[lswanie]

I recieved a large gift certificate for Sports Authority this past week and our local store has a Mini 14 rancher in 22 hornet caliber. I like this caliber for plinking around but is it possible to convert it to 223? If so, how complicated and expensive would this be? Ive always wanted a mini 14 and this might be my lucky break!

 

[gunman42782]

Welcome to the forum. I was not aware that Ruger ever made a Mini 14 in .22 Hornet. This is the first I have ever heard of it if it it so.

 

[lswanie]

Thanks for the welcome

I called ruger and apparently they havent heard about it either. I thought I remembered seeing one on the net a few years ago but it might have been something else. I was worried about spending this certificate before Sports Authority goes out of business and now Im really worried.

 

[lswanie]

Turns out it was 223 and the label on the gun was wrong, good deal. Just got back from shooting it and I love it, although while using the iron sights it seems to shoot a little low. Any advice for a new owner is greatly appreciated. Im looking for an affordable scope and higher capacity magazines that dont cost 50 dollars. What are some good online stores I should check out? Thanks

 

[Ron Honner]

For a time, Ruger did make a .222 in either the Mini-14 or the Ranch Rifle...I cannot remember which model it was.

 

[gunman42782]

Iswanie, you will probably discover, as have most Mini 14 owners (myself included) that the Mini is very bad about shooting low when the barrel heats up, which does not take very many shots at all for that to happen. As for magazines, I bought Ruger 20 round mags off of auctionarms.com or gunbroker.com (I can't remember) for $29.00 each. Yeah, that is still expensive, but they will work 100% of the time, and some of the junk aftermarket mags are not worth having, IMHO. You might also check out perfectunion.com. They have an entire Mini 14 discussion page over there, and some very knowledgable people when it comes to the Mini, how to improve accuracy, etc.

 

[janthony]

No you did not. Its is a 223 and not a .22 Hornet

Go to the Ruger site. I am assuming this member is either confused or is messing with you. Ruger makes 7 models in the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle. All are 5.56 NATO/223 Rem.

I recieved a large gift certificate for Sports Authority this past week and our local store has a Mini 14 rancher in 22 hornet caliber. I like this caliber for plinking around but is it possible to convert it to 223? If so, how complicated and expensive would this be? Ive always wanted a mini 14 and this might be my lucky break!

 

[gqucool]

First off stick with stock Ruger Magazine's they are better quality and more reliable. My feelings on a scope is a Nikon they make several models I like a 2-7x32 on my Mini-14. A good online store Midway USA. Good luck!!!

 

[RJF]

Iswanie, first and foremost, welcome to the forum from Central Virginia!

Unless your Mini is marked otherwise, it will handle .223/5.56 just fine. Exceptions would be the Target model (.223 only), Mini-30s (7.62X39), some rare Creedmore calibers, some even more rare .222, and the .300 BO. Since you won it recently with a gift certificate, I'll assume it is a recent .223/5.56 model. No need to "convert". I have no knowledge of Ruger ever making a Mini in .22 hornet.

Make sure you wear baggy trousers when going to the range. Otherwise, it could be embarrassing since the Mini-14 is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

 

[eastman]

The OP was in May of 2007.

 

[RJF]

The OP was in May of 2007.

Details, details, details...

Hadn't even noticed. Thanks!

But but but "the internet is forever"...

 

[CmdrCody]

And the OP hasn’t posted SINCE THEN!
Post resurrection is always so nice!