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Mini-14 rifle was developed in early 1970s and introduced near 1974. To speak simply, Mini-14 is M-14 "clone", scaled down to use then-new 5.56mm / .223 Rem cartridge.
Mini-14 is somewhat similar in design to M1 Garand and M-14 rifles, utilizing same gas action with underbarrel gas piston, rotating bolt, positive safety with safety switch located at the forward part of the triggerguard. Mini-14s initially were manufactured in both semi-auto only "civilian" versions and in select-fire "military" versions, featuring flash hider and bayonet mounts. However, these "military" rifles weren`t adopted by any military, and were used to some extent by some Police departments and Law Enforcement agencies across the USA. Those select-fire versions, known as AC-556 or Mini-14GB, were manufactured with one piece wooden stock or with pistol grip and side-folding metal buttstock.
In 1987, Ruger developed Mini-30 version of the semi-auto Mini-14, chambered in 7.62x39mm Russian cartridge.
All Mini-14s and Mini-30s are known as reliable rifles, but accuracy is inferior, compared to M16/AR-15 series.
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Weapontype:
Automatic Rifle
Manufacturer:
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Lacey Place, Southport, CT 06890, Telephone: 203-259-7843, Fax: 203-256-3367
Operation:
Gas operated, rotating bolt
Cartridge:
5.56x45 mm NATO (.223 Remington) (mini-14), 7.62x39mm (mini-30)
Weight:
3.06 kg
Length:
943 mm
Barrel:
470 mm
Magazine Capacity:
5, 10, 20, 30, 35, 40 or 90
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