I just saw one at the gun store and I am very impressed.I just wish that they would bring it out in 204 ruger.It seems like they could.I was about to buy a 204 ruger when I saw this gun.It is very beautiful.It feels like a m14 not a skinny mini 14.If it will shot an inch or less klike it says I want one.You better get what you want before the demirats get in there .I hope a mniricle occours and they dont.Anyway I guess I will sell something else and get me a mini 14 target rifle.

dgr416, while the accuracy claimed is impressive, one of the chief benefits of the Mini 14 was that is was a light, quick handling carbine and NOT an M14. Having said that, it sure would have been nice to have a Mini 14 be rerasonably accurate, so your point there is well taken!
Peter.

Outdoor life did a test on the New Target Mini-14.



It is a rather short article written by Jim Carmichel.
Pros: Redesigned stock, improved accuracy, flawless function

Cons: Poor trigger pull; sharp-edged "target" crown, a No-No for rifles that must be cleaned from the muzzle.

He commented on the very poor trigger pull (6 lbs 11oz) as more of the same old in-house Paranoia by Ruger. He had nothing to say about the adjustable barrel weight except " owners will enjoy experimenting with the tuner". The barrel rate of rifling has gone from the standard 1-in-10 twist to a 1-in-9 twist. "Presumably this is a compromise for shooters who want heavier bullets.."

He said that the Target Mini was "... especially particular about ammo and to give it a fair chance to do it's best, seven makes and bullet combos were tested". Here are his test results.

Federal 55gr BTHP 1.304in
vs. regular mini 14 3.449in


Fed 55gr Nos Ballistic Tip 1.705in

Win 40gr Nos Ballistic Tip 1.223in

Fed 62gr FMJ 1.806in

Win 50gr Nos Ballistic Tip 2.564in

Win 53gr HP 2.529in
vs. regular mini 14 3.027in

Win 64gr Power Point 2.261in

Sorry, I think Ruger has dropped the ball again! I would have to say that those groups do NOT deserve the word "Target" in any way shape or form.

Ruger finally came out with what custom makers have been doing for years.
I have a heavy barrel mini 14 and it shoots well. I wish Ruger would come out with this stuff in a more timly manner I have at least three Rugers that I have made some major custome modification to only to have them offer it as a prodution item later.

quote:

Originally posted by dgr416:
..I guess I will sell something else and get me a mini 14 target rifle.

Hey dgr416, Let us know how it shoots.

I used to have a bunch of Ruger Rifles. Then they went to the Mark II with it's non-adjustable Trigger Design and I went on to other Rifles. Even Layne Simpson "Lied by Omission" by not mentioning it in the first write-up. Fortunately I did enough trading at a couple of Gun Shops that an Owner knew me well enough that he mentioned it to me.

Now I know they have been making multiple thousands of the earlier Mini 14 version which has a reputation for poor accuracy. Ruger even mentions it in the new ads for the "newer more accurate version". Oh yes, it should have been initially released in 300Sav when they realized the 308Win wouldn't work. But..., I wonder about a company that continues production with "known problems" and then tries to convince "me" all is well with the newer version.

I know that looks like trashing Ruger, however I do hope they have the Mini 14 fixed. Best of luck to you with it.

quote:

Originally posted by steve4102:
Outdoor life did a test on the New Target Mini-14.

[SNIP]
a No-No for rifles that must be cleaned from the muzzle.
.

"Must" is it? Haven't these gunwriters ever heard of the Otis system??

Well it sounds a lot more accurate than a standard mini. Still not good enough though.

The opriginal Mini 14s were not too accurate but were capable of being tweaked and getting pretty good. I bedded mine and did a few things on the other end and now get a solid 1" or better at 100[most of the timwe]. The real kicker is getting the barrel free from the horrible stock pressure.

Aloha, Mark