Mini 14 400yds PICTURES!!!!!!!!!

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 01:08 PM

Well now you can all close your Eyes and "pretend" its not true. But it is

25rds were fired in 45seconds and I put two off paper right above the head of the target. I didn't pass the 45 seconds 30rd test but I know I'll do it with a little more practice. Not bad for a POS rifle that can't hit the broad side of a barn past 100yds.

I'm not an AR hater but I came to the same conclusions Denny did in the lastest Issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine. The gun he shot is the EXACT same Mini I have.

If you guys still want me to trade this thing in for an AR, I'll take cash donations to think about it

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 01:11 PM

400yd picture

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 01:20 PM

Here's My $450 POS Rifle

Sundance · February 3, 2002, 01:26 PM

Hey...like that flash hider...

Where did you get it? Does it have a new post front sight with protective wings instead of the blade on the stock rifle? Is it hard to install...describe the process. Does the finish match up with the rifle?

Abominable No-Man · February 3, 2002, 01:43 PM

I LIKE IT!

I recently bought an AR, and a few months back I came to the
conclusion that the M-16 and it's kind aren't as bad as I always
thought (I know, I know, but I was brought up on wood and
steel rifles- Garands, P1917 U.S. Enfield, Carbine, early Mini-14,
etc- that's what my old man had), but when my initial fervor died
down, I'm still convinced that there are better weapons than the
AR. Looks like I'll have to pick up the new S.W.A.T. issue......

BTW, I'll second the flash hider questions.....fill us in, hey?

ANM

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 02:00 PM

I got it threw Bushmaster of all places LOL! I don't think it made a difference in accuracy or anything. I just thought it looked cool. I think they sell them at www.deltaforce.com now.

Oh and I used 55gr American Eagle ammo THE WORST stuff in My ammo can. I shot off a bench, so its more of a test of the gun, than the shooter.

I haven't tried any of My reloads past 200yds so i don't know what kind of Groups I would have gotten that far out. I sited it in at 200yds, and just clicked 5MOA down on the scope, and it was dead on.

Its not hard to install. You will have to do some drilling to mount it properly. It does have a sight post on the front of it. And it did purfectly match up with the Rifle.

Blue Duck357 · February 3, 2002, 02:27 PM

Hey Soda, since were on the Mini-14 and you seem to be doing pretty well with yours

Do you know what the twist is in the mini 14 and if it's fast enough to stabilize the current millitary surplus rounds (SS-109?)

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 02:34 PM

After I shoot up all the American Eagle ammo I got a few years ago, I'll only be firing what I reload. I only reload IMI bullets out of My 1-9 twist Mini 14. When I first started Reloading, I only shot the 62gr bullets, and got down to 2MOA with them. Since I got a Dillon 550B a few months ago, My 55gr M193 clone loads were under 2MOA.

So to answer your question.....

I found consistant Powder charges made more of a difference than Bullet weights. I'm willing to bet the 62gr and 69gr bullets I reload, would hold up better in the wind, but thats about it.

Blue Duck357 · February 3, 2002, 02:51 PM

Thanks for the information!

Gewehr98 · February 3, 2002, 04:59 PM

but weren't you supposed to connect with the silhouetted image on the paper?

Just worked with a fellow range officer today on his stainless Mini-30. We were somewhat startled how much better it grouped with handloads. The stainless muzzle brake/flash-hider helped a good bit, too. One thing we did notice, however, was that the first round out of the magazine ALWAYS went to a different position on the target, compared to it's following rounds. I attributed it to the manual closing of the bolt, compared to the autoloading of the rest of the rounds. Weird.

Ewok_Guy · February 3, 2002, 05:04 PM

ROTFLMAO!!!!!

nascarnhlnra · February 3, 2002, 05:30 PM

Great work Sodapop. I recently bought a new synthetic/SS/Ranch model myself and love it!I have only used a few different factory loads so far and prefer the 55 grain American Eagle ammo over the PMP African stuff.I don't load my own yet.

