Any Mini 14 Fans?

Considered one once, but the price stated was “everything you have” so I turned that down. Much rather find the SP1 and 1911A1 i’ve been searching for most of my life.
 
Bumping this one-I just ordered a mini-14, a 16” tactical version. I had one a few years ago, traded it for an AR. The one I had was really fun to shoot. ARs kinda bore me right now. I have 2 set up exactly the same for HD/training/zombies and a Colt lower stashed away for a rainy day, but I just wanted something different. I didn’t want to add another caliber so the Mini in .223/5.56 was just the ticket. It’ll fit in nicely with my other “fun”, non consolidated guns (a 10-22 and Hk45c). Everything else I own is either an AR or 9mm Glock (g19s and g43s).

Looking forward to getting one out on the range again.
 
I bought a black/stainless model for defense against Y2K (whatever good that would do) and stashed it in the back of the safe. Bought numerous magazines, including some Shooting Star 30 rounders that work perfectly and some factory 20 rounders.
I haven't shot it in years so the round count is probably <250 but I know where it is and how to use it if needed.....
 
I have had around 6 of these things. They never shot worth a darn. Had one built for shooting matches out to 300 yds. It shot 4 inch groups at 100. USA Marksmanship Armorer’s built it and told me before they started it was a waste of time. That sucker was sold and I never messed with them again.
 
Took my newly acquired Mini 14 apart for the first time to get ready for its first range trip. Man, I had forgotten what a pain in the rear it is to get that bolt back in. Looking forward to shooting it later this week...
 
Advantages over AR platform
More ergonomic safety
Better access to chamber to clear malfunction
Able to load empty mag from stripper clips while inserted

Advantages of AR platform over Mini 14
Modular, customize to your hearts content
Mags feed straight in, don't have to find a pin and rock it
Boucoup aftermarket accessories
Just about everything else
 
3 of the 4 doors at my house are guarded by Minis. I have always yearned for a mini30. Just never made the move.
 
Advantages over AR platform
More ergonomic safety
Better access to chamber to clear malfunction
Able to load empty mag from stripper clips while inserted

Advantages of AR platform over Mini 14
Modular, customize to your hearts content
Mags feed straight in, don't have to find a pin and rock it
Boucoup aftermarket accessories
Just about everything else

Negative Ghost Rider, the Mini14 does NOT have a stripper guide on receiver. The M14 battle rifle does however. And if it did if you mounted an optic over the action then would be blocked.

CD
 
I picked up a LE trade Mini-14GB a couple of years ago from Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore. It was luck-of-the-draw, but I happened to get a stainless GB, so I was pretty happy. It was a great deal at $400.

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If I was only going to have one semi-auto centerfire rifle, I don't know that I would pick a Mini-14. But it's a fun little gun, so I'm hanging onto it.
First gun I ever bought was a GB model mini, blued, in 1978 as a freshman in high school. It's an early 181-series and it resides in my safe still today. Bought it from a Newton, NC, cop of all people. He was working part time for my dad and was needing an extra bit of cash. I bought the rifle, the factory 5 and 20rd mags, and 100 rds of ball ammo for $150
 
I have a stainless 183 series Mini in bought from my boss back in 1983 or 1984 when he was short on cash. I think I gave him $300. Bought a bunch of factory mags and a scope mount over the years, but it's a safe queen. Sure does look purty though! Can do pics tomorrow if needed
 
Just picked up a Tapco/Crapco 30 rounder for my Dads early 70's Mini, he's mounted a bolt catch plate scope mount to it.......
Its his rifle, but its ugly as sin now with that scope mount, nearly as bad as the Starship Troopers bullpups....
 
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I like the Mini-14. I got my first Mini in the mid 70s, owned a couple after that but always traded them off. Got a good deal on this one, a series 185, and I think I'll keep it. Added the muzzle brake for the front sight + weight and the strut to stiffen the barrel. Finished it off with a Tech rear sight. With 62 and 68 gr bullets it will easily shoot the 10 ring, just not for me any more. My eyes make it a 9 ring shooter. I believe the twist for this series is 1 in 8 and it doesn't like 55 gr bullets.
 
I'd love to have one in 6.8 SPC, but the ones I've found were expensive.

Same here. Get the chamber reamed to SPCII dimensions & it would be "perfect" for me. I prefer the feel of more traditional designs & think it'd be a great companion/contrast to my 6.8 AR.

I've thought about a Mini-30 as well, but with both a SKS & .300blk SBR AR, it's kinda low on my want list.
 
I have an old Series 180 Bicentennial Carbine. I don't shoot it much because if something breaks, it would be difficult/impossible to find a replacement part for it.
 
I have an old Series 180 Bicentennial Carbine. I don't shoot it much because if something breaks, it would be difficult/impossible to find a replacement part for it.

As an FYI, Jack First has replacement extractors for series 180 Mini 14s. That is about the only critical part that might break in your Series 180.
 
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