Ruger Mini-14
| Mini-14 | |
|---|---|
The Mini-14 Government Barrel with sling | |
| Type | Assault rifle (AC-556) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1974–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Rhodesian Bush War The Troubles Militias-Comando Vermelho conflict |
| Production history | |
| Designer | L. James Sullivan, William B. Ruger |
| Designed | 1967–1973 |
| Manufacturer | Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| Produced | 1973–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.9 kg (6.4 lb) |
| Length | Model 5816: 965 mm (38.0 in) |
| Barrel length | 330–559 mm (13.0–22.0 in) |
| Cartridge | |
| Action | Gas-operated short-stroke fixed piston, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | Semi-automatic mode: 40 rounds/min Full-automatic mode (AC-556 variant): 750 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 3240 ft/s (990 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 200 yd (180 m) |
| Feed system | 5- to 30-round factory box magazine Stripper clip (Cogburn Arsenal feed guide) |
| Sights | Iron sights |
The Mini-14 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Introduced in 1973, the design was outwardly similar to the M14 rifle and is, in appearance, a scaled-down version chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, though with its own gas system design.
Since 1973, Ruger has introduced several variants, including variants chambered in both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO, the Ranch Rifle with a civilian style rear aperture sight and integral scope ring mounts on the receiver, the Mini-14 GB with a bayonet lug and flash suppressor, variants with folding stocks, stainless steel versions of the most popular variants, a target version featuring a heavyweight barrel and barrel tuner, the Mini Thirty, which is chambered for 7.62×39mm, as well as variants chambered in 6.8mm Remington SPC and .300 AAC Blackout. The rifle is currently used by military personnel, law enforcement and corrections personnel, and civilians in the United States and around the world.