Ruger Mini-14

Mini-14
The Mini-14 Government Barrel with sling
Type	Semi-automatic rifle
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1974–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	Rhodesian Bush War[1] The Troubles Militias-Comando Vermelho conflict[2]
Production history
Designer	L. James Sullivan, William B. Ruger
Designed	1967–1973
Manufacturer	Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Produced	1973–present
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Mass	2.9 kg (6.4 lb)
Length	Model 5816: 965 mm (38.0 in)[3]
Barrel length	330–559 mm (13.0–22.0 in)
Cartridge	.222 Remington .223 Remington .300 AAC Blackout 5.56×45 mm NATO 7.62×39 mm 6.8 SPC
Action	Gas-operated short-stroke fixed piston,[4][5][6][7] rotating bolt
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic mode: 40 rounds/min[8] Full-automatic mode (AC-556 variant): 750 rounds/min[9]
Muzzle velocity	3240 ft/s (990 m/s)
Effective firing range	200 yd (180 m)[8]
Feed system	5- to 30-round factory box magazine Stripper clip (Cogburn Arsenal feed guide)
Sights	Iron sights

The Mini-14 is a lightweight semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Introduced in 1973, the design was outwardly based on the M14 rifle and is, in appearance, a scaled-down version chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, though with its own gas system design.

Since 1973, Ruger has introduced several variants, including variants chambered in both .223 Remington and 5.56×45mm NATO, the Ranch Rifle with a civilian style rear aperture sight and integral scope ring mounts on the receiver, the Mini-14 GB with a bayonet lug and flash suppressor, variants with folding stocks, stainless steel versions of the most popular variants, a target version featuring a heavyweight barrel and barrel tuner, the Mini Thirty, which is chambered for 7.62×39mm, as well as variants chambered in 6.8mm Remington SPC and .300 AAC Blackout.^[10] The rifle is currently used by military personnel, law enforcement and corrections personnel, and civilians in the United States and around the world.