Mini-14

Summary

Country	🇺🇸 United States
Category	Assault rifle
Manufacturer	Bill Ruger

Technical specifications

Mini-14
Fire Rate	750 rounds/min.
Caliber	5.56 x 45 mm OTAN or 7,62 x 39 mm M43
Magazine	20 - 30 rounds
Length	943 mm (37.1 in)
Weight	2.9 kg (6.4 lb)
Range	400 m (1312 ft)

Description

The Mini-14 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in 1973. Designed by L. James Sullivan and William B. Ruger, its exterior styling was based on the M14 rifle, appearing as a scaled-down version. The rifle incorporated innovative and cost-saving engineering changes during its development. Early models (serial number prefixes before 181) featured a complex, exposed-bolt hold-open device, angular stocks, wooden heat shields and lacked integral scope bases. These were later redesigned. In 1982, the Ranch Rifle variant was introduced, incorporating integral scope bases on the receiver and a new folding aperture rear sight. A significant overhaul occurred in 2003, aimed at improving accuracy, updating styling, and reducing production costs. Since 2005, all rifles under the Mini-14 name have been based on the Ranch Rifle design with specific sight configurations and redesigned gas systems to reduce barrel vibration, identified by serial numbers starting with 580. Around 2007 or 2008, models received a heavier, tapered barrel to enhance accuracy potential.

The rifle features an investment-cast, heat-treated receiver and utilizes a self-cleaning, fixed-piston gas system, which was modified in 2005. Early Mini-14 rifles had a rear aperture sight with large protective wings. The Ranch Rifle introduced integral scope bases on the receiver and a folding-aperture rear sight. Later 580-series models based on the Ranch Rifle design adopted a nonfolding ghost ring aperture rear sight and a winged front sight. Accuracy improvements included barrel redesigns; 580-series Ranch Rifles were capable of approximately 2 MOA accuracy, further refined with the introduction of heavier, tapered barrels around 2007 or 2008. All Mini-14 type rifles are available in blued or stainless steel finishes with various stock materials including hardwood, synthetic, or laminated options, and are offered with either 16.12-inch or 18.5-inch barrel lengths.

Ruger has produced several variants of the Mini-14:

• The Ranch Rifle serves as a basic model, available in different finishes and stocks with an 18.5-inch barrel and adjustable sights, chambered for both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO.

• The Target Rifle, introduced in 2007, features a heavy 22-inch barrel with an adjustable harmonic tuner for enhanced accuracy and is chambered only in .223 Remington, lacking iron sights.

• The Tactical Rifle, introduced in 2009, is equipped with a shorter 16.12-inch barrel and flash suppressor, offered with standard fixed or collapsible stocks and Picatinny rails, available in .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO and .300 AAC Blackout.

• The Mini Thirty, introduced in 1987 and chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge, is available with 16.12-inch or 18.5-inch barrels and shares design and accessory compatibility with the Ranch Rifle. A Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle variant with a 16.12-inch barrel and flash suppressor was introduced in 2010.

• Government models include the Mini-14 GB, featuring options like bayonet lugs, threaded barrels, and flash suppressors, primarily marketed to law enforcement, military, and security markets.

• The AC-556 is a selective-fire version produced from 1979 to 1999 for military and law enforcement, featuring fire mode selection for semi-automatic, three-round burst, or full automatic, available with 13-inch or 18-inch barrels and a flash suppressor capable of launching rifle grenades.

  The French version of the AC-556 is known as the Mousqueton A.M.D., with variations including a tangent rear sight on the barrel. Straight-pull only variants were made for the UK market.

Ruger also produced limited models in .222 Remington and 6.8 mm Remington SPC, with the latter discontinued in 2012. A range of aftermarket accessories exists for these platforms.

The Mini-14 has seen use by various military, law enforcement, and corrections agencies worldwide. These include the Bermuda Royal Regiment (standard service rifle from 1983 until 2016), US Marines serving as embassy guards, and Delta Force. Law enforcement users include the Hong Kong Police Force Hit Team, Indonesian National Police, Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, El Salvador National Civil Police (Mini-14GB and AC-556), UAE Customs Police, and various US police agencies such as the NYPD Emergency Service Unit (primarily AC-556 with short barrels) and the Organized Crime Control Bureau. Corrections departments in Australia (New South Wales), California, North Carolina, and Nevada utilize the Mini-14, as do the Hong Kong Correctional Services. French governmental agencies within the Interior Ministry, including the Border Police, Riot Control Brigade, and GIGN special-operations unit, have used the Mousqueton A.M.D. version of the AC-556. Former users include Rhodesian security forces, the Royal Ulster Constabulary (AC-556), and the Surrey Constabulary Firearms Support Team in the UK. Non-state users, such as the Rajneeshpuram Peace Force, have also reportedly employed Mini-14s.