[wildbillfromca]

Has anyone fired the new Mini-14 chambered in 6.8mm Remington? I had a mini-14 about 20 years ago but sold it to buy my wife's wedding ring. I never liked the gun anyway. I couldn't shoot well at all with it.

The Mini seems vastly improved, however. I shot my buddy's 2009 model at the range and was quite accurate with it. Ruger has added a heavier barrel among other improvements. We did notice that the barrel still heats up quickly. Nevertheless, over time I think the Garand-style action will be more reliable than a black rifle. That's my opinion.

The new Remington 6.8mm SPC round seems awesome. It seems powerful enough to take deer with and also to smoke anything on two legs with finality.

YouTube - Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

YouTube - Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle

[mrm14]

The new ruger mini-14's are considerably more accurate than their predicessors. Had mine since 2008 and started with just under 3" groups at 100 yards and with trigger job and butt stack plates to correct pull length am now shooting just at 1-3/4" groups at 100 yards. Yes, I feel they are considerably more reliable than AR type rifles and will still work well if really neglected and drug around in the muck and mire. The 6.8 spec version is really good and is just as much if not slightly more accurate than the .223, especially at longer distance. You may get a more accurate AR out the the box, but the AR just cant take the abuse and neglect thar the Ruger can and still fire reliably. IMO. One thing about 6.8 spec ammo; it can be hard to find and there is no cheap 6.8 ball made to date. And yes, white tail deer hunters are having good results with this round.

[wildbillfromca]

One problem, friend. I just found out that this rifle is only sold with FIVE round magazines. I won't buy the rifle if it doesn't come with a least a 10 rounder.

[mrm14]

Pro-Mag is supposed to release a 10 round mag. for the 6.8 spec. cal. for the mini-14 in a few months.