Ruger Ranch Rifle

The rugged, centrefire, autoloading, all weather, ruger mini-14 !

The Ruger ranch rifle has been around in one form or another since 1974.  It has been a long time favorite of ranchers, outdoorsmen, and varmint hunters.  Ruger adopted the name "Ranch Rifle" in 2003 after re-tooling the Mini-14 to improve accuracy, something that until that time was not a hallmark of this rifle.   Accuracy was improved so much in fact, that Ruger now makes a "Mini-14 Target Rifle" shown further down the page.  The newer model rifles are identified by the numbers "580" at the front of the serial number, and are sometimes called "Five-Eightys".   The Ranch rifle that we like as a survival rifle is the All weather Mini-14, shown here:

Ruger Ranch Rifle (All-Weather)

~ Relatively compact.      ~ Rugged proven construction.      ~ Improved accuracty in new generation.      ~ Hi Capacity Magazines      ~ Weather resistant.      ~ Garand style safety.

Caliber: Operation: Stock: Capacity: Finish: MSRP:

.223 or 6.8mm Rem SPC Semiauto Black Synthetic 5-10-20-30 rd mag Stainless $921

The heavy duty garand style reciever on the Ruger ranch rifle has integral scope mounts for Ruger scope rings which come with the rifle.  The 5 round magazine clicks in place flush with the bottom of the rifle.  The mag release at the rear of the magazine operates easily, especially in comparison to its little brother, the 10/22 which requires that you stick your finger up in the flush mounted 10 round mag to release it.   Aftermarket Higher capacity magazines (10/20/30 round) are available, and you can actually order one with a 20 round magazine, shown here:

courtesy sturm ruger

20 round factory magazines can be purchased directly from ruger for $39.95 and 30 round mags for $49.95.  Mini 14 magazines chambered in .223 have 3 lines down the side of the magazine, the 6.8mm Rem mags have just one line, and have "6.8mm Rem SPC" Stamped on the bottom.   The mini 30 which shoots only 7.62x39 also has a stamp on the bottom.  Ruger recommends that you only use genuine Ruger magazines, but there are some good aftermarket magazines out there from Pro Mag and CJ weapons. 

The rear sight is a "ghost ring" aperture, the front a guarded blade post sight.  The garand style manual safety is located forward of the trigger guard.  All models come with built in Sling swivels.

The all weather variant of the Ruger ranch rifle is now available chambered in the fairly new 6.8mm Rem SPC (special purpose cartridge).  The 6.8mm Rem was developed by SOCOM and delivers substantially more energy to the target than the .223.  Here is some basic balistic data to compare the .223 vs. 6.8mm.  (boat tail hollow points)  

Cartridge	bullet weight Gr.	Muzzle velocity	velocity 200yd	Muzzle Energy	Energy 200yds.
.223 Remington	69	3000	2457	1379 ft lb	925 ft lb
6.8mm Rem SPC	115	2625	2118	1759 ft lb	1147 ft lb

*source: Remington Arms Company

Prices for the ruger ranch rifle start around $750.  Just a couple of years ago mini 14 prices were a lot cheaper, as were prices for just about all guns and ammunition.  The new administration has triggered fears of a gun ban, and people are buying guns and ammuntion in record quantities, despite the difficult economy. 

Other variants of the Ranch Rifle:

The heavy barrel Ruger Mini-14 Target Rifle, chambered only in .223

The hardwood stock, (shown in Stainless, with 20 round clip)

Tactical models 1) black w/ flash suppressor. 2) ATI stock

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