You need a semi-automatic defensive rifle in an intermediate cartridge, but you don’t want an AR-15. What about a Ruger Mini 14?
Unpack This Article's Arsenal
Get Great Guns And Ammo Deals!
SAFEST NEWSLETTER - WE WILL NEVER SELL YOUR EMAIL
No Spam - No Selling Your Email
What is the Best Alternative to the AR 15?
Many people would answer with the AK-47 or some other AK-variant, and indeed, the AK is definitely a great rifle. But another great alternative to the AR-15 would be another carbine that is too often overlooked as a combat/survivalist weapon: the Ruger Mini-14 Tactical in 5.56x45mm NATO.
NOTE: The Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle is chambered in .223 Remington, which means it cannot fire 5.56x45mm NATO. The Tactical variant is chambered in 5.56, which allows you to shoot in either caliber and is therefore the more practical and versatile choice.
A Scaled-Down M14 M1A
The Mini-14 is basically a scaled-down version of the M14/M1A from Springfield and re-chambered for the 5.56 or .223 round depending on the version you get (like was just mentioned above).
Therefore, the manual of arms on the Mini-14 is extremely similar to the M1A, so if you don’t prefer the manual of arms on the AR-15, the Ruger Mini 14 instantly makes for a great alternative choice.
History and Design of the Ruger Mini 14
Ruger began to design the Mini-14 in the late 1960s, and it was finally released to the general public in 1973. The term ‘Mini-14’ was used to designate the new weapon, because again, it was designed to be a shorter and lighter variant of the M14.
Mechanically speaking, the Mini-14 is very similar to the M1 Garand and the Springfield M1A, in that it uses a fixed piston gas system.
How Much Does the Ruger Mini 14 Weigh?
It weighs just over six and a half pounds, much less than the weight of an M1 Garand or M1A, with an overall length of thirty-seven and a quarter inches.
What is the Capacity of the Ruger Mini 14?
The standard capacity magazine for the Mini-14 is 20 rounds, but smaller and longer magazines are available. For instance, during the 1994-2004 assault weapons ban, only 5 and 10-round magazines were legal. Extended 30-round magazines are also available for the Mini-14, but again, the most common magazines for the Mini-14 are 20 rounds.
Ruger Mini 14 Magazines
Speaking of the magazines, they are not quite as common or cheap as the AR-15 and AK-47 magazines but are still cheaper and more common in comparison to other semi-automatic rifle magazines, such as M1A magazines (which are notorious for being incredibly expensive).
ProMag Ruger Mini-14 223 / 5.56 30-round Steel Magazine
Ruger Mini-14 rifles today also are based off of the Ranch Rifle design, which has an integral scope base, a ghost ring rear sight, and a winged front sight. The accuracy of these rifles has also been greatly improved over the original Mini-14, which had a rather poor reputation for accuracy. Mini-14 rifles made since 2005 come from the factory with a 2 MOA for accuracy, meaning that they are fully capable of shooting a 2-inch group from one hundred yards.
Mini-14 rifles today also are based on the Ranch Rifle design, which has an integral scope base, a ghost ring rear sight, and a winged front sight. The accuracy of these rifles has also been greatly improved over the original Mini-14, which had a rather poor reputation for accuracy. Mini-14 rifles made since 2005 come from the factory with a 2 MOA for accuracy, meaning that they are fully capable of shooting a 2-inch group from one hundred yards.
Another variant of the Mini-14 is called the Mini-30, which was introduced in the late 1980s and is chambered for the 7.62x39mm round like the AK-47 and the SKS. The 7.62x39mm round is more powerful than the 5.56x45mm NATO, which can make it a more effective choice for hunting game such as deer.
Where to Buy a Ruger Mini 14
RUGER MINI-14 RANCH RIFLE
RUGER MINI 30
Why Go With A Ruger Mini 14 Over An AR-15?
After all, the AR-15 is considered to be ‘America’s rifle’ and with good reason: it’s enormously popular and the bestselling centerfire rifle today.
But still, there are reasons for why you may rather want a Mini-14 over an AR-15, and these reasons are:
YOU MAY NOT LIKE THE AR PLATFORM, ERGONOMICS, OR MANUAL OF ARMS
The AR-15 is generally regarded as being a highly ergonomic and easy-to-shoot rifle. Nonetheless, it’s not for everybody.
