The Ruger Mini-14 is a popular and well-known semi-automatic rifle. It is great for a wide range of uses including hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
As with any semi-automatic rifle, magazines are vitally important to the smooth and proper operation of a Mini-14.
They are, after all, the part that feeds ammunition into a rifle. It is always wise to have multiple magazines for a semi-auto rifle. Scroll down to see some of the best Mini-14 magazines that are available today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Mini 14 Magazines
What to Watch For When Buying Mini 14 Magazines
Magazines for Mini 14 rifles can vary greatly in price, reliability, and function. The last thing you want to be dealing with is a jammed or malfunctioning weapon due to poor magazine performance. Use the information below to zero in on the best options.
Straight From the Factory
Amongst Ruger Mini 14 owners and shooters, magazines straight from the Ruger factory are one of the best options. Built from steel with strong springs, factory magazines tend to operate smoothly and reliably in Ruger Mini 14 rifles. This shouldnโt come as a surprise as they were literally designed for this purpose by the gun manufacturer. That being said, they can be a little pricier than other aftermarket magazines. However, it might be worth the extra price for some shooters.
One good option for those who donโt want to spend a lot on several factory magazines is to at least have one or two extra factory mags on hand. These should be used in situations when the smooth operation is vital such as during hunting, self-defense, and competitive shooting scenarios. Other aftermarket magazines can then be used for practice shooting and casual trips to the range.
Ruger factory magazines are available in several finishes, offer a high level of durability, and come in different capacities. The available capacities are 5 rounds, 10 rounds, 20 rounds, and 30 rounds.
Photo credit: elkodaily.com
Reliability and Durability are Key
Reliability and durability in Mini 14 magazines are two of the most important factors to consider. It wonโt take long for frustration to set in on the range when that new magazine struggles to feed round cleanly, causes jams to occur, or doesnโt seat in the rifle easily. Always keep an eye on claims of reliability before buying new magazines. The main place you will run into problems with this is with cheap or knockoff magazines. The prices can be tempting, but they just arenโt worth it.
The same thing goes for durability. This is even more important if you are a high-volume shooter. Replacing broken magazines after a relatively short time is annoying and a waste of money that could be spent on ammo. Do your best to go with trusted brands and magazines with good reputations for both reliability and durability.
Considering Capacity
Mini 14 magazines are available in a variety of capacities. Each capacity is useful in its own way. It is always a good idea to think about the way you typically use or plan to use your Mini 14 when deciding on magazine capacities. A five-round magazine might work best when hunting deer while a 30 round magazine will be useful on the range.
Comparison of the Best Mini 14 Magazines
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Review of the Best Magazines for the Mini 14
The following is the best magazine that you can find for a Mini 14. Be sure to take a look at any features and characteristics that tend to stand out for you. Letโs take a look at the magazine thatโs our main focus right now:
Now that weโve talked about what to look for, letโs see how a few different magazines stack up.
Good Overall:
Ruger Magazine: Mini-14 223 Reminton/5.56 Nato 5rd Capacity
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers tend to like this magazine, given the fact it is made from steel and highly durable. The magazine fits flush inside the weapon, and since these are made by Ruger themselves, they function properly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
First of all, these magazines are made by Ruger. Plus, the magazine has been made from blued steel which ensures its durability. Since the feed lips are metal, there is almost no possibility of feeding issues from there.
Sturm, Ruger & Co. was founded in 1949 by the legendary Bill Ruger. Currently, the nation's largest firearm's manufacturer, Ruger, is known for rock-solid reliability that the average Joe can afford. You can enjoy a little extra peace of mind buying Ruger's own after-market components given the company's reputation and the fact that components such as this mag, are designed and built in the same place as your gun.