DesertRat · February 3, 2002, 06:05 PM

Soadpop,

I've been following your posts regarding your Mini-14 and the purported lack of accuracy as perceived by some people. I know that several AR guys are stating that the Mini is a POS, but I disagree and I OWN both.

I've owned a Mini-14 for about 10 years now, a SS Ranch. I have sucessfully hunted Coyotes (iron sighted) out beyond 250 yards. Granted these carbines aren't designed to hit a coyote sized animal out to that distance, but it is possible.

The groups you evidenced in your pic does not surprise me at all. As for my mini it has NEVER jammed and it is accurate enough for what it is. For those who have owned a hopelessly inaccurate Mini, perhaps they got a bad example or quite possibly they are a shi*ty shot anyway. :barf:

As for my Bushmaster AR-15, I'll bet $$$ that it can't take as much abuse (getting dropped on rocks, tossed around, etc.) as a Mini-14. Personally, I appreciate both.

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 06:08 PM

What kind of Bullets did you use for Coyotes? What bullet weights?

DesertRat · February 3, 2002, 06:26 PM

Sodapop,

I've used UMC 55gr FMJ almost exclusively for hunting coyotes. I've not experimented much with HPs, SPs, etc. with the .223 as I think the 55gr FMJ works just fine and UMC seems to be the brand most common in my neck of the woods.

You know, shortly before I bought my AR I joined AR-15.com and noticed that SOME of the guys over there are always fretting over what changes they can make to their rifles, what ammo is better than the next, lights, lazers, all manner of various mounts, etc. They sorta seem like the mall ninja types. You know the guys who never go to the field much, but rather just polish their ARs and hang tuff in front of the mirror. Don't get me wrong, hobbies are great, but I think some of those types think the AR is the epitome of perfection. Three words: ARs AREN'T PERFECT.

The point of all of this is that I posted a reply to one of their threads where they were arging the battlefield effectiveness of the 5.56x45 (as they must refer to it). Seems some Blackhawk Down SF's Veteran complained about the .223 not working too great. Anyway, would you believe it. Not one of the dozens of posts cited real world use of their ARs to kill anything. I posted a response regarding the use of my Mini on Coyotes perhaps you might like to read.

Dangus · February 3, 2002, 06:31 PM

On the other hand, when you buy an AR, chances are you aren't supporting treasonous scum....

DesertRat · February 3, 2002, 06:37 PM

Dangus,

Point taken.

I too have no great love of Bill Ruger's PC activities. Thus, I have not purchased ANY of Ruger's products in 10 years.

DR

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 07:13 PM

I don't have a Digital Camera which is part of the reason I rushed to get all this stuff done last sunday when all the Other TFLer's were around. DonQatu do you have a Digital Camera? I could shoot up a bunch of targets and mail them back to you. I still have your address on the tube you sent me. I can sandbag the gun and send you the targets. I know I can hit Clays at 200yds with My gun so I don't understand why a Mini 14 that shoots 2-4MOA with a .223 round isn't going to shoot 2-4MOA at 400yds? Why would a Mini 14's MOA not hold up at 400yds and an AR's would stay the same?

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 07:22 PM

Don all the bullets are within 16inchs on that target except the two that are off paper by the head. Obviously bad shots. I have another target I shot at a few weeks ago and all the rounds are under 15 inches. I just took a few pictures with My camera and I'll take it down to the 1hr photo development. If it turns out clear I'll try and scan it and post it tonight or tomorrow. Its 20rds on paper untimed.

C.R.Sam · February 3, 2002, 08:02 PM

What's with the scope ?

Cheatin ?

Sam

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 08:27 PM

It's a Ranch Model C.R.Sam.

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 09:30 PM

Down Boy!!!

