The Ruger Mini series of rifles has enjoyed long-standing popularity among sport shooters, hunters, law enforcement, and militaries alike.
While the AR-15 firmly sits atop the throne as “America’s rifle,” the Ruger Mini still carries a certain appeal.
It offers excellent durability, reliability, and intuitive controls, all while retaining the classic lines of older hunting rifles or military service guns like the M1 Carbine and M1 Garand.
While there are some features that all Minis have in common, Ruger offers various configurations and models so that you can get the Mini that’s best for you.
But what are the differences between these models? We are glad you asked!
We’re going to talk about the Mini-14 and Mini-Thirty and take a look at a few different models. By the end, you’ll know some history, and hopefully find some information to help find the right Mini for you.
So keep reading!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Classic Style
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Best Do-All Mini
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Best Tactical Mini
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.300 BLK Option
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Best for Hunting
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best Mini-14 and Mini-Thirty Models
This article is a meta-analysis based on our experience with hundreds of rifles and tens of thousands of rounds over the years at Pew Pew Tactical. For this article, we first had to choose our criteria for what we felt the best Mini-14 and Mini-Thirty models should have.
We ultimately landed on models that balanced weight, overall length, caliber, customizability, and features.
We then polled our team to see their top choices based on their experiences at events, shows, and their own personal collections.
Best Ruger Mini Models
1. Mini-14 Ranch, Model 5801 – Best Classic Style
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 18.5″
- Overall Length: 38″
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Finish: Blued
- Stock: Hardwood
The Mini-14 Ranch Model 5801 is the most true-to-original Mini, and boy, am I a sucker for a classic-style rifle.
These feature a standard hardwood stock, blued finish, 18.5-inch barrel, and come standard with two 5-round detachable magazines. Any standard capacity 20 or 30-round magazines will work, though.
Although the included iron sights are excellent, the receiver is drilled and tapped to accept a Picatinny rail, which is included with the rifle. There are also integral scope mount bases included if you want to go that route as well.
This is very much an “everything you need, and nothing you don’t” model and is great for people who want something akin to the original design from the 1970s.
Be sure to check out our full hands-on review of the Mini-14!
2. Mini-14 Tactical, Model 5819 – Best Do-All Mini
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16.12″
- Overall Length: 36.75″
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Finish: Matte Stainless
- Stock: Synthetic
While the Model 5819 Ranch may look like the regular Ranch rifle with a synthetic stock at first glance, there are a few key differences.
This model uses a shorter 16.12-inch barrel equipped with a flash hider, the aforementioned synthetic stock, and a matte stainless steel finish.
You get the same sighting and scope mounting setup as the regular Ranch rifle, but this model includes two 20-round magazines instead of 5-rounders.
The synthetic stock and stainless finish, combined with the shorter barrel, make this an incredibly lightweight and handy knockaround rifle that can stand up to the elements. Something like this would be 100% at home on the rack of a UTV or as a truck/woods gun.
3. Mini-14 Tactical, Model 5888 – Best Tactical Mini
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 16.12″
- Overall Length: 34.50″ – 38″
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Finish: Blued
- Stock: Synthetic, Collapsible/Folding
The Model 5888 is perfect for those who are looking for more modern features on a Mini.
For starters, you get an ATI Strikeforce 6-position collapsible stock that can also fold to the side. Next up is a 7-inch Picatinny rail mounted on top. You also get 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.
You get the same two 20-round mags that the regular previous model has. A blued metal finish on all external metal parts adds the finishing touch that makes this model the most “tactical.”
If you want to throw on some accessories, add a forward-mounted optic, or just have a folding stock option, this model has you covered.
4. Mini-14 Tactical, Model 5864 – .300 BLK Option
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: .300 Blackout
- Barrel Length: 16.12″
- Overall Length: 36.25″
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Finish: Blued
- Stock: Synthetic
5.56 is great, but .300 Blackout has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to be easily suppressed and adapted into platforms that natively shoot 5.56.
Ruger responded in kind by offering a Mini-14 chambered in .300 BLK, giving Mini users the option to run a suppressor.
