View source for Ruger Mini-14

{{Short description|Semi-automatic rifle}}

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Mini-14
| image              = Mini14GB noBG.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = The Mini-14 Government Barrel with [[Sling (firearms)|sling]]
| origin             = United States
| type               = {{plainlist|[[Semi-automatic rifle]]}}
[[Assault rifle]] (AC-556)
| is_ranged          = yes
| service            = 1974–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = [[Rhodesian Bush War]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sofmag.com/a-british-merc-soldier-of-fortune-and-a-firefight-part-one/|title=A BRITISH MERC, SOLDIER OF FORTUNE, AND A FIREFIGHT, Part One|date=30 December 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722223848/https://www.sofmag.com/a-british-merc-soldier-of-fortune-and-a-firefight-part-one/|archive-date= July 22, 2015}}</ref><br />[[The Troubles]]<br />[[Militias-Comando Vermelho conflict]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-21 |title=Weapons of Rio's crime war |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/weapons-rios-crime-war/ |access-date=2022-11-03 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306193654/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/weapons-rios-crime-war/|archive-date=March 6, 2023}}</ref>
| designer           = [[L. James Sullivan]], [[William B. Ruger]]
| design_date        = 1967–1973
| manufacturer       = [[Sturm, Ruger & Co.]]
| production_date    = 1973–present
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
| weight             = {{convert|2.9|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| length             = '''Model 5816''': {{convert|965|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-04 |title=Ruger® Mini-14® Ranch Rifle Autoloading Rifle Model 5816 |url=https://ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/specSheets/5816.html |access-date=2023-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904205033/https://ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/specSheets/5816.html |archive-date=2023-09-04 }}</ref>
| part_length        = {{convert|330|-|559|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| cartridge          = {{Plain list|
* [[.222 Remington]]
* [[.223 Remington]]
* [[.300 AAC Blackout]]
* [[5.56×45 mm NATO]]
* [[7.62×39 mm]]
* [[6.8 SPC]]
}}
| action             = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]] [[Gas-operated reloading#Short-stroke fixed|short-stroke fixed piston]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brownells.com/aspx/learn/learndetail.aspx?lid=12840|title=Upgrading the Ruger Mini-14 'The Brownells Way' |website=www.brownells.com |accessdate=2 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/ruger-mini-14-a-garand-inspired-carbine/|title=Ruger Mini-14: A Garand-Inspired Carbine|first=Guy|last=Sagi|website=American Rifleman|accessdate=2 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/review-ruger-mini-thirty-stainless-synthetic-tactical/83673|title = Review: Ruger Mini Thirty Stainless Synthetic Tactical|date = 13 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ruger.com/products/mini14/overview.html|title = Mini-14®}}</ref> [[rotating bolt]]
| rate               = Semi-automatic mode: <br/>40 rounds/min<ref name=NatInterest>[https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-ruger-mini-14-rifle-most-underappreciated-gun-planet-45607 Meet the Ruger Mini-14 Rifle: The Most Underappreciated Gun on the Planet?] on The National Interest</ref><br /> Full-automatic mode (AC-556 variant): <br/>750 rounds/min<ref name="Hogg" />
| velocity           = 3240 ft/s (990 m/s)
| range              = {{cvt|200|yd|m}}<ref name=NatInterest/>
| feed               = 5- to 30-round factory [[box magazine]]<br>Stripper clip (Cogburn Arsenal feed guide)
| sights             = [[Iron sight]]s
| ref                = 
}}

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]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brister |first=Bob |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qKZtHyO7IvAC&dq=mini+14+ranch+rifle&pg=PA22 |title=Field & Stream |date=April 1987 |publisher=[[CBS Magazines]] |pages=22 |language=en}}</ref> The rifle is currently used by military personnel, law enforcement and corrections personnel, and civilians in the United States and around the world.
{{TOC limit}}

==History and design==
[[File:RugerMini14002SMALL.jpg|thumb|Stainless steel Mini-14 Ranch Rifle with various accessories]]

