My new Mini-14 (581) Tactical

MIFirstRuger · 08-23-2009, 20:29

Hello Everyone,

I purchased my first Mini a little over a month ago. I've been a long time plinker with my Marlin 60 and my .38 revolver but decided to upgrade to something a little more on the home defense caliber other than my .38 but fun to shoot at the range.

I was first introduced to the Mini 14 after a gentleman at the local range let me fire both his AR and Mini. He personally liked the Mini due to it's Garand action. I was shooting both with iron sights and the Mini drew me in.

I joined this forum right before I made my purchase and I learned a great deal of information (Thanks to those who provide valuable information). As I become more familiar with this firearm I hope to provide some good information as well.

Anyway, on to the pictures of my Mini 14 ATI tactical. Enjoy the pics! (the last one is with my brother's Remington 700 .308)

BobSmith · 08-23-2009, 20:44

Welcome to the forum and great looking mini. I really like the tactical model with the flash hider.

sticks · 08-23-2009, 21:45

Welcome to the forum MIFirstRuger !

Nice looking tactical Mini.

Boner Stallone · 08-24-2009, 15:00

Nice looks setup sir.

Joey · 08-24-2009, 22:16

Wait... ATI stock, AND flash hider? Did you buy that as aftermarket? Or did you buy the one with the flash hider, and then buy the ATI?

bubbaearle · 08-25-2009, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey

Wait... ATI stock, AND flash hider? Did you buy that as aftermarket? Or did you buy the one with the flash hider, and then buy the ATI?

He bought the tactical mini w/flash hider and then bought the ATI aftermarket.

I did the same thing. Woo Hoo!

I've heard it speculated that Ruger was a little concerned about releasing the ATI with the flash hider due to the current regime in DC (

) possibly enacting new anti-2A legislation. I don't know why that would matter 'cause the mini is probably close to the top of the list anyways - flash hider or not.

bubbaearle · 08-25-2009, 18:03

What's the scoop on that scope? Any flex of the front rail / handguard?

MIFirstRuger · 08-26-2009, 08:30

My mini is the tactical with the factory folder. i installed the NCstar brake. Good to know that my install looks stock! The scope is a red dot. No problems keeping zero after about 200 rounds. Thanks for the feedback guys!!!

bubbaearle · 08-26-2009, 08:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIFirstRuger

My mini is the tactical with the factory folder. i installed the NCstar brake. Good to know that my install looks stock! The scope is a red dot. No problems keeping zero after about 200 rounds. Thanks for the feedback guys!!!

Looked stock to me.

What brand scope??

Marlin 45 carbine · 08-27-2009, 05:01

welcome to the forum firstruger.
wicked looking set-up you have there.
I'd say it will 'defend your home' no problem.

MIFirstRuger · 08-27-2009, 06:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbaearle

Looked stock to me.

What brand scope??

Its a Leapers CQB red dot. I've tried an aimpoint before on an AR but i havent gotten the funds to purchase one yet. maybe in the near future. The leapers gets the job done and i can hold an average of less than 2" grouping at 50 yards with it.

Cire5 · 10-13-2009, 12:00

MIFIRSTRUGER and anyone else who can help. I am new to this forum, brand new and I have also just purchased a new Mini-14 (581) with the ATI stock.
My question is, with the scope you have here how is the viewing/sighting with it mounted so far forward?
Also did you install the brake yourself or have a gunsmith?

Thanks to any and all for your comments

Cire5

MIFirstRuger · 10-13-2009, 16:53

Wecome to the forum Cire5

The "scope" is a red dot reflex scope, so it has unlimited eye relief (no need to have it close to your face).

I installed the brake myself. It's an NCSTAR brake. Easy to install. NCSTAR is the only one I know off making a pin-on brake for the new style front sight. I highly recommend going to your local hardware store and buying a roll pin to replace the pin that it comes with. It feels a little too small.

If you search for NCSTAR brake you should run into a few post. One in particular shows how the guy used set screws to keep it in a fixed position.

Hope that helps!

Cire5 · 10-14-2009, 08:08

Thanks MIFirstRuger,
I did search over a week ago for the NCStar brake after reading your post. Other than the Choate flash hider there doesn't seem to be anything out ther that will fit the new barrel. That scope gets good reviews too.
Thanks for all the information and your setup looks great!

Anything else you can pass along would be appreciated. I've owned several rifles and shotguns but never have had a semi-auto. I can't wait to get some time in on my mini.

TacticalGenius · 10-16-2009, 09:21

Are you still able to use the irons with that stock if you want to? By that, I mean, is it a natural sight picture not one where you are angling yourself into an un-natural position just to line up the sights. Thanks, and the rifle looks really great.

TG

Cire5 · 10-19-2009, 12:19

TG,
I don't want to speak for anyone else but there is no unnatural angle when using the iron sights. I did find that I had to remove the cheek rest to get a good line on the rear sight. I suspect I will be putting it back on after I get some optics on there.

Hope this helps

BobSmith · 10-19-2009, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cire5

TG,
I don't want to speak for anyone else but there is no unnatural angle when using the iron sights. I did find that I had to remove the cheek rest to get a good line on the rear sight. I suspect I will be putting it back on after I get some optics on there.

Hope this helps

I agree. I find it very natural.

