#SundayGunday: Ruger Mini-14

American Hunter Staff

posted on March 12, 2017

Support NRA American Hunter DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

#SundayGunday is all about honoring the latest and greatest firearms available to hunters. This week, there's a strong emphasis on the "greatest" part of that sentence—because the rifle we're featuring is far from new. Heck, it’s older than half our editorial team, having first rolled off the line in the early 70s. Even so, it remains a favorite among hunters and shooters across the nation, and is one of the most recognized products ever produced by Sturm, Ruger and Company. We're talking, of course, about the Ruger Mini-14. Decades old and still vastly popular, the Mini-14 doesn’t have many limits. Once upon a time, Ruger loosely based it on the military’s legendary M-14, along with a gas piston based o the M1 Garand—just with a few cost-saving alterations and innovations that ultimately made it more appealing to the civilian market. You can learn more about it with the video embedded above, hosted by Digital Managing Editor Shawn Skipper.

Looking for more #SundayGunday? We've got you covered.

• #SundayGunday: Marlin 1895 GSBL Lever-Action Rifle
• #SundayGunday: Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen
• #SundayGunday: Smith & Wesson Model 69
• #SundayGunday: Savage Arms A22 Magnum
• #SundayGunday: Winchester SX4
• #SundayGunday: Benelli Ethos 28-Gauge
• #SundayGunday: Kimber Model 84M Hunter

Latest

Know How: Understanding and Obtaining a Cold-Bore Zero

Have you ever spent hours at the range zeroing a rifle only to learn it is nowhere near center when you go to confirm it at camp? Many attribute this malady to scope shift during travel, and that can sometimes be the case. However, far more often this point-of-impact change can be attributed to the way we zeroed back home.

News, Guns & Gear

First Look: Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Western Revolver

Built to recall the Wild West, the Single Action Revolver from Winchester Air Guns is the perfect sidearm for junior-shooter summer fun.

News, New for 2026

#SundayGunday: Ruger Harrier

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders. Learn more in this exclusive video.

News, Guns & Gear

Early-Start Big-Game Hunts

With whitetail populations in some areas exceeding management goals, many states are offering special seasons, extra tags, and other incentives to entice hunters to get out there early and more often. States also offer early opportunities for many other big-game species; in fact, there are so many opportunities that it can be difficult to even keep up with your own state, whereas early seasons across state boundaries can easily be missed out on.

News, New for 2026

Shell Shock Technologies Announces .50 BMG NAS³ Case

Shell Shock Technologies has announced the completion of independent live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS³ case, with results confirming velocity and performance advantages over standard brass at standard operating pressures.

News, Ammo

Member's Hunt: First Pheasant with the Old Gun

Meet Connor Dietrich. Connor is a 13-year-old honor student, football player and band member from Quincy, Ill. He is, for his age, a veteran hunter and angler. This year, he had his first pheasant hunt, and it was one to remember.

News, Game