Introduced in 1973 by Sturm, Ruger & Co.,<ref name="Hogg">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=teAAHt1GaE8C|title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century|last=Hogg|first=Ian|date=2000-02-10|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=978-0-87341-824-9}}</ref> the Mini-14 resembles a smaller version of the military [[M14 rifle]].<ref name="LewisCampbell2007">{{cite book|author1=Jack Lewis|author-link1=Jack Lewis (screenwriter)|author2=Robert K. Campbell|author3=David Steele|title=The Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons|date=26 September 2007|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-0-89689-498-3|pages=87–89}}</ref> Designed by [[L. James Sullivan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2001/Nov/Focus_on.htm |title=NDM Article - Focus on Basics, Urges Small Arms Designer |author=Ezell, Virginia Hart |date=November 2001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061008235229/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/issues/2001/Nov/Focus_on.htm |archive-date=October 8, 2006 }}</ref> and [[William B. Ruger]], it incorporated numerous innovations and cost-saving engineering changes. The Mini-14 rifle has an [[Investment casting|investment-cast]], [[Heat treating|heat-treated]] [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] and is mechanically similar to the [[M1 Garand|M1 rifle]] in the receiver area, but with a self-cleaning, fixed-piston gas system.<ref name="Hogg" /><ref name="guthrie">{{cite web|url=http://www.rifleshootermag.com/rifles/featured_rifles_rs_minigrowsup_200804/|title=The Mini Grows Up—Again |publisher=Rifle Shooter|author=J. Guthrie|date=23 September 2010 }}</ref>

Initial rifles were produced with a complex, exposed-bolt hold-open device with no button for manual engagement. Stocks were somewhat angular, and heat shields were made of wood. These rifles, with serial number prefixes before 181, were tooled and redesigned with a new stock, new bolt hold-open mechanism, and other small changes.<ref name="Lewis2011" />

The original Mini-14 rifle had a rear aperture [[Sight (device)|sight]] with large protective wings and no integral scope bases. In 1982, Ruger introduced the Ranch Rifle with an integral scope base on the receiver, a new folding-aperture rear sight, and factory scope rings.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Buckles |first1=Vincent |title=Ruger Mini-14 Rifle History |url=https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/ruger-mini-14-history/99158 |website=Shooting Times |access-date=2023-03-04}}</ref> 

In 1987, Ruger introduced the '''Mini Thirty''' rifle chambered for the Russian 7.62×39mm cartridge. At the time, large quantities of surplus military ammunition were being imported into the United States at rock-bottom prices. Also, the 7.62×39mm is ballistically similar to the [[.30-30 Winchester]] cartridge. As a result, the Mini Thirty proved to be an effective [[Deer hunting|deer rifle]].

In 2003, the design was overhauled to improve accuracy, update the styling, and reduce production costs. The standard Mini-14 was discontinued and the name became the family name for all Mini-14-type rifles. As of 2005, all Mini-14-type rifles are based on the Ranch Rifle design, with integral scope bases, a nonfolding [[ghost ring]] aperture rear sight, and a winged front sight similar to that used on the [[Ruger police carbine]].<ref name="Lewis2011"/> They have serial numbers beginning with 580 and are sometimes referred to as 580-series Ranch Rifles.<ref name="arm">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/3/22/five-reasons-to-reconsider-the-ruger-mini-14/|title=Five Reasons To Reconsider The Ruger Mini-14|last=Sheetz|first=Brian|date=22 March 2016|magazine=American Rifleman}}</ref> They also have a new modified gas system designed to reduce barrel vibration<ref name="Lewis2011"/> and can shoot two-inch groups at 100 yards, which is 2 [[minute of angle]] (MOA) accuracy.<ref name=arm/>

Around 2007 or 2008, Ruger added a heavier, larger-diameter barrel visibly tapered from gas block to muzzle. These changes combined with tighter tolerances result in greater potential accuracy.<ref name=guthrie/>

All Mini-14-type rifles are available in stainless steel or blued finish with hardwood, synthetic, or laminated stocks with {{convert|16.12|in|mm|adj=on}} or {{convert|18.5|in|mm|adj=on}} barrels.<ref name="arm" />

==Variants==
===Ranch Rifle===
[[File:Ruger Mini-14.jpg|thumb|Ranch Rifle, note the scope mounts and ghost ring rear sight]]
[[File:Ruger-M14-scope.jpg|thumb|Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle with a [[Bushnell Corporation|Bushnell]] 3-9 X 40mm rifle scope]]
The Ranch Rifle is a basic model offered in a wood or synthetic rifle stock paired with a blued or stainless steel receiver and a standard 18.5" tapered barrel (1:9" RH [[twist rate]]). These rifles feature an adjustable ghost ring rear sight and winged front sight, and they are sold with a detachable Picatinny scope rail mount and a choice of two 20-round or 5-round detachable box magazines to comply with some U.S. states and other countries, which have laws restricting magazine capacity. All models are chambered in both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition except the Target Rifle variant (which is .223 only).<ref name="Lewis2011"/>

