[Kadetklapp]

I have a Mini 14 (I know, garbage, it's an heirloom) that on occasion, usually when the gun has sat in the safe for several months, will not open. I have had to beat it open with a soft mallet, or pull on the bolt handle with all my strength which usually results in my knocking everything off my desk and hurting myself. Obviously something is out of whack here. Anyone else have an issue similar?

 

[turbobrick]

Its a very common issue on the Mini, its best to clean it before you let it sit for any time.

 

[Bob Hafler]

Ok Here's something you might want to try. Pop the trigger out (safety off). After it's out of the rifle then try to pull the op rod back. If it is still stiff you more than likely either have a bent or dirty op rod. The inside of op rods can get filthy and is very ofen over looked when it comes to cleaning. The oprod spring could also be bent or dirty. If after you popped trigger mechanism out the bolt moves freely then it is more than likely either a dirty trigger mechanism or something is bent or brokn in the trigger mechanism.
One word of caution and I only mention this because quite a few people do this is when you pull the op rod back do not pull back and up. The oprod will get caught up in the break down notch and the bolt will not open fully. Pull straight back. Hope this helps you out...Good Luck even if I do not look at the mini 14 as garbage..

 

[CAcop]

Lube up the gas port. If it is a blued model it will rust shut due to the gas port and bolt slide being toether without lube.

 

[Kadetklapp]

I've never had this gun apart....ever. Since dad died I might have shot 25 rounds thru it, if that. FYI, this is an OLD mini, from the early 80s, a "Pre-ban" gun my dad always called it. IDK if that makes any difference in dissasembly as I'm using videos i find on the web to take it apart.

And the garbage reference is my way of expressing my frustration at Ruger for making such a picky rifle with horrible customer service and unavailability of spare parts. I wouldn't part with this stupid thing for anything in the world....well...maybe for a new Lexus LFA but I digress...

 

[sns3guppy]

I've had no trouble with my mini-14 at all. Certainly no sticking or binding.

Clean and lubricate it. Maintain it.

It's not a tack driver, but it's also not inaccurate. For a utility shooter, no problem.

Spare parts, also no problem. Same for after-market accessories, if you wish.

 

[Bob Hafler]

Ok in that case get familiar with how to disasemble the rifle. Get yourself a cheap small plastic wall paper tray and fill it about 1/3 of the way with Kerosene and put the parts in there to forment for a while. Then take them out and scrub them with a tooth brush or what ever works best for you. Inspect all the parts for cracks, or if there bent or broken. If nothing is found relube the rifle and see how it works. Just don't get carried away with the lube. Sound like a fun project to me.
Without seeing the rifle it's hard to say what's wrong with it, but if you do like I mentined earlier and devide the rifle into two mechanical sections upper and lower and check the operation of each it will give you a place to start and you can trace the problem from there. I wouldn't be suprised though if you told me the OProd spring was bend or installed incorrectly. It is true the earlier Mini's were not that great as far as accuracy.
I'm sure though there are plenty of aftermarket parts for them to be found on the net that can bring that old rifle back to respectability. Other than the quality of the barrels I'm not sure what the differences are between the older models and the newer ones.
Once you get it fixed I'm sure you'll spend many happy hours shooting your dads old rifle. Good luck

 

[Kadetklapp]

Thanks for the info. I'll start work on it tonight hopefully. I think I've been to a good site before for aftermarket Ruger parts, but I can't recall what it was.

 

[K1500]

Its a very common issue on the Mini, its best to clean it before you let it sit for any time.

This.

 

[X-Centric]

I have a Mini 14 (I know, garbage, it's an heirloom)

GARBAGE? I don't think you know much about the Mini-14, it's reliable history and Ruger's stellar customer service! I have a a newer one and I prefer it over any AR for up to 100 yard shots and many of us believe it's more durable and reliable than any AR too. Don't put a scope on it and it's like a Sherman tank! Sure it's a bear to totally clean but............

Sorry about your Dad. Did he not like the gun either?

 

[Kadetklapp]

I've never had a positive customer service experience with Ruger. Especially love how the firing pin has to be a "custom fitted part" that requires the entire gun to be sent back to them. Awesome. Not.