Well I think your getting a little carried away here Mister. Let's also not forget I ran 400yds downrange and ran back and had only 1 attempt under the clock. The gun put all of the rounds way down in the body and just a few in the head. My POA was right in the Center of the body. All the rounds are right in there with a few straight above it. Let's not forget this was done in 45seconds and not from a sandbag or vice. When the gun barrel heats up its not going to just spread vertically

Why don't I have any outside the body to the left or the right?

Marcus · February 3, 2002, 09:58 PM

I`ll go to bat for Soda here. I was at the TFL shoot where he shot those groups. In the time I walked to the 100yd. range to check my targets and walked back to the bench he RAN to the 400yd. and RAN all the way back again then shot the groups in question quickly because the range was closing in like 2mins.! If I`d done that I would have been wheezing on the bench trying to catch my breath yet.

Marcus

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 10:04 PM

Actually I've been meaning to ask you about your experiences with them.

I'll do some more testing. I'm curious to find out about that because I have seen unexplained zingers at 100yds but it always evened out. After 3rds under 2MOA with the American Eagle then usually a zinger. Then it spread to 3MOA. I'll try and sandbag My gun and fire 100rds in a fairly short period of time and see what happens.

I know that I had a few loose rounds when I was under the clock. I don't have steady hands but I know where the bullets went when I pull the trigger.

Jamie Young · February 3, 2002, 10:07 PM

Yeah tell 'em Marcus

Yeah this was more of a Decathalon. Maybe it will snow next time and I can Ski down range. We did eventually get kicked off the range. They were a little mean about that.

February 3, 2002, 01:08 PM	#1
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Mini 14 400yds PICTURES!!!!!!!!! Well now you can all close your Eyes and "pretend" its not true. But it is 25rds were fired in 45seconds and I put two off paper right above the head of the target. I didn't pass the 45 seconds 30rd test but I know I'll do it with a little more practice. Not bad for a POS rifle that can't hit the broad side of a barn past 100yds. I'm not an AR hater but I came to the same conclusions Denny did in the lastest Issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine. The gun he shot is the EXACT same Mini I have. If you guys still want me to trade this thing in for an AR, I'll take cash donations to think about it __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!! Last edited by Jamie Young; February 3, 2002 at 02:57 PM.

February 3, 2002, 01:26 PM	#4
Sundance Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Posts: 836	Flash hider Hey...like that flash hider... Where did you get it? Does it have a new post front sight with protective wings instead of the blade on the stock rifle? Is it hard to install...describe the process. Does the finish match up with the rifle?

February 3, 2002, 02:00 PM	#6
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	I got it threw Bushmaster of all places LOL! I don't think it made a difference in accuracy or anything. I just thought it looked cool. I think they sell them at www.deltaforce.com now. Oh and I used 55gr American Eagle ammo THE WORST stuff in My ammo can. I shot off a bench, so its more of a test of the gun, than the shooter. I haven't tried any of My reloads past 200yds so i don't know what kind of Groups I would have gotten that far out. I sited it in at 200yds, and just clicked 5MOA down on the scope, and it was dead on. Its not hard to install. You will have to do some drilling to mount it properly. It does have a sight post on the front of it. And it did purfectly match up with the Rifle. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 02:34 PM	#8
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	After I shoot up all the American Eagle ammo I got a few years ago, I'll only be firing what I reload. I only reload IMI bullets out of My 1-9 twist Mini 14. When I first started Reloading, I only shot the 62gr bullets, and got down to 2MOA with them. Since I got a Dillon 550B a few months ago, My 55gr M193 clone loads were under 2MOA. So to answer your question..... I found consistant Powder charges made more of a difference than Bullet weights. I'm willing to bet the 62gr and 69gr bullets I reload, would hold up better in the wind, but thats about it. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 04:59 PM	#10
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	Umm, nice group on the edge of the paper but weren't you supposed to connect with the silhouetted image on the paper? Just worked with a fellow range officer today on his stainless Mini-30. We were somewhat startled how much better it grouped with handloads. The stainless muzzle brake/flash-hider helped a good bit, too. One thing we did notice, however, was that the first round out of the magazine ALWAYS went to a different position on the target, compared to it's following rounds. I attributed it to the manual closing of the bolt, compared to the autoloading of the rest of the rounds. Weird. __________________ "Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round... Neural Misfires