==== Target Rifle ====
In 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluebookofgunvalues.com/Gun_Values/Manufacturers/STURM_RUGER_CO_INC/Categories/STURM_RUGER_CO_INC_RIFLES_SEMI_AUTO_CENTERFIRE/Models/STURM_RUGER_CO_INC_RIFLES_SEMI_AUTO_CENTERFIRE_MINI_14_RANCH_RIFLE?id=STURM_RUGER_CO_INC_RIFLES_SEMI_AUTO_CENTERFIRE_MINI_14_RANCH_RIFLE |title=STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. RIFLES: SEMI-AUTO, CENTERFIRE MINI-14 RANCH RIFLE |publisher=Blue Book of Gun Values |access-date=2016-11-07 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> the "Target Rifle" version was introduced with a {{convert|22|in|mm|adj=on}} cold hammer-forged heavy barrel, adjustable harmonic tuner with adjustable MOA accuracy, and either a laminated wood or Hogue overmolded synthetic stock.<ref name=targetPR>{{cite press release|url=http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/PDF/NewProducts/KMINI-14-5TH.pdf |title= Ranch Rifle Target model with overmolded stock|website=Ruger-firearms.com|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref><ref name="ruger.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14TargetRifle/models.html|title=Ruger® Mini-14® Target Rifle Autoloading Rifle Models|website=Ruger.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106080555/http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14TargetRifle/models.html|archive-date=2016-11-06}}</ref> The Target Rifle does not have iron sights but includes the standard scope rings and [[Picatinny rail]] mount.<ref name="ruger.com"/> It is designed for use with the .223 Remington round only; 5.56 NATO is not warranted by Ruger.<ref name="Shideler2011">{{cite book|author=Dan Shideler|title=Gun Digest 2012|date=7 August 2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-1447-9|pages=439–440}}</ref>

====Tactical Rifle====
[[File:Sturm-Ruger Mini-14 Rifles.jpg|thumb|A stainless Mini-14 Tactical (top) and Mini-14 GB-F]]
Introduced in 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bluebookofgunvalues.com/Gun_Values/Manufacturers/STURM_RUGER_CO_INC/Categories/STURM_RUGER_CO_INC_RIFLES_SEMI_AUTO_CENTERFIRE/Models/STURM_RUGER_CO_INC_RIFLES_SEMI_AUTO_CENTERFIRE_MINI_14_TACTICAL_RIFLE_FIXED_STOCK?id=STURM_RUGER_CO_INC_RIFLES_SEMI_AUTO_CENTERFIRE_MINI_14_TACTICAL_RIFLE_FIXED_STOCK |title=STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. RIFLES: SEMI-AUTO, CENTERFIRE MINI-14 TACTICAL RIFLE FIXED STOCK |publisher=Blue Book of Gun Values |access-date=2016-11-07 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> the "Tactical Rifle" is the newest variant, which includes the shorter 16.12" barrel with flash suppressor, and is available with a standard fixed stock/fore end, or a collapsible ATI-brand stock with Picatinny rails. This model is chambered in both .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO<ref name="Publishing2009">{{cite book|last=Publishing|first=Skyhorse|title=Shooter's Bible|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JrfffY38O9MC&pg=PA43|date=1 November 2009|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc.|isbn=978-1-60239-801-6|page=43}}</ref> and [[.300 AAC Blackout]] as of 2015.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.ruger.com/news/2015-04-22.html|title=Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Rifle Now Available in 300 AAC Blackout|date=2015-04-22|access-date=2017-02-21|publisher=Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.}}</ref>

===Mini Thirty===
[[File:RugerMini30-003.jpg|thumb|A Mini Thirty with aftermarket accessories]]
In 1987, Ruger began production of the Mini Thirty, which is chambered for the Russian 7.62×39mm cartridge, used in the [[SKS]] and [[AK-47]], as many states prohibit hunting of deer with calibers smaller than 6&nbsp;mm (.243 in). The 7.62×39mm has ballistics similar to the well-known .30-30 Winchester.<ref name="gundigest902">{{Cite book|title=Gun Digest 1990: 44th Edition|last=Warner|first=Ken|publisher=DBI Books|year=1989|isbn=978-0-87349-038-2|page=147|quote=Trajectories are identical according to Remington}}</ref> The Mini Thirty is available with a 16.12" (Tactical Model) or 18.50" barrel having a twist rate of 1:10" RH, and is sold with two 20-round or 5-round box magazines.<ref name="Staff2011">{{cite book|last=Shideler|first=Dan|title=Gun Digest Book of Deer Guns: Arms & Accessories for the Deer Hunter|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f0bAG9mWgakC&pg=PA42|date=28 February 2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-2666-3|pages=42–43|chapter=The Hammer of Thor}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Ruger does not currently produce 30-round Mini Thirty magazines. The Mini Thirty shares many of the same design and accessory options with those of the smaller caliber Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.

====Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle====
The "Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle" variant was introduced in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ruger.com/news/2010-09-08a.html|title=Ruger Introduces Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle|date=2010-09-08|access-date=2017-02-21|publisher=Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.}}</ref> It closely mimics the Mini-14 Tactical Rifle variant, but in 7.62×39mm. It also has a shorter 16.12-inch barrel with flash suppressor, and is available with a standard fixed stock/fore end, or a collapsible ATI-brand stock with Picatinny rails.

===Government models===
====Mini-14 GB====
[[File:RugerMini14-F30GB005.jpg|thumb|Ruger Mini-14 GB with a pistol grip, side-folding stock, 30-round magazine, bayonet lug, threaded barrel, flash suppressor, and [[M7 bayonet]]]]
The Mini-14 GB ("government barrel") models feature either a pistol grip, side-folding stock, or a standard semipistol grip rifle stock, a 20- or 30-round magazine, bayonet lug, threaded barrel, and flash suppressor. Proof that GB stands for "government barrel" and not "government bayonet" can be seen in Ruger's new Tactical models and Ruger continuing to use "GB", which are catalogued for example KM-14/20GBCP. These models have no bayonet lug but do have the flash hider. Sales of the models with bayonet lug were intended only for law enforcement, military, and private security markets, and could only be found in Ruger's Law Enforcement Catalog.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Mini-14 Exotic Weapons System|year= 1982|first=Joe |last=Ramos |publisher= Paladin Press| isbn=0873645278|location=Boulder, Colorado}}</ref> Many have entered the civilian market, though.<ref name="Peterson2008">{{cite book|last=Peterson|first=Phillip|title=Gun Digest Buyer's Guide To Assault Weapons|date=30 September 2008|publisher=F+W Media|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-2444-7|pages=198–200}}</ref>

====AC-556====
Introduced in 1979, the AC-556 is a [[selective-fire]] version of the Mini-14 marketed for military and law-enforcement use. The design incorporates a selector on the right/rear of the receiver to select either semi-automatic, [[Burst mode (firearm)|three-round burst]], or full automatic fire modes; the manual safety at the front of the trigger guard operates the same as a standard Mini-14. The front sight is winged and incorporates a bayonet lug. The {{convert|13|in|mm|adj=on}} or {{convert|18|in|mm|adj=on}} barrel incorporates a flash suppressor, which can be used to launch approved tear-gas and smoke rifle grenades. A folding stock was used on the AC-556F and AC-556K. The rifle came equipped with 20-round magazines and a 30-round version was available for a time. The AC-556 was dropped from production in 1999 and Ruger stopped offering service for the rifle in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=113|title= Ruger AC-556 Select Fire Military Rifle|date=1 February 2013|access-date=2 August 2013}}</ref><ref name="BishopCullen1988">{{cite book|author1=Chris Bishop|author2=Tony Cullen|author3=Ian Drury|title=The Encyclopedia of World Military Weapons|year=1988|publisher=Crescent Books|isbn=978-0-517-65341-8|page=246}}</ref> By that time, some models became available for private civilian purchase in the NFA market.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2014/03/10/ruger-ac556-totally-legal-totally-full-auto-mini-14-video|title= RUGER AC556: THE TOTALLY LEGAL, TOTALLY SELECT FIRE MINI 14 (VIDEO)|date=March 10, 2014|access-date=April 24, 2020}}</ref>

====='''Mousqueton A.M.D.'''=====
[[File:CRS7 Domenjod 2016.jpg|thumb|French CRS police officer with Mousqueton A.M.D. with tangent rear sight, note the selector lever at the rear of the receiver]]
In France, the AC-556 is known as the Mousqueton A.M.D. where it was used by several governmental agencies within the French [[Ministry of the Interior (France)|Interior Ministry]]: the [[Police Aux Frontières]] ("P.A.F."—Border Police), the [[Police Nationale]] [[Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité]] (or "C.R.S."—Riot Control Brigade), and  the [[Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale]] ("GIGN") special-operations unit.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The A.M.D. was made in two versions, the first has the standard Ruger aperture rear sight. On the other, the aperture rear sight has been completely removed and replaced with a tangent rear sight located on top of the barrel just forward of the receiver.

