Mini 14 won't cycle...

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BP Hunter

BP Hunter

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I bought a brand new Mini 14 in SS last weekend. My favorite ammo is the cheap 55gr PMC ammo. The ammo functions perfectly and is very accurate well with my DPMS M4 and Remington SPS tactical in .223. BUt I was completely surprised when it did not function well with my new, thoroughly cleaned Mini 14. It feeds the first bullet perfectly well but 75% of the time it will either not eject the spent casing completely or when it does, it will not cycle enough where the bolt is not pushed far back enough to feed the next round. I tried the cheaper Wolf ammo 55gr and was even worse. I felt that my semi automatic rifle was a bolt action. But...it cylced 100% of ther time wit my heavier 62gr. PMC ammo.

Is the rifle just breaking in, is my recoil spring to heavy, or does the Mini 14 just like heavier bulltets?

Thanks for you inpuyts and comments.
 
Thoroughly cleaned, but did you grease it properly before shooting? Might be just breaking in a bit... and PMC is not known for high power. Try some M193 or M855 if you can find some.
 
Violence of extraction & ejection is not an over statement in regards to the Mini-14.I have a new series also.

Federal 55Gr –FMJ 100Rd pack functions in my example with out problem.
The fired cartridge cases almost make it home before I do.:what::what:

Contact Ruger.
 
I agree with Hangingrock there's something up with your rifle. A mini-14 should never do what you are experiencing.
 
dont know havent had a mini 14 since the 2nd series

Can't think of anything but gas port, at all.
 
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Darn it...I hope it's not the rifle. I hope it just breaking in. Weekend is so far away....
 
Clean the chamber and try greasing the rifle a la M-14 style (regular tube grease or wheel bearing grease works just fine). If this doesn't fix your problem send the rifle back to Ruger- they'll take care of you.

Also, make sure you are using a Ruger factory mag when you try the rifle, that way you are eliminating this variable. From my own experience, some aftermarket mags work with some Minis while the same aftermarket mag may not work with a different Mini.

On a side note, my Mini is probably the least finicky .223/5.56 rifle I've ever handled. Brass, steel case, FMJ/HP/SP, it doesn't matter- it just works, and works like a sewing machine.

Good luck with your rifle.
 
I agree with most of what Cougar said. My -14 is super reliable, fun & accurate.
If it doesn't work after a decent lubing there may be a problem which Ruger will fix.
The only thing my -14 doesn't like is steel case ammo.
FYI, my -Thirty doesn't like SP ammo.
Good luck!
 
Try some full power NATO 55gr like Winchester Q3131 or Federal XM193. I suspect the PMC 55 is still a bit underpowered in a brand new Mini. The 62gr load probably adds a bit more impetus to the gas system and hence cycles better.

You may need to shoot it more...breaking it in some should help. I would put 200 rounds through it before I made any serious adjustments.

M
 
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I had a mini-30. The only feed problems were with the aftermarket Pro-mag and steel cased ammo. Out of Ruger mags and federal ammo she sang.
ll
 
As previously stated, minis are seriously over gassed. Im running a .040 (1/2 the standard size or so) gas bushing and mine cycles pmcs no problems. WW 5.56 rounds still sail 10-15ft no problems. Id check for interfearance in the action, or possible a pluged gas system. If you cant find an issue, take it to a gunsmith, just to be safe.
 
I have been reading on a few forums that Ruger has been having some, well lets say quality control problems, with current production Mini series of rifles. Contact Ruger, they will send you a shipping label and they will fix it.
 
+1

I have two older mini's and they feed like shucking corn... nada problem in the world.. I picked up a deal on a stainless one last year that was about 4 or 5 years old.. ran two mags through it of some cheap wolf brand, no issues..

Ruger customer service has a pretty good rep.. since she is new gun, I would let them handle it..

BTW, other posters are spot on about aftermarket magazines.. some just not worth the metal they are made from... and in today's steel scrap prices, that ain't much...
 
It' a new gun, they do need to be broken in a little, if its working with the 62 grain ammo I myself would get at least a couple hundred rounds through it then see how it acts. I guess I have been lucky, I have three of the older Mini 14's and haven't had any problems with mine other then aftermarket mag issues. Factory mags have been 100% reliable.
 
Sad to say, something is wrong with the gun. Since this is a new gun, send it back. A mini should eat just about anything. Even filthy, they will work. They are one of the most reliable semis on the planet.
 
@Jeff F

Hey Jeff - could you please post a link re: Ruger's QC problems? I'm planning to get a Mini 14 in the next few months but if I should wait for the next production run I suppose I can.

Does this hit ALL Rugers or just the Mini 14...I'm also getting a 10/22
 
Thanks for all your comments. I have been using only the 2 OEM 5 round magazines. I have bought more PMC ammo 55 and 62 gr. I wll take it out this Friday to see how it runs. Wish me luck!!
 
Here are a few things to try:

With the recoil spring and trigger group removed, try tilting the rifle up and down. The op rod and bolt should move freely without binding.

When you get the rifle back out try firing only one round in the mag. Take notes on how far back the bolt runs after each kind of ammo.

A Mini-14 ought to work fine with any factory ammo of any weight. I agree that if it's not a lube problem send it back and get if fixed.

BSW
 
change your ammo man. PMC is probably the most inconsistently loaded ammo out there. PMC contracts the manufacture of their ammo to the lowest bidder so besides being made cheaply its almost never made by the same makers. Wolf would probably be a more consistent round than PMC.
 
Something jas to be wrong with the gun if it is doing this with factory mags. No mini needs a break in IMO. Call Ruger and they will fix it for you. I know it sucks to have to send in a brand new gun but I believe something is wrong with your gas system.

Mine eats wolf, umc, monarch and whatever cheap ammo all day.
 
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