An even better redesign of the M1 Garand than the M14 service rifle according to some gun enthusiasts and historians, the Ruger Mini-14 was actually introduced in 1973, and since then it's been offered in several variants – including full-auto models – and calibers, including 5.56x45 NATO, 7.62x39 mm, and .300 AAC Blackout. Anyway, in this 2025 Ruger is dropping the 50th Anniversary model of its popular rifle in 5.56 NATO, featuring elements reminiscent of the original such as a wood handguard, bayonet lug and flash suppressor. On the bolt, a laser-engraved Mini-14 50th Anniversary logo makes it clear that it is a commemorative limited edition.
Ruger Mini-14 50th Anniversary, celebrating a classic
Even if it is named after the US M14 battle rifle which was the standard-issue US military service weapon from 1959 until 1964 – whose general lines it mimics in a scaled-down size – the Mini-14 is mechanically based on the legendary M1 Garand rifle of World War 2 fame, using a similar breech bolt locking system but with a gas-operated system re-engineered in the form of a self-cleaning, short-stoke fixed piston.
Besides the already mentioned laser-engraved anniversary logo on the bolt, the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary model also features polished stainless steel accents. The walnut stock is full-size and the buttstock has an "I" cutout to utilize the M1 carbine sling/oiler. The gas block has a left-side sling swivel.
The cold hammer-forged threaded barrel is 18”/457 mm long and comes factory with a flash suppressor already installed. Iron sights are composed of an adjustable ghost ring rear aperture sight and a non-glare, protected blade front sight. Integral scope mounts are machined directly on the solid steel receiver to provide a stable mounting surface for scope rings (included). The receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting a Picatinny rail, also included.
For an US MSRP of $1,399, the Ruger Mini-14 50th Anniversary comes with a hard case and two 20-round magazines.
