Ruger Mini-14 is an incredibly well-known and popular rifle among sport shooters, hunters, law enforcement, and the military alike.
It offers almost the same durability, reliability, and ease of use as an AR-15 or M1, but with the traditional looks of a Garand or classic hunting rifle.
There are some features that all Mini-14s have in common, but you also get to choose among various configurations to get the Mini-14 that’s best for you.
The Mini-14 comes in three main variants: the Ranch Rifle, the Tactical Rifle, and the Mini-30. Within each variant, there are a handful of different models that you can choose from.
But what are the differences between these models?
Glad you asked…we’re going to talk about the Mini-14 and Mini-30 and look at their models. By the end, you’ll know some history, along with the best choice for you in either Ruger 14 or 30 flavor.
So keep reading!
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best Ruger Mini-14
Ranch Rifles
The Ranch Rifle is the standard version of the Mini-14 and comes in eight different flavors, including one Talo Distributor Exclusive.
These rifles are chambered for both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO ammo and for the most part (there’s one exception that I’ll tell you more about below) feature 18.5-inch tapered barrels and are available with either 5 or 20 round capacity magazines.
The Ranch Rifle comes in both hardwood stock and synthetic stock versions with either blued or matte stainless steel finishes.
Models with synthetic furniture are lighter, slightly shorter, and have a slightly shorter length of pull. If you’re not too concerned about aesthetics, the synthetic version might be the better way to go for shooters with small frames.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the Ranch Rifle, let’s talk some recs.
1. Mini-14 Ranch, Model 5801
I like the Model 5801 because I’m a sucker for a classic-looking rifle. There’s not much else to say about it.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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The Model 5801 Ruger Mini-14 has a hardwood stock and blued finish with a 5 capacity magazine.
If you’re looking for a matte stainless finish, you can get the 5802 model!
Now…we also have a hands-on review of a couple of Mini-14 Ranch rifles.
2. Mini-14 Ranch, Model 5820
A little different from the rest of the Ranch Rifles is the Model 5802.
It has a shorter barrel than the others, just 16.2 inches like the Mini-14 Tactical Rifles that I’ll talk about next.
It’s styled more like the Tactical Rifles as well, with a synthetic stock and matte stainless steel finish, with no counterpart models available with a hardwood stock or blued finish.
There’s also no 20+1 capacity counterpart.
The main difference between the Model 5802 is the lack of barrel accessories.
What am I talking about?
Let’s move on to the Tactical Rifles to make it more clear.
Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifles
The Mini-14 Tactical Rifle variant was introduced in 2009 and is distinct from the standard Ranch Rifle in a couple of ways.
First, the Tactical Rifles has a shorter 16.12-inch barrel. Second, the barrel comes equipped with a factory-installed flash suppressor.
The Tactical Rifles also have a more, well, tactical aesthetic and are only available with the black synthetic stock, though both blued and matte stainless steel finishes are available.
There are five models of the Tactical Rifle available, but here are a couple of my favorites:
3. Mini-14 Tactical, Model 5846
The Model 5846 is perfect for those of you that love an AR-style rifle.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Sporting the ATI 6-position collapsible and folding stock with a 7-inch Picatinny rail mounted on top, plus additional 2-inch rails on each side and the bottom of the stock. The six sling attachment points (yes, you read that right) on the stock, plus the forend sling attachment point give you plenty of options for how to position your sling of choice.
The 20+1 round capacity rounds out the utility of the model, while the blued metal finish on all external metal parts adds the finishing touch to the model’s great looks.
4. Mini-14 Tactical, Model 5864
All other Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifle models are chambered for both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO ammo, but the Model 5864 is chambered for .300 BLK.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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5.56 is great, but 300 BLK more effectively penetrates and is more easily silenced, making it ideal for hunting. It’s also specifically designed for shorter barrels, but burns at max potential in a 9-inch barrel.
What’s your take on the tactical model? Give it a rating below.
Best Mini-30 Rifle
the younger brother of the Mini-14, the Ruger Mini-30, introduced in 1987, is chambered in Russian 7.62×39mm, the same round as the AK-47.
