Gun of the Week: Ruger Mini-14

by
posted on June 6, 2012

Ruger’s Mini-14 has long been one of the most popular .223-cal. rifles. Ruger used the military's M14 as a base model for the new rifle, all the while incorporating a number of cost-saving alterations and innovations. It is ideal for use on the farm or ranch, in the woods, at the range or for personal defense. 

Specifications:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem.
Front Site:
Blade
Rear Site:
Adjustable
Barrel Length:
16.12” to 22”
Overall Length:
34” to 43.25”
Capacity:
5 or 20
Twist:
1:9" RH
Weight:
6.75 to 9.5 lbs.
MSRP:
$881 to $1,099

For more on the Ruger Mini-14, watch this week's NRA Gun of the Week video, and for additional reading:

Five Reasons to Reconsider the Ruger Mini-14 
Ruger Mini-14 Tactical 300 BLK Rifle Review
8 Things You Might Not Know About the Mini-14
Sheriff's Tips: The Handy Carbine


Latest

KelTec PR57 black gun pistol left-side view on white background
KelTec PR57 black gun pistol left-side view on white background

6 New Handguns For 2025

Several of the nation's biggest names in firearm manufacturing have released new models ahead of SHOT Show 2025. Here's a rundown of the features that each of them offer.

Boys To Riflemen: Aiken’s Volunteers During The British Attack on Plattsburgh

In September 1814, Americans once again stood against the might of the British military, as their forefathers had done during the Revolution. A small group of teen boys proved their valor in the face of a British attack and earned a special presentation rifle for their efforts.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 20, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A Gas-Operated M1903 Conversion That Never Was

The U.S. government's never-ending quest for a more effective shoulder-fired arm to equip its military has, naturally, resulted in more prototypes than production models. This semi-automatic Model 1903 Springfield conversion was one such dead-end.

Preview: Burris BTS35 v3

The author joined industry professionals for a coyote hunt that went well into the evening hours using thermal imaging from Burris. Read field notes from that hunt using the BTS35 v3.

Review: LWRCI IC-9 Carbine

This delayed-blowback 9 mm carbine has a few tricks up its sleeve that you won't find on other guns in this class.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.