stargeezer

I was at our local farm supply store today and rolled through the gun dept. There in the rack was a Mini 14 Target model KMINI-14/5T5808 . I've seen pics of it but don't really know much more about it. Since it's sold as a target model I wonder just how accurate it is and does it have any quirks that I might want to know about.

If you can compare it to a regular mini 14 as far as accuracy goes, I sure be grateful. I have a couple mini 14s and know how they are, I'm just not sure if this is better.

Is that handle on the front a compensator or just a weight. Looking at it, I don't see any outlets for gasses other than the bullet tube.

Thanks!

kiwihunter

Hey Star geezer the heavy barrel target has a "harmonic barrel tuner" on the front which dampens the rifle and is adjustable in and out till you get the barrel "tuned to your ammo type etc.....yes they do work and the target minis certainly out shoot your std versions.....the down side is weight,they weigh in between 8.5 to 9.5 lbs so i guess they are more built for the range than the woods ....in saying that a friend of mine hunts regularly with his...although he does moan a little about the weight after an "extended" walk with it....but all in all i was pretty impressed with the accuracy he was getting out of it.... definitely MOA.hope this helps mate cheers KIWI.

Tacky

I have owned my target mini for a couple years, I also own a standard and a 30 as well. The mini I have will shoot sub moa at 100 yards. I tuned the barrel weight and shoot 40 grain vmax ammo in it and it repeatedly puts 5 round groups 1moa and probably closer to .75 or .5 normally from a bench. I started handloading for it and have gotten really great ammo tailored to it using the 40 grain vmax at 3800 fps. The biggest thing is once you shoot and dail up the barrel weight take the set screws out one at a time and loctite them and put them back in. Mine loosened up and shifted my point of impact 4 inches at 100. Also loctite the scope bases as well. I use the nikon bdc glass 4x12x40. It is one of the 2 most accurate rifles I have ever shot or owned and the other costed $3500, and shoots the same. It out shoots my AR's that I personally custom built. Also if your interested in them I would grab it since Ruger no longer makes that model as of present. here is mine..

Redleg

It would be interesting to have a "shoot out" between a modern 582 series Mini and the "Target" version. Supposedly one of the reasons that the "Target" version was discontinued is that the improvements in the barrel to the Ranch Rifle rendered the Target's accuracy edge to be pretty inconsequential. That Target sure looks cool.

gwnorth

?? The target models are still in production and available (check Davidson's galleryofguns).

Redleg

OK; that's not what I heard. Thank you for correcting me. Ruger's website appears to confirm that you are correct. I should have checked it.

Tacky

Well, I am surprised and glad they are resuming production, last I had heard they were discontinued, but who can keep up with all the changes in the gun market? Thanks for the headsup! Now if they would make an improved full heavy barreled version ...I mean full length .925 maybe 18 to 24 inch with a newly designed gas block capable of handling the larger profile, and a pillar bedded action, kinda like the accuracy systems rifles without the complete custom cost, threaded muzzle, and adjustable trigger would also be nice. But I would keep the stock design I have, it feels great and works even better. Just a wish!

In addition I wouldn't get rid of mine, but also buy the upgraded dream gun as it would be heavier obviously.

I know my 1988 mini 14 will not shoot with my target with an accustrut installed. It does well but not submoa.

gwnorth

To my knowledge, the mini 14 target models have been in continuous production and availability since their introduction in 2006/2007 (whenever exactly it was). I do not recall not seeing them on ruger's site in the past several years, although I am sure they do not make as many of them as they do the ranch rifles and tacticals. And their price seems to have increased more than the others as well.

There is certainly a fan base for the target models over at perfectunion.com If there is a direct comparison of a target and a new tapered barrel ranch or tactical online, it would likely be there.

You could also get a true heavy barrel from Accuracy Systems Inc (Mini 14 Accessories Ruger Rifle 30 Muzzle Brake Gas Block Compensator Steel Bedding System)