Customer Reviews

The Mini-14: The Plinker, Hunter, Assault, and Everything Else Rifle

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Much of the information in this little volume is worthwhile. Especially valuable are the field-stripping, trouble shooting and basic expedient gunsmithing advice. There is no guide to improving accuracy, however, which I was hoping to find, and not much on recommended ammunition or on actual experiences with owning and shooting this nifty carbine. The complete history of the development and usage of the "everyman's rifle" is interesting, but over long. Also, there is too much information in which I am not interested - M14's, M1A1's, and even AK's take up far too much space. Enough to make me think Mr. Long was deliberately trying to fill up a few pages. The book NEEDS a good updating - it was written before the crime bill, and much is made of various folding stocks and other "obsolete" accessories, and the reference section is mostly outdated. Overall I'm glad to have it on my reference shelf, where it will sit until I need to solve some problem or other, but otherwise it's not a satisfactory read.

This book is very dated; it doesn't appear that the author or editor has looked at it, or revised it, since the mid-80s. As such, it fails to place the Mini-14 in the context of various recent crime bills and their effects on folding stocks, etc. Furthermore, there is too much in here about various Beretta designs, and a .22 cal. plinker. Much of the information is generic to all rifles, such as tips on scabbards and bipods, while there is relatively little timely information specific to the Mini-14, such as how to tweak better performance from the weapon. The author also digresses a bit too far afield on the Sturm Ruger corp. in general, and Ruger non-firearm information in particular.
Some current information on hand-loading for the Mini-14 would be a nice addition as well.
It appears this book was an early draft that was never finished for market, although it clearly shows evidence that the author is well-acquainted with his subject.

I recently purchase a Mini-14 and I was looking for some resource materials. I purchased both this book and "Super Systems". This is by far the better choice of the two. While field stripping explaination is ok, I would have liked some pictures of this proceedure. If you are already an experienced Mini-14 user then save your money.

This book was a good read. It told of the firearms that lead to the development of the Mini-14 and the pros and cons of the design. I did feel like the author was out of material near the end of the book and put in filler of other similar weapons to the mini-14 as well that information was not completely useless. By the end of the book I was convinced that it is a great hunting and plinking rifle as well as a good rifle for self defense, however I still wouldn't classify this rifle as an assault rifle, I'll leave that title for the M-16 and AK-47 rifle families. If you are a fan or proud owner of this great Ruger rifle this book is worth the read. It reads fairly quickly for average readers and is more a history book than an instruction manual.

Duncan Long's The Mini-14: The Plinker, Hunter, Assault, And Everything Else Rifle is the definitive work on the most versatile modern rifle available to homeowners, hunters, survivalists, law-enforcement agencies, and the military today. Long covers all sixteen models of the Mini-14 and how the rifle owner can construct a number of variations through accessory kits such as standard, laser, and night scopes; magazines; folding and pistol-grip stocks; bullpup conversions; multi-caliber adaptors; flash suppressors; silences; and slings. Long's detailed history of the Mini-14 includes description of its factory-produced variations, specifications, available accessories, major suppliers, and a great deal more. Comprehensive, authoritative, and "reader friendly", The Mini-14 is highly recommended reading for all gun enthusiasts, and a "must" for all Mini-14 gun owners.

This was a good book in its day. It has good history and information but it is now somewhat dated, this book was published in 1987. If you own a pre-580 series mini-14 this is an excellant reference. I would highly reccomend it if you have one of these older mini's. The exploded view drawings are better than the ruger factory manual. There are good photos (black & white) and captions.

Good read and information. Like I said, traded the gun off for another,don't remember what, but the book stays with me. Anyway, I'll buy another mini somewhere down the road.

Everything you might want to know about the Mini 14 and its history; but it would be nice to have an updated edition that includes the newer Minis since 2005.

the author if he can be called that, offers no new thoughts or insights.
in point of fact he simply parrots every gun myth and urban legend and contributes nothing new or interesting.
unless you base your worldview and personal beliefs on the latest internet blog or forum you will not be able to plow through this poor excuse for a book.
paladin press is laughable if this slop is what they deem worthy of publishing.