MIFirstRuger · 10-20-2009, 21:12

Like Cire5 I have to put the adjustable cheek rest all the way down or take it off to get a "comfortable" position.

The cheek rest all the way up is perfect position for the red dot I have mounted.

TacticalGenius · 10-20-2009, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cire5

TG,
I don't want to speak for anyone else but there is no unnatural angle when using the iron sights. I did find that I had to remove the cheek rest to get a good line on the rear sight. I suspect I will be putting it back on after I get some optics on there.

Hope this helps

It does help. Thanks so much. And thanks to you other gents for the helpful replies too.

TG

08-23-2009, 20:29	#1
MIFirstRuger Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 14	My new Mini-14 (581) Tactical Hello Everyone, I purchased my first Mini a little over a month ago. I've been a long time plinker with my Marlin 60 and my .38 revolver but decided to upgrade to something a little more on the home defense caliber other than my .38 but fun to shoot at the range. I was first introduced to the Mini 14 after a gentleman at the local range let me fire both his AR and Mini. He personally liked the Mini due to it's Garand action. I was shooting both with iron sights and the Mini drew me in. I joined this forum right before I made my purchase and I learned a great deal of information (Thanks to those who provide valuable information). As I become more familiar with this firearm I hope to provide some good information as well. Anyway, on to the pictures of my Mini 14 ATI tactical. Enjoy the pics! (the last one is with my brother's Remington 700 .308) Attached Thumbnails Last edited by MIFirstRuger; 08-23-2009 at 21:07.

08-23-2009, 20:44	#2
BobSmith Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampton Roads Virginia Posts: 1,455	Welcome to the forum and great looking mini. I really like the tactical model with the flash hider. __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." - Thomas Jefferson

08-23-2009, 21:45	#3
sticks Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: southern IL Posts: 927	Welcome to the forum MIFirstRuger ! Nice looking tactical Mini. __________________

08-25-2009, 18:03	#7
bubbaearle Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NE AR Posts: 163	What's the scoop on that scope? Any flex of the front rail / handguard? __________________ Bubbaearle Ruger KP95PR15 Mossberg 500A HD Ruger Mini-14/20GBCP

10-13-2009, 12:00	#12
Cire5 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 34	A question? MIFIRSTRUGER and anyone else who can help. I am new to this forum, brand new and I have also just purchased a new Mini-14 (581) with the ATI stock. My question is, with the scope you have here how is the viewing/sighting with it mounted so far forward? Also did you install the brake yourself or have a gunsmith? Thanks to any and all for your comments Cire5

08-24-2009, 15:00	#4
Boner Stallone Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the midwest sucks Posts: 131	Nice looks setup sir.

08-24-2009, 22:16	#5
Joey Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 258	Wait... ATI stock, AND flash hider? Did you buy that as aftermarket? Or did you buy the one with the flash hider, and then buy the ATI?

08-26-2009, 08:30	#8
MIFirstRuger Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 14	My mini is the tactical with the factory folder. i installed the NCstar brake. Good to know that my install looks stock! The scope is a red dot. No problems keeping zero after about 200 rounds. Thanks for the feedback guys!!!

08-27-2009, 05:01	#10
Marlin 45 carbine Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: WNC Posts: 2,191	welcome to the forum firstruger. wicked looking set-up you have there. I'd say it will 'defend your home' no problem.

10-13-2009, 16:53	#13
MIFirstRuger Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 14	Wecome to the forum Cire5 The "scope" is a red dot reflex scope, so it has unlimited eye relief (no need to have it close to your face). I installed the brake myself. It's an NCSTAR brake. Easy to install. NCSTAR is the only one I know off making a pin-on brake for the new style front sight. I highly recommend going to your local hardware store and buying a roll pin to replace the pin that it comes with. It feels a little too small. If you search for NCSTAR brake you should run into a few post. One in particular shows how the guy used set screws to keep it in a fixed position. Hope that helps!

10-14-2009, 08:08	#14
Cire5 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 34	Thanks MIFirstRuger, I did search over a week ago for the NCStar brake after reading your post. Other than the Choate flash hider there doesn't seem to be anything out ther that will fit the new barrel. That scope gets good reviews too. Thanks for all the information and your setup looks great! Anything else you can pass along would be appreciated. I've owned several rifles and shotguns but never have had a semi-auto. I can't wait to get some time in on my mini.

10-16-2009, 09:21	#15
TacticalGenius Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 395	Are you still able to use the irons with that stock if you want to? By that, I mean, is it a natural sight picture not one where you are angling yourself into an un-natural position just to line up the sights. Thanks, and the rifle looks really great. TG __________________ TO THOSE WHO ENJOY THAT FOR WHICH THEY HAVE NEVER BLED, DON'T THANK THOSE WHO HAVE, THEY BLED NOT FOR YOU, BUT FOR EACH OTHER.

10-19-2009, 12:19	#16
Cire5 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 34	TG, I don't want to speak for anyone else but there is no unnatural angle when using the iron sights. I did find that I had to remove the cheek rest to get a good line on the rear sight. I suspect I will be putting it back on after I get some optics on there. Hope this helps

10-20-2009, 21:12	#18
MIFirstRuger Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MI Posts: 14	Like Cire5 I have to put the adjustable cheek rest all the way down or take it off to get a "comfortable" position. The cheek rest all the way up is perfect position for the red dot I have mounted.

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