Ruger Mini 14 Charging Handle
For instance, many people don’t like the fact that the charging handle is on the rear of the receiver. The Mini-14’s charging handle is on the right-hand side of the gun, just like the M1A or the AK-47.
Another reason some people prefer the Mini-14 is because of its looks and aesthetics. Yes, this is purely subjective. But still, looks matter to a lot of people, and some are turned away from the ‘tactical’ look of the AR-15.
In short, the first reason to go with the Mini-14 over the AR-15 is if you prefer the controls and manual arms.
Ruger Mini 14 – ACCURACY
First and foremost, the AR-15 is a more accurate platform than the Mini-14 generally speaking, and certainly more accurate than the earlier models of the Mini-14.
In fact, before 2005, the Mini-14 actually had somewhat of a reputation for moderately poor accuracy in comparison to other rifles such as the AR-15. But since 2005, Ruger has taken great steps to improve the craftsmanship and accuracy on the Mini-14 rifle.
The result is that the Mini-14s of today are capable of 2 MOA accuracy like was mentioned above.
And here’s the thing: most hunting and self-defense situations do not require precision accuracy. So long as you hit your target in the general vital regions, you’ll drop it, and the Mini-14 is more than capable of doing that.
Ruger Mini 14 – RELIABILITY
The Mini-14 has offset its reputation for slightly poorer accuracy with another reputation for slightly increased reliability, at least over the AR-15.
The Mini-14 is simply less likely to be susceptible to fouling up than the AR-15, which can sometimes be more prone to problems if debris and grime build up in the internals of the gun.
The AR-15 has the advantage of being a largely closed-up system, so it’s difficult for anything to get into the internals of the gun, to begin with. But if they do, you can run into problems. These were first evident when the M16 was introduced into service with the US Army during the Vietnam War.
Ruger Mini 14 Piston Operating System
The scientific reason behind the Mini-14’s at least theoretically improved reliability over the AR-15 is because it uses a piston-operated system along with two large locking lugs over the gas system of the AR.
Ruger Mini 14 – STAINLESS STEEL FINISH
The Mini-14 is actually one of the very few semi-automatic combat rifles that is available in stainless steel.
This is important because stainless steel finishes in general are more resistant to moisture, humidity, rain, and snow than other kinds of finishes, which means that the chances of your Mini-14 rusting or corroding in those kinds of conditions is less.
And not just the outer finish of the Mini-14 is made out of stainless steel. Literally, the bolt, receiver, barrel, operating rod, trigger, and a variety of other internal parts are all made out of stainless steel as well.
Stainless steel is far more rust and corrosion-resistant than aluminum or similar metals, and as an added benefit, it’s also more durable and long-lasting as well.
The barrel itself is cold hammer forged, which naturally lends itself to a longer service life too.
Ruger Mini 14 Review – Conclusion
Is the Mini-14 the ultimate combat rifle by any means?
No, not necessarily. Very few militaries and law enforcement agencies have adopted it, at least in contrast to the AR-15.
But still, there’s no denying that the Mini-14 is a great alternative to the AR-15. If you want a 5.56x45mm NATO rifle but don’t want an AR of any kind, the Ruger Mini-14 Tactical is very arguably your best alternate choice.
Recommended Reading
Top Five Holsters For Ruger LCR
Concealed Carry Holster For The Ruger LCP 380
Best Concealed Carry Holster For Ruger P345
Pocket Holsters For Ruger LC9S
3 Responses
The standard mini 14 is chambered for 5.56
The mini 14 ranch as well as every mini 14 ever produced save for the ‘target’ model are in fact 5.56 safe.
As per Ruger’s own website.
Some tactical models say .223 but my newest model #5889 says 5.56.
Please amend this and slay the rumor that mini’s are not capable of firing 5.56.
Again, the Mini has always been chambered with a Ruger safety chamber capable of handling NATO, with generally longer and larger diameter throat than even NATO. ONLY the new target model chambered with tighter SAAMI .223 chamber.
Not much mentioned, but you get an all steel gun as light as the aluminum framed AR, and lighter than lightest Colt flattop, if desired, by using a Choate (no receiver steel reinforce) or Ramline (with steel reinforce) stock (both are 1/2lb lighter than Ruger lightest plastic, and shorter), even on later/heavier/more accurate Minis. An all steel 6-6.25lb rifle is a wonder in own right.