I've searched however I haven't seen anything about my problem. Using factory 10 and 5 round mags I have the same issue. When releasing the bolt, it has a hard time feeding the first round into the chamber. When I do get it to feed it normally won't fire the first round unless I force the bolt fully closed. After that it seems to feed and fire fine. I just ordered a new op rod spring and bushing. Any other ideas?
OhmsLaw43
Joined
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3,416 Posts
If your's was made in 1976, it would be a 180 series, made from 1974 to 1977. They had some differences from later Mini's, notably where the ejector was located.
Mini 14 Serial numbers and year they were produced - Shooting Sports Forum
Ruger Mini-14 Serial Number History
I can't recall all the differences, but I know the parts that are exclusive for them are no longer available from Ruger.
The op rod spring should be the same, if your Mini has a high round count, a new spring might fix things.
Are you inserting a magazine with the bolt closed ? Sometimes that can cause issues with the first round feeding. By the way, what brand magazines are you using ?
Some aftermarket mags work for some, but they are few and far between. Genuine Ruger mags are the best, stick with those.
When reassembling the Mini after cleaning, make sure the pointy end of the op-rod guide is UP, toward the handguard, as in this pic, as installing it the other way will bind up the action. I doubt this is the issue with your's, as you say it cycles fine after the first round, just be aware it, as we all at one time reassembled it wrong.
What "buffer" did you order along with the spring ? What Ruger calls a buffer is the steel cylinder that the guide rod end goes into, as in my pic above. Those don't wear out or need to be replaced.
What we here on this forum, and over on PerfectUnion's Mini forum, call a buffer is the disc of polymer that goes on each end of the spring. You can see the blue thingy on the end of the spring in the pic above. The other buffer goes around the gas pipe at the other end of the spring. Helps cushion the jolt and metal to metal contact, and makes things easier on a scope or red dot. Some guys just use one buffer instead of both.
Most use Wilson "Shok-Buffs" made for the 1911 pistol. They work great on the Mini's.
And be sure and lube both sides of the bolt with some grease. Any kind of grease is better than not using any, axle grease, gun grease, whatever.
I'm sure others will respond with some other suggestions. If we can't get your problem sorted out, you can always have Ruger take a look at it.
Mini 14 Serial numbers and year they were produced - Shooting Sports Forum
Ruger Mini-14 Serial Number History
I can't recall all the differences, but I know the parts that are exclusive for them are no longer available from Ruger.
The op rod spring should be the same, if your Mini has a high round count, a new spring might fix things.
Are you inserting a magazine with the bolt closed ? Sometimes that can cause issues with the first round feeding. By the way, what brand magazines are you using ?
Some aftermarket mags work for some, but they are few and far between. Genuine Ruger mags are the best, stick with those.
When reassembling the Mini after cleaning, make sure the pointy end of the op-rod guide is UP, toward the handguard, as in this pic, as installing it the other way will bind up the action. I doubt this is the issue with your's, as you say it cycles fine after the first round, just be aware it, as we all at one time reassembled it wrong.
What "buffer" did you order along with the spring ? What Ruger calls a buffer is the steel cylinder that the guide rod end goes into, as in my pic above. Those don't wear out or need to be replaced.
What we here on this forum, and over on PerfectUnion's Mini forum, call a buffer is the disc of polymer that goes on each end of the spring. You can see the blue thingy on the end of the spring in the pic above. The other buffer goes around the gas pipe at the other end of the spring. Helps cushion the jolt and metal to metal contact, and makes things easier on a scope or red dot. Some guys just use one buffer instead of both.
Most use Wilson "Shok-Buffs" made for the 1911 pistol. They work great on the Mini's.
And be sure and lube both sides of the bolt with some grease. Any kind of grease is better than not using any, axle grease, gun grease, whatever.
I'm sure others will respond with some other suggestions. If we can't get your problem sorted out, you can always have Ruger take a look at it.
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