February 3, 2002, 01:43 PM	#5
Abominable No-Man Senior Member Join Date: August 15, 2001 Location: Over here. Posts: 246	I LIKE IT! I recently bought an AR, and a few months back I came to the conclusion that the M-16 and it's kind aren't as bad as I always thought (I know, I know, but I was brought up on wood and steel rifles- Garands, P1917 U.S. Enfield, Carbine, early Mini-14, etc- that's what my old man had), but when my initial fervor died down, I'm still convinced that there are better weapons than the AR. Looks like I'll have to pick up the new S.W.A.T. issue...... BTW, I'll second the flash hider questions.....fill us in, hey? ANM

February 3, 2002, 02:27 PM	#7
Blue Duck357 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2000 Posts: 1,460	Hey Soda, since were on the Mini-14 and you seem to be doing pretty well with yours Do you know what the twist is in the mini 14 and if it's fast enough to stabilize the current millitary surplus rounds (SS-109?)

February 3, 2002, 02:51 PM	#9
Blue Duck357 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2000 Posts: 1,460	Thanks for the information!

February 3, 2002, 05:04 PM	#11
Ewok_Guy Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2001 Location: Endor Posts: 1,664	ROTFLMAO!!!!! __________________ "Death and honor are thought to be the same, but today I have learned that sometimes they are not." --------------------- " I like big fat men like you. When they fall they make more noise! ...and sometimes they never get up." -Tuco Benedicto Pacifico Juan Maria Ramirez

February 3, 2002, 05:30 PM	#12
nascarnhlnra Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2002 Location: THE DEEP SOUTH USA Posts: 531	Great work Sodapop. I recently bought a new synthetic/SS/Ranch model myself and love it!I have only used a few different factory loads so far and prefer the 55 grain American Eagle ammo over the PMP African stuff.I don't load my own yet. __________________ The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house faster than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !

February 3, 2002, 06:05 PM	#13
DesertRat Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 1999 Posts: 118	Soadpop, I've been following your posts regarding your Mini-14 and the purported lack of accuracy as perceived by some people. I know that several AR guys are stating that the Mini is a POS, but I disagree and I OWN both. I've owned a Mini-14 for about 10 years now, a SS Ranch. I have sucessfully hunted Coyotes (iron sighted) out beyond 250 yards. Granted these carbines aren't designed to hit a coyote sized animal out to that distance, but it is possible. The groups you evidenced in your pic does not surprise me at all. As for my mini it has NEVER jammed and it is accurate enough for what it is. For those who have owned a hopelessly inaccurate Mini, perhaps they got a bad example or quite possibly they are a shi*ty shot anyway. :barf: As for my Bushmaster AR-15, I'll bet $$$ that it can't take as much abuse (getting dropped on rocks, tossed around, etc.) as a Mini-14. Personally, I appreciate both.

February 3, 2002, 06:08 PM	#14
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	What kind of Bullets did you use for Coyotes? What bullet weights? __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 06:26 PM	#15
DesertRat Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 1999 Posts: 118	Sodapop, I've used UMC 55gr FMJ almost exclusively for hunting coyotes. I've not experimented much with HPs, SPs, etc. with the .223 as I think the 55gr FMJ works just fine and UMC seems to be the brand most common in my neck of the woods. You know, shortly before I bought my AR I joined AR-15.com and noticed that SOME of the guys over there are always fretting over what changes they can make to their rifles, what ammo is better than the next, lights, lazers, all manner of various mounts, etc. They sorta seem like the mall ninja types. You know the guys who never go to the field much, but rather just polish their ARs and hang tuff in front of the mirror. Don't get me wrong, hobbies are great, but I think some of those types think the AR is the epitome of perfection. Three words: ARs AREN'T PERFECT. The point of all of this is that I posted a reply to one of their threads where they were arging the battlefield effectiveness of the 5.56x45 (as they must refer to it). Seems some Blackhawk Down SF's Veteran complained about the .223 not working too great. Anyway, would you believe it. Not one of the dozens of posts cited real world use of their ARs to kill anything. I posted a response regarding the use of my Mini on Coyotes perhaps you might like to read.

