Sturm Ruger & Co. introduced Ruger Mini-14 Carbine in 1973, a lightweight weapon using the well-proven M1 Garand gas operation system and rotating bolt allied to the .223 cartridge. As might be imagined, such a useful combination of reliability and lightweight, allied to a modern service cartridge, attracted several military and paramilitary forces to the extent that Sturm Ruger has developed some specific variants of the Ruger Mini-14 for use by such agencies.
Introduction
Introduced in 1973 by Sturm, Ruger & Co., the Mini-14 resembles a smaller version of the military M14 rifle. It was designed by L. James Sullivan and William B. Ruger and incorporated numerous innovations and cost-saving engineering changes. The Mini-14 rifle has an investment-cast, heat-treated receiver and is mechanically similar to the M1 rifle, with a self-cleaning, fixed-piston gas system.
Variants
Civilian models
- Ranch Rifle,
- Target Rifle,
- Tactical Rifle,
- Mini Thirty (Ruger Mini-30),
- Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle (Mini-30 Tactical Rifle)
Government models
- Mini 14/20GB,
- AC-556,
- AC-556K,
- Mosqueton A.M.D
We expect readers to be less familiar with these models, so we append some notes on them.
Ruger Mini-14/20GB
The Ruger Mini-14/20GB converts the standard Ruger Mini-14 to meet general military standards. The front sight is protected, moved back on the barrel, and incorporates a bayonet lug; a flash hider is on the muzzle, and the handguard is of heat-resistant glass-fiber reinforced plastic material. The flash hides are shaped to function as a grenade launching spigot. In other respects and general dimensions and weight, the Infantry Rifle version is the same as the commercial Ruger Mini-14 and is available in blued steel or stainless steel.
Ruger AC-556
The Ruger AC-556 Selective Fire Weapon resembles the Mini-14/20GB Infantry Rifle. Still, it incorporates modifications to the trigger mechanism to permit the firing of single shots, three-round bursts, or full-automatic fire.
Ruger AC-556K
The Ruger AC-556K Selective Fire Weapons is the Ruger AC-556 modified to have a steel folding stock, a pistol grip, and a shorter (16.7in or 425mm) barrel. Due to the added weight of the stock, the complete weapon now weighs 6.9 lbs (3.15 kg). It is a particularly compact model suited to airborne or armored troops. These models are only for sale to law enforcement agencies or governments.
Technical specifications
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Manufacturer: | Sturm Ruger & Co., Southport, CT 06490, United States |
| Type: | gas-operated, semi-auto, or selective fire |
| Caliber: | .223 (5.56mm) |
| Barrel: | 18.5 in (470 mm) |
| Weight: | 6.39 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| Magazine capacity: | 5, 10, 20, or 30 rounds |
| Cyclic rate of fire: | 750 rounds per minute (AC556 and AC556K only) |
I have min 14 stainless with a folding stock 223 cal
one of the best weapons ever put in the field.
The Mini-14 is obviously a HUNTING RIFLE for SPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, since it comes with a wooden stock and will fire .223 Remington ammunition! It is not to be compared to the AR-style EVIL ASSAULT WEAPONS, which come with a black stock and will fire 5.56 mm ammunition! ;<)
I was told the Mini-14 was added to most Police/Sheriff arsenals, I believe this great rifle could be the only rifle in Police/Sheriff arsenals! It suits it’s part!