Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Instruction Manual

A cartridge can be “discharged” before it is
chambered if its primer receives a sharp blow. If a
cartridge hangs up, jams, or binds when being
chambered or when being fed from the magazine
into the chamber, do not attempt to force it into
the chamber by pushing or striking the bolt.Any
jam or feeding problem is a signal to immediately
stop  using the gun until it can be determined
what is wrong. Most failures of a cartridge to feed
or to chamber are caused by a damaged magazine,
improper gun handling, or...

Always unload a firearm
before cleaning, lubrication,
disassembly or assembly.
UNLOAD BEFORE
CLEANING
23
!WARNING–DISASSEMBLY
1
3a
2
Safety
 ON
3b
4
DISASSEMBLY
Be Sure Rifle Is Unloaded!
Although The Mini-14 Ranch Rifle can be disassembled, reassembled, and
cleaned in almost any surrounding, it is preferrable to carry out these
procedures on a workbench or table which has a covered top. A piece of shallow
nap rug or an old blanket is an ideal covering. Such a covering keeps the rifle
from slipping and...

Figure 8
Figure 9
3. Use a 1/4” diameter steel rod,
punch, screwdriver shank, or
other suitable instrument
inserted into the hole in the rear
of the trigger guard as a lever to
spring open the trigger guar
d
from its latched position
(See Fig. 8).
WARNING: Do not use a cartridge to unlatch the trigger guard because of the
danger of loosening the bullet in the cartridge case (See Warnings in “Ammunition”
section, p. 11).
4. Fold rear sight down. Invert rifle
and remove trigger housing
assemblyby carefully...

25
Figure 14
NOTE:The Mini-14 Ranch Rifle is like the M1 Garand and many other types
of autoloading rifles in that the hammer can fall if the trigger is pulled when
the bolt is partially retracted. It is important for the shooter to realize that
the firing pin cannot contact the cartridge until the bolt is safely locked,
regardless of the position of the slide.
1
2
Figure 12
7. Remove the buffer cross pin
and the buffer bushingif there
is any concern they will fall out
during remainder of
disassembly.
8....

26
Removal of the gas block assembly is not necessary and is not advisable.The gas
block assembly is factory fitted using special fixtures and torque tools. Attempting
to fit the gas block assembly without the required special equipment can result in
damage to the components and malfunctioning of the rifle.
Further disassembly of the RUGER
®MINI-14®RANCH RIFLEis not
required for normal cleaning purposes and should only be performed by a trained
armorer who is experienced in firearms repair.
REASSEMBLY...

3.Final reassembly of rifle:
a. Replace stock by inserting its front end into the gas block at a slight angle.
When the stock is correctly seated into the gas block, the stock can be
swung down into full contact with the receiver.
b. Insert the opened trigger housing assembly, safety “ON”, into the stock (the
hammer must be cocked prior to insertion). When fully seated, swing the
trigger guard fully into place until it locks shut. An audible “click” will be
heard when it is correctly locked. Cycle the...

screwdriver to push the magazine bottom rearward as you push down on the
spring-loaded bottom retainer. After the magazine bottom has been slid rearward
off the magazine shell, car
efullyraise the rear end of the bottom retainer so that
its two small lugs can be slid out the rear of the magazine and car
efullyremove
the bottom retainer. CAUTION! It is under spring tension from the magazine
spring.The magazine spring and follower may now be removed from the bottom
of the magazine shell, completing its...

Firing a rifle with oil, grease, or any other
material even partially obstructing the bore
may result in damage to the rifle and serious
injury to the shooter and those nearby. Do not
spray or apply lubricants directly on
ammunition. If the powder of a cartridge is
affected by the lubricant, it may not be ignited,
but the primer firing may push the bullet into
the bore where it may be lodged. Firing a
subsequent bullet into the obstructed bore may
damage the rifle and cause serious injury or
death to the...

30
the chamber to be sure the rifle is completely unloaded!With the muzzle pointed
in a safe direction, pull downward on the rear end of the trigger guard and
remove the trigger housing assembly from the bottom of the rifle.
Store the rifle and the trigger housing assembly in different locations. When
disassembled in this manner, the rifle is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the
rifle until the trigger housing assembly has been correctly replaced.
To reassemble the rifle for firing, reinsert the...

MAINTENANCE OF STAINLESS STEEL RIFLES
Firearms and components made of stainless steel are relatively more resistant to
corrosion than those of blued steel. However, in the interest of proper operation
and long life of a stainless steel firearm, inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate
and apply an appropriate rust preventative.
Sometimes discoloration occurs from perspiration or from contact with some
types of gun cases. Rusting may occur as a result of the firearm being exposed to
moisture, salt air...