1999 Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

[1srelluc]

I picked this one up a couple of weeks back but had to wait on a new handguard and lower rings.

It shoots better than expected. It came with an Accu-Strut (the thing clamped to the barrel) so maybe it helped some....I put a 1-4X Redfield on it.

 

[westwall]

I've never cared for those. Never accurate enough for my needs.

 

[1srelluc]

I've never cared for those. Never accurate enough for my needs.

They can be hit or miss sure enough. I like them though.

 

[odanny]

Were these used by law enforcement, more specifically those tower guards in prison yards? I had heard once that they used Mini-14's.

 

[1srelluc]

Were these used by law enforcement, more specifically those tower guards in prison yards? I had heard once that they used Mini-14's.

State Prison Systems Known to Use the Ruger Mini‑14

Several U.S. state prison systems have been documented as using the Ruger Mini‑14, either in active service or as part of surplus inventories.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
California has been one of the most well‑documented users. Prison guards at facilities like Pelican Bay State Prison are routinely seen with Mini‑14 rifles, often in the Government Barrel (GB) configuration with bayonet mounts and flash hiders Ruger Forum+1. The CDCR maintains a Basic Correctional Armorer Course that includes training on the Mini‑14, and surplus rifles with CDCR‑stamped barrels have been found in the market Ruger Forum.

Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)
Former GDC personnel have reported that Mini‑14s were in use at Great Meadow Correctional Facility and other locations during their careers Ruger Forum.

South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC)
Similar to Georgia, some prison guards in South Carolina have expressed preference for and use of Ruger Mini‑14s Perfect Union.

Other state systems
While not as widely confirmed, the Ruger Mini‑14 has been reported in use at various state prisons in the U.S., including some in Ohio and Tennessee, though sightings and confirmations vary ar15.com. Many of these rifles are older models or surplus units.

The French police used them extensively....In fact the 50th anniversary Limited Edition that came out last year is based on the ones the French used.

Note the side sling set-up, bayonet lug/winged front sight and flash hider.

 

[JGalt]

I picked this one up a couple of weeks back but had to wait on a new handguard and lower rings.

View attachment 1249248

It shoots better than expected. It came with an Accu-Strut (the thing clamped to the barrel) so maybe it helped some....I put a 1-4X Redfield on it.

I had a scoped Mini-14 back in the early 2000's, but it didn't have the Accu-Strut. That thing was all over the paper at 100 yards.

 

[Woodznutz]

I picked this one up a couple of weeks back but had to wait on a new handguard and lower rings.

View attachment 1249248

It shoots better than expected. It came with an Accu-Strut (the thing clamped to the barrel) so maybe it helped some....I put a 1-4X Redfield on it.

Sweet!

 

[1srelluc]

I had a scoped Mini-14 back in the early 2000's, but it didn't have the Accu-Strut. That thing was all over the paper at 100 yards.

I was getting around 1.75" at 100 yards with a five shot string....I let the barrel cool and it did the same thing again.....Meh, not terrible for a Mini.

The worst Mini-14 I owned was of the thicker barrel variety some years ago and it was a dog.

BTW.....I finally found an after market mag that worked....It's a 10-rounder from United Defense. Can't say if their larger capacity mags work or not but the 10-rounder works just fine.

Oddly enough Ruger never made a 10-rounder. Just 5, 20, and 30 round mags.

 

[Zincwarrior]

Mini 14s are fun but known for being inaccurate vs. M4 clones.

 

[1srelluc]

Mini 14s are fun but known for being inaccurate vs. M4 clones.

The pencil barrel does not do them any favors but then again I consider The Mini a hunting rifle.

The first one I had back in the early 80s was pretty accurate. I made a head shot on a 24# gobbler at around 85 yards with the irons.

Dad and I were turkey hunting and the gobbler he was calling-up got hung-up at a small stream and would not cross it. I figured I'd try for it's head and if I missed it would be no big deal.

LOL....I made the shot and all dad said was "damn, good shot boy!".

I've always preferred a rifle over a shotgun for turkey hunting and still use a old scoped Savage bolt action in .32-20. I'm just a fair caller so I need the advantage.

 

[Zincwarrior]

The pencil barrel does not do them any favors but then again I consider The Mini a hunting rifle.

The first one I had back in the early 80s was pretty accurate. I made a head shot on a 24# gobbler at around 85 yards with the irons.

Dad and I were turkey hunting and the gobbler he was calling-up got hung-up at a small stream and would not cross it. I figured I'd try for it's head and if I missed it would be no big deal.

LOL....I made the shot and all dad said was "damn, good shot boy!".

I've always preferred a rifle over a shotgun for turkey hunting and still use a old scoped Savage bolt action in .32-20. I'm just a fair caller so I need the advantage.

I am always successful on my turkey hunts at HEB.

 

[1srelluc]

I am always successful on my turkey hunts at HEB.

Speaking of turkeys there were two Jakes in the back yard this morning. They did not tarry long though. I bet it's been 10 years since I've seen wild turkeys in the yard.