The Ruger Mini-14 is based on the successful World War 2-era M1 "Garand" infantry service rifle. In fact, most of the inner workings of the Mini-14 are mechanically identical to its predecessor with the exception that the base Mini-14 model is chambered for .223 Remington / 5.56mm which reduces recoil and provides the weapon some inherent accuracy qualities. The line is a popular one for maker Sturm, Ruger & Company and has been spawned in many variants based on the same design. The series was introduced in 1973.
In its various forms, the Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle can be fed from a 5-, 10-, 20- or 30-round magazine. The rear aperture is adjustable and the weapon continues to be produced with the Garand-style breech-bolt locking system. That system refers to a fixed-piston gas system with a self-cleaning moving gas cylinder.
The lightweight Mini-14 automatic rifle is not regarded as less of a rifle when compared to the celebrated M1 Garand, as the Mini-14 has itself earned a solid reputation among gun enthusiasts and several security agencies for its inherent reliability and effectiveness. Later production models have been fitted with a new hardwood stock and buttpad similar to those found on conventional rifles while other forms also support an adjustable stock.
In Hollywood, the Ruger Mini-14 was a regular on the short-lived action series, The A-Team, where the four heroes seems to always rely on the rifle during combat scenes. In reality, the Mini-14 was selected due to its reliability when firing blank cartridges.
In reality, the rifle was used in the 1986 FBI Miami Shootout (April 11th, 1986) gun battle involving two robbery suspects and FBI agents. The weapon highlighted the need for agents to carry (or have access to) more powerful weapons. The Mini-14 was also used in the 2011 Norway Attacks which left 77 dead.
The AC-556 is a select-fire version of the Mini-14.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Automatic Function
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.
Overall Length
946 mm 37.24 in
Barrel Length
559 mm 22.01 in
Empty Wgt
6.39 lb 2.90 kg
Sights
Adjustable Rear Aperature; Fixed Front
Action
Gas-Actuated; Rotating Bolt; Semi-Automatic
Semi-Automatic
One shot per trigger pull; self-loading or auto-loading action aided by internal mechanism; trigger management (and initial cocking) typically required by the operator; subsequent shots are aided by the unlocked / moved bolt.
Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
656 ft (200 m | 219 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
40 rds/min
Muzzle Velocity
3,240 ft/sec (988 m/sec)
Mini-14 - Base model with hardwood finish.
Mini-14/20GB - Bayonet fittings and flash suppressor; Stainless steel finish; bayonet lug; flash suppressor.
AC-556 - Militarized/police version of base Mini-14; selective-fire functionality.
Ranch Rifle - Integral scope
Mini-30 - 7.62x39mm chambering
Target Model - Model of 2007; 22" long cold-hammer forged heavy barrel; wood or synthetic stock available.
Tactical Rifle - Model of 2009; 16.12" barrel with flash suppressor; Picatinny accessories rail; collapsible or fixed stock options; various chamberings marketed.
NRA Model - Limited edition model of 2008; 16.12" barrel; polymer stock.
Mousqueton AMD - French government model
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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