(Don’t forget to stock up on some 7.62×39!)
The Mini-30 is an excellent deer rifle, especially since in many places it’s illegal to hunt deer with calibers smaller than 6mm.
With models based on both the Ranch Rifle and Tactical rifle, but chambered for 7.62x39mm.
There are six models of the Mini 30 in total, but here is a couple that I particularly like:
Mini-30 Ranch, Model 5804
The Model 5804 is a Ranch Rifle-style version of the Mini 30. Like the Ranch Rifle, it has an 18.5-inch barrel and a tapered barrel with no flash suppressor.
It has a hardwood stock for a classic look, though I will say I wish a blued finish version was available; the Model 5804 has a matte stainless steel finish.
Mini-30 Ranch, Model 5853
Also in the more Ranch style of the Mini-30, it has an 18.5-inch barrel, synthetic stock, and a nice matte stainless steel finish.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Great option for a lightweight rifle for hog hunting or protection against wild critters.
About the Mini-14
The Ruger Mini-14 was introduced in 1973 as a miniature version of the M14 (hence the name “Mini-14”). But it’s been redesigned a few times over the years.
Note that there are also a few law enforcement and military-only versions, as well as some distributor exclusive models, but I’m just going to talk about models that are widely available to civilians here.
Starting in 2005 the classic standard Mini-14 was renamed the Mini-14 Ranch rifle, so keep that in mind if you choose to buy a secondhand Mini-14.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Features
Regardless of the model or variant you go with, there are certain things you can expect from any modern Mini-14.
It will have a cold hammer-forged barrel for higher precision rifling, which lends accuracy, extends the barrel’s life, and makes cleaning easier. Mini-14 barrels are also tapered, which also improves accuracy.
Moving back on the gun, every Mini-14 opts for a Garand-style action. The action includes a breech bolt locking system and a fixed-piston gas system with a self-cleaning moving gas cylinder.
All of this works together to create an action that functions reliability in virtually any conditions — and reliably cycles blanks, which has led the Mini-14 to be incredibly popular in film.
You can spot Mini-14s throughout the television show, The A-Team, as well as in films like The American, in which it was handled by George Clooney’s character, and Romancing the Stone, where it can be spotted in the hands of Michael Douglas’s character.
Anyway, back to the features of the rifle itself.
The solid steel receiver is drilled and tapped, ready to mount the included Picatinny rail. The receiver has also been machined with patented integral scope mounts for an ideal mounting surface for the included scope rings.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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You don’t necessarily need a scope, though. The Mini-14’s sighting system includes a non-glare blade front sight and a ghost ring adjustable rear aperture sight.
In addition to the scope rings and Picatinny rail, the rifle also includes two magazines.
Conclusion
So there you have a few options that you can choose from when picking out a Ruger Mini-14.
The Mini-14 is an excellent rifle, so no matter which one you go with, it’s a good choice. Just choose the one that most matches your needs and wants.
So which model of the Ruger Mini-14 did you go with? Let us know in the comments below. Ready for more Ruger? Check out our suggestion for the Best 10/22 Models.
41 Leave a Reply
I have the ranch rifle with Samson folding stock. Also, a Nikon .223 scope. With accurizing applications the rifle shoots 1/12 to two inch groups. I expect a lot of groans and snickering but that’s ok. Ignorance is bliss.
They say the best gun to use in a gunfight is the one you have so if you have a Mini-14 then by all means use it. It works. But honestly, I don't see the point today of going out and buying a Mini-14. It probably made sense when it was introduced back in '73. The AR-15 was not yet well known and still somewhat controversial given the initial results with the M16 in Vietnam. But the only reason I can think of for buying a Mini-14 today would be if you happen to be unfortunate enough to live somewhere where AR-15 style rifles are banned and Mini-14s aren't. Aesthetically I find it awkward and unbalanced as though the "mini" part was achieved by lopping off the front of the stock and installing a shorter barrel. I didn't know about the issue with magazines but if only genuine Ruger mags are reliable that's a negative as well. Not an issue I guess if you're back on the ranch plinking or shooting at coyotes but if the SHTF, I want to be able to use whatever magazines I can get my hands on. And then there is the issue of limited calibers available. And on top of all that, it's expensive. So tell me, what exactly would be the reason to buy a Mini-14? I don't see any way that it is superior to an AR-15 and it costs significantly more even when compared to Ruger's own AR-556.
