Ruger's New Mini 14 6.8 SPC

S

SteveM

Moderator - Deceased
Just got Ruger's new Mini 14R SS chambered in 6.8 SPC. Using this to make a point about groups not to bash the Mini.

This 5-shot group was shot at 100 yds with Hornady 110gr VM factory load. It is really good for a Mini! If one took this group as an example, it could be said that this out of the box Mini 14 shoots very well. Correct?

MVC-001F-1.jpg



The following target is an example believing something that will not be true when you do further testing to see what average groups can be. Several loads were tested and the 110 VM showed the most promise for great accuracy. However, the next day further testing showed the decent group shot the day before was just a fluke! The following 2 5-shot groups are in no way close to the one shot the day before. Note the first shot from the mag is 5 to 6 inches low and left. Note the first shot at the edge of the lower left of the target. Next 4 all over. Target on the right showed the same thing. The single shot with the arrow drawn to it was one shot left from the box of 20. Point of aim was at the center diamond. This was the first shot chambered from the mag.

MVC-002F-1.jpg


Out of the box accuracy of the Mini in 6.8 SPC was not good at all using 4 different factory loads.
 
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It seems almost too bad to be true.
What do you think is wrong ?
Barrel/Chamber ?
Sight/Scope ?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
Thanks.
PC
 
What's wrong with it? Design.

Do a search for mini 14 here, a google search, whatever. They are not known as accurate firearms. Because of the design it's a very difficult action to stabilize in the stock, and doesn't lend itself to accurizing. It can be done (and a few other tricks as well), but it's pretty expensive.

If you ever find one that is accurate....cherish it. It's one in a thousand (or more).
 
Whats more interesting is how it strings up and to the right?

Where both groups in the bottom pic shot from a cold bore? I had a rifle that done that once, the sling swivel stud was pushing up on the barrel, it used to string up but all over the place. Yours looks like it goes to the right?
 
Too bad, that's a great chambering. Shame to see it so poorly utilized.

Oh well, thanks to Mr. Stoner, we have a platform that can actually deliver those rounds where we'd like them sent.
 
No these were from a barrel not too hot with your hand. They are as close as I can get them to conditions being the same. Very little wind as well.
 
Steve, I will let you know what they say.

RR, I would not put a Mini 14 in the same class as a M14 or M1 as they are not the same type design but I understand what you are saying.

This system shows potential but it appears that Ruger has not figured out what to do with it.
 
I had a mini-14 in .223 (stainless and synthetic stock) and it never did group very well. Took a lot of coyotes with it at close range but was never satisfied. I'm using an AR style 223 rifle now and do better but for long range shooting it is hard to beat a bolt action. Frankly for a fast repeater for calling, I'd just as soon use a Marlin or Browning lever action. Accuracy has always been good, superior to semi-autos and, depending on the trigger, comparable to a bolt action. Repeat shots are fast as well. I guess I'm a lever action guy at heart. But I'm not interested in ever owning another Ruger Mini or Ranch Rifle.
 
Careful IBgunner with your statement that a Marlin or Browning lever action has an accuracy superior to Semi-autos. I have at least two AR's that would make a liar out of you. I bet quite a few guys here will say the same thing. I have also met a few Browning BAR's and Benelli r1's that would also make a liar out of you.

Anyone shot the 6.8 SPC that Bushmaster has put out? I have heard good things about that gun. I am also curious about the .45 Bushmaster AR as well.
 
I am VERY curious about the Bushy 450. Curious enough that I plan on owning one.

I don't think it will be any great shakes in the long range accuracy department though. It looks like it's going to be a less than 200yd anything killer. A great hard thumper for a guide type, brush type, dangerous animal, rifle. I'd like to try it on bear (after a few other things). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
Folks, lets not get too far off the subject of my post here. It is not to bash the Mini-14 but to show that one good group does not make an accurate rifle.
 
Good thread Steve. What a coincidence. I was going to buy a new stainless synthetic mini-14 in 223 this weekend. Considered the 6.8 too. Hard to find the little devils. Found a 223 in Bend, OR at Sportsman's Warehouse for $650. I debated burning up my Sunday off to got get it. (2+ hour drive one way.) Then I went to the mini-14 fan site Perfect Union. After sifting through comments from people who are big fans of the mini, I decided to hold off. Couple of these guys were getting 6-8 inch groups. Might be human error but pretty scary. lol! In a nutshell they simply said you either need to accept the fact you will have a 3-4 in shooter or pretty much need to rebuild it. I elected to hold off. I'm not trying to bash the mini either. I really like the rifle. I know they were not meant to be tackdrivers.

I think I'm going to give the Bushy .450 a whirl and wait and see if Ruger puts a little effort into fixing some of the problems with the mini. I don't want the target model. Even if they got the groups on the standard model cut in half I could probably live with that.

Anyway, good point Steve.
 
Quote:
both mine were rebarreled and bedded, trigger work done and they shoot great. if its a poor desgn, why do the m-14's, M-1's shoot so well?


Becuase they're M-14's and M-1's not Minis.
Two different animals. All the M1-A's I've shot out of the box wouild outshoot most minis I've seen with extensive work done to them.
 
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