‘Gun Types’
The scout rifle is a general purpose concept employing several key features:
- A forward mounted fixed power scope usually in the 2x-4x range (a lot of debate here).
- Possess’ a bolt action
- Has a magazine feed
- Has a shooting sling attached
The Ruger Mini-14 is a popular and reliable semi-automatic carbine chambered to shoot .223 Remington or 5.56×45mm NATO. The design shows influences from the Garand and M-14, particularly with its rotating bolt and trigger/safety setup. The action is driven by a gas piston system with a fixed-piston and moving gas cylinder. Ammunition is fed via a box magazine similar to the AR-15/M-16’s (although not quite interchangeable). Factory magazines for civilians have a capacity of 5 rounds although 3rd party magazines have capacities of 10, 20, 30 or more rounds. Higher capacity factory magazines have been made available to law enforcement.
Variations have been made on the Mini-14 in chamberings (7.62×39mm and 6.8mm Rem. SPC) and even a target version in .223 has been produced. Next, are the latest specifications of the traditional ranch rifle.
Specs
Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, 580 Series
Caliber: .223 Rem
Capacity: 5-40 round magazines*
Finishes: Blued/Matte Stainless (aka All-Weather)
Stocks: Hardwood/Synthetic
Barrel Length: 18 1/2″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:9″ RH
Overall Length: 37 1/4″
Weight: 6 3/4 lbs
Front Sight(s): Protected Blade
Rear Sight(s): Ghost Ring Adjustable Aperture
* For civilians, Ruger only supplies 5 round magazines. Aftermarket magazines of higher capacity are available.
Reviews
- 580 Series Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Review
- J. Dewey Muzzle Guide Review
- ProMag 20 Round Steel Magazine Review
- Gunblast.com Review
- AR-15 vs. Mini-14
- Rifle Shooter Review
Off-site Links
- Manufacturer Sturm Ruger
- Mini-14 Manual
- Ruger Website
Forums
Parts/Accessories
A Revolver made by Ruger firing .357 Magnum or .38 Special rounds with a 6 shot capacity.
Reviews
A Revolver is a multishot firearm generally described as “old school” these days. See the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolver Wikipedia entry.
Disclaimer: There’s always a case where you can find a counter argument to the below. Which is why I use the word “generally” instead of “always”.
Revolver Pros:
- Generally considered to be less likely to jam.
- Generally considered much easier to learn, load, and use than an auto.
- Probably easier to operate, especially compared to working the slide on a Semi-automatic Pistol.
- Probably easier to clean, with overall less parts to worry about.
Revolver Cons:
- Generally much slower to reload than a Automatic Pistol. Yes Speed Loaders are faster than doing it “by hand”, but a magazine is still quicker.
- Generally different cartridges are available for revolvers than Automatic Pistol.
- Generally much lower cartridge capacity (6-8) vs (6-19 or even as high as 33) in varying configurations of the Automatic Pistol.
