Ruger Mini 14

The History of Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., more commonly known as Ruger, is an American firearm manufacturing company headquartered in Southport, Connecticut. Founded in 1949 by Alexander McCormick Sturm and William B. Ruger in a rented machine shop in Connecticut, the company has since become one of the largest firearm manufacturers in the world - shadowed only by Remington and perhaps Smith & Wesson.

Ruger is widely recognized for producing firearms that span a broad spectrum of uses such as bolt-action rifles and pistols, semi-automatic rifles, single-shot rifles, shotguns, and revolvers. As recognition of its quality products grew so did the public’s interest in investing in the company’s shares. Ruger went public in 1969 and grew exponentially since then, and it is on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:RGR) since 1990.

In 2020, Ruger made another big move with their acquisition of Marlin Firearms from Remington Outdoor Company.

For decades now both newbie and seasoned shooters have been consistently trusting Ruger’s guns for their excellent accuracy and superior long-term performance as evidenced by its continued success over all these years.

Today, Ruger’s most popular products include the Ruger 10/22 semiautomatic rifle, the .22 rimfire semi-automatic pistol Ruger MK IV, the bolt-action Ruger American rifle, the tried and tested Ruger No.1, and, of course, the timeless Ruger Security-Six revolvers.

Ruger Mini-14 Rifle Review

Figure 1: Ruger Mini-14 in 5.56 NATO (source: Ruger)

Much could be said about the Mini-14 rifle, as it is one of the most iconic weapons of this era. Apart from it being used by the military and law enforcement, Ruger Mini-14 is also heavily present in modern entertainment such as movies, TV shows, and video games. Consequently, it is also a very desired rifle by many civilian rifle enthusiasts.

It is manufactured by Ruger and has been in continuous production since 1973. It was actually based on the older M14 Rifle which was the standard U.S. service rifle from 1957 to 1964. The visual similarities are obvious, and so are the mechanical ones. Mini-14, as the name suggests, is supposed to be a smaller version of the M14 Rifle. It also shares mechanical similarities with the M1 Garand rifle which is arguably one of the most famous rifles – and weapons in general – of all time.

The rifle is pretty “bare bones”, so to speak. It lives up to Ruger’s mantra of making quality affordable, but the affordability of it was possible partly due to the stripping of loads of things that could be considered “luxurious” on a rifle. The original models had a simple wooden stock with a not-so-comfortable buttplate, an exposed-bolt hold-open device, a rear aperture sight with large protective wings, and no integral scope bases.

These were the models with a serial number prefix 180. They are easily recognizable by the lack of scope mounting possibilities. In order to mount scopes on them, the owners had to disassemble the rear sight aperture and install a special-made scope mount that was placed between the wings of the aperture, and fixed with the same screw that fixated the rear aperture.

Newer models with serial number prefixes 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 196, and 197 (they were made from 1978 to 2004) featured a special steel plate at the left side of the rifle’s action which could be replaced with a purpose-built scope mounting plate. This allowed the scope mount to be mounted from the side, and a lot of manufacturers jumped on the wagon and started supplying scope mounts for these then-new Mini-14 models. It wasn’t the easiest or the most effective way of doing it, but it worked; and for a long time.

Figure 2: The difference between Ruger Mini-14 180 series (top) and 181 series (bottom). Note the absence of the side plate on the 180 series (sources: https://www.huntinggearguy.com/rifle-reviews/classic-ruger-mini-14-review/; https://www.icollector.com/Ruger-Mini-14-223-Rem-SN-181-80226_i29584990)

During this same time period, Ruger released a new variant of the Mini-14, called the “Ranch Rifle”. It was introduced in 1982 and this was apparently the time Ruger realized that the ability to mount a scope on a rifle was becoming an essential factor for potential buyers. The Mini-14 Ranch Rifle is virtually the same as the standard model, with the exception of having scope mounting scallops machined directly into the receiver. These models have serial number prefixes 187, 188, 195, 196,197, and they were produced from 1982 to 2004, which means they were made simultaneously with the abovementioned models with prefixes 181–186 and 196–197. They shared the same side scope-mounting possibility, but the added integrated scope mounting option that the Ranch models offered at the top of the receiver was easier and in some cases superior.

Due to the increasing popularity of the Ranch Rifle, it slowly took the standard version’s spotlight and gradually became the base model of the Mini-14. The original Mini-14 was dropped in 2004, and as of 2005, all Mini-14 rifles are based on the Ranch Rifle. Today, when people think of the Ruger Mini-14, they think of the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.