===Straight-pull action===
A small number of [[Bolt action#Other designs|straight-pull]] only (or [[Bolt action|bolt-action]] only) Mini-14 and Mini Thirty rifles were manufactured for sale in the United Kingdom as a result of legislation that banned semi-automatic [[Centerfire ammunition|centerfire]] rifles in 1988.<ref name="Bishop1996">{{cite book|last=Bishop|first=Chris|title=The Vital Guide to Combat Guns and Infantry Weapons|year=1996|publisher=Airlife|isbn=978-1-85310-539-5|page=44}}</ref>

===Other calibers and accessories===
[[File:Ruger Mini 14.jpg|thumb|right|Mini-14 with various accessories]]
[[File:Ruger Mini 14 (II).jpg|thumb|Disassembled Mini-14 with various accessories]]

====.222 Remington====
Ruger produced a [[.222 Remington]] caliber model as early as 1984.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Brister|first=Bob|title=News from the 2 R's|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6v3PyL--_GIC&pg=PA110|access-date=2 August 2013|year=1984|page=110|issn=8755-8599|volume=88|issue=10|journal=[[Field & Stream]]}}</ref> Designated Mini-14/5R.222, these rifles were made mostly for civilian markets overseas where .223 caliber and 5.56&nbsp;mm firearms are generally banned. These were discontinued in the early 1980s.<ref>Standard Catalog of Ruger Firearms. Jerry Lee. "F+W Media, Inc.", Dec 16, 2014. Antiques & Collectibles. page 78</ref><ref name="Wilson2015 p 577">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xWqJCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT579|title=Ruger and His Guns: A History of the Man, the Company & Their Firearms|last=Wilson|first=Robert|date=10 November 2015|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Company, Incorporated|isbn=978-1-5107-0926-3|page=577}}</ref>

====6.8 mm Remington====
In 2007, Ruger began production of the Mini-6.8 using the commercial [[6.8 mm Remington SPC]] cartridge.<ref name="RamageSigler2008">{{cite book|last1=Ramage|first1=Ken|last2=Sigler|first2=Derrek|title=Guns Illustrated 2009|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0pSA2xVGZVYC&pg=PA136|date=19 November 2008|publisher=F+W Media, Inc|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-0-89689-673-4|page=146}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, they were discontinued in 2012 and are no longer listed in the Ruger catalog.

====Accessories====
A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for the Mini-14 and Mini Thirty, including numerous stocks, magazines, and [[Weaver rail mount|Weaver]] and Picatinny rail mounts.<ref name="Lewis2011">{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=Jack|title=Assault Weapons|date=28 February 2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-2400-3|pages=128–130|chapter=Today's Mini-14}}</ref>

==Users==
[[File:Royal Bermuda Regiment Soldier at Ferry Reach in 1994.jpg|thumb|[[Royal Bermuda Regiment]] soldier armed with a Mini-14 GB in 1994.]]
[[File:Police nationale en service en réponse aus Attentats à Paris, November 15, 2015.jpg|thumb|French police armed with Mousqueton A.M.D. rifles.]]
[[File:Ruger Mini-14 Users.png|thumb|Map with Ruger Mini-14 users in blue.]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

