Yet Another "Black Rifle"...

[Jeff Higgins]

That really isn't. I wasn't even really looking, but a friend and gun shop owner turned this one up and it subsequently just kind of fell into my lap. It's a first run, very early production, low serial number Ruger Mini 14.

I've heard and read all of the bad press surrounding early "skinny barrel" Mini 14's, but decided to take a chance anyway. He made me an off I couldn't refuse... Besides, the very early examples, built before the tooling supposedly "wore out" (one of Ruger's excuses for the poor accuracy of the Mini 14), are supposed to be relatively decent shooters. That, and I own (maybe more than) a few very accurate rifles already, so I'm not looking to cover that base. I'm looking to learn and have fun with a lighter, handier, and cheaper to shoot package than the big M1A. I figured this would compliment it well.

It is actually a surprisingly close facsimile in most respects. The gas system is a bit different, as are the bolt hold-open, sights, and trigger group, but it's pretty darn close. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet, but hopefully I'll get to the range with it this week.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

That really isn't. I wasn't even really looking, but a friend and gun shop owner turned this one up and it subsequently just kind of fell into my lap. It's a first run, very early production, low serial number Ruger Mini 14.

I've heard and read all of the bad press surrounding early "skinny barrel" Mini 14's, but decided to take a chance anyway. He made me an off I couldn't refuse... Besides, the very early examples, built before the tooling supposedly "wore out" (one of Ruger's excuses for the poor accuracy of the Mini 14), are supposed to be relatively decent shooters. That, and I own (maybe more than) a few very accurate rifles already, so I'm not looking to cover that base. I'm looking to learn and have fun with a lighter, handier, and cheaper to shoot package than the big M1A. I figured this would compliment it well.

It is actually a surprisingly close facsimile in most respects. The gas system is a bit different, as are the bolt hold-open, sights, and trigger group, but it's pretty darn close. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet, but hopefully I'll get to the range with it this week.

So you are loosening up and not being so much of a purist. Ummmmm we don't know about you anymore?? Falling away from the true faith are you? So what you are seeing is what value there is in other systems besides the tried and true faith of SS rifles and 19TH century lever actions.

[cashflyer]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

....the poor accuracy of the Mini 14...

You know the Mini 14 had poor accuracy.
Out of several thousands of rounds put downrange, this team never once managed to kill a bad-guy.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by cashflyer

You know the Mini 14 had poor accuracy.
Out of several thousands of rounds put downrange, this team never once managed to kill a bad-guy.

Not only that, they never even hit one. .

[Seahawk]

Five years ago I traded a Bushmaster Varmiter for a Ruger Ranch (plus a whole bunch of ammo).

The Bushmaster was hyper accurate but I never took to the gun, My neighbor is semi-retired and patrols all the local farms for ground hogs. He has over 150 confirmed ground hog tallies. He loves the thing.

For me, the RR is perfect, accurate enough for my needs and fits me very well. I enjoy the rifle, which is the whole point, frankly.

I'd like to hear what you have to say about the rifle, especially your selection of ammo.

Best.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by tabs

So you are loosening up and not being so much of a purist. Ummmmm we don't know about you anymore?? Falling away from the true faith are you? So what you are seeing is what value there is in other systems besides the tried and true faith of SS rifles and 19TH century lever actions.

Yes, I have even let myself down. I don't know what's come over me - old age and senility? Not enough lung power to work a blow tube anymore? Alas, Parkerizing is no substitute for color case hardening... Maybe I'll have to see how these things do with cast bullets and black powder. I suspect there may be difficulties...

As far as ammo, Seahawk, I'm just going to start with what has rattled down into my "standard" .223 load that shoots very well in my M77. It consists or a 50 grain Hornady V-Max over 26 grains of H4895 in Federal brass, sparked by a CCI small rifle primer. If it ever cools down around here and I can make it to the range, I'll see how she does.

[craigster59]

Maybe throw on an Accu-strut, that can help with accuracy on the older "pencil barrel" Rugers.

[Rusty Heap]

once you sleep with one center fire, the rest you are just banging the rounds through 'em with lots of lube.


you slutty man whore.


PS the hornet nest is beckoning , come back come back.....

[HardDrive]

Jeff, I have an old rickety MAK-90 floating around in my safe. On a good day, I think I can do a 3 inch pattern with it at 50.......feet. Its my only 'black' gun.

But I have been tempted...


I fear a Sig M400 might need to join my safe someday. I oh so hate being 'fashionable', but come on Jeff, let's make the leap. I vote we get lasers and bipods on day one.