[douggreen]

New Mini-14 (Christmas present) Circassain
New Leupold VX-2 1-4x (Birthday Present)
No modifications to the gun whatsoever (I wanted to get a baseline)
I used a Leupold Zero Point to get on paper
Shots were taken at an indoor range near where I live... they have 50yard and 100 yard rifle ranges (yes, a public 100m indoor range).
Used IMI M193 to zero, also shot some Fiochi to compare.

I did not know if the zero point would work given the factory flash suppressor, but I took a chance given that it seemed to be perpendicular. It got me to about 8 inches from zero at 25 yards... not great but good enough. Zeroed the scope at 25 yards.

Move the target out to 50 yards. My 51 year old eyes are not to great and the indoor lighting for shooting at 50m is not great, so I was not sure what to expect. The results are attached. The group all over the bullseye is a 10 shot group using the IMI M193 (a few went through the same hole). The one about an inch low and to the left is part of that group and I believe due a poor trigger pull on my part. The group to the upper left is the Fiochi, which I did not zero for. To be fair to the ammo./.the barrell was hotter by that point so it is not a fair comparison.

Bottom line... I was shocked at how accurate the combination of the unaltered Mini and the IMI M193 was. Given that I got this ammo cheap from Wideners I am extremely happy. My plan was to move out to 100 yards and zero in there but I left my spotting scope at home thinking that at 100 yards the rifle scope would do. I have no problems seeing clearly at 100 yards in daylight but the indoor lighting with a 4x just did not cut it ... I can put the reticle in the center of the target but cannot see the hits without a spotting scope. Next time...

 

[douggreen]

One additional note... the shooting above was done with a beanbag rest for the front of the gun, holding the rear against my shoulder (i.e. not a true "bench rest" but close enough). The shots were taken with about 5 seconds rest in between.

Thinking about whether I want to make any changes or not... I don't feel the need for bedding as the walnut stock seems to be pretty tight. At this point I don't feel the need for a strut to tighten up the groups, but I might want one as a heat sink.. I need to do some more rapid shooting to see if stringing becomes an issue.

 

[bg380]

doug,
Great report and great shooting. Thanks for posting your results with your new Mini!

 

[bg380]

Also wanted to ask, did you use the factory scope rings to mount your Leupold?

 

[douggreen]

Also wanted to ask, did you use the factory scope rings to mount your Leupold?

No, I used Warne quick detach rings. I clean my guns every time I shoot, and my understanding is that these will hold zero better in addition to being much simpler to take on and off for cleaning.

When I get zeroed at 100 yards this week I'll post pictures of the gun and targets.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

that shows potential - should silence some of the 'Mini naysayers'.

 

[douggreen]

that shows potential - should silence some of the 'Mini naysayers'.

Well, this one mini may be a fluke, just as one mini that shoots horribly may be a fluke.

I am wondering about the effects of three things:

1. The circassain walnut stock seems to fit pretty tight without bedding.
2. Does Rugger do anything different with the manufacturing/assembly of this model given that they charge more for it?
3. Is the Israeli M193 ammo the perfect "cheap" round for the mini?

Unfortunately, my experience with one rifle is totally inadequate to answer these questions. Does anyone else have experience with either the Circassain model or with IMI M193?

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I have a M30 - the IMI X39 ammo was amongst the best shooting ammo I ever shot from mine. wish I could get a case of it.

 

[COBrien]

2. Does Rugger do anything different with the manufacturing/assembly of this model given that they charge more for it?

AFAICT, your Mini is a Tactical dressed in a (beautiful) Circassian stock. I think the higher price is due only to the higher-quality stock.

The accuracy of your rifle is most likely due to the tighter stock and shortened barrel, both of which are common accuracy mods for those of us with "typical" Minis.

 

[Teknic111]

Can you post a pic of your mini with the scope on it. I'm looking to buy the same Leupold scope as you for my Mini 30, and just want to see what it looks like on the gun.

 

[douggreen]

Can you post a pic of your mini with the scope on it. I'm looking to buy the same Leupold scope as you for my Mini 30, and just want to see what it looks like on the gun.

Here you go.. after I took the pic I noticed that the lens cover (buttler creek) was crooked...they are tight but seem to move a bit with prolonged shooting. I think I will replace them at some point with the Leupold aluminum ones.

 

[LittleBill]

Just bought one off GunBroker, haven't received it yet. It's a display model with a few scratches---which is fine, bought it as a shooter not a safe queen, now I dont have to worry about scratching it! Appears to have real pretty wood, $649 + $20 shipping:

Ruger Mini-14 Deluxe Limited 223 Semiauto Rifle : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com