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Mini-14: Is It Still Awesome? (IISA) (Patreon)

Published:
2022-11-18 16:01:28
Imported:
2022-11
Tags:

Content

Back in the 80s, the Mini-14 was “pulling alert” for the Nutnfancy family.  In fact, we’ve owned Mini-14s since 1980…continuously.  But with the gun market getting SAWC down, AR-15s becoming so amazing, their costs coming down, and many other great tactical carbine choices, does the Mini-14 still make sense to buy?  For sure it does have some quirks and these are hammered home in this in-field review.  For instance, it’s unrealistic to expect your Mini-14 to shoot into 1.5 MOA or better.  

But it does have the advantages of simplicity, reliability, fun factor, proven track record, and inheriting the Garand action.  The buyer should keep a good eye on value too and the Ruger Mini-14 has risen in price...like way up.  This is now an even bigger consideration in getting one.  Against a good AR, the Mini will be spanked in features, ergos, accuracy, lightness, and versatility. That's still my go to platform.  But in the end, I will never pitch the Mini.  It's 2nd Cool Factor, proven inside 100 yd functionality, and history with us makes this gun special and forever a part of our family.

PAST NUTNFANCY MINI-14 CONTENT, IT'S A LOT! 

Here's Why the Mini-14 Is Collectible  https://youtu.be/5phIg6MT1Ik

Is the Mini 14 Still a Viable Gun Choice?  https://youtu.be/nPAPsWYwuJ0"

Special Ops Mini-14?!" by Nutnfancy  https://youtu.be/oqGHeirNh5U

"Best Mags for Mini-14" by Nutnfancy  https://youtu.be/znJCdgFfhbk

"Inception Sledge" Pt 3 by Nutnfancy (The Mini-14) https://youtu.be/8JjVbdUWuM8

First Timer Shoots the Mini-14: Cool Optics Setup  https://youtu.be/lFSApqG8Tus

Mini-14 Trigger Job:  "The Yoda G Mod"  https://youtu.be/cuSRX92q-sI

Mini-14 Against The World Pt 1 by Nutnfancy  https://youtu.be/8Fk84KLiaa4

Mini-14 Against The World Pt 2 by Nutnfancy  https://youtu.be/PKPgJ_ec3Fs

Ruger Mini-14 Tactical:  "Arrival of the Underdog" by Nutnfancy https://youtu.be/ycagSJTvaJs

Files

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Back in the 80s, the Mini-14 was “pulling alert” for the Nutnfancy family. In fact, we’ve owned Mini-14s since 1980…continuously. But with the gun market getting SAWC down, AR-15s becoming so amazing, their costs coming down, and many other great tactical carbine choices, does the Mini-14 still make sense to buy? For sure it does have some quirks and some are discussed here. For instance, it’s probably unrealistic to expect your Mini-14 to shoot into 1.5 MOA or better. But it also holds the advantages of simplicity, reliability, fun factor, proven track record, and inheriting the Garand action. The buyer should keep a good eye on value too and the Ruger Mini-14 has risen in price...like way up. Compare it against the many excellent AR-15s recommended in TNP. In the end, we will never pitch the Mini. It is just much a part of our family and it has a storied past here. PAST NUTNFANCY MINI-14 CONTENT, IT'S A LOT! Here's Why the Mini-14 Is Collectible https://youtu.be/5phIg6MT1Ik Is the Mini 14 Still a Viable Gun Choice? https://youtu.be/nPAPsWYwuJ0 "Special Ops Mini-14?!" by Nutnfancy https://youtu.be/oqGHeirNh5U "Best Mags for Mini-14" by Nutnfancy https://youtu.be/znJCdgFfhbk "Inception Sledge" Pt 3 by Nutnfancy (The Mini-14) https://youtu.be/8JjVbdUWuM8 First Timer Shoots the Mini-14: Cool Optics Setup https://youtu.be/lFSApqG8Tus Mini-14 Trigger Job: "The Yoda G Mod" https://youtu.be/cuSRX92q-sI Mini-14 Against The World Pt 1 by Nutnfancy https://youtu.be/8Fk84KLiaa4 Mini-14 Against The World Pt 2 by Nutnfancy https://youtu.be/PKPgJ_ec3Fs Ruger Mini-14 Tactical: "Arrival of the Underdog" by Nutnfancy https://youtu.be/ycagSJTvaJs

Comments

Todd Strelka

Holy crap. You must have a database or an incredible memory to keep track of all of this content. Thanks for showing us more Mini-14 awesomeness.

Hold Fast Joe

It is super cool, but I would probably not buy one. Great gun to try that someone else owns lol This series is a great idea! Look forward to more

Dan

Love the mini-14. Wish I still had mine.

