Ruger Mini-14 Explained

Mini-14
Origin:United States
Type:
    Is Ranged:yes
    Service:1974–present
    Used By:See Users
    Wars:Rhodesian Bush War[1]
    The Troubles
    Militias-Comando Vermelho conflict[2]
    Designer:L. James Sullivan, William B. Ruger
    Design Date:1967–1973
    Manufacturer:Sturm, Ruger & Co.
    Production Date:1973–present
    Variants:See Variants
    Weight:2.9kg (06.4lb)
    Length:Model 5816: 965mm[3]
    Part Length:330-
    Action:Gas-operated short-stroke fixed piston,[4] [5] [6] [7] rotating bolt
    Rate:Semi-automatic mode:
    40 rounds/min[8]
    Full-automatic mode (AC-556 variant):
    750 rounds/min
    Velocity:3240 ft/s (990 m/s)
    Feed:5- to 30-round factory box magazine
    Stripper clip (Cogburn Arsenal feed guide)
    Sights:Iron sights

    The Mini-14 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Introduced in 1973, the design was outwardly based on the M14 rifle and is, in appearance, a scaled-down version chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, though with its own gas system design.

    Since 1973, Ruger has introduced several variants, including variants chambered in both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO, the Ranch Rifle with a civilian style rear aperture sight and integral scope ring mounts on the receiver, the Mini-14 GB with a bayonet lug and flash suppressor, variants with folding stocks, stainless steel versions of the most popular variants, a target version featuring a heavyweight barrel and barrel tuner, the Mini Thirty, which is chambered for 7.62×39mm, as well as variants chambered in 6.8mm Remington SPC and .300 AAC Blackout.[9] The rifle is currently used by military personnel, law enforcement and corrections personnel, and civilians in the United States and around the world.

    History and design

    Introduced in 1973 by Sturm, Ruger & Co.,[10] the Mini-14 resembles a smaller version of the military M14 rifle.[11] Designed by L. James Sullivan[12] and William B. Ruger, it incorporated numerous innovations and cost-saving engineering changes. The Mini-14 rifle has an investment-cast, heat-treated receiver and is mechanically similar to the M1 rifle in the receiver area, but with a self-cleaning, fixed-piston gas system.[13]

    Initial rifles were produced with a complex, exposed-bolt hold-open device with no button for manual engagement. Stocks were somewhat angular, and heat shields were made of wood. These rifles, with serial number prefixes before 181, were tooled and redesigned with a new stock, new bolt hold-open mechanism, and other small changes.

    The original Mini-14 rifle had a rear aperture sight with large protective wings and no integral scope bases. In 1982, Ruger introduced the Ranch Rifle with an integral scope base on the receiver, a new folding-aperture rear sight, and factory scope rings.[14]

    In 1987, Ruger introduced the Mini Thirty rifle chambered for the Russian 7.62×39mm cartridge. At the time, large quantities of surplus military ammunition were being imported into the United States at rock-bottom prices. Also, the 7.62×39mm is ballistically similar to the .30-30 Winchester cartridge. As a result, the Mini Thirty proved to be an effective deer rifle.

    In 2003, the design was overhauled to improve accuracy, update the styling, and reduce production costs. The standard Mini-14 was discontinued and the name became the family name for all Mini-14-type rifles. As of 2005, all Mini-14-type rifles are based on the Ranch Rifle design, with integral scope bases, a nonfolding ghost ring aperture rear sight, and a winged front sight similar to that used on the Ruger police carbine. They have serial numbers beginning with 580 and are sometimes referred to as 580-series Ranch Rifles.[15] They also have a new modified gas system designed to reduce barrel vibration and can shoot two-inch groups at 100 yards, which is 2 minute of angle (MOA) accuracy.[15]

    Around 2007 or 2008, Ruger added a heavier, larger-diameter barrel visibly tapered from gas block to muzzle. These changes combined with tighter tolerances result in greater potential accuracy.[13]

    All Mini-14-type rifles are available in stainless steel or blued finish with hardwood, synthetic, or laminated stocks with 16.12inches or 18.5inches barrels.

    Variants

    Ranch Rifle

    The Ranch Rifle is a basic model offered in a wood or synthetic rifle stock paired with a blued or stainless steel receiver and a standard 18.5" tapered barrel (1:9" RH twist rate). These rifles feature an adjustable ghost ring rear sight and winged front sight, and they are sold with a detachable Picatinny scope rail mount and a choice of two 20-round or 5-round detachable box magazines to comply with some U.S. states and other countries, which have laws restricting magazine capacity. All models are chambered in both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition except the Target Rifle variant (which is .223 only).

