Is the Ruger Mini-14 accurate?

This is a question that has dogged gun owners since the rifle first appeared on the market in 1973. Some say it’s got excellent accuracy, while others say it’s rubbish. Being the proud owner of a Mini-14, I wanted to find out.

Of course, to make a gun shoot straight, you need to use good quality ammo. So, for this test, I picked up a box of Nosler Trophy Grade .223 Rem -- high-quality stuff.

As a test rifle, I used my own personal 580-series Ruger Mini-14. With less than 500-rounds through the tube, it’s still fairly new, and the rifling is in excellent condition. The 580-series is Ruger’s 2007 upgrade to the original rifle design. They added a heavier, larger-diameter barrel that visibly tapers from the gas block. This, along with tighter tolerances, was meant to increase its accuracy.

Not having an official lead sled, I fashioned my own. I used a solid metal vice grip in which I fastened my Mini-14. The vice was solidly mounted to a reinforced wood table. After a few test rounds, I noticed the table moving slightly so I placed four large cinder blocks to weigh it down. Two more test rounds confirmed the table and mount were solid.

I drove two metal fence posts, each a foot into the ground, 50-yards downrange. Between them, I duct-taped a large piece of foam core. Despite a little wind, the target held rock solid. I aimed the Mini-14 at an unused part of the foam core.

Although I agree that my test is not 100 percent scientific, I did my utmost to eliminate all movement and, thus, I believe it deserves merit.

Do you think Ruger Mini-14's are accurate. Let us know in the comments.

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