If you need a light, practical hunting mag for your Mini-14 or must abide by some new draconian magazine size laws, this mag is perfect for you. This detachable five-round box magazine is made of super-reliable blued steel and closely resembles a mil-spec mag. In fact, factory original Ruger mags like these have been used by about a dozen police forces around the world and by the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
From a military perspective, the capacity of such a magazine is mainly useful for practice purposes, but that still says a lot. For most civilian applications, five rounds are more than enough. Even if you are just plinking or shooting paper at the range, for consistent accuracy, it is good to give your barrel a break to cool down.
Who Will Use This Most
These mags are more likely to be used by bench shooters, competitive shooters, and hunters. Additionally, people with magazine capacity restrictions can also use these as an alternative to high capacity mags. The magazine is ideal for a hunter who shoots at a slow pace and has ample time for reloading.
Bottom Line
These are Ruger manufactured factory mags which function flawlessly with the mini-14. The mags are steel so you can drop them, throw them, and abuse them the way you like. Additionally, the mags are easy to clean and will last for years to come.
This is a great low-capacity mag for normal civilian conditions. The best features are the solid blued steel construction and the productโs reliability.Runner-up:
Ruger Magazine MINI-14 223 10 Round
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Since these mags are made from blued stainless steel, they are extremely durable. Most users donโt face any feeding issues and fit perfectly inside the mini-14. Additionally, most users appreciate the mag being originally made by Ruger.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This magazine is OEM by Ruger, so there are no performance or compatibility issues. Plus, the oil and water resistant surface prolongs their service life. The magazine has metal feed lips, that wonโt bend no matter how much you drop or stomp it.
A ten-round magazine is a good compromise between firepower and lightness. As with the five-round model above, using a mag or any component designed and manufactured by the same company that made your rifle, offers a bit of confidence and peace of mind.
Unlike with the five-round model, even the base-plate of this magazine is made of blued steel. This more complete steel construction gives the unit a real classic military look. The follower appears to be of a good, nylon anti-tilt variety. Although Ruger explicitly designed these mags to only seat in the mag well when the bolt is open, many users have a hard time getting used to this design feature. It is a fairly common feature, and most can get used to it with a bit of practice.
Given that it is only ten rounds, this mag does not require curved internal geometry. Instead, the style goes back to some of the original military detachable box magazines like those on the M14, upon which the design of the Mini-14 is based. These mags can be hard to find because they are much more robustly made than those by other after-market manufacturers.
Who Will Use This Most
The magazine is a boon for people residing in states restricting the use of high capacity mags. 10 rounds is the max you can have there. This magazine is ideal for hunters and target shooters. Given the fact that 10 rounds are enough for a hunting expedition. Plus, the mag is quite durable to be used at the range.
Bottom Line
The 10 round Ruger magazine is a must have for mini-14 owners living in capacity restrictive states. The magazine is quite durable and will last a lifetime if used properly. The price may seem a bit off when compared to polymer mags, but it is definitely worth it.
Ten is a good round number to carry around in a mag. Maybe heavy and unnecessary for a long day's slog of mountainous hunting, but for plinking, a day at the range, or boar hunting, ten is the Goldilocks mag capacity. Of course, it comes with Ruger reliability.3. Pro Mag Ruger Mini-14 .223 Rifle Magazine
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users choose this magazine because of the similarity in design and difference in price compared with the Ruger factory mags. These magazines are quite durable, and look pleasing. However, some users report some jamming issues but, thatโs not very common.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The differentiating factor for these magazines is their affordable price. These mags are almost half in price compared to OEM ones. Plus they are almost on par when it comes to performance. Another important aspect to mention is their aesthetics. For which there are a couple of colors to choose from.
ProMag is a high-quality firearm components manufacturer based in Phoenix. This is another great ten-round mag with a classic military design and a heat-treated steel body. This mag comes in two finishes, blued steel, or nickel-plated steel. Obviously, the blued version will look better on a gun with blued steel and the nickel-plated option will best match a stainless steel gun.
