185- Series Ruger Mini-14

[gunlvr1956]

I just purchased a 185- series Mini-14. It came with 2 20rd clips and 2 5rd clips. Only shot @ 50 times since new. What are the groups thoughts on these rifles, and where would be a good place to buy some 30 rd clips? Thx. gunlvr1956

 

[Steelman]

I just purchased a 185- series Mini-14. It came with 2 20rd clips and 2 5rd clips. Only shot @ 50 times since new. What are the groups thoughts on these rifles, and where would be a good place to buy some 30 rd clips? Thx. gunlvr1956

You'll hearing varying accounts of the pre-580 series Mini-14s. Everything from 2" groups at 100 yds to couldn't hit a bus stuck in traffic. The Mini is a great Home Defense\Plinker rifle. It was never intended to be a target rifle and the AR-15 fans will poo-poo it on sight.

The thin barrel heats up after 3-5 shots and groups go to hell quickly. My 197 series held about 6" @ 100yds after 10 shots.

Factory 20rd magazines are available (backorder) on Ruger's web site for 29.95 IIRC. Factory 30rd mags are rare as hen's teeth. The aftermarket mags are hit and miss. My experience is that you should stick to factory mags.

 

[J D]

Ruger.com $29.95 through their internet store until 1/31/08. Then $39.95. The factory mags on the other internet sites are being sold from $40.00 - $60.00 that I've seen.