uncommon for a while, which is what started the replacement program from what I've heard. Like anything though there's a lot of people that still treat it like it's the A1, which had a multitude of issues. We're also working with old gen 1 era SA80s. Most of them are the conversion kit ex A1s, so they're pretty worn out too. We lack spare parts, and a lot of them are quite damaged nowadays. Also interesting tidbit you might find interesting and the ACOGs. Not sure if you remember but there was a controversy over the inscription of bible verses referring to light, death and the like. Most of our ACOGs come from that batch, with the bible verses scratched off by whoever the previous owners were.

[@andrewwallace4821]

I should add that I wrote my MA thesis on the Bermuda units during the first world war, pre RBR. So there is history locally that I took from, but I've never seen it in a public space like this, so good on you!

[@TheArmourersBench]

That is interesting. I didn't know you also had some A1s, were they acquired earlier or at the same time as the A2s? Sad to hear there have been cuts recently. But I'm glad there's people researching the unit's history and you're keeping it alive.

[@andrewwallace4821]

@@TheArmourersBench they're actually not A1s, but they're covered A1s that are now A2s. They're just the first generation of the A2s, so well worn out by this point. It has made cross training a lot easier though, as when we go overseas we don't need to bring our rifles with us to the UK. We still bring them to North Carolina though.

[@kidgokuxl]

I made a rifle just like it. A mini 14 with a Chote stock. Works great.

[@braddaley1255]

I owned one in the same stock before the buy back, it was great.

[@joehinojosa8030]

About TIME! Mini14 came out in 1973!

[@proudyorkshireman7708]

You should look into the FIDF (Falkland island defence force) it helped the Royal Marines during 1982 I’ve heard that the marines didn’t have enough SLR’s so used the FIDF rifles leaving the FIDF using 303 Lee Enfield’s not sure how true that is but an interesting story.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Absolutely. The FIDF initially stood to around Port Stanley and when Governor Rex Hunt decided they might be considered civilians by the enemy they were stood down I believe. For a very long time they used the Steyr Aug and recently also adopted the SA80A2. So definitely lots to cover, I'm in the process of researching for that video. Speaking the veterans and current members. Thanks for watching.

[@proudyorkshireman7708]

@@TheArmourersBench I’m interested in hearing about the FIDF during the conflict but I’m more interested in what happened after as during the conflict they had the old para smocks when did they and what did they upgrade to. When did they get PLCE webbing. They have such an interesting kit history I’ve always had a fascination with the FIDF but there’s a lot of conflicting stories.

[@SA-xf1eb]

Excellent video. Interesting history.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@williammarkhart7047]

I always loved the MINI 14.

[@marleyboy7732]

Refreshing my memory. But wasn't this the rifle "The A-team" used in the show? Never knew what kind of rifle that was, but always wanted one since I was a kid. Looked cool.

[@TheArmourersBench]

It is!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@fthirtyfivemr]

You’re welcome

[@ABCantonese]

The AUG is a no-brainer, but I would've picked even the mini 14 over the L85... I just don't.... Nope, not that I think much of the mini, but still.

[@GolfRemoEchoGolf2]

I own two Minis one is the target model... the other is a folder , would love a Mini 30

[@jamessnyder620]

When was this footage filmed?

[@stephenle-surf9893]

A simple cheap and available rifle that does everything you need it to. What more do you need?

[@hanskc3302]

Neat peace of trivia!

[@matthayward7889]

*insert obligatory A-Team reference* Great video though, I’m sure those mini-14s will sell well on the collectors market!

[@Tourist1967]

Not cut up into little pieces, they won't. They were all destroyed, bar a few museum pieces.

[@matthayward7889]

@@Tourist1967 really? That’s a shame

[@TheArmourersBench]

Check out the accompanying blog for the video for more information & detail as well as an index of all earlier videos - armourersbench.com/2021/12/19/ruger-mini-14-the-royal-bermuda-regiments-service-rifle/ Thanks for watching

[@ptonpc]

Just to let you know, the link leads to a "Oops! That page can’t be found." error. (as of 21 Dec 2021 13:36)

[@TheArmourersBench]

@@ptonpc thank you! Fixed.

[@Brandonthesnifferofall]

Pretty wild to see modern military uniforms running mini 14’s 😂

[@mitchellculberson9336]

I like this little rifle.Where can a couple be purchased at here in America at a reasonable price?

[@elwildo14]

Great video

[@TheArmourersBench]

Thank you mate!

[@RATsnak3]

First real rifle I ever fired. Great little thing.

[@belesariius]

excellent, we can have all of them back including the titles

[@salty6pence672]

Love the mini 14, Looks better in a bright finish and shoots like a laser.

[@bobmetcalfe9640]

All I remember about them was that they threw their brass are very, very long way away. You could lose a lot of brass that way.

[@aaroncleveland2579]

You are correct, I own 3 mini 14 tacticals, they throw brass like 20 - 30 feet away. They are cool though.🇺🇲👍

[@rickbrown7287]

Mine throws 3/4 of all my brass into low earth orbit. That's why I can never recover all of it. LOVE MY MINI 😍

[@mperich003]

And A-team is the only tv show and runs 24/7

[@grahamy3400]

A battle rifle needs to be rugged and to be able to handle bring dropped, banged against trees, vehicles etc and still function with sights in alignment.

[@MikeFoxtrot1]

I have seen a picture of a British soldier armed with a Mini-14 fitted with what appears to be a silencer in Northern Ireland taken in the 1970s.

[@TheArmourersBench]

Intriguing, I haven't seen that one.

[@MikeFoxtrot1]

@@TheArmourersBench I'll see if I can send you the picture.

[@MikeFoxtrot1]

It looks like it's the GB-F model with side folding stock and stainless-steel barrel.

[@MikeFoxtrot1]

Was the link to the picture removed?

[@jonathanferguson1211]

@@MikeFoxtrot1 KZbin auto-deletes comments with links, depending upon channel settings.

[@TacticalCaveman997]

Beautiful rifles.

[@just-incase3483]

Learn something new everyday

[@firstimeshooter6590]

Mini 14 with ebr furniture looks sick!!!

[@EthanThomson]

the daniel defence rail doesnt make it A2, which is how i understood what you were saying. the green hand guard is very much a normal A2, the rail was introduced as part of a UOR

[@TheArmourersBench]

No that's not what I'm saying, the DD rail was part of the TES UOR requirements for Afghanistan. The A2 element is indeed the improvements to the receiver, bolt, charging handle and yes, the HK plastic handguard which the RBR have was also part of the main A2 upgrade.

[@Mikolt1911]

Very interesting. I like hearing about obscure countries military arms. Especially the mini14?! Who would have thought. For those that don’t know, mini14 is a strong rifle in most ways. It’s weak link, then and now, has always been magazines. The mags dent and bend real easy. Twenty rounders are more reliable than 30 in most cases. That’s probably why they use 20 rounders. If someone could make a rugged mag for the mini14, it would make the platform so much better.

[@damonthomas8955]

I have never had a problem with the factory mags, they seem to function and stand up to abuse as well as any other type of magazines. That being said, all of mine will probably fall apart tomorrow.