Ruger Mini-14 GB
Sturm, Ruger & Company · Rifle · In Production · 1976
Also known as: Mini-14/GB, Mini-14 Government Model
Overview
The Ruger Mini-14 GB (Government Barrel/government model) is the police and military-market variant of the semi-automatic Mini-14, distinguished from the standard rifle by a factory bayonet lug, a flash suppressor, and a protected front sight. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and fed from 20- or 30-round detachable box magazines, it uses the Mini-14's Garand-pattern fixed-piston, rotating-bolt gas system in a scaled-down package. The GB accepts the U.S. M7 bayonet used on the M16, and was marketed to government and security users wanting M16-style hardware on a conventional semi-automatic carbine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 984 mm (38.74") |
| Barrel Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1005 m/s (3297 fps) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Trigger Guard Safety
- Features: Bayonet Lug, Flash Suppressor, Protected Front Sight, Fixed Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States law enforcement agencies
Production
Production years: 1976-present
GB variant produced for the law-enforcement and government export market; total Mini-14 family production exceeds one million
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: L. James Sullivan
Notes
The 'GB' designation denotes the government/bayonet-lug configuration; unlike the select-fire AC-556, the Mini-14 GB is semi-automatic only. Bullet diameter and case data are for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.
Background
The Mini-14 was co-designed by L. James Sullivan, who had earlier helped design the original AR-15 alongside Eugene Stoner, giving the little Ruger a surprising pedigree.