Mini14

**BB MBD** · September 5th, 2013, 08:47 AM

Finally got some range time with new to me mini14 ranch rifle.
It's a 196 series made sometime in 2002. Read a lot about these series bad and good.
I shot both 223 and 5.56 through iron sights at man size target posted 50 yards away. I was using rifle rest as well as sitting of hands and I am very pleased. Very smooth action and very comfortable to handle.

**Odonnks** · September 5th, 2013, 09:35 PM

Mini's are good reliable firearms but double check me on this...

Mine are all stamped .223.
I've been told not to fire 5.56 in rifles marked .223 unless the weapon is rated for it in which case it would be marked 5.56.

5.56 is a little hotter than .223 and can cause damage.

Read this.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Media...px?mediaid=316

**streaker69** · September 5th, 2013, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Odonnks

Mini's are good reliable firearms but double check me on this...

Mine are all stamped .223.
I've been told not to fire 5.56 in rifles marked .223 unless the weapon is rated for it in which case it would be marked 5.56.

5.56 is a little hotter than .223 and can cause damage.

Read this.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Media...px?mediaid=316

Mine is stamped 5.56.

**BB MBD** · September 5th, 2013, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by Odonnks

Mini's are good reliable firearms but double check me on this...

Mine are all stamped .223.
I've been told not to fire 5.56 in rifles marked .223 unless the weapon is rated for it in which case it would be marked 5.56.

5.56 is a little hotter than .223 and can cause damage.

Read this.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Media...px?mediaid=316

As per ruger website all mini are 223/5.56. All but target models. Target is 223 only.

**EB85** · September 7th, 2013, 08:14 AM

The Mini (minus the Target model) is .223 Caliber, not specifically .223 Remington.

**GreenBlood10** · September 7th, 2013, 09:20 AM

Love my Mini. I've owned quite a few firearms that have come and gone, but I would never depart with my Mini-14. Enjoy it

GB

**Odonnks** · September 7th, 2013, 10:58 AM

Streaker, nice target !

It's been many many yrs since visiting Ruger's web site. I do see the 5.56/.223 specification. I didn't know...

My mini's are 30 or so years old. Pretty sure all from that era were all .223.
Can't imagine my factory stainless side folder as a target model.

**ChemDave** · September 7th, 2013, 01:49 PM

Congrats on the new addition and nice target! The mini 14 was one of the first semi auto rifles I ever shot. I have always wanted one.

**harold63** · September 7th, 2013, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Odonnks

5.56 is a little hotter than .223 and can cause damage.

Read this.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/Media...px?mediaid=316

Typically, the difference isn't much when comparing ME and FPS. There are a number of Rem. .223 cartridges out there that will out perform the NATO round and run fine in the Mini 14 marked .223. It's not the 'hotter' being as much the issue as the way the chamber is cut.