I won't even go into how the gun would go cyclic without warning. Ya. Not fun. Dad had to put some money into it to fix that little problem!

Made the mistake of buying a Mini 30 last fall to shore up my opinion. Parted with that hunk really really quick when I saw just how badly eastern bloc ammo destroys firing pins. Not really easy to find US made ammo around here in 7.62x39 either. The only reason I've kept it is it's an heirloom. I like the gun's looks, but it's functionality and quirkiness leaves a lot to be desired. Like a buddy of mine said "It's a Ruger..."

 

[Bob Hafler]

Only Rugers I have is a 10/22 and a Mini 14. I can't say anything bad about them but then again I've never had to use there CS. My next pistol will probably be a Ruger MKIII though. I know there a PITA to break down and clean but I never really minded that to much. Plus that I'm sure after a few times I'll get the hang of it.

You might find some info on here that might help you out. http://rugerforum.net/ruger-semi-auto/

 

[Kadetklapp]

I've got the rifle tore apart. Not hard at all. Putting the bolt back in looks dicey though. I've got everything set to soak in Rem Oil (couldn't find kerosene in town....I considered lamp oil but decided against it...). This rifle was absolutely, positively disgusting to the core. Nothing appears bent or broken, but I haven't disassembled the trigger group or opened up the side of the receiver yet...not brave enough.

 

[JimM_PA]

Another good resource for Mini 14 info:
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/

 

[Bob Hafler]

You might not have to pull the trigger group apart. Just soak it real good and take a paint brush and try to get into all the nooks and crannies. Then blow dry if possible. Then lube all the pins at the joints.

 

[Kadetklapp]

Cleaned everything up the best I could and reassembled. Hopefully get a "range report" this weekend sometime. I'll shoot a mix of FMJ boxer primed ammo thru it and see how it does.

 

[adamg01]

GARBAGE? I don't think you know much about the Mini-14, it's reliable history and Ruger's stellar customer service! I have a a newer one and I prefer it over any AR for up to 100 yard shots and many of us believe it's more durable and reliable than any AR too. Don't put a scope on it and it's like a Sherman tank! Sure it's a bear to totally clean but............

Sorry about your Dad. Did he not like the gun either?

Not to start a mini-14 bashing thread but my father's old school 14 was complete garbage. It made my Ak look like a match rifle and I wouldn't begin to compare it to my Bushmaster. I guess Ruger finally figured it out from what I hear on the newer models though.

Back on topic. I think you should go with the advice of a full disassembly and cleaning. Good luck...

 

[Bob Hafler]

I really can't say to much about the older Mini 14's. I know they wearn't all that great though. Having said that, if my dad left it to me it would be the best shooter it was capable of being. It wouldn't have to be tack driver,if it was reliable with reasonable accuracy that would be fine.
I have a new 100% stock mini ranch and am quite happy with it. I know a person sure wouldn't want to put there favorite coffee cup on top of a fence post and have me take a shot at it from 100yds. I'm also quite sure that the rifle is quite capable of out shoooting my abilities. The biggest problem I see with the accuracy of the mini is it's combat style trigger. Important to remember though, The mini was never designed to be a target rifle. However I could definately see where a good Fluff and Buff and a little altering to that erea would do wonderes. I'm a big fan of the M1 Garand and that love translates to it's civilian cusin the Mini 14 also. Even if it isn't a tack driver straight out of the box. Then again not many rifles are. Found this link that mini fans might want to take a look at.
http://www.greatwestgunsmithing.com/mini trigger low quality.html

 

[FLIPPER 348]

And the garbage reference is my way of expressing my frustration at Ruger for making such a picky rifle with horrible customer service and unavailability of spare parts.

The only reason your mini is 'garbage' is lack of care by its owner. A bit of minor care is all that is required to keep you mini running flawlessly.

......and never in need of any customer service/parts

 

[Kadetklapp]

The only reason your mini is 'garbage' is lack of care by its owner. A bit of minor care is all that is required to keep you mini running flawlessly.

......and never in need of any customer service/parts

Ya that pesky firing pin breaking whenever it shoots berdan-primed ammo is a sign of steller QC and engineering! :rofl:

But seriously, yes it was dirty in places I never imagined.