[mini-pilgrim]

Here is a question I do not remember seeing here.

Why has Ruger not done anything to improve the barrel on the Mini-14?

I know there are things we can do to improve accuracy. Why not the manufacturer?

 

[cajungeo]

Hey pilgram. It's been discussed a few times. We can only speculate. They must be satisfied with the sales as is. If they weren't they would either improve it or discontinue it.

I'd gladly pay an extra hundred if they had put another $20 of material in the barrel. I've tuned mine to shoot near 1" average though, for not a lot of money. It suits me now, but I figure when I wear the barrel out I'll get a better barrel for it.

Now if I want real accuracy, I'd use a bolt gun.

 

[Mengo]

Hi,
I think most of it is cost and politics, the bean counters weigh out how much more labor and materials are involved and that carries the day? I remember when old man Ruger went before Congress he backed the 10 rd magazine limit but didn't want the Mini 14s labeled as assault rifles. Actually Ruger could do so much more with these rifles in the factory but I feel like they think it will rock the boat. They seem quite content with subtle changes but little else. I think in today's climate they are scared to death to do too much, lest they get labeled an AW and create problems for themselves. This may also be the reason for the length of the mag release being changed. Here on the forum, we are into these guns, the average guy doesn't know, buys a hi-cap, it doesn't work and he thinks they're all crap and just shoots the PC magazines. No 'evil' hi-cap AW image on Bill's baby...? Ruger plays politics and such is way of corporate business.

 

[Z-Man]

The reason nothing has been done is simple:

The Mini is already one of the best selling centerfire carbines in the histroy of modern firearms exactly as it is. Changing a proven recipie for financial success would be...well...stupid.

However, you can also use this to your advantage.....because replacement parts are dirt cheap.

Here's a perfect example:

For about $65.00 you can by a brand new Ruger replacment barrel. And for the price of a couple of beers and a few rounds at the range, you can probably get a buddy/gunsmith to install it for you.

I only mention this because, you know, you might just want to "re-experince the inaccuracy of the OEM barrel" on your Mini one day....you know, after you've decided to screw up and make the bullets go where you wanted by shortening the original barrel. LOL.

The barrel on your Mini is a low-cost replacement item, and in my opinion is a perfect candidate for being permanetly and completely fixed with a hacksaw, a couple of good blades, and some metal polish to dress the crown.

 

[gutpile]

even with all its shortcomings, in my opinion, the mini-14 is my favorite rifle that ruger builds i may even go so far to say that is the best rifle that ruger builds, (remember, just my opinion) i dont own a model 77, dont need one because im perfectly happy with the rem. 700 i bought back in '79, tho i have heard that the new 700 have suffered from quality control and i wouldnt own one with the stupid bolt lock safety. i suppose if i was in the market for a new bolt gun it would be a ruger 77. but i have to say that out of all the rifles i own, the mini-14 is one of the handiest, most fun to shoot and probably the most dependable i have. when i leave the place, its always in the rack in my jeep.

 

[mtnwatcher]

i saw that brownell's had a higher mass replacement barrel for sale at one time. it was still in their catalog last ime i looked but it was marked 'discontinued'. they were selling it for about $90.
this was not the shilen barrel. this one was made by O.K.M. Inc.

does anyone know where to get somthing like this? i'm aware of the ASI, Clark, etc. custom rifle makers, but if i had $600-800 to buy guns with i'd put a down payment on a m1a. my mini will do 2'' groups at 100yards and i'm happy about that, but i'd consider puttin $100 into a heavier barrel to get 1'' moa. i got pretty excited when i found that add on brownell's website. almost cried when i saw it was discontinued.