I own a Ruger Mini-14 (.223) that I bought new about 10-12 years ago, just because I liked the way it looked. I have probably fired less than 100 rounds through it, just plinking, but it sorta serves as a SHTF rifle for me. I had always heard a lot of Mini-14 bashing, mainly because of a lack of inherent accuracy. This never bothered me much, because I had no intention of trying to drive tacks with it.
Question #1: Can anyone tell me what other problems a Mini-14 of this vintage might exist?
Question #2: What distinguishes a Mini-14 "Ranch" from a standard Mini-14?
Question #3: From what I understand, Ruger at some point improved things with the Mini-14. When did this occur, and what changes did they make to make it a better rifle? From what I have been told, you can tell the new ones visually by the M-1 Carbine type front sight, as opposed to the large blade on the older ones.
Thanks,
Pete
Question #1: Can anyone tell me what other problems a Mini-14 of this vintage might exist?
Question #2: What distinguishes a Mini-14 "Ranch" from a standard Mini-14?
Question #3: From what I understand, Ruger at some point improved things with the Mini-14. When did this occur, and what changes did they make to make it a better rifle? From what I have been told, you can tell the new ones visually by the M-1 Carbine type front sight, as opposed to the large blade on the older ones.
Thanks,
Pete