Need help with purchase of a Ruger Mini 14

[RJS88]

I was at a local shop yesterday and I looked at a Black syn/stainless Ruger Mini 14. The asking price is $449.00. This rifle did not come with a clip or rings. Is this a fair price assuming the rifle is in good mechanical shape and in it's original configuration. The stock and barrell have some marks on them. I haven't done a real close inspection yet as I was limited in time.I would like to know how to evaluate this rifle mechanically as I have no experience with this type of rifle. Is there anything I should be specifically looking at due to inherent issues on this model. Also, can one Mini 14 be better than another in quaility of parts. I guess what I'm asking is if you were looking at a Mini 14 in Blk syn/stainless how would you determine this would be something you would buy! Is the price high or low and what would a clip and rings run me?

Thank you for your time! Bob

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

try to determine if the stock is a factory stock. if so that is a decent price (not bad if it's aftermarket either). the clips are no problem finding good ones. if the rifle is a 'ranch' model it has the built-in ring mounts and you must use the Ruger rings (they are a little high$$ but hell-for-stout)
the 'Perfect Union' site has a Mini section, worth your time to register(free) and ask ques there - some really knowledgable Mini folks there.

 

[skinewmexico]

This will be good.

 

[Gunnerpalace]

This rifle did not come with a clip

If I were you I would change that to magazine before the Grammar police show up with their fancy posters,

Was the rifle new or used, either it does sound like a good price.

 

[Spyvie]

As long as it isn't stolen or broken, that's a great price.

I second the Perfectunion.com suggestion...

 

[Neo-Luddite]

The price is fair, but have a LOOK at the thing; stainless Mini's hold up better cosmetically that the blue or parkd ones. Ask after its history.

How come the weapon has no mag--not even the factory 5 rounder???
A small detail that I have found to be an indicator of OTHER issues somewhere down the line with most 'sans mag' guns.

Look for wear on the bolt and on the camming surfaces of the receiver. Have the seller field strip it for you--inspect the gas block for pitting, wear or damage.

Ask if you can borrow a mag and purchase some .223 ammo FROM THEM and run a couple of mags through if a range space is available.
Not always possible, but worth asking.

If they won't strip it for you at least--I'd pass. To me, an autoloading gun offered for sale minus ANY mag is like a sportscar without an engine; and any half-sized gun shop in the US should have at least one crappy mini magazine lying around.

 

[ndh87]

aftermarket mags for a mini 14 are usually about 30 bucks, they dont work well. Ruger mags are more like 50 bucks for a 20 rounder. i dont know about rings. I had a mini 14 with a scope on it, recoil cracked the crosshairs, rattled the rear sight loose and the mag would fall out on its own. and the accuracy was...sporadic.

Traded it for a WASR-10, couldnt be happier.

 

[240SX]

Sounds like a good price. As someone has mention, look at the stock and see if it is original or if it's been replaced. As for minor nicks and dings...I wouldn't worry about them, Rugers are tough.

I have a Mini 14, with a Leopold scope mounted on it, and my rings have never slipped. I had it for almost 5 years now and it's one of my favorite rifles. They're good for hunting and plinking.

As for the magazines, I've got a 5, 10, and 20 round. Can't remember how much I paid for them, as it's been a while. Sorry bout that. But decent magazines are available and they aren't cheap, but they're not break'n the bank expensive.

Good Luck with you endeavor! That's a fine gun you're look'n at!

 

[Captal_de_Buch]

I used to have 2 Mini-14 ranch rifles but sold them when I got into ARs..

I wish I still had at least one of them because they are a fun gun.

See if you can talk them down to $400

If not, get $400 more dollars and get a decent AR.

 

[cheeseburger61]

If you get it, then buy yourself an Accustrut for it and your groups will be really good. Minis are not know to be a tack driver, but mine will put 15 shots in less than 2 inches with really cheap ammo, I have a homemade accustrut on it. Before the strut it shot 6+ inch groups @ 100 yards. I need a trigger job and I think it will do even better. I have a 20 and 30 round Pro mag magazine and they function great.......Cheese

 

[RJS88]

I Appreciate Your Input

I haven't gone back to look at this gun yet...all of you have given me information that will be useful when I do go back to the gun shop. Probably tomorrow. I'll let you know what happenens! Thanks! Bob

 

[glockman19]

What serial number? If a 580 series it's from the re-tooled shop with a heavier barrel and better accuracy. If it's an older model I'd offer $400 or less depending on condition.

I have a 580 series stainless synthetic and love it. I also have 2 AR's. Where the AR's have jammed the mini-14 keeps shooting. I guess that's why I have 2AR's and one mini...though I'd take an M1A over them both in an emergency.