*{{flag|Australia}}: Currently used by the [[New South Wales]] [[Department of Corrective Services]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.fumigating.com.au/fumigating-articles/1988/7/1/nsw-declares-chemical-war-on-prisoners/|title=NSW Declares Chemical War On Prisoners|date=July 1, 1988|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402222528/http://www.fumigating.com.au/fumigating-articles/1988/7/1/nsw-declares-chemical-war-on-prisoners/|archive-date=2015-04-02|work=Sydney Morning Herald|quote=Other equipment includes [...] a Ruger .223 gas-operated, semi-automatic carbine (with a range of 2800 m)|author=Graham Williams}}</ref>
*{{flag|Brazil}}: Used by some police agencies. The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police uses the folding stock variant.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2016-06-02 |title=World Infantry Weapons: Brazil |url=https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |access-date=2022-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602220038/https://sites.google.com/site/worldinventory/wiw_sa_brazil |archive-date=2016-06-02 }}</ref>
* {{flag|El Salvador}}: Mini-14GB and AC-556 used by the [[National Civil Police (El Salvador)|National Civil Police]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Infantry Weapons of the Salvadoran Forces|magazine=Small Arms Review |volume=3|issue=8 |date=May 2000|first=Julio A. |last=Montes|url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=3006}}</ref>
*{{flag|France}}: Mousqueton A.M.D. variant used by French police forces ([[Direction centrale de la police aux frontières|Police Aux Frontières]], [[GIGN]], [[Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité|CRS]]).<ref name=":2">{{cite web|author=Martin K.A. Morgan| authorlink =Martin K. A. Morgan|date=January 9, 2015|title=The Mousqueton A.M.D.— France's Mini-14|url=https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2015/1/9/the-mousqueton-amd-frances-mini-14/|access-date=January 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=French Police Mini-14|date=January 11, 2015|access-date=January 12, 2015|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/french-police-mini-14/}}</ref>
*{{flag|Honduras}}<ref name="gander1995">Gander, Terry J.; Hogg, Ian V. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995/1996''. Jane's Information Group; 21 edition (May 1995). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-1241-0}}.</ref>
*{{flag|Hong Kong}}: Used by the [[Hong Kong Police Force]] Hit Team and [[Hong Kong Correctional Services]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csd.gov.hk/annualreview/2007/west/appendices/pdf/Appendix14.pdf|title=Summary of Development Training in 2007|date=2007|website=Hong Kong Correctional Services|access-date=20 April 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129193047/https://www.csd.gov.hk/annualreview/2007/west/appendices/pdf/Appendix14.pdf|archive-date= January 29, 2023}}</ref>
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: Used by [[Indonesian National Police]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bali.polri.go.id/?q=node/196835|title=Guna Kelancaran Tugas Personil Subsektor Monang Maning Polresta Denpasar Cek Iventaris|website=bali.polri.go.id|access-date=18 February 2021|date=8 December 2017|language=id}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://akurat.co/id-47586-read-teror-meningkat-polisi-di-tapteng-dilatih-gunakan-senjata-laras-panjang|title=Teror Meningkat, Polisi di Tapteng Dilatih Gunakan Senjata Laras Panjang|website=akurat.co|access-date=18 February 2021|date=7 July 2017|language=id}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} Customs Police, folding stock.<ref name="SmallArmsToday88uae">{{cite book| last = Ezell| first = Edward| author-link = Edward C. Ezell| title = Small Arms Today| publisher = Stackpole Books| volume = 2nd| edition = | date = 1988
| pages = 379| language = English | isbn = 0811722805| jfm =}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States}}: 
** The Mini-14 is the main rifle used by the [[California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/docs/CadetHandbook.pdf |title=Cadet Handbook: Basic Correctional Officer Academy - Class II-10 |access-date=2009-12-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117002054/http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Career_Opportunities/POR/docs/CadetHandbook.pdf |archive-date=2010-01-17 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Employee_Resources/Training_and_Professional_Development/pdfs/trainingmanual.pdf |title=Office of training & professional development: training schedule |access-date=2009-12-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721032921/http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Employee_Resources/Training_and_Professional_Development/pdfs/trainingmanual.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-21 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Employee_Resources/Training_and_Professional_Development/pdfs/trainingschedule.pdf |title=Office of training & professional development (December 17, 2009): training schedule |access-date=2009-12-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219225247/http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Employee_Resources/Training_and_Professional_Development/pdfs/trainingschedule.pdf |archive-date=2009-12-19 }}</ref> and the [[North Carolina Department of Correction]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doc.state.nc.us/NEWS/1998/985news/firearms.htm |title=NC Correction News - May 1998 - DOP Firearms Training |website=Doc.state.nc.us |access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref>
** The [[Nevada Department of Corrections]] uses the Mini-14.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://doc.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/docnvgov/content/Meetings/AR%20412%20Armory%20Weapons%20and%20Control%20Strikethrough.pdf|title=NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION 412|accessdate=2 December 2022}}</ref>
** US Marines that serve as guards at certain US embassies are sometimes issued Mini-14s.<ref name="Lewis2007">{{cite book|last=Lewis|first=Jack|author-link=Jack Lewis (screenwriter)|title=Gun Digest Book of Assault Weapons|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HyF_GKQdPXgC&pg=PA134|access-date=2 August 2013|edition=7|year=2007|publisher=Gun Digest Books|location=Iola, Wisconsin|isbn=978-1-4402-2652-6|page=134|chapter=CQB Combat Training}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> 
** [[Delta Force]] has some Mini-14s in inventory.<ref>{{cite book|page=[https://archive.org/details/operatorsinsidet00ryan/page/187 187]|title=The Operators: Inside the World's Special Forces|author=Mike Ryan|year=2008|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing |isbn=978-1602392151|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/operatorsinsidet00ryan/page/187}}</ref> 

