INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR BLUED & STAINLESS STEEL CALIBER .223 (5.56mm) RUGER® MINI-14® RIFLE AUTOLOADING RIFLE NOT FOR USE WITH MINI THIRTY RIFLES (cal. 7.62 x 39mm) FOR REFERENCE ONLY These models are out of production. They have been superceded by the Ruger New Mini-14 Ranch Rifle. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM For Product Service on This Model Please Call: (603) 865-2442 (See p. 33) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.
State-By-State Warnings Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following: California: WARNING ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
Maine: “ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.” Maryland: “WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury.
New Jersey: “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” New York City: “THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPONS STORAGE. ALL WEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
WARNING – LOCKING DEVICES DO NOT INSTALL INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD This firearm was originally sold with a key-operated locking device. While it can help provide secure storage for your unloaded firearm, any locking device can fail. All guns are designed to fire if they are loaded and the trigger is pulled. Therefore, never install the locking device inside the trigger guard or in any way that it can possibly pull the trigger! Do not leave the keys in the lock.
FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your RUGER® MINI-14® RIFLE properly. Please contact us if you have any questions about it. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, etc. with live ammunition.
WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Manual Safety Ammunition Lead Exposure Firing Handling Sustained Firing 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 Unloading Bore Obstructions Malfunctions Disassembly Lubrication Storage Parts Purchasers 16 19 22 23 29 30 34 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS– READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
convenience in holding the bolt open for loading and inspection. The firing pin is retracted mechanically as the bolt starts to unlock and the rifle will fire only when the bolt is locked. The one-piece American hardwood stock is reinforced with steel liners in stressed and high temperature areas. The “All-Weather” model features a synthetic stock and stainless steel construction.
WARNING – MANUAL SAFETY Keep the safety on unless actually firing. Always move the safety fully to its intended position and check it. The safety is not “ON” unless it is completely “ON”. Never depend on a safety mechanism or any other mechanical device to justify careless handling or permitting the rifle to point in an unsafe direction. The only “safe” rifle is one in which the bolt is open, the chamber is empty, and there is no magazine in the gun.
To release the slide (which allows the bolt to go forward) keep safety “ON” and either: Closing The Bolt 1. Remove the magazine, draw the slide handle to the rear and release, or; 2. With an empty magazine in place, draw the slide handle fully to the rear and hold it there. Then, while holding the slide handle, depress the magazine follower slightly with Figure 4 the thumb, remove the thumb, and then allow the slide to go forward.
WARNING – LEAD EXPOSURE Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
LOADING THE MAGAZINE Use only clean ammunition of the proper caliber manufactured to U. S. Industry specifications, in good condition. (See Notice and Warnings in other sections of this manual pertaining to Ammunition). To load the magazine, align each cartridge with the bullet forward (pointing toward the hole in the front of the magazine body) and push downward until the cartridge snaps into place.
TO LOAD AND FIRE (WITH MAGAZINE) Practice this important aspect of gun handling (with an unloaded rifle) until you can perform each of the steps - described below - with skill and confidence. But before you do anything with the rifle, please first read completely through this manual. This procedure begins with an empty rifle with its magazine out. 1. Be certain the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. (See Rule 2, p. 42). 2. Before inserting loaded magazine, engage the bolt lock so the bolt is held open.
9. Immediately following the firing of a shot, and if a subsequent shot is not to be fired at once, put the safety “ON” while the rifle is still pointing in a safe direction down range. The safety should be moved to the “ON” position as soon as firing is completed, and it should be “ON” at all times except when the rifle is on target and being fired. 10. When the last cartridge in the magazine has been fired, the bolt lock will automatically engage and hold the bolt and slide in the rearward, open position.
WARNING – SUSTAINED FIRING The Mini-14 rifle fires from a closed bolt. Sustained firing can create excessive heat in the barrel and can cause “cook-off” of ammunition (heat-firing of the cartridge in the chamber). This “cook-off” can occur a substantial period of time after firing has ceased. Always unload the firearm immediately after you have finished shooting.
2. Remove the magazine. REMEMBER that even though the magazine has been removed, a cartridge remaining in the chamber can still be fired! 3. Pull the slide handle all the way to the rear, extracting and ejecting the cartridge in the chamber. When the bolt is fully retracted, push down on the bolt lock plunger and then allow the slide to move forward until it comes to rest against the bolt stop. 4. Always visually double check the chamber to be certain it is empty. 5.
TO RELOAD THE RIFLE 1. Firing all cartridges in the magazine and the chamber will cause the bolt to automatically lock open. Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction. Put the safety “ON”. Reloading can be accomplished by pressing forward on the magazine latch with the thumb or forefinger. The magazine will fall free of the rifle of its own weight. To avoid the possibility of damage to the magazine, do not let it fall to the ground unless rapid reloading is absolutely necessary. 2.
humid conditions which could cause condensation, or to rain or snow which might have entered the bore, open the bolt and clean out the barrel. Inspect the bore visually to be sure that it is perfectly clear (See “Ammunition Warning” p. 11 and “Care and Cleaning” section p. 29) WARNING –BORE OBSTRUCTIONS Before loading or shooting the Mini-14 rifle, be certain the bore is unobstructed.
c) Retract the slide handle and lock it in the open position by pressing in the bolt lock plunger in the top of the receiver. Retracting the slide handle should remove the cartridge case. Be certain the safety is in the “ON” position. d) Check the chamber to be certain there is no cartridge case in it -- if there is, extract it before proceeding with steps (e) and (f). e) After making sure that the rifle is unloaded, inspect the bore from the muzzle end of the barrel.
