Muddy Mini-14

[bsmithwins]

I want to do another test involving getting a Mini-14 dirty, this time with mud. Since a lot of the issues from the Mini-14 dust test were 'it's a old Mini, test a new one' and 'the AR had it's door shut when dusted' I'd like to get feedback as to what constitutes a 'fair' test.

What I'm thinking of doing is run 5 rounds thru each rifle, then coat in mud, fire 5 rounds, recoat with mud, fire 5 rounds, recoat, until 30 rounds have been fired.

Test stops when the rifle has its first malfunction or 30 rounds has been fired.

Rifles I'd like to test are a 580 series Mini-14, an AR15*, a SCAR, a FS2000, and a AK, to serve as a control.

BSW

*I was thinking to do the first run on the AR will be with the ejection port door shut, then each run after that be with the door open.

Link to the original dust test: http://youtu.be/WcfqZFWpk9s

 

[Robenstein]

The fact that the mini 14 was never sold as a military gun kind of makes the test make lass sense as the others are geared towards military service. The Mini was more for police work and was adopted by some paramilitary groups in some form. Id rather see you test an M1 carbine or a M1A instead of the Mini. Makes more sense to me.

 

[Donald]

The point of the test?

 

[MrRPM]

The point is its fun to test, who cares if its not a military gun. civilians can drop their guns in mud too. Those who might worry about extreme environments and their gun might be interested. If I was out in the wilderness on a weeks long camp trip I would wan't a rifle that could be dropped in the mud and still shoot, (edit) happens even if you aren't fighting anyone.

 

[bsmithwins]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
The fact that the mini 14 was never sold as a military gun kind of makes the test make lass sense as the others are geared towards military service. The Mini was more for police work and was adopted by some paramilitary groups in some form. Id rather see you test an M1 carbine or a M1A instead of the Mini. Makes more sense to me.


What is the Mini's intended use? Being transported to a sunny range in a case, shoot a box of ammo, then home and cleaned? Not, say, being tossed behind the seat of a pickup tha's driven in dusty conditions for a month? Not being stuck on a ATV being ridden in the mud?

If I had access to a M1 carbine or M1A I'd do them too. I've already got a FAL offered for inclusion.

BSW

 

[Win]

I thought the whole point of the ranch rifle was that it could be tossed in the back of the farmer's truck or kept on the tractor for when it might be needed.

I didn't think it was meant to be a trench warfare battle weapon.

If you want to play in the mud, personally, I'd get an AK and call it a day.

edit: I bear no ill will to the Mini; I have a ranch rifle and a 30.

 

[hatt]

Originally Posted By: bsmithwins


What is the Mini's intended use? Being transported to a sunny range in a case, shoot a box of ammo, then home and cleaned? Not, say, being tossed behind the seat of a pickup tha's driven in dusty conditions for a month? Not being stuck on a ATV being ridden in the mud?


BSW
Yes, that the Mini's designed usage. However, I'm sure a mini would be fine behind the seat of a truck, trunk of patrol car, or on a ATV in the woods. Your tests aren't consistent with light duty usage. Mini is going to fail, no kidding. If you want a gun for adverse conditions why not just buy one? I love Marlin levers. But I don't bury them in sand and mud. They'd probably fail.

 

[bsmithwins]

I agree that a Mini won't take as much abuse as a military rifle. But...

There are a lot of contrary opinions on the interweb. For example:

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=8419

Quote:
The Mini, bury it in the dirt for 2 weeks pull it out shake it off and hit bulls at 150+ yards.


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110730211641AAqB8Ho

Quote:
Dirt and grime are not a problem for the Mini-14, the bolt simply will sling that stuff off of it.


http://stoppingpower.info/mini-14-review/

Quote:
I suspect this flipping motion helped earn Garands and M14s their reputation as reliable combat rifles as I imagine it would do a good job of slinging off mud and dirt.


http://www.mini14tactical.com/

Quote:
Mini 14 - Open bolt design is a close copy of the M14. The open bolt is very forgiving when it comes to dirt, dust or sand. The rifle clean or dirty just keeps ticking and ticking.


http://www.rogco.biz/harbarownerscomments.html

Quote:
When exposed to dirt, the Mini is very much like the AK or SKS, it's not fussy and will normally NOT balk like an AR will.


BSW

 

[hatt]

Your test you already did doesn't go along with the links you just posted. Yes clearly a lot of contrary opinions. You post a test showing something. A bunch of people go along with the results from your test and you look up link to refute the people agreeing with your test results. LOL.