Even if you don’t know the name, you’ve probably seen it on TV. The Ruger Mini 14 is almost ubiquitous in the world of showbiz, making appearances in shows like The Walking Dead, 24, The A-Team and dozens of Hollywood movies. This is not very surprising, considering it’s been nicknamed the ‘Jamless Wonder’ for its exceptional reliability in firing blanks.
Characteristics of the Gun
The Mini 14 is a semi-automatic carbine chambered for .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm. It employs a fixed-piston gas system and a rotating bolt mechanism. The Ranch version is about 37’’ long and weighs roughly 6.75 lb. It was first produced in 1973 by Sturm, Ruger & Co., and was based on the design of the M1 Garand rifle.
The Mini 14 comes in several variants, including the Ranch rifle, which is the base model, the Target, which accepts only .223 Remington rounds; the Tactical, which has a shorter barrel; and the Mini 30, which is chambered for the 7.62x39mm round. Each of these versions is suited for a different purpose, as the names suggest. The Ranch rifle is available in hardwood and synthetic stock variants.
What It’s Good For
The Mini 14 is a versatile rifle that is ideal for both enjoyment and utility. The Target version is accurate enough for competitive target shooting and the Ranch version is great for plinking. Not only does the Mini 14 Ranch work with almost any brand of ammo, it has a pleasant recoil, and it requires little maintenance due to its self-cleaning mechanism.
You can use the Mini 14 for outdoor fun such as plinking. Just line up some soda cans, bottles or other household items that are lying around the place and make your own shooting gallery.
Conclusion
The Ruger Mini 14 is a dependable and classic American rifle which will be sure to please the casual shooter. While not as accurate or widespread as the AR-15 or similar modular rifles, the Mini 14 is no slouch when it comes to shooting.
Bio
Josh Lewis is a lifelong gun fanatic and shares his thoughts on the best rifles and accessories on his website Gunmann.com.
