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Mini 14 Surprise
#7178174
05/24/18 12:59 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
I bought this for nostalgia. One of my first rifles was Ruger Ranch rife and I've owned several over the years including a 6.8 SPC version that I still own. I wanted a blued 223 Ranch with with a 18.5" barrel and a nice stock. I bought one and ordered a Boyds Platinum Stock for it in walnut. I have a Boyds stock on the 6.8 SPC and I really like the feel and proportions. When I picked up the rifle I was surprised to see they are now stamped 5.56 Nato on the receiver. I mounted a Nitrex 1.5-5X32 compact scope which is the same thing as a Weaver Grand Slam. I checked the two stage trigger ant it broke at 7lbs. When I headed to the range I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. I only shot at 50 yards the first time out but this target is 55 Nosler E Tip over 25 grains of TAC (left) and 55 Armageddon over 55 grains to TAC(right). Most ammo I tried shot about an inch at 50 yards. This was a some fast shooting with various weights and loads I was trying to get rid of. Barrel was really hot but much better than I expected. Here is the rifle.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178196
05/24/18 01:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,105
biggerD
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,105 |
Not sure if I'd call you a machine, but you are definitely a tool.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178308
05/24/18 04:30 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,993
ImTheReasonDovesMourn
Snarky Mark
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Snarky Mark
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,993 |
That's a super nice rig, Scotty. I'm a little jealous.
Haha yea I polished that thing for hours.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178310
05/24/18 04:39 AM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 23,177
Bee'z
The Beedazzler
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The Beedazzler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 23,177 |
Very nice rig
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178321
05/24/18 05:02 AM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645 |
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178331
05/24/18 05:31 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22,716
BigPig
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 22,716 |
Uncle has that in a full auto, it’s a frickin blast to shoot. Never shot a regular one
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178380
05/24/18 11:39 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
Thank guys. Here is a pic of the 6.8. I've always been intrigued by a maple stock so...
Last edited by scottfromdallas; 05/24/18 11:58 AM.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178431
05/24/18 12:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657
colt45-90
Texas colt45
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Texas colt45
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,657 |
be interesting to see results at 100, had a couple, neither would shoot for chit
hold on Newt, we got a runaway
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178443
05/24/18 12:51 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,203
CCBIRDDOGMAN
Bird Herder
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Bird Herder
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,203 |
Just traded one off for a side image fish finder that I had for two years and never fired it. Nice feeling little rifle though.
Haven't had it in years but never spit any out. I am a sucker for happy endings and strapped cowboys.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178456
05/24/18 01:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,645 |
Those look great, Scott!
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178468
05/24/18 01:13 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,523 |
Those ain't Tikkas.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178692
05/24/18 04:25 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
Great hog gun. Can you shave some lbs. off that trigger?
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7178950
05/24/18 08:29 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
I think the trigger will lighten up. If not, I can send the trigger pack away and have it worked. I did that with the he 6.8 and it’s a 3.5 lb 2 stage.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: colt45-90]
#7178999
05/24/18 09:20 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,410
Choctaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,410 |
be interesting to see results at 100, had a couple, neither would shoot for chit Same here. I had one from the 70's. I know those had accuracy problems but I thought Ruger cleaned up the later versions. They were never meant to be paper punchers though. I wouldn't mind having another one. That's a nice looking rifle, OP.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7179243
05/25/18 02:01 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
I've had probably 6 over the years and this latest one already is the most accurate. I lucked out. I didn't get any of your typical mini flyers the first time out.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7179306
05/25/18 02:59 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,797
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,797 |
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7180030
05/25/18 08:25 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,175
texaspatriot.308
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,175 |
I have owned and loved minis for years, I guess the Garand action, yep most were not tack drivers but a lot of fun to shoot. My newest is a series 581 Tactical I bought about 5 years ago. I've had a Redfield 2x7x33 on it before and shot 2"groups, not too bad. Got it open sights now, fixin to put a Vortex Strike Eagle on it next in 1x6x24...my 64 year old eyes still cant get used to the reticles it has, guess will try shooting with both eyes open.
TexasPatriot.308
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7180032
05/25/18 08:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630
Cast
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,630 |
I love em too. But I sold mine because it wouldn’t shoot.
Cast I have a short attention spa
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: texaspatriot.308]
#7180362
05/26/18 03:26 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
I have owned and loved minis for years, I guess the Garand action, yep most were not tack drivers but a lot of fun to shoot. My newest is a series 581 Tactical I bought about 5 years ago. I've had a Redfield 2x7x33 on it before and shot 2"groups, not too bad. Got it open sights now, fixin to put a Vortex Strike Eagle on it next in 1x6x24...my 64 year old eyes still cant get used to the reticles it has, guess will try shooting with both eyes open. Hell thats good enough for 99.9% of shooters. Oops, I forgot... everybody here shoots 1/16 MOA with their custom bolt rig.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7180455
05/26/18 11:46 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
Tactical Cowboy,
You are correct about expectations. Even with the latest series that supposedly addressed a lot of the accuracy issues, the design of the mini 14 isn't going to allow it to be a tack driver. When I bought it, I was just looking for about 2-3 MOA. It's perfect for coyote and pig patrol on my 40 acres in East Texas that is 75% mature hard woods. Shots are rarely over 50 yards and Ranch Rifle is light, compact, reliable and easy to carry.
Last edited by scottfromdallas; 05/26/18 11:48 AM.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7181065
05/27/18 12:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,925
GasGuzzler
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,925 |
Minis have been way better accuracy wise for a good while and they've been OK with 5.56 pressure for a long time. Speaking of pressure....that "55 Armageddon over 55 grains to TAC" load sounds pretty warm.
Pass the gravy.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: GasGuzzler]
#7181159
05/27/18 03:17 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
Speaking of pressure....that "55 Armageddon over 55 grains to TAC" load sounds pretty warm. oops. Yes, it was 25 grains of TAC.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7265487
08/23/18 07:11 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175
scottfromdallas
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,175 |
Took the Mini out today. It was wearing a Nitrex 1.5-4.5X. Shot this group at 100 yards with Federal T556TNB1 ammo which is a 62 grain OTM with solid base. Supposed to have really great terminal performance. I've never had a Mini 14 do this. The trigger is wearing in and it's down to about 6 lbs.
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7265508
08/23/18 07:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373
Bullfrog
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373 |
Even at 6 pounds, surely there’s something that can be done, unless you’re not comfortable doing so. Maybe just a clean/polish/lube?
Man if I knew what Oxner knows I could throw away what I know
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Re: Mini 14 Surprise
[Re: scottfromdallas]
#7265517
08/23/18 07:53 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,179 |
Looks like it’s shooting pretty good. I’d definitely have some work done to the trigger.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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