The rifle saw some more modifications in the early 2000s, such as more rounded edges, a heavier tapered barrel, and an improved gas system, but the core of it stayed the same. Models made from 2005 onwards have serial numbers beginning with 580 or 581, and the rifle remains fairly popular to this day, although there are some who question its accuracy and usability in modern times.

The most obvious change from the early days of the Ruger Mini-14 remains the scalloped receiver for mounting scopes. This system became one of the most recognizable features of Ruger rifles since many other models have it too, now.

At some point in the development, Ruger also decided to start drilling and tapping the Mini-14 for Picatinny rails, which are, at least to our knowledge, also supplied with the appropriate models. We are not entirely sure when this happened, but it must have been sometime after 2005. This means that nowadays, there are actually 3 options for mounting a scope on modern Mini-14 rifles. It can either be done using a side-mounted scope mount (which is the oldest way of doing it), using the integrated scope mounting scallops that are machined directly into the receiver, or installing a Picatinny rail using the drilled and tapped holes in the receiver.

Figure 3: Top: Undrilled Ruger (Mini-14) Ranch Rifle; bottom: Drilled and tapped Ruger Mini-14 (Sources: https://www.armslist.com/posts/6740194/eugene-oregon-rifles-for-sale--ruger-mini-14---series-187----ranch-model-----223-rem-stk--a349; Ruger)

One of the things that haven’t changed is the safety mechanism. The safety is actually a part of the trigger guard assembly, and it is completely ambidextrous. It looks like a small plate inside of the trigger guard. In order to shoot the rifle, you need to put your finger inside the trigger guard and push the plate outside, towards the magazine well. In order to make it safe again, you need to push the plate back inside the trigger guard.

The stock is usually wooden and strengthened with steel at places where high heat is likely, but synthetic and laminated variants are of course also available. And if there is one thing that a lot of people recognize about this rifle is the slim folding buttstock that gives the rifle a rather distinctive look. This folding stock feature is actually not standard, since the standard Ruger Mini-14 will come with a non-foldable, regular wooden buttstock. And while the early models had a rather uncomfortable steel buttblate, modern Mini-14s come with a rubber butt pad.

Figure 4: Ruger Mini-14 with a wooden stock at the top and Ruger Mini.14 with a foldable stainless steel foldable stock at the bottom (source: By Fugutaboutit - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71609888)

Another thing we need to touch on is the barrel. It is cold hammer-forged and it is usually 470 mm (18.50 inches) long, but there are also variants with a 409.5 mm (16.12 inches) barrel. Some purpose-built models such as the Mini-14 GB-F, for instance, which was made for law enforcement and the military, have special attachments such as flash hiders, barrel stabilizers, etc. The changes made to the gas system in 2005 reduced the barrel vibrations, which improved its accuracy. Some variants come with a stainless steel barrel and action, something that became available in 1979.

The weight of the Mini-14 averages around 3 kg (7 lb.), which isn’t the lightest, but also isn’t heavy by any means. Its acceptable weight combined with a pleasing appearance makes it a fairly popular choice for those who appreciate a slick rifle. A lot of people like to have it in a saddlebag on a horse, or in a pick-up truck, camper, or tractor.

Last but not least is the magazine. The Mini-14 comes with a detachable box magazine. Due to certain law restrictions, the capacity of the magazine depends on where or when the rifle was bought, but generally speaking, one can choose from 5-, 20-, or 30-round magazines. It is detached by pressing a lever directly in front of the magazine well.

While Mini-14 was first only chambered in .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO and was intended to remain so, there are now also variants chambered for 6.8mm Remington SPC, 300 AAC Blackout, and 7.62x39mm. The latter is only available with the Mini Thirty, which became popular with deer hunters due to the heavier cartridge. Variants chambered in .222 Remington can also be found, but only a handful of those was made in the 1980s since they were only intended for European markets where .223 and .5.56 calibers were prohibited.

Ruger Mini-14 Calibers

Originally only chambered in .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO, Mini-14 is now available in:

• .222 Remington

• .223 Remington

• 5.56 NATO

• 6.8mm Remington SPC

• 7.62x39mm

• .300 AAC Blackout

Ruger Mini-14 Variants

Since Ruger Mini-14 has been in continuous production for the past 50 years, there are a lot of variants found on the market. Additionally, most variants also evolved through time, so when we are looking up a particular variant we also need to be mindful of the serial number which will help us better understand the variant. At the same time, Ruger Mini-14 variants are also categorized into sub-variants which are marked with model numbers. We didn’t include these in the following list.