Again, the ten-round capacity of this magazine offers a great compromise between weight and firepower. This model offers very similar aesthetics and functionality to the ten-round Ruger factory model above but at about half the price. Internally, this mag features a chrome-silicon spring to prevent corrosion and a precision-molded polymer feeder.
ProMag products are made in the U.S.A. and warrantied against factory defects. This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a moderate capacity with a military aesthetic at a great price. This is especially true if you want the nickel-plated version to match your stainless steel gun.
Who Will Use This Most
These magazines are best to be used as extras while shooting at the range. One can also decide to use them for hunting, but that totally depends upon the discretion of the user. Not to mention that people living in restrictive law states can also get their hands upon these mags.
Bottom Line
The ProMag .223 10 round magazine is an inexpensive alternative for the Ruger Mini-14 factory magazines. This magazine is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and can be used in multiples at the range, considering their price and capacity.
This is a great cost-saving option, especially if you treat magazines as disposable items. The choice of aesthetic is nice, especially if that's your thing. You may want to find a way to polish the follower to increase reliability. It can be nice having some affordable mags or other components that you don't care too much about if they get lost or damaged. If that's what you're looking for, this mag is for you.
4. ProMag 30-rd. Mini 14 Mags
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users seem quite impressed with the value for money this combo offers. The 30 round capacity is also something that pleases them. However, some users report about the time these mags take to break in and their lower quality compared to the Ruger factory mags. Although, they seem content with the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The first thing that stands out is the value for money. Three 30 round magazines at the price less than that of a Ruger metal magazine is something worth considering. Plus, the magazines have a self lubricating finish to prevent scratches. Additionally, nylon itself is resistant to heat, moisture, and rust.
Who Will Use This Most
These magazines are most likely to be used for practice, plinking, and home defense. Since their high capacity makes them somewhat ineffective for hunting. These mags are a good choice for home defense, since you will find enough ammo to fight off the hostiles due to the 30 round capacity.
Bottom Line
These magazines are surely the best-value-for-money combo you can get for your Mini-14. The mags have a self lubricating finish and are made from nylon to be lightweight and durable. Unarguably a good choice for the range and home defense.
5. Pro Mag Ruger Mini-14 Blued Magazine, .223 Remington/5.56 Nato, 20 Rounds
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The magazine is exceptionally well built and durable, and are mostly liked by users because they prove to be a worthy and comparatively inexpensive option for the Ruger factory mags. The magazines function very well and are almost flawless. There didnโt seem to be any considerable negative reviews for this magazine related to quality or function.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is a blued steel magazine that can readily replace the factory magazine at half the price. Plus the 20 round capacity is a good value for the magazine to be used for almost every purpose. The magazine functions perfectly and being double stacked doesnโt take up much space. Additionally, this mag is widely trusted and used across the Mini-14 community.
Pro-Mag is probably the most loved and trusted brand for purchasing Mini-14 Mags and other upgrades. No doubt, thereโs a solid reason for their reputation for magazines. These magazines have a TIG welded carbon steel body, similar to the OEM version.
They feature a self-lubricating poly-carbonate follower and a heat-treated chrome silicon spring which improves the feeding process. The magazine has a black finish and comes in 20 and 30 round variants with a minor difference in prices. It also features a removable base plate for easy disassembly and cleaning.
Who Will Use This Most
As already mentioned, the magazine can be used for almost every purpose associated with the Mini-14. It can be used for hunting, range shooting/practice, and even home defense. The steel body protects it from getting damaged under pressure, so it is good to be thrown around the range.
Bottom Line
This stainless steel magazine from promag is the perfect replacement for Ruger factory magazines. It is well built and can hold 20 rounds, which gives you ample firepower to tackle any problematic situation. Additionally, very few high-quality magazines can beat it for the price.
6. John Masen 10rd Magazine
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers praise the last round bolt hold open capability of this magazine, as well as its aesthetics. The fit, finish and durability also pleases most users