===Former===
*{{flag|Rhodesia}}: Used by Rhodesian security forces during the [[Rhodesian Bush War]].<ref>Soldier of Fortune magazine, Robert K Brown, 1980{{page number needed|date=May 2024}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}: The [[Royal Ulster Constabulary]] had used the AC-556 model prior to its inventory being destroyed by 1995.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2012/organisational-informationgovernance/psni_issue_weapons.pdf|title=Freedom of Information Request|website=Police Service of Northern Ireland|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701084008/https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2012/organisational-informationgovernance/psni_issue_weapons.pdf|archive-date=July 1, 2017}}</ref> The [[Surrey Constabulary]] Firearms Support Team (now known as the Tactical Firearms Unit) was armed with Mini-14s in the 1980s modified with folding stocks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/history-from-police-archives/RB1/Pt4/pt4FirearmsSupTeam.html|title=Surrey Constabulary: Part 4: A Policing Revolution: 1976–1992|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524094851/http://www.open.ac.uk/Arts/history-from-police-archives/RB1/Pt4/pt4FirearmsSupTeam.html|archive-date=2016-05-24|access-date=2017-04-20}}</ref>
**{{flag|Bermuda}}: The [[Royal Bermuda Regiment]] has used the Mini-14GB/20 as its standard service rifle since 1983, replacing the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]]. Original wooden stocks were replaced with Choate black plastic stocks about 1990.<ref name=":4">{{cite web|url=http://www.bermudaregiment.bm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167:ruger-mini-14&catid=48:weaponscat&Itemid=223|title=Ruger Mini-14|website=Bermudaregiment.bm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055756/http://www.bermudaregiment.bm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167:ruger-mini-14&catid=48:weaponscat&Itemid=223|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead|access-date=2016-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_2404_0_0_43/http;/ptpublisher.gov.bm;7087/publishedcontent/publish/gov__top_level__org__house_/government_house/gov_house___sir_john_vereker_speeches/articles/bermuda_regiment_fitness_for_role_inspection.html|title=Bermuda Regiment Fitness for Role Inspection''|date=November 2005|publisher=British Defence Staff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403085701/http://www.gov.bm/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_2404_0_0_43/http;/ptpublisher.gov.bm;7087/publishedcontent/publish/gov__top_level__org__house_/government_house/gov_house___sir_john_vereker_speeches/articles/bermuda_regiment_fitness_for_role_inspection.html|archive-date=2015-04-03}}</ref> The regiment received [[L85A2]] rifles in August, 2015, and the Ruger was phased out in January, 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150809844|title=Rifles worth $1.4m donated to Regiment {{!}} The Royal Gazette:Bermuda News|work=The Royal Gazette|access-date=2017-04-20|language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{flag|United States}}: 
** Mini-14s were used by the [[New York City Police Department Emergency Service Unit]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/terror_wary_nypd_testing_new_assault_mLnO1kBZDzvTxQ7YjFiifK|title=Terror-Wary NYPD testing new assault rifle|access-date=2009-10-29|date=2002-07-04|author=Larry Celona|newspaper=[[New York Post]]}}</ref> with mostly 13 inch barrels, factory flash hiders and AC556 gas block front sights in both standard & folding stocks, the rifles eventually being replaced by the [[M4 carbine]].<ref name="NYPD">{{cite web|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2009/02/17/2003436346|title=NYPD boosts training after Mumbai attack|access-date=2009-10-29|date=2009-02-17|publisher=Associated Press & [[Taipei Times]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129202346/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2009/02/17/2003436346|archive-date= January 29, 2023}}</ref> 
*** The NYPD's Organized Crime Control Bureau was armed with the Mini-14.<ref name="NYPD"/><ref>{{cite news |last= Messing|first=Philip |date=15 December 2001 |title=Cops Get Top Guns 500 of Finest will pack elite weapons|url= https://nypost.com/2001/12/15/cops-get-top-guns-500-of-finest-will-pack-elite-weapons/|work= |location=New York City |access-date=28 August 2024}}</ref>

===Non-state users===
* The [[Rajneeshpuram]] Peace Force employed some Mini-14s in addition to [[IMI Galil]]s and Uzis.<ref>{{cite book|title=Bhagwan: The God That Failed|page=228|author=Hugh Milne|year=1987|isbn=0312001061|publisher=[[St. Martin's Press|St Martin's Press]]}}</ref>

==Criminal use==
The Ruger Mini-14 was used in several notable crimes:

