ruger mini 14

[rocker]

i have an older model ruger mini 14, series 186-xxxxx. the one that has the rabbit ears type rear sight not drilled and tapped. does anyone know what rate of twist ruger used. on the new models they use a 1in9 twist. i don't have an old gun digest or etc. thanks.

[DeputyAl]

Rocker--

I had a 187 series model--it had 1/9" pitch, as measured via the trusty "cleaning rod with flag" method. I would call or E-mail Ruger with that question, they should be able to answer it for you.

In general, the Mini-14 benefits greatly from the use of good bullets to enhance accuracy. My last two--the 187 I mentioned and the current 196 series I now use--do very good work with Sierra 69 grain Matchkings to about 2700 FPS with 25.5 grains of WW-748/WSR primers.

[rocker]

I called ruger and they confirmed a 1x9 twist. I don't handload yet, so i bought some black hills match and some fgmm 69 gr.. i will try them just for accuracy. thanks to everyone for their input. tom.