Винтовка Ruger Mini-14 и Mini-30: История и Модификации

Semi automatic rifle

Introduced in 1973 by Sturm, Ruger & Co., the Mini 14 resembles a smaller version of the military M14 rifle. Designed by L. James Sullivan and William B. Ruger, it incorporated numerous innovations and cost saving engineering changes. The Mini 14 rifle has an investment cast, heat treated receiver and is mechanically similar to the M1 rifle in the receiver area, but with a self cleaning, fixed piston gas system. Initial rifles were produced with a complex, exposed bolt hold open device with no button for manual engagement. Stocks were somewhat angular, and heat shields were made of wood. These rifles, with serial number prefixes before 181, were tooled and redesigned with a new stock, new bolt hold open mechanism, and other small changes. In 1987, Ruger introduced the Mini Thirty rifle chambered for the Russian 7.62×39mm cartridge. At the time, large quantities of surplus military ammunition were being imported into the United States at rock bottom prices. Also, the 7.62×39mm is ballistically similar to the .30 30 Winchester cartridge. As a result, the Mini Thirty proved to be an effective deer rifle. In 2003, the design was overhauled to improve accuracy, update the styling, and reduce production costs. The standard Mini 14 was discontinued and the name became the family name for all Mini 14 type rifles. As of 2005, all Mini 14 type rifles are based on the Ranch Rifle design, with integral scope bases, a nonfolding ghost ring aperture rear sight, and a winged front sight similar to that used on the Ruger Police Carbine. They also have a new modified gas system designed to reduce barrel vibration the "Target Rifle" version was introduced with a cold hammer forged heavy barrel, adjustable harmonic tuner with adjustable MOA accuracy, and either a laminated wood or Hogue overmolded synthetic stock. The Target Rifle does not have iron sights but includes the standard scope rings and Picatinny rail mount.

Introduced in 2009, the "Tactical Rifle" is the newest variant, which includes the shorter 16.12" barrel with flash suppressor, and is available with a standard fixed stock/fore end, or a collapsible ATI brand stock with Picatinny rails. This model is chambered in both .223 Remington/5.56×45mm NATO and .300 AAC Blackout as of 2015.

In 1987, Ruger began production of the Mini Thirty, which is chambered for the Russian 7.62×39mm cartridge, used in the SKS and AK 47, as many states prohibit hunting of deer with calibers smaller than 6 mm (.243 in). The 7.62×39mm has ballistics similar to the well known .30 30 Winchester. The Mini Thirty is available with a 16.12" (Tactical Model) or 18.50" barrel having a twist rate of 1:10" RH, and is sold with two 20 round or 5 round box magazines. Ruger does not currently produce 30 round Mini Thirty magazines. The Mini Thirty shares many of the same design and accessory options with those of the smaller caliber Mini 14 Ranch Rifle.

The "Mini Thirty Tactical Rifle" variant was introduced in 2010. It closely mimics the Mini 14 Tactical Rifle variant, but in 7.62x39mm. It also has a shorter 16.12" barrel with flash suppressor, and is available with a standard fixed stock/fore end, or a collapsible ATI brand stock with Picatinny rails.

The Mini 14 GB ("government barrel") models feature either a pistol grip, side folding stock, or a standard semipistol grip rifle stock, a 20 or 30 round magazine, bayonet lug, threaded barrel, and flash suppressor. Proof that GB stands for "government barrel" and not "government bayonet" can be seen in Ruger's new Tactical models and Ruger continuing to use "GB", which are catalogued for example KM 14/20GBCP. These models have no bayonet lug but do have the flash hider. Sales of the models with bayonet lug were intended only for law enforcement, military, and private security markets, and could only be found in Ruger's Law Enforcement Catalog. Many have entered the civilian market, though.

Introduced in 1979, the AC 556 is a selective fire version of the Mini 14 marketed for military and law enforcement use. The design incorporates a selector on the right/rear of the receiver to select either semi automatic, three round burst, or full automatic fire modes; the manual safety at the front of the trigger guard operates the same as a standard Mini 14. The front sight is winged and incorporates a bayonet lug. The or barrel incorporates a flash suppressor, which can be used to launch approved tear gas and smoke rifle grenades. A folding stock was used on the AC 556F and AC 556K. The rifle came equipped with 20 round magazines and a 30 round version was available for a time. The AC 556 was dropped from production in 1999 and Ruger stopped offering service for the rifle in 2009. By that time, some models became available for private civilian purchase in the NFA market.

In France, the AC 556 is known as the Mousqueton A. M. D. where it was used by several governmental agencies within the French Interior Ministry: the Police Aux Frontières ("P. A. F."—Border Police), the Police Nationale Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (or "C. R. S."—Riot Control Brigade), and the Groupe d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale ("GIGN") special operations unit.

Ruger produced a .222 Remington caliber model as early as 1984. Designated Mini 14/5R.222, these rifles were made mostly for civilian markets overseas where .223 caliber and 5.56 mm firearms are generally banned. These were discontinued in the early 1980s.

In 2007, Ruger began production of the Mini 6.8 using the commercial 6.8 mm Remington SPC cartridge. However, they were discontinued in 2012 and are no longer listed in the Ruger catalog.

A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for the Mini 14 and Mini Thirty, including numerous stocks, magazines, and Weaver and Picatinny rail mounts.