Aside from the caliber, the gun is identical to the 5819 Tactical model I mentioned earlier. Ruger does recommend that you use only subsonic ammo when suppressed, and supersonic ammo when unsuppressed for maximum reliability.
It has also been noted by various owners and reviewers that they seem to get better accuracy out of the .300 BLK model over the 5.56 models.
What is your take on the .300 BLK Mini-14?
[AR]
5. Mini-14 Tactical, Model 5895 – Cool Factor
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Barrel Length: 18.5″
- Overall Length: 39.25″
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Finish: Matte Stainless
- Stock: Walnut w/Stainless Side-Folder
Fans of the television show The A-Team have long lamented about Ruger’s lack of a Mini-14 model based on the older model that the show’s fictional leader, Hannibal, uses.
Something about the skeletonized folding stock, wood and stainless combo, and shiny mags just screams 80s.
Luckily, Ruger answered our prayers and delivered us the closest thing to the TV show gun we have seen in ages with their Model 5895.
The 18.5-inch barrel is fitted with both a flash hider, as well as a set back front sight with an integrated bayonet lug. You also get two of the ultra-neat 20-round nickel-Teflon plated steel magazines to complete the look.
This model is expensive, but it is mega-cool and will leave all your friends jealous, even if they hate the Mini.
6. Mini-Thirty Ranch, Model 5868 – Best for Hunting
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Specs
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm
- Barrel Length: 16.12″
- Overall Length: 36.75″
- Weight: 6.7 lbs
- Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Finish: Matte Stainless
- Stock: Synthetic
The Mini-Thirty was introduced in the late 80s for people who enjoyed the Mini platform but wanted a little extra punch over .223/5.56. This was during the heyday of cheap surplus 7.62x39mm and long before the days of .300 BLK.
Our favorite version of the Mini-Thirty is the Model 5868 Tactical. It sports the same 16.2-inch barrel, synthetic stock, and matte stainless steel finish of the regular Mini-14 synthetic Tactical.
With a weather-resistant finish and some more oomph from the 7.62x39mm round, the Mini-Thirty makes for a compelling little brush gun.
About the Mini Series Rifles
The Ruger Mini-14 was introduced in 1973 as a miniature version of the M14 (hence the name “Mini-14”). However, it has 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. Keep that in mind if you choose to buy a secondhand Mini-14 (we recommend buying a 580-series or newer rifle to avoid the early model accuracy issues)
The younger brother of the Mini-14, the Ruger Mini-Thirty, was introduced in 1987. These are chambered in Russian 7.62×39mm, the same round as the AK-47.
Features
Regardless of the model or variant you go with, there are certain things you can expect from any modern Mini-14.
All Minis have a cold hammer-forged barrel for extended durability. While they aren’t known for their accuracy, with the right ammo on a modern Mini, they shoot better than many people let on.
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.
The solid steel receiver is drilled and tapped, ready to mount the included Picatinny rail. The receiver has also been machined to include integral scope mounts for easy mounting of scope rings.
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.
All of this works together to create an action that functions reliability in virtually any conditions. It also 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.
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
This article builds on the original work of Megan Kriss, former PPT author and freelance editor. Megan is an avid recreational shooter and writer/editor. She has an extensive writing and linguistics background, which she uses to analyze and collect data on guns and turn them into articles.
Lead researcher and editor for this piece is Wyatt Sloan, Jr. Editor. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.
Our experienced team of gun reviewers is run by Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings, a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.
Final Thoughts
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.
Latest Updates
September 2024: Removed: Mini-Thirty Model 5853, Mini-Thirty Model 5804 Mini-14 Model 5820, Mini-14 Tactical Model 5846. Added: Mini-Thirty Model 5868, Mini-14 Tactical Model 5888, Mini-14 Tactical Model 5819, Mini-14 Tactical Model 5895.
44 Leave a Reply
plenty of info on 5801 how about the 01801?
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
The only thing you get by sitting on the fence is splinters in your arse.
Keep it, get a .223/556 NATO Mini 14 and shoot the heck out of them!
I know someone in texas who will buy a mini 30 if you decide to sell it.
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