* Serial killer [[Robert Hansen]] used a Ruger Mini-14 and a knife to hunt down and kill his victims in the wilderness around [[Anchorage]], [[Alaska]], between 1971 and 1983. He was later arrested and sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 461 years.
* Michael Lee Platt used a Mini-14 in the [[1986 FBI Miami shootout]], which resulted in [[FBI agent]]s and other American law-enforcement agencies adopting stronger [[body armor]] and discarding [[revolver]]s in favor of more powerful, higher-capacity [[handgun]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-marks-30-years-since-infamous-bloody-miami-shootout/|title=FBI marks 30 years since infamous bloody Miami shootout |date=11 April 2016 |publisher=[[CBS News]]|access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.policemag.com/channel/patrol/articles/2011/05/5-gunfights-that-changed-law-enforcement.aspx|title=5 Gunfights That Changed Law Enforcement|date=3 May 2011 |access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/5/23/8-things-you-might-not-know-about-the-ruger-mini-14/|title=8 Things You Might Not Know About the Ruger Mini-14|website=American Rifleman |access-date=2016-12-04}}</ref>
* [[Marc Lépine]] used a Mini-14 in the [[École Polytechnique massacre]], which resulted in the Canada ''[[Firearms Act (Canada)|Firearms Act]]'' in 1995<ref>{{Cite book|title=December 6: From the Montreal Massacre to Gun Control. Toronto|last1=Rathjen|first1=Heidi|last2=Montpetit|first2=Charles|publisher=McClelland & Stewart|year=1999|isbn=0-7710-6125-0|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/december6frommon0000rath}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/polytechnique-survivor-calls-dismantling-of-long-gun-registry-devastating-1.2453548|title=Montreal Massacre: 14 women honoured 24 years after shootings |publisher=CBC News|access-date=2016-12-04}}</ref> and new police response procedures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cnews.canoe.com/CNEWS/Canada/2006/09/14/pf-1839448.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822220752/http://cnews.canoe.com/CNEWS/Canada/2006/09/14/pf-1839448.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 22, 2015|title=Lessons learned from Montreal massacre help save lives | publisher=CNEWS |access-date=2016-09-25}}</ref>
* [[Anders Behring Breivik]] used a Mini-14, along with a [[Glock 34]], in the [[2011 Norway attacks]],<ref name="DB-skyttertaushet2">{{cite news |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2011/08/29/kultur/debatt/kronikk/22_juli/vapentilgang/17867238/|title=Skytternes taushet|work=[[Dagbladet]]|language=no|access-date=2011-09-02|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810205634/http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/skytternes-taushet/63593483|archive-date= August 10, 2017}}</ref> during which he fatally shot sixty-seven people on an island [[summer camp]] and was further responsible for eight additional deaths in a bombing in [[Oslo]]. It was Norway's deadliest attack since [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/25/norway.terror.attacks/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725222218/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/25/norway.terror.attacks/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2011|title=Prime minister: Norway still 'an open society' despite 'the horror'|date=2011-07-25|publisher=CNN|language=en}}</ref>
* [[2020 Nova Scotia attacks#Perpetrator|Gabriel Wortman]] reportedly used an illegally obtained Mini-14, along with several other firearms, in the [[2020 Nova Scotia attacks]]. This resulted in the reclassification of the Mini-14 and at least 1,500 models and variants of other "assault-style" firearms as prohibited weapons in Canada.<ref name=NationalPost.Detail>{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/new-documents-detail-the-guns-all-illegally-obtained-used-by-canadas-worst-mass-murderer |title=New documents detail the guns — all illegally obtained — used by Canada's worst mass murderer |work=National Post |last=Tumilty|first=Ryan|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020}}</ref><ref name=Global.Obtained>{{cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7474635/nova-scotia-shooting-illegal-firearms-colt-carbine-ruger-mini-14/|title=Colt carbine, Ruger Mini-14 among illegally obtained firearms used by Nova Scotia shooter, docs show|publisher=Global News|last=Russell|first=Andrew|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020}}</ref><ref name="trudeauban">{{Cite news |title=More than 1K assault-style weapons now prohibited in Canada: PM Trudeau |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-trudeau-announces-federal-ban-on-assault-style-firearms-in-canada-1.4920528 |last=Aiello |first=Rachel |date=May 1, 2020 |work=[[CTV News]] |language=en |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501174044/https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-trudeau-announces-federal-ban-on-assault-style-firearms-in-canada-1.4920528 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Martin Peyerl]] used a Ruger Mini-14 with a scope to commit a shooting on November 1, 1999, the day of [[All Saints' Day|All Saints]], in which he started shooting out his window, killing three people and injuring seven others before fatally shooting his sister and the family cat and committing [[suicide]] using a Henry [[double-barreled shotgun]].
*[[1987 Palm Bay shooting#Perpetrator|William Bryan Cruse Jr.]] used a Ruger Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle along with a shotgun and handgun to commit the [[1987 Palm Bay shooting]], during which six people were killed and fourteen injured, including ten by gunfire.

==See also==
* [[List of carbines]]
* [[List of semi-automatic rifles]]
* [[Ruger XGI]]: [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62x51mm NATO]] variant of the Mini-14

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Ruger Mini-14}}
* {{official website|http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14/overview.html}}

{{Ruger}}
{{M1GarandderivativesNav}}

[[Category:.300 BLK firearms]]
[[Category:5.56 mm firearms]]
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO semi-automatic rifles]]
[[Category:6.8mm firearms]]
[[Category:7.62×39mm semi-automatic rifles]]
[[Category:Carbines]]
[[Category:Clip-fed firearms]]
[[Category:Ruger rifles|Mini-14]]
[[Category:Semi-automatic rifles of the United States]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1973]]