The Ruger Mini-14/AC556 can be seen in the following movies and television series used by the following actors:
Error creating thumbnail: File missingBlued Ruger Mini-14 Standard Model Semiautomatic Rifle (Pre-2005) with 30 round magazine - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingRuger AC556 Carbine - 5.56x45mm. This is the full automatic version of the Mini 14 with a distinctive Barrel and bayonet lug. Ruger also offers the Mini-14 GB ("Government Barrel" Model) which is a semi automatic only version of the AC556 for Law Enforcement and (some) civilian sales. The Full Auto AC556 has a distinctive Auto Selector Switch on the back of the receiver that the Semi Auto Ruger Mini 14 does not.Error creating thumbnail: File missingStainless Steel Ruger AC556 Carbine with Full Stock - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingStainless Steel Ruger Mini-14 GB-F ("Government Barrel, Folding Stock") - 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingRuger AC556K with 20-round magazine 5.56x45mmError creating thumbnail: File missingStainless Steel Mini-14 GB in an Aftermarket Choate Folding Stock, as used by the Military of Bermuda - 5.56x45mmFile:Mini14-2.jpgCurrent production Mini-14 "Ranch Rifle"; inline wooden stock and blued finish with 5-round magazine - 5.56x45mm. This is the production model after 2005 with changes to the receiver, the front sight placement and rear sight.
Please note that many times a semi auto only Mini 14 GB rifle is used to impersonate a full auto AC556, especially when mounted into a factory folding stock. Unless the rifle fires full auto, or one can clearly see the selector switch (which the Mini 14 doesn't have) it will be identified as a Mini-14 until it's pedigree as an AC556 can be verified.
The Muzzelite™ MZ14 is a polymer rifle stock that was designed to convert the Ruger Mini-14/AC556 into a compact bullpup carbine. Contrary to some urban legends, these were never seriously looked at as an alternative weapon for law enforcement. The trigger pull is shoddy, too long and the bullpup itself is back heavy. Most Police departments already had full auto AC556 rifles or semi auto Rugers (as well as AR-15s) if they needed a 5.56x45mm assault rifle. It is a simple vacuformed clamshell body that uses a rod to activate the trigger. The Muzzelite™ Stock was sold in configurations that could hold the Ruger Mini-14, the Ruger 10/22 and the Marlin Camp Carbine in 9x19mm, though the only version used in most movies or television shows were the Ruger Mini 14 version. Also in films like Total Recall, the AC556 full auto carbine with a shorter barrel was used inside this bullpup stock.
The Muzzelite™ stock enclosed Ruger Mini 14 has been used in countless B-Movies and television shows as a result of it's futuristic appearance. Films like Starship Troopers utilized customized futuristic guns based on the Ruger Mini inside of a Muzzelite™ stock. These were preferred by the prop makers at Hollywood's Hand Prop Room, since the futuristic shape of the Muzzelite™ stock made it easier to create unusual science fiction rifles, but also the fact that it expands the appearance potential of the Ruger Mini 14, known in the industry as "The Jamless Wonder". The Mini-14 never jams or stovepipes using movie blanks, something that cannot be said of any of the other common 5.56x45mm weapons used in films.
with and without tactical flashlights mounted on the carry handle
1996-2001
Ruger Mini-30
Error creating thumbnail: File missingStainless Ruger Mini-30 New Production Model Semiautomatic Rifle with flush factory five round magazine - 7.62x39mm
The Ruger Mini-30 is a nearly identical rifle except chambered for 7.62x39mm. Except for the magazines, it would be hard to identify a Mini-30 from a Mini-14 based on purely visual cues.