2. When attempting to free a jammed cartridge, do not use any type of tool that is likely to act as a “firing pin” and discharge the cartridge should the tool impact on the primer. Never use a cartridge as a “tool”. 3. After clearing a jam, inspect the gun mechanism to determine if dirt or debris might be the cause of the problem. Excess lubricant or grease can cause cartridges to feed sluggishly. An accumulation of grease, dirt or powder grains in the magazine can contribute to cartridge feeding problems.
3. If the mechanism shows signs of not functioning correctly, or if a part is damaged or broken -- don’t use the gun. Have it inspected, and repaired. (See “Malfunction Warning” below) 4. Use only genuine Ruger® Mini-14 magazines and carefully load the magazine. Do not exceed the stated magazine capacity. (See “Loading Magazine”, p. 13) 5. Do not ‘ride’ the slide handle when chambering a cartridge from the magazine.
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY Always unload a firearm before cleaning, lubrication, disassembly or assembly. UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING DISASSEMBLY Be Sure Rifle Is Unloaded! Although The Mini-14 Rifle can be disassembled, reassembled, and cleaned in almost any surrounding, it is preferrable to carry out these procedures on a workbench or table which has a covered top. A piece of shallow nap rug or an old blanket is an ideal covering. Such a covering keeps the rifle from slipping and being scratched. 1.
3. Use a 1/4” diameter steel rod, punch, screwdriver shank, or other suitable instrument inserted into the hole in the rear of the trigger guard as a lever to spring open the trigger guard from its latched position (See Fig. 8). Figure 8 WARNING: Do not use a cartridge to unlatch the trigger guard because of the danger of loosening the bullet in the cartridge case (See Warnings in “Ammunition” section, p. 11). Figure 9 4.
7. Pull slide handle to the rear. Align locking projections on slide with disassembly notch on receiver. Remove slide (See Fig. 12). Figure 12 8. Pull the bolt forward until it can be pivoted out of receiver. Align firing pin projection with slot in lower receiver bridge and remove bolt from receiver (See Fig. 13). Figure 13 Removal of the bolt stop assembly is not normally required for routine cleaning. 9.
Removal of the gas block assembly is not necessary and is not advisable. The gas block assembly is factory fitted using special fixtures and torque tools. Attempting to fit the gas block assembly without the required special equipment can result in damage to the components and malfunctioning of the rifle. Further disassembly of the RUGER® MINI-14® RIFLE is not required for normal cleaning purposes and should only be performed by a trained armorer who is experienced in firearms repair.
3. Final reassembly of rifle: a. Replace stock by inserting its front end into the gas block at a slight angle. When the stock is correctly seated into the gas block, the stock can be swung down into full contact with the receiver. b. Insert the opened trigger housing assembly, safety “ON”, into the stock (the hammer must be cocked prior to insertion). When fully seated, swing the trigger guard fully into place until it locks shut. An audible “click” will be heard when it is correctly locked.
screwdriver to push the magazine bottom rearward as you push down on the spring-loaded bottom retainer. After the magazine bottom has been slid rearward off the magazine shell, carefully raise the rear end of the bottom retainer so that its two small lugs can be slid out the rear of the magazine and carefully remove the bottom retainer. CAUTION! It is under spring tension from the magazine spring.
CARE AND CLEANING BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THE RIFLE AND ITS MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES. At regular intervals, or whenever the rifle has been exposed to sand, dust, extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water, or other adverse conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance is essential to the reliable functioning of any firearm. To clean the rifle, proceed as follows: 1. Disassemble (field-strip) the rifle to the extent described on pages 23 - 25. 2.
STORAGE GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED! USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE RIFLE FOR STORAGE. (SEE PAGE 6) Do not store the rifle in a leather case or scabbard. Leather attracts moisture, even though it may appear to be dry. TO RENDER THE RIFLE INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine, retract the slide handle, and retract the bolt fully to the rear.
MAINTENANCE OF STAINLESS STEEL RIFLES Firearms and components made of stainless steel are relatively more resistant to corrosion than those of blued steel. However, in the interest of proper operation and long life of a stainless steel firearm, inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate and apply an appropriate rust preventative. Sometimes discoloration occurs from perspiration or from contact with some types of gun cases.
The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation. A small punch, the head of a finishing nail, or other similar instrument can be used to depress the plunger to allow the adjustment to be moved one quarter turn in either direction. One quarter turn will move the point of impact 1 inch at 100 yards. The sight adjustments have been made deliberately positive by means of springloaded detent plungers so that settings cannot be accidentally disturbed under normal conditions.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY If you have any question with regard to the performance of your RUGER® MINI-14® rifle please write or call (603-865-2442) our Product Service Department in Newport, New Hampshire 03773, fully describing all circumstances and conditions involved.
WARNING –PARTS PURCHASERS It is the purc h a s e r’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ord e red fro m the factory are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The p u rchaser and installer of parts must accept full responsibility for the correct adjustment and functioning of the rifle after such installation.
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RUGER® MINI-14® RIFLE EXPLODED VIEW SYNTHETIC STOCK MODEL 41
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your t a rget before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should be used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained in the same family since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
