Ruger Mini-14 Carbine/Rifle

The Mini-14 semi-automatic carbine is a smaller version of the M-14 US Army service rifle. The M-14 was replaced in the 1960's by the M16, but the 5.56mm Mini-14 continues to be employed around the world. It has a shorter barrel length, and is chambered for the .223 caliber round. The Mini-14 is light, handy, and fairly compact, making it an effective weapon for tactical work. Designed with the law enforcement customer in mind, this rifle has found its way into the inventories of a number of large police departments including the NYPD, and is often employed SWAT units. It is also extremely popular with the civilian population. Though it is too inaccurate to be a true hunting rifle, it makes a good varmint gun, and large numbers have been sold worldwide. 20, 30, and 40 round magazines are available, as are versions with a folding stock, but all became illegal to produce for sale to civilian clients in the mid 1990's. Mini-14s are sometimes used by Aegis cells which lack superior weaponry, but will most often be found in the hands of the general public.

Images