Ruger Mini-14 Tactical

Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Rifle · In Production · 2009

Also known as: Mini-14 Tactical Rifle

Overview

The Ruger Mini-14 Tactical is a gas-operated, semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, a tactical evolution of the classic Mini-14 ranch rifle. Introduced in 2009, it features a shorter 16.12-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1/2"-28 threaded muzzle, a black synthetic stock, an adjustable ghost-ring rear aperture sight, and a protected blade front sight. Like the original Mini-14, it uses a Garand-style breech bolt locking system with a self-cleaning fixed-piston gas system, and accepts detachable box magazines.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3039 g (107.2 oz)
Overall Length933 mm (36.73")
Barrel Length409 mm (16.10")
Action TypeGas Operated
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity20 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity975 m/s (3199 fps)
Muzzle Energy1700 J (1254 ft·lbf)
Effective Range200 m (219 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist229 mm (9.02")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialAlloy Steel
Stock MaterialSynthetic
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Base model

Ruger-Mini-14

Production

Production years: 2009-present

Part of the Mini-14 family in continuous production since 1974; the Tactical variant was introduced in 2009

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: L. James Sullivan

Notes

The Tactical line includes models with fixed and collapsible stocks; some variants are also offered in .300 AAC Blackout. Ships with integral scope mounts, scope rings, and a Picatinny rail.

Background

The Mini-14 was designed by William B. Ruger and L. James Sullivan, who shrank the M14 service rifle into a compact .223-class carbine over a six-year development beginning in 1967, with mass production starting in 1974. The Tactical models adapted the platform for defensive and law-enforcement use with shorter threaded barrels and modern sighting options.