Daniel Gray Webb

Love mine and my lady loves hers. Never getting rid of it.

Joshua Pulliam

I was just watching Lucky Gunners new video on the Mini-14 he released yesterday. And I was thinking “Nutn, needs to do an IISA Mini-14 video.” And here it is! Thanks Nutn for reading my mind!

HairyPost

One of these days I need to send you mine so you can do a comparison video!

cody white (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-15 18:00 I used to own a 80s one very beautiful stock on it & blues but to turn it into something that it wasn’t designed for just like the AKs weren’t designed for a optic on it. I eventually sold that rifle due to not finding the accuracy at 100 yrds not decent enough and Steel RUGER mags ouch on the wallet. For a loaner rifle in neighborhood watch is be fine with but nowadays I’d grab a SKS, AK or Mosin (all of which I’ve taken out to 300-400 yrds on a 5 gal bucket size steel target using a lawn chair as a make shift rest) over a mini 14 but over those one of my AR builds.
2022-11-18 16:56

Justin Golden

Was just coming in here to say that Lucky Gunner had just made a video about this!

JARMYSTRONG

The actual weapon being tested isn't what makes this series valuable - it's the passage of time that does. Comparing what we think we loved vs what's out now is value adding. This series is the future of The Project.

maxmfs

Ah, a look back at the A-Team’s go to long gun… “I love it when a plan comes together!”

The Nutnfancy Project

They are for sure 2nd Cool and as indicated still serviceable for the purposes shown here. Thanks Dan

The Nutnfancy Project

I did not know they did one too. Wish I had released mine first! Ha ha. I do like LG as an ammo supplier.

Joshua Dippel

Thanks Nutn, now I’m Mini-14 shopping…

Downtrodden

I grew up wanting nothing more than Hannibal Smith’s go-to riffle for hanging out of van doors. When living in MA it was one of the few exceptions to the Attorney General’s naughty list. I opted for a Keltec RDB solely because of magazine compatibility. Mini 14’s 2nd cool is undeniable.

Jordan Parker

Great follow up thoughts on a classic, thanks Nutn!

Andrettski

I put the Sampson A-Team stock on mine, not because it's practical, because it's freakin' cool as he-double hockey sticks. Love my Mini-30 as well. No, it's not my go-to-war rifle, but they are just plain something dif to shoot and fun.

Joshua Pulliam

Both videos were good. LG’s video went into the history of the development of the Mini-14.

Rob Miller

Never owned one but I have a funny story: In the 80’s my good friend bought one. We were hunters, no military experience. Our long gun frame of reference was limited to shotguns, .22’s and deer rifles. The day he bought the Mini-14 went to shoot it together. We thought the ammo looked odd. “It’s just a .22 we thought. Kinda like a 10-22 we thought. Well let me tell you…the fireball that came out the end was a huge surprise. We both grinned that grin that TNP’rs know what I’m talking about. The party was on and that was really the beginning of our love of the .223 round that lasts to this day.

RB

The Mini is a favorite for 80s 2nd cool. That fireball is full on “A-Team” and Mr. T. I do have a system for one but only as a handout/reserve in an emergency. “Take this and a mag pouch with 200 Rds and best of luck to ya.” Fitted with the tech sights peep sights since it came to me with the worst scope mount of all time. It fastened through the rear sight mount in back and in front it had a lug that just rested on the receiver and marred the blueing. Clark’s Custom Guns in Louisiana does awesome work on Rugers. Minis, 10/22s, Mk2, etc. reasonable prices and great work. Long history in competitive shooting there. No I’m not associated with them but they did my mini and 10/22 triggers.

TechNeck

is it still awesome... yes... isit banned in canada now... also yes... has anyone turned in a single one since they banned it over 2 years ago... Fucking hard nope.

Moe Mansour

Oh, man. This makes me feel nostalgic.

Lynn E Fite, Col (r)

My stainless “Yoda” tuned Mini is a keeper. The Rifle has endured the test of time. Realistic WROL engagements will be <50 yards, probably 35. So it if capable as a support system. But defense choice really depends on where you live; urban or rural.

A

Note: Terry Gardner (gunsmith)/"Yoda G" has RETIRED.

Patrick Richards

Love this series “is it still awesome” keep ‘em coming! Maybe a sig p226 still awesome? (I know it is, but it would be a fun video!)

Aaron Carrington

I love these GRV 2.0’s. Are there any more cast member rifles you still have in rotation that you want to revisit?

