Gun of the Week: Ruger Mini-14

NRA Staff

posted on June 6, 2012

Videos News Reviews Rifles Semi-Auto Rifles NRA Gun of the Week

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Ruger’s Mini-14 has long been one of the most popular .223-cal. rifles. Ruger used the military's M14 as a base model for the new rifle, all the while incorporating a number of cost-saving alterations and innovations. It is ideal for use on the farm or ranch, in the woods, at the range or for personal defense.

Specifications:
Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem.
Front Site: Blade
Rear Site: Adjustable
Barrel Length: 16.12” to 22”
Overall Length: 34” to 43.25”
Capacity: 5 or 20
Twist: 1:9" RH
Weight: 6.75 to 9.5 lbs.
MSRP: $881 to $1,099

For more on the Ruger Mini-14, watch this week's NRA Gun of the Week video, and for additional reading:

Five Reasons to Reconsider the Ruger Mini-14
Ruger Mini-14 Tactical 300 BLK Rifle Review
8 Things You Might Not Know About the Mini-14
Sheriff's Tips: The Handy Carbine

Latest

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Manufacturing 92

American Rifleman staff are on the range with one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, except this one has a bit of a plot twist—it is a model made overseas and imported by Heritage Manufacturing.

News, NRA Gun of the Week

The Armed Citizen® July 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Armed Citizen, News

Victory In The Air: One Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver's Story

A primary source investigation into the service history of a Smith & Wesson Victory revolver used by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

News, Historical

Firearm Industry Responds To Aid Texas Flood Victims

Only a few days after the tragedy struck, two of the firearm industry’s foremost companies were raising funds for the victims and organizations dedicated to providing support through devastating floods in Texas.

News, Extras

I Have This Old Gun: Woodward .500 Express Double Rifle

Produced by J. Woodward & Sons at the end of the 19th century, this double rifle, chambered for the .500 Express cartridge, was tailor-made for dangerous-game hunting.

News, ARTV

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger

Springfield Armory added two new pistol variants to its popular Saint AR-15 lineup, and the new models are chambered for 5.56 NATO and 9 mm Luger, respectively.

News, New For 2025