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The Mini-14 was only commercially introduced in 1975, with full production beginning the following year, far too late to gain any traction with the Vietnam War-era U.S. I’d contest his assertion, but we’ll address that a little later. Introduction and Adoptionīill Ruger’s idea was the M1 Garand action, as an archetype, was so regarded and loved by military brass and troops alike it would have been a shoe-in for the next generation of small-caliber infantry rifle, and Ruger believed his little rifle superior to all comers, and more than capable of serving as an infantry rifle. ![]() Loading and firing the Mini-14 is instantly familiar to anyone who has ever used an M1 Garand or M14, and Bill Ruger lamented long and loud over his assertion that the Mini-14 would have been the Army’s service rifle has he completed it only 5 years earlier. Perhaps, but if one cares to examine the bolt, charging handle, safety, magazine release and hinged trigger guard the inspiration, and name, become obvious. The gas system and operating rod are both significantly simplified in the Mini, the most obvious being the way the gas block clamps around the barrel by way of 4 bolts.Ĭonsidering the vast mechanical differences, you may think it fair to call the name Mini-14 misleading. #RUGER RANCH FIRE RIFLE SERIAL NUMBER LOOKUP MANUAL#While the influence is obvious in everything from styling to the manual of arms, there are many differences between the M14 and the Mini-14: simply scaling down the M14’s receiver was impossible when factoring in the 5.56mm cartridge dimensions, and many changes were made to receiver and bolt geometry before the final design was perfected. Semi-automatic, and fed from a detachable magazine, it is sometimes believed to be nothing more than a miniaturized M14 chambered for the smaller 5.56mm, the truth is quite different. From the initial prototypes in 1971, the rifle was intended to be essentially a 5.56mm scaled down version of the M14. The project rifle that coalesced as the Mini-14 was conceived and developed at Ruger’s Southport, CT headquarters by William “Bill” Ruger and legendary firearms designer L. This article will offer a brief historical overview of the design and production of the Mini-14, and a practical assessment of what the rifle offers today’s shooters. Today’s Mini-14’s combine the features from several earlier variations, but are otherwise identical in all essential characteristics as the very first guns that were introduced in 1975. If they want a general purpose, magazine-fed semi-auto the Mini-14 is one of only a few choices today. Right, wrong or indifferent, some people just are not happy without blued steel mated to a wood stock. The Mini-14 family are nice little rifles, and beloved by many shooters for their classically styled action, generally dependable operation and traditional styling. Ruger’s flagship semi-auto rifle, the Mini-14, is one such design, and definitely stands out among a sea of AK’s and AR’s. 22 pistol to their massive lineup today covering everything from single-action revolvers to break action shotguns and AR-pattern rifles, Ruger has never been content to rest on their laurels.Īt the same time, they are keenly aware when they have a hit on their hands, and happily keep their classic products alive for discerning fans, often only changing and tweaking designs when needed. From humble beginnings offering a vaguely Luger-esque. One of the largest, most prolific and innovative American gun manufacturers is the firm of Sturm, Ruger and Co., more commonly known as just Ruger. ![]()
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