    Target Rifle

    In 2007,[16] the "Target Rifle" version was introduced with a 22inches cold hammer-forged heavy barrel, adjustable harmonic tuner with adjustable MOA accuracy, and either a laminated wood or Hogue overmolded synthetic stock.[17] [18] The Target Rifle does not have iron sights but includes the standard scope rings and Picatinny rail mount.[18] It is designed for use with the .223 Remington round only; 5.56 NATO is not warranted by Ruger.[19]

    Tactical Rifle

    Introduced in 2009,[20] the "Tactical Rifle" is the newest variant, which includes the shorter 16.12" barrel with flash suppressor, and is available with a standard fixed stock/fore end, or a collapsible ATI-brand stock with Picatinny rails. This model is chambered in both .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO[21] and .300 AAC Blackout as of 2015.[22]

    Mini Thirty

    In 1987, Ruger began production of the Mini Thirty, which is chambered for the Russian 7.62×39mm cartridge, used in the SKS and AK-47, as many states prohibit hunting of deer with calibers smaller than 6 mm (.243 in). The 7.62×39mm has ballistics similar to the well-known .30-30 Winchester.[23] The Mini Thirty is available with a 16.12" (Tactical Model) or 18.50" barrel having a twist rate of 1:10" RH, and is sold with two 20-round or 5-round box magazines.[24] Ruger does not currently produce 30-round Mini Thirty magazines. The Mini Thirty shares many of the same design and accessory options with those of the smaller caliber Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.

    Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle

    The "Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle" variant was introduced in 2010.[25] It closely mimics the Mini-14 Tactical Rifle variant, but in 7.62×39mm. It also has a shorter 16.12-inch barrel with flash suppressor, and is available with a standard fixed stock/fore end, or a collapsible ATI-brand stock with Picatinny rails.

    Government models

    Mini-14 GB

    The Mini-14 GB ("government barrel") models feature either a pistol grip, side-folding stock, or a standard semipistol grip rifle stock, a 20- or 30-round magazine, bayonet lug, threaded barrel, and flash suppressor. Proof that GB stands for "government barrel" and not "government bayonet" can be seen in Ruger's new Tactical models and Ruger continuing to use "GB", which are catalogued for example KM-14/20GBCP. These models have no bayonet lug but do have the flash hider. Sales of the models with bayonet lug were intended only for law enforcement, military, and private security markets, and could only be found in Ruger's Law Enforcement Catalog.[26] Many have entered the civilian market, though.[27]

    AC-556

    Introduced in 1979, the AC-556 is a selective-fire version of the Mini-14 marketed for military and law-enforcement use. The design incorporates a selector on the right/rear of the receiver to select either semi-automatic, three-round burst, or full automatic fire modes; the manual safety at the front of the trigger guard operates the same as a standard Mini-14. The front sight is winged and incorporates a bayonet lug. The 13inches or 18inches barrel incorporates a flash suppressor, which can be used to launch approved tear-gas and smoke rifle grenades. A folding stock was used on the AC-556F and AC-556K. The rifle came equipped with 20-round magazines and a 30-round version was available for a time. The AC-556 was dropped from production in 1999 and Ruger stopped offering service for the rifle in 2009.[28] [29] By that time, some models became available for private civilian purchase in the NFA market.[30]

    Mousqueton A.M.D.

    In France, the AC-556 is known as the Mousqueton A.M.D. where it was used by several governmental agencies within the French Interior Ministry: the Police Aux Frontières ("P.A.F."—Border Police), the Police Nationale Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (or "C.R.S."—Riot Control Brigade), and the Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale ("GIGN") special-operations unit. The A.M.D. was made in two versions, the first has the standard Ruger aperture rear sight. On the other, the aperture rear sight has been completely removed and replaced with a tangent rear sight located on top of the barrel just forward of the receiver.

    Straight-pull action

    A small number of straight-pull only (or bolt-action only) Mini-14 and Mini Thirty rifles were manufactured for sale in the United Kingdom as a result of legislation that banned semi-automatic centerfire rifles in 1988.[31]

    Other calibers and accessories

    .222 Remington

    Ruger produced a .222 Remington caliber model as early as 1984.[32] Designated Mini-14/5R.222, these rifles were made mostly for civilian markets overseas where .223 caliber and 5.56 mm firearms are generally banned. These were discontinued in the early 1980s.[33] [34]

    6.8 mm Remington

    In 2007, Ruger began production of the Mini-6.8 using the commercial 6.8 mm Remington SPC cartridge.[35] However, they were discontinued in 2012 and are no longer listed in the Ruger catalog.