February 3, 2002, 06:31 PM	#16
Dangus Senior Member Join Date: July 4, 2000 Location: IA Posts: 1,907	On the other hand, when you buy an AR, chances are you aren't supporting treasonous scum.... __________________ Help Fight Cancer I twist the facts until they tell the truth. -Some intellectual sadist "Washington didn't use his right to free speech to defeat the British, he shot them."

February 3, 2002, 06:37 PM	#17
DesertRat Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 1999 Posts: 118	Dangus, Point taken. I too have no great love of Bill Ruger's PC activities. Thus, I have not purchased ANY of Ruger's products in 10 years. DR

February 3, 2002, 07:13 PM	#18
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	I don't have a Digital Camera which is part of the reason I rushed to get all this stuff done last sunday when all the Other TFLer's were around. DonQatu do you have a Digital Camera? I could shoot up a bunch of targets and mail them back to you. I still have your address on the tube you sent me. I can sandbag the gun and send you the targets. I know I can hit Clays at 200yds with My gun so I don't understand why a Mini 14 that shoots 2-4MOA with a .223 round isn't going to shoot 2-4MOA at 400yds? Why would a Mini 14's MOA not hold up at 400yds and an AR's would stay the same? __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 07:22 PM	#19
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Don all the bullets are within 16inchs on that target except the two that are off paper by the head. Obviously bad shots. I have another target I shot at a few weeks ago and all the rounds are under 15 inches. I just took a few pictures with My camera and I'll take it down to the 1hr photo development. If it turns out clear I'll try and scan it and post it tonight or tomorrow. Its 20rds on paper untimed. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 08:02 PM	#20
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	What's with the scope ? Cheatin ? Sam

February 3, 2002, 08:27 PM	#21
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	It's a Ranch Model C.R.Sam. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 09:30 PM	#22
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Down Boy!!! Well I think your getting a little carried away here Mister. Let's also not forget I ran 400yds downrange and ran back and had only 1 attempt under the clock. The gun put all of the rounds way down in the body and just a few in the head. My POA was right in the Center of the body. All the rounds are right in there with a few straight above it. Let's not forget this was done in 45seconds and not from a sandbag or vice. When the gun barrel heats up its not going to just spread vertically Why don't I have any outside the body to the left or the right? __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 09:58 PM	#23
Marcus Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 1998 Posts: 1,156	I`ll go to bat for Soda here. I was at the TFL shoot where he shot those groups. In the time I walked to the 100yd. range to check my targets and walked back to the bench he RAN to the 400yd. and RAN all the way back again then shot the groups in question quickly because the range was closing in like 2mins.! If I`d done that I would have been wheezing on the bench trying to catch my breath yet. Marcus

February 3, 2002, 10:04 PM	#24
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Actually I've been meaning to ask you about your experiences with them. I'll do some more testing. I'm curious to find out about that because I have seen unexplained zingers at 100yds but it always evened out. After 3rds under 2MOA with the American Eagle then usually a zinger. Then it spread to 3MOA. I'll try and sandbag My gun and fire 100rds in a fairly short period of time and see what happens. I know that I had a few loose rounds when I was under the clock. I don't have steady hands but I know where the bullets went when I pull the trigger. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

February 3, 2002, 10:07 PM	#25
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Yeah tell 'em Marcus Yeah this was more of a Decathalon. Maybe it will snow next time and I can Ski down range. We did eventually get kicked off the range. They were a little mean about that. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!