We tried our best to build a comprehensive list of Ruger Mini-14 models, but there is a chance we missed some. If you would like us to add some, please contact us at info@optics-trade.eu. We will gladly update our database.

These are the Mini-14 variants:

• Ruger Mini-14 Original (the first, original model from 1973 with a 180 SN prefix)

• Ruger Mini-14 181–186 SN (the upgraded version of the original model introduced in 1978)

• Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

• Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifle

• Ruger Mini-14 GB (Government Barrel – made for law enforcement and military)

• Ruger Mini-14 GB F

• Ruger Mini-14 Target Rifle

• Ruger Mini Thirty

• Ruger Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle

• Ruger Mini-14 AC.556 (introduced in 1979, a selective-fire version of the Mini-14 for military and LE)

• Ruger Mini-14 Mousqueton A.M.D. (a French version of the AC.556, made for military and LE)

• Ruger Mini-14 Straight-Pull Action (Only a few of these were ever made; it looked virtually the same as the Mini-14, but without the gas system, and the bolt had to be pulled back manually after each shot)

• Ruger Mini-14/5R.222

• Ruger Mini-14 Synthetic

As mentioned above, all models made after 2005 are built on the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle platform. These models come with the Ruger integral scope mounting system machined directly into the receiver. Recently, however, Ruger also started drilling and tapping one hole at the rear and one at the front of the receiver for added scope mounting possibilities.

Figure 5: The receiver of modern Ruger Mini-14 with the Ruger integral scoping system and added drilled and tapped holes (source: Ruger)

Scope Mounts Interchangeable with Ruger Mini-14 (Ranch)

Rifles That Have One-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable with Ruger Mini-14 (Ranch)

The necessary condition for rifles to have one-piece scope mounts interchangeable is that the mounting surfaces of these rifles match in every dimension.

Rifles that have one-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Ruger Mini-14 (Ranch) are:

• Ruger Mini Thirty (Ranch)

• Ruger 99/44 (Deerfield Carbine)

• Ruger Police Carbine

Rifles That Have Two-Piece Scope Mounts Interchangeable with Ruger Mini-14 (Ranch)

For two-piece scope mounts to be interchangeable, the mounting surfaces of the rifles must match in every dimension except the action length which can vary.

Rifles that have two-piece scope mounts interchangeable with the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch models are:

• Ruger 77/44

• Ruger 77/357

• Ruger 77/17 (.17 HMR)

• Ruger 77/17 (.17 WSM & .17 Hornet)

• Ruger 77/22 Centerfire

• Ruger 77/22 Rimfire

• Ruger 77/50

• Ruger No. 1

• Ruger Mini Thirty (Ranch)

• Ruger 99/44 (Deerfield Carbine)

• Ruger Police Carbine

• Ruger Model 96/44

Fixed Scope Mounts for Ruger Mini-14

Warne produces all kinds of quality scope mounts, especially for American rifles. It comes as no surprise, then, that they also offer a great fixed scope mounting solution for Ruger Mini-14.

We recommend these Warne Maxima Vertical-Split Fixed Rings for Ruger No. 1 which will also fit on the Mini-14. They are made of steel and come with a 10-year warranty.

Check out Warne Maxima Vertical-Split Fixed rings

Weaver Base for Ruger Mini-14

One simple way to solve a lot of scope mounting problems on the Ruger Mini-14 is to install a Weaver base that requires no drilling. Burris has a solution for that.

We recommend this Ruger to Weaver Base Adaptor from Burris. It is made specifically for the Ruger integral mounting system, and it is made of steel.

Order Burris Ruger to Weaver Adapter

Detachable Repeatable Scope Mounts for Ruger Mini-14

With the aforementioned Weaver base installed, you can then proceed to mount this detachable repeatable Recknagel SSK-II One-Piece Mount for Weaver.

It is made in Germany and also comes with a 10-year warranty.

Click here for Recknagel SSK II One-piece mount

Help Us Build Our Riflescope Mounts Database

If you happen to own this or any other rifle, we would appreciate it if you could help us expand our database by sending us some photos of the rifle receiver (the bare mounting surface of the rifle without the mounts installed). For your help, our company offers a fair return in terms of practical rewards.

Please send us an email for more information. You can contact us here: info@optics-trade.eu