    Accessories

    A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for the Mini-14 and Mini Thirty, including numerous stocks, magazines, and Weaver and Picatinny rail mounts.[36]

    Users

    Currently used by the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services[37]

    Used by some police agencies. The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police uses the folding stock variant[38]

    Mousqueton A.M.D. variant used by French police forces (Police Aux Frontières, GIGN, CRS).[40] [41]

    Used by the Hong Kong Police Force Hit Team and Hong Kong Correctional Services.[43]

    Used by Indonesian National Police[44] [45]

    Former

    Used by Rhodesian security forces during the Rhodesian Bush War.[54]

    The Royal Ulster Constabulary had used the AC-556 model prior to its inventory being destroyed by 1995.[55] The Surrey Constabulary Firearms Support Team (now known as the Tactical Firearms Unit) was armed with Mini-14s in the 1980s modified with folding stocks.[56]

    The Royal Bermuda Regiment has used the Mini-14GB/20 as its standard service rifle since 1983, replacing the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle. Original wooden stocks were replaced with Choate black plastic stocks about 1990.[57] [58] The regiment received L85A2 rifles in August, 2015, and the Ruger was phased out in January, 2016.[59]

    Non-state users

    Criminal use

    The Ruger Mini-14 was used in several notable crimes:

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: A BRITISH MERC, SOLDIER OF FORTUNE, AND A FIREFIGHT, Part One. 30 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20150722223848/https://www.sofmag.com/a-british-merc-soldier-of-fortune-and-a-firefight-part-one/. July 22, 2015.
    2. Web site: 2017-02-21 . Weapons of Rio's crime war . 2022-11-03 . The Firearm Blog . en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20230306193654/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/weapons-rios-crime-war/. March 6, 2023.
    3. Web site: 2023-09-04 . Ruger® Mini-14® Ranch Rifle Autoloading Rifle Model 5816 . 2023-09-04 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230904205033/https://ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/specSheets/5816.html . 2023-09-04 .
    4. Web site: Upgrading the Ruger Mini-14 'The Brownells Way' . www.brownells.com . 2 December 2022.
    5. Web site: Ruger Mini-14: A Garand-Inspired Carbine. Guy. Sagi. American Rifleman. 2 December 2022.
    6. Web site: Review: Ruger Mini Thirty Stainless Synthetic Tactical. 13 November 2017.
    7. Web site: Mini-14®.
    8. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-ruger-mini-14-rifle-most-underappreciated-gun-planet-45607 Meet the Ruger Mini-14 Rifle: The Most Underappreciated Gun on the Planet?
    9. Book: Brister, Bob . Field & Stream . April 1987 . . 1987 . 22 . en.
    10. Book: Hogg, Ian. Military Small Arms of the 20th Century. 2000-02-10. Krause Publications. 978-0-87341-824-9.
    11. Book: Jack Lewis. Jack Lewis (screenwriter). Robert K. Campbell. David Steele. The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons. 26 September 2007. Gun Digest Books. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-0-89689-498-3. 87–89.
    12. Web site: NDM Article - Focus on Basics, Urges Small Arms Designer . Ezell, Virginia Hart . November 2001 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20061008235229/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2001/Nov/Focus_on.htm . October 8, 2006 .
    13. Web site: The Mini Grows Up—Again . Rifle Shooter. J. Guthrie. 23 September 2010 .
    14. Web site: Buckles . Vincent . Ruger Mini-14 Rifle History . Shooting Times . 2023-03-04.
    15. Five Reasons To Reconsider The Ruger Mini-14. Sheetz. Brian. 22 March 2016. American Rifleman.
    16. Web site: STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. RIFLES: SEMI-AUTO, CENTERFIRE MINI-14 RANCH RIFLE . Blue Book of Gun Values . 2016-11-07 .
    17. Ranch Rifle Target model with overmolded stock. Ruger-firearms.com. 2016-11-07.
    18. Web site: Ruger® Mini-14® Target Rifle Autoloading Rifle Models. Ruger.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20161106080555/http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14TargetRifle/models.html. 2016-11-06.
    19. Book: Dan Shideler. Gun Digest 2012. 7 August 2011. Gun Digest Books. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-1-4402-1447-9. 439–440.
    20. Web site: STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. RIFLES: SEMI-AUTO, CENTERFIRE MINI-14 TACTICAL RIFLE FIXED STOCK . Blue Book of Gun Values . 2016-11-07 .
