This is a custom tactical Ruger Mini-14. It was purchased new in California.
This is the Ruger Mini-14 (197 series) Ranch Rifle, chambered in .223 Remington. Since this model is no longer being produced, and used examples have dropped in price, it is an affordable alternative to the AR-15. The current production Ruger Mini-14s (580 series) offer the upgraded 5/8” hammer-forged barrel, new tooling, “ghost ring” adjustable rear aperture sight, and a protected post front sight. Unfortunately, the new price point makes it unattractive to those that simply prefer a similarly priced AR-15. Fortunately, a nice used Ranch Rifle, with integrated scope bases and the older straight-profile 9/16″ barrel (like the one reviewed here) can be significantly cheaper, and the small (though beneficial) improvements in the new rifles may not justify the cost for some. This particular rifle was purchased new in California by the owner for use as a suitable multi-purpose carbine that conforms to California’s needlessly complex and arbitrary gun laws (while allowing detachable magazines). It uses a reliable and proven Garand-based action. The owner of this gun modified it to fit his own requirements. This necessitated some simple, over-the-counter modifications that anyone can do in their own home to their own gun. Modifications to this custom Ruger include:
Specter Gear CQB 3-Point Sling w/ERB release
Specter Gear Buttstock Magazine Pouch
Hogue OverMolded Stock
Accu-strut Barrel Strut
Accuracy Systems Inc. M1A-Style Rear Sight
Ultimak Scout Mount Accessory Rail
Vltor Off-Set Scout Mount
Surefire G2 LED
Primary Arms Micro Dot (Gen 7) With Fixed Base
The modifications work together to create an extremely versatile carbine. The Primary Arms Micro Dot mounts low enough to (roughly) lower third co-witness with the iron sights. The Vltor Off-Set Scout Mount is very low profile. The small amount of obstruction it creates in the operator’s vision is largely unnoticeable. The Ultimak Scout Mount Accessory Rail extends all the way to the end of the gas block, creating enough rail estate to fit the optic and weapon light.
Photos copyright savethegun.
I am looking all over for a mini14 chambered in 6.8 but the only ones i have found are stainless steel finish…any thoughts on where i can find all black?
I don’t think it is available in any finish other than stainless (in 6.8mm Rem SPC), but I could be wrong.
Great work on this. Looks fantastic.
That is one gorgeus looking rifle. I have an older mini 14, stainless steel, I have been looking into doing some affordable upgrades also, I like the Hogue over mold stock. I’ve been contemplating going with the gillie green and a bar-har and replacing the gas block, just to offset the S.S. reciever. The Ultimak rail is awsome, i haven’t seen one of those, I was leaning towards another after market rail. I’d like a flash suppresor, to lengthen the barrel profile so it looks more like the M-14, but I don’t think its cool to do in California. You can only say that these are pre-ban mods for so many times before getting unwanted attention. That’s a beauty, for sure, thats what my rifle wants to be when she finally grows up. With X-mass around the corner, well lets just say it’s been along time since I’ve been notty and not nice.
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