Scott Nelson

Really like the IISA series! I like the Mini-14 and wish I would have gotten one. I actually was pricing them earlier in the week and all I can say is I will stick with my AR's. Like you and many others I'm sure, I've found that the AR has much more versatility AND come in at a much better price point these days From what I have seen, the mini is now over a grand.... Sorry, but that is way to much for me to spend on a rifle even though I absolutely love the look.

hoplite ⚔️

Great vid. This series is gonna be fun! TNP is the best. Fun, informative, inspiring.

MCatl

Heh.! I was going to ask you to cover the Mini but you delivered before I could ask! And this was a great idea for a series. Re the Mini vs AR debate, they each have their pros and cons. For military or militia use, there's no denying the superiority of the AR system in terms of ease of repair and modification. However, for being able to get a firearms novice to be able to handle the gun safely and to put rounds downrange where they need to be (for example, in trying to defend your family and neighbors from looters after a natural disaster) the simpler manual of arms for the Mini makes it a far easier for non-enthusiasts to learn than the AR platform in my experience. For civilian use, it may be the better choice in some cases.

BadgerTails

The 14s sit right next to the 870s in our DOC towers, waiting for a runner. They're tanks. Easy for NOOBs to train on, who never had any rifle experience before. I love em!

Iowa Dave

Keep these "Is is still awesome?" videos coming Nutn. They are awesome. I was fortunate to have some friends take me shooting for the first time in 1990. I was 22 at the time. One of the guns I shot that day was a stainless Mini-14 with a Butler Creek folding pistol grip stock - very fun! After a couple more shooting sessions with these friends, I decided to take the leap and buy my first gun. I went to the gun store to buy a 22 rifle as a baby step. While at the gun store to buy the .22, I saw a Mini-14 on sale for $339! I wound up purchasing both the .22 and the mini - my first trip to a gun store being a double purchase! Although the Mini-14 was fun and the action was reliable, magazines were a problem. Bill Ruger was playing pussy-foot with the gun grabbers to keep his guns off the assault weapon/ban lists, so he refused to sell factory mags to the public that held more than five rounds. I bought lots of aftermarket 20- and 30-round mags at gun shows, looking for some that would feed well, but never found any aftermarket metal mags that would do so. I finally found some clear plastic 35-round mags made by Eagle that ran well. Fortunately, Ruger is now selling standard capacity mags to the public now that Bill Ruger is dead. I wound up purchasing another Mini-14 Ranch, and a Mini-30 over the years. However, I sold all three of my Minis about 15 years ago and went all in on the AR platform. Would I buy a Mini-14 again? Maybe at the $339 that I paid in 1990, but no way at the $1,000+ prices they sell for now. Why not? Here are my reasons: - Price! (They aren't worth what is being charged for them.) - Less accurate than an AR - I don't like having to rock in the mag like an M14, and I'm not confident that less well-trained users in my household could reload one under stress in a crisis. - Proprietary mags that you have to buy from Ruger. (Magpul doesn't make a Mini-14 P Mag) - Not being able to service the gun yourself as easily as an AR. - Being less friendly to mounting optics than an AR. - I have a limited budget and limited space in the safe...there just isn't room for a gun with these downsides.

Tygre

If these rifles had been designed to take AR magazines and were priced around $700, they would still be wildly popular. Terrific little gun, but overpriced vs. other options today.

OutlawGRUNT

Yassss!!!! So happy to see this video!

Christopher B.

The AR mag non-compatibility was a deal breaker for me too. I almost bought one years ago but, I have too many AR mags to switch to something else.

Robert Avery

Nutn, and plans to review the ruger SFAR? Very lightweight. 308 that looks promising.

David Elkins

If I had purchased one back in the day I’d definitely keep it and not sell it. But no way would I purchase one today when I can buy a far superior AR instead.

david rockwell

The Mini has always been on a wishlist of firearms to acquire. With classic lines that harken back to WWII, the Mini possesses a large second cool. Pragmatism tends to dampen any impulse purchase of the Mini due to the negatives covered adroitly. I continue to look for a private sale of used Mini in which a deal could be obtained. Until such an opportunity is granted, the Mini remains on the wishlist. The brief recap shall serve to quench the lingering attraction for a quintessential rifle exemplar. Thank you for the continued effort and dedication.

Tim Talbot

There's a lot to like about the Mini 14. It may not be quite as capable as an AR, but it will do anything 95% of shooters actually ask of a .223/5.56 rifle while being lighter and more compact than most ARs. Even if a Mini is longer than an AR with it's stock collapsed, the fact that it's not as "tall" as the AR can help it to stow and transport more easily. I would love to see a model that could accept STANAG magazines.

Craig

Ruger makes a AR 15 copy. No one copies the Mini-14/30. Nuff said.