    21. Book: Publishing, Skyhorse. Shooter's Bible. 1 November 2009. Skyhorse Publishing Inc.. 978-1-60239-801-6. 43.
    22. News: Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifle Now Available in 300 AAC Blackout. 2015-04-22. 2017-02-21. Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc..
    23. Book: Warner, Ken. Gun Digest 1990: 44th Edition. DBI Books. 1989. 978-0-87349-038-2. 147. Trajectories are identical according to Remington.
    24. Book: Shideler, Dan. Gun Digest Book of Deer Guns: Arms & Accessories for the Deer Hunter. https://books.google.com/books?id=f0bAG9mWgakC&pg=PA42. 28 February 2011. Gun Digest Books. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-1-4402-2666-3. 42–43. The Hammer of Thor.
    25. News: Ruger Introduces Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle. 2010-09-08. 2017-02-21. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc..
    26. Book: Ramos, Joe . The Mini-14 Exotic Weapons System. 1982. Paladin Press. 0873645278. Boulder, Colorado.
    27. Book: Peterson, Phillip. Gun Digest Buyer's Guide To Assault Weapons. 30 September 2008. F+W Media. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-1-4402-2444-7. 198–200.
    28. Web site: Ruger AC-556 Select Fire Military Rifle. 1 February 2013. 2 August 2013.
    29. Book: Chris Bishop. Tony Cullen. Ian Drury. The Encyclopedia of World Military Weapons. 1988. Crescent Books. 978-0-517-65341-8. 246.
    30. Web site: RUGER AC556: THE TOTALLY LEGAL, TOTALLY SELECT FIRE MINI 14 (VIDEO). March 10, 2014. April 24, 2020.
    31. Book: Bishop, Chris. The Vital Guide to Combat Guns and Infantry Weapons. 1996. Airlife. 978-1-85310-539-5. 44.
    32. Brister. Bob. News from the 2 R's. 2 August 2013. 1984. 110. 8755-8599. 88. 10. Field & Stream.
    33. Standard Catalog of Ruger Firearms. Jerry Lee. "F+W Media, Inc.", Dec 16, 2014. Antiques & Collectibles. page 78
    34. Book: Wilson, Robert. Ruger and His Guns: A History of the Man, the Company & Their Firearms. 10 November 2015. Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated. 978-1-5107-0926-3. 577.
    35. Book: Ramage. Ken. Sigler. Derrek. Guns Illustrated 2009. 19 November 2008. F+W Media, Inc. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-0-89689-673-4. 146.
    36. Book: Lewis, Jack. Assault Weapons. 28 February 2011. Gun Digest Books. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-1-4402-2400-3. 128–130. Today's Mini-14.
    37. News: NSW Declares Chemical War On Prisoners. July 1, 1988. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402222528/http://www.fumigating.com.au/fumigating-articles/1988/7/1/nsw-declares-chemical-war-on-prisoners/. 2015-04-02. Sydney Morning Herald. Other equipment includes [...] a Ruger .223 gas-operated, semi-automatic carbine (with a range of 2800 m). Graham Williams.
    38. Web site: 2016-06-02 . World Infantry Weapons: Brazil . 2022-10-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160602220038/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil . 2016-06-02 .
    39. Infantry Weapons of the Salvadoran Forces. Small Arms Review . 3. 8 . May 2000. Julio A. . Montes.
    40. Web site: Martin K.A. Morgan. Martin K. A. Morgan. January 9, 2015. The Mousqueton A.M.D.— France's Mini-14. January 12, 2015.
    41. Web site: French Police Mini-14. January 11, 2015. January 12, 2015.
    42. Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). .
    43. Web site: Summary of Development Training in 2007. 2007. Hong Kong Correctional Services. 20 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20230129193047/https://www.csd.gov.hk/annualreview/2007/west/appendices/pdf/Appendix14.pdf. January 29, 2023.
    44. Web site: Guna Kelancaran Tugas Personil Subsektor Monang Maning Polresta Denpasar Cek Iventaris. bali.polri.go.id. 18 February 2021. 8 December 2017. id.
    45. Web site: Teror Meningkat, Polisi di Tapteng Dilatih Gunakan Senjata Laras Panjang. akurat.co. 18 February 2021. 7 July 2017. id.
    46. Book: Ezell, Edward. Edward C. Ezell. Small Arms Today. Stackpole Books. 2nd. 1988. 379. English . 0811722805.
    47. Web site: Archived copy . 2009-12-24 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100117002054/http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/docs/CadetHandbook.pdf . 2010-01-17 .
    48. Web site: Archived copy . 2009-12-24 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110721032921/http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Employee_Resources/Training_and_Professional_Development/pdfs/trainingmanual.pdf . 2011-07-21 .
