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Ruger Mini-14
Photo: Jan Hrdonka · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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RugerMini-14

Carbines · United States · 1973
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RugerMini-14

Ruger Mini-14
Ruger Mini-14 Photo: Jan Hrdonka · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Compactness
75
Manoeuvrability
80
Firepower
60
Accuracy
70
Effective Range
65
Reliability
85
Modularity
60
Ergonomics
70
Versatility
75
Cost-Effectiveness
90
Origin United States
ManufacturerSturm, Ruger & Co.
CategoryCarbines
EraCold War
In service1973
Operators10 countries
Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
73
Carbines MASS Rating
1/6
Cold War
10/46
All-Time
Carbines · 10 axes scored
Compactness
75
Manoeuvrability
80
Firepower
60
Accuracy
70
Effective Range
65
Reliability
85
Modularity
60
Ergonomics
70
Versatility
75
Cost-Effectiveness
90
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the carbines category.
01 / Overview
Ruger Mini-14
Category
Prime contractor
Production
1973–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
CARBINES · COLD WAR
1
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
68
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
73
carbines category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the carbines category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • First Production Year1973
  • Service Entry Year1974
  • DesignerL. James Sullivan, William B. Ruger
  • Weight (Empty)2.9 kg
  • Currently In ServiceYes
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
▣Operation9MOD.9
  • Action TypeGas-Operated
  • Fire Modessemi-automatic, full-automatic (AC-556)
  • Select FireYes
  • Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
  • Magazine Capacity5
  • Cyclic Rate of Fire40
  • Practical Rate of Fire40
  • Trigger Typesingle-stage
  • Safety Typemanual
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
  • Muzzle Velocity990 m/s
  • Effective Range (point)400 m
  • Sighting Range200 m
◆Barrel & Sights6MOD.6
▤Construction6MOD.6
▲Production & Cost1MOD.1
  • Production Start1973
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1964First deployment: Rhodesian Bush War
  2. 1973Production started
53
years in service
10
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE10terms
A bayonet lug is a metal fitting on the barrel or muzzle of a firearm that provides a mounting point for a bayonet.
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
A mounting system for attaching optical sights to rifles.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
A pistol barrel with external helical grooves allowing the attachment of a suppressor or other muzzle devices.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Carbines entry →