NCLEO89

Neither the Mini 14 nor the Mini 30 are offered in .308. The Mini 30 comes in 7.62x39. Back in the 1980s, Ruger did look at offering this rifle in .308, and even made a prototype or two, but it never really came about.

nortatoga

I have a Mini 14 in 6.8SPC Ruger made it afew years ago!

Sr40ken

No they don't in my Mini's case. 1 moa and less here.

Sr40ken

To the OP, in the Mini 14s case it's 5.56/.223. External diminsions are the same. SOME military cases are thicker which are of no concern unless you reload.

MZ5

Although probably only of academic interest at this point in this thread, I thought I'd offer that:

Caliber is a reference to bore or bullet diameter (there's more to it, but this will suffice here ),
Chambering is the cartridge the gun is built to fire (such as 223 Remington, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, etc).

The Mini (not separating the 14 from the 30) has, AFAIK, been made in 4 calibers over time: .22, .27 (6.8), .30, and .31 (two different bore diameters at different times for the 7.62x39 chambering).

I'm aware of it being or having been offered in 4 chamberings as well: 223 Rem, 223 Rem/5.56x45 (suitable for either cartridge), 6.8 SPC, and 7.62x39.

I don't exactly see the Mini as 'defensive,' except in fantasyland or a paramilitary context, but for general hunting any of the chamberings would work acceptably. For offensive assault work against people, I'd probably take the 6.8 SPC, but I have no intention of engaging therein.

Sr40ken

A lot of people in fantasyland I would say.

Lee D

why would you say that? i guess i dont understand your statement

Sr40ken

see post #20, which I will gladly say incriminates me.

Lee D

i do agree with #20 to an extent. i dont think the "mini" is designed as a defensive weapon...
i hunt with my older blued ranch rifle, as do many others obviously, but it is based on a battle rifle design, so i do think it would serve well in a pinch.

Sr40ken

It's all symantics. The Mini is undeniably based off of the Garand action which is one of the most successful military firearms of all time. Call it what you want, there is a reason they market the Mini and have "tactical" versions, which mine is one of.
A friggin stick is a great defensive weapon if used properly.

Lee D

LOL..agreed, but if your down to defending yourself with a stick your gameplan failed

and yes i realize the mini is now marketed as a tactical rifle, alotta things have changed since Mr. Ruger passed away.
like i said, it would work in a pinch, and would be a sensable choice, i just dont believe it was originally designed as a defensive carbine.

heck, i have one that is set up for home defense, look at the pic i posted in the HD thread.

TMB

The more I think about it the more I think the 223 would be a better SD/ Survival caliber in the Mini because you could use varment bullets to keep from over penetration & heavier soft points for hunting.

NY Ruger

are you looking for SD as in home defense,
or something like a truck or field carbine for protection when away from the house ?

Looking for against 2 legged or 4 legged animals , or both, if in the field ?

ArisinWind

Finally, someone who knows what they are talking about.

Sr40ken

lordy, lordy