    49. Web site: Archived copy . 2009-12-24 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091219225247/http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Employee_Resources/Training_and_Professional_Development/pdfs/trainingschedule.pdf . 2009-12-19 .
    50. Web site: NC Correction News - May 1998 - DOP Firearms Training . Doc.state.nc.us . 2016-11-07.
    51. Web site: NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION 412. 2 December 2022.
    52. Book: Lewis, Jack. Jack Lewis (screenwriter). Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons. https://books.google.com/books?id=HyF_GKQdPXgC&pg=PA134. 2 August 2013. 7. 2007. Gun Digest Books. Iola, Wisconsin. 978-1-4402-2652-6. 134. CQB Combat Training.
    53. Book: 187. The Operators: Inside the World's Special Forces. Mike Ryan. 2008. Skyhorse Publishing . 978-1602392151. registration.
    54. Soldier of Fortune magazine, Robert K Brown, 1980
    55. Web site: Freedom of Information Request. Police Service of Northern Ireland. https://web.archive.org/web/20170701084008/https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2012/organisational-informationgovernance/psni_issue_weapons.pdf. July 1, 2017.
    56. Web site: Surrey Constabulary: Part 4: A Policing Revolution: 1976–1992. https://web.archive.org/web/20160524094851/http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/history-from-police-archives/RB1/Pt4/pt4FirearmsSupTeam.html. 2016-05-24. 2017-04-20.
    57. Web site: Ruger Mini-14. Bermudaregiment.bm. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055756/http://www.bermudaregiment.bm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167:ruger-mini-14&catid=48:weaponscat&Itemid=223. 2016-03-04. dead. 2016-11-07.
    58. Web site: Bermuda Regiment Fitness for Role Inspection. November 2005. British Defence Staff. https://web.archive.org/web/20150403085701/http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_2404_0_0_43/http;/ptpublisher.gov.bm;7087/publishedcontent/publish/gov__top_level__org__house_/government_house/gov_house___sir_john_vereker_speeches/articles/bermuda_regiment_fitness_for_role_inspection.html. 2015-04-03.
    59. News: Rifles worth $1.4m donated to Regiment The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News. The Royal Gazette. 2017-04-20. en-US.
    60. News: Terror-Wary NYPD testing new assault rifle. 2009-10-29. 2002-07-04. Larry Celona. New York Post.
    61. Web site: NYPD boosts training after Mumbai attack. 2009-10-29. 2009-02-17. Associated Press & Taipei Times. https://web.archive.org/web/20230129202346/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2009/02/17/2003436346. January 29, 2023.
    62. Book: Bhagwan: The God That Failed. 228. Hugh Milne. 1987. 0312001061. St Martin's Press.
    63. Web site: FBI marks 30 years since infamous bloody Miami shootout . 11 April 2016 . CBS News. 2016-09-25.
    64. Web site: 5 Gunfights That Changed Law Enforcement. 3 May 2011 . 2016-09-25.
    65. Web site: 8 Things You Might Not Know About the Ruger Mini-14. American Rifleman . 2016-12-04.
    66. Book: December 6: From the Montreal Massacre to Gun Control. Toronto. Rathjen. Heidi. Montpetit. Charles. McClelland & Stewart. 1999. 0-7710-6125-0. registration.
    67. News: Montreal Massacre: 14 women honoured 24 years after shootings . CBC News. 2016-12-04.
    68. Web site: Lessons learned from Montreal massacre help save lives . https://web.archive.org/web/20150822220752/http://cnews.canoe.com/CNEWS/Canada/2006/09/14/pf-1839448.html. dead. August 22, 2015. CNEWS . 2016-09-25.
    69. News: Skytternes taushet. Dagbladet. no. 2011-09-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20170810205634/http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/skytternes-taushet/63593483. August 10, 2017.
    70. News: Prime minister: Norway still 'an open society' despite 'the horror'. 2011-07-25. CNN. en.
    71. News: New documents detail the guns — all illegally obtained — used by Canada's worst mass murderer . National Post . Tumilty. Ryan. November 20, 2020. November 20, 2020.
    72. News: Colt carbine, Ruger Mini-14 among illegally obtained firearms used by Nova Scotia shooter, docs show. Global News. Russell. Andrew. November 20, 2020. November 20, 2020.
    73. News: More than 1K assault-style weapons now prohibited in Canada: PM Trudeau . Aiello . Rachel . May 1, 2020 . . en . May 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200501174044/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-trudeau-announces-federal-ban-on-assault-style-firearms-in-canada-1.4920528 . May 1, 2020 . live .

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