Hmm, I did a really big goof up yesterday, I've been wanting a mini 14 for some time, but too tight to spend the money. Then I got thinking, I'm not getting any younger, so I walked into the local toy store and purchased the first one I seen and didn't look at it until later in the evening. Oh bleep, I bought a mini 30. Question now is, do I keep and shoot it, give it to the kid (army vet ) or trade it off for what I wanted in the first place ?? NUTS
Keep it. You will grow to love it. Get a mini 14 to keep it company.
Now that ['ve slept on the idea, I'm kind of , sort of leaning in the direction of keeping it. kind of , sort of, maybe. time will tell.
All options are open and ok. I bought my mini for the same reason. I still love it. The barrel strut did wonders for accuracy. The AR is like the F-150. Everybody has one. So what ? If you need to haul a load get the Ford. If you are going to war just wait they will issue you an AR. When I go to the range people always want to handle the mini. Everyone has an AR so what? I do too. But no one cares about it.
Hmm, still sitting on the fence ( so to speak ) as to whether I get rid of the Mini 30 or shoot it that I bought by mistake. Still haven't shot it, although walking though the store yesterday, they did have a Mini 14 in a .300 blackout for the same price. Hmm, trade it or what ? Hmmm
I'm currently making payments on my 2nd Mini. A few years back, at the local pawnshop, they had a beautiful stainless Mini with a wood stock and brushed silver scope, for $350.00 even.....yea, when I went back to get it, it was sold. I'm not going to forget that one, ever.
Anyway, few months back, they had gotten a brand new one they had ordered, and I jumped on it immediately.
I have both of the new models....the mini 14 is awesome...the mini 30 is a bolt action/single shot with russian or steel ammo...imo ruger shouldnt have put out a 7.62x39 that chokes on foreign ammo..but the gun shoots accurately..
I have always been told FORGET USING THE RUSSIAN AMMO.
I had a gunsmith to polish the firing pin (and firing pin channel), bolt assembly and extractors...problem solved...the russian/steel ammo is slightly thicker and harder primed...it shoots awesome now... no more light strikes or weak ejection.. ruger should have done that from the start...Tolerances should be more loose...They were to close....The mini 14 was made with looser tolerances for more nato/steel ammo variants..
Save the steel case for the AK!
Aloha, just found your site on Pinterest and was drawn to the site for the Rgr Mini-30 (762X39) and wondering if you have a 10 round magazine for it? I’ve seen 5 rounds.
Magazines for the Mini-30 has been an Issue for years the only ones that TRUELY work are Factory Ruger Mags 5 and 20 round mags. Back in 2011-12 CDNN imported a shipment some South Korean Military Mini-30 30rd Magazines that Actually worked very well and were also VERY WELL MADE but I have not seen them again. I have owned my Mini-30 since 1993 and I have gone thru allot of BAD MAGAZINE during that time but the WEAPON is a AWESOME it was just a SHAME that BILL RUGER did not believe in Releasing a 20 or 30 round magazine while he was alive so after he passed away the Company released the High Capacity Mags to Civilians. Stay Away from PROMAG they ARE GARBAGE! IF you find USA Magazines they were one of the BEST back in the 80s and early 90s they took AKs mags and modified them to work in the Mini-30.
They do make ten round clips. Do an online search. They won’t allow me to add links or names.
What scope should I get for my mini-14 ranch rifle (new production, 2021)? I have a tech sight rear sight replacement I'm planning on throwing on there once I go pick it up next week... but I'm wondering if i should also add a scope. I know very little about scopes. I like the Burris RT-6 that I have on another rifle. But I see some people put redfield scopes and vortex crossfires/diamondbacks on their mini-14s and I simply can't decide which way to go. Also mixed reports about ejected brass hitting (or not hitting) the scope at velocities close to eldritch space behemoths ejaculating. So many questions.... suprisingly little info out there in internet land.
I installed a Burris tac-30 on mine. The case would eject and hit the scope every time loosening up the the mount screw. I haven’t tried the Ruger scope mount yet (will eventually buy it). If you see any post on how to help prevent from ejecting so high up, just post it here.
Hi, I added a Vortex Crossfire to my tactical Mini 14 and it works great, looks great. I have no issues with ejections hitting the scope. I use the Ruger rings that came with the rifle.
What power Crossfire did you purchase ?
I bought a Mini-30 around 1995. Horrible accuracy. At the same time, I bought two SKS's. I paid about $600 for the Mini, and $125 each for the SKS's. My SKS's shoot circles around my Mini. It's not even close. I'm a marksman with my SKS, and Ray Charles with my Mini. Very disappointing.
Hi Brian. Hopefully this finds you still possessing the Mini. There are some add-on units which can help accuracy with the Mini's.
They are the Accu-Strut and the Mo-Rod. Both attach to the bottom of the barrel and at the gas block. They stiffen the barrel by limiting barrel whip and add additional heat dissipation at the gas block. They make a Mini look even more like an M14 or an M1A. They price around $100 to $125 for the Accu-Strut and $150 for the Mo-Rod and can be purchased on eBay or sunfloweroutdoorsports.
Any opinion on a good gun to get to consider putting in a cachet and burying
show the Model 5802 which is supposedly CA compliant with a takedown pin
i just want that ventelated silver handgaurd
Nicely written article! I have a Mini 14 and Mini 30 with the pencil barrels.both are reliable, but string when they warm up. My youngest son and I both have the Mini 6.8 SPC. Love it! Both are nice shooters. With the right ammo, MOA shooters. I wish Ruger would bring the Mini 6.8 back with a 6.8 SPC II chamber and maybr a 1:11 twist barrel. A tactical version would sell very well in my opinion.
what about mini 14 6.8
No mention of 6.8spc ? No matter. I love both my 5.56 & 6.8spc btw , no gun , rifle cleans itself. And they are 1-2 moa rifles , take care of them & they will function great.
mini-14,30 ruger review: what a great review!
Mine is pre Clinton. I love it.
Danget now should I get the 300blk or the 7.62-39??
for the price of these im getting a ar15
I had a Mini-30 when they first came out and it was a tack driver at any range.
I think I will go for the 7.62X39 and not the Mini-14.
Thanks for the great review.
Have 2- Mini 30s, great rifles but accuracy suffers at distance. Finally hunted all the mags needed from Ruger . Great truck gun
Had two: old-style inaccurate pencil-barrel (.223), and new-style tapered barrel (5.56). Good for 100 yard rifles, eats ANY ammo as long as you use a Ruger mag...period. Lots of shock, bang, and flash - tends to knock scope mounts loose. Shells tend to get thrown 20 yards down right range - Heads Up! Rear sights are nearly worthless; new-style 5.56 models will not accept Garand and Carbine sights upgrades. Gas cylinders are NOT self-cleaning. Builds up lots of carbon and have to be scrubbed like a Garand and Carbine. Triggers are easily updated to two-step by "Accuracy" specialists found on the web. Would be great for laying down cover fire as fast as you can pull the trigger with 30-round mag. NOT for competition - 4 inch groups normal (according to Ruger Service Dept.). All in all, fun rifle, but not for $900.
Love my Mini 30 tactical...I’m up to 500 rounds with zero jams or miss fires.
The “choice s” could use a webit more depth- what are the differences in the three basic modeles are what would one to know in order to make a inforamed choice
That is not a deer in night vision . That is a elk in night vision
Forgot about the target models
"30-inch barrel" on a mini-30....wow that's a lot of barrel
Read it again. No where does it say 30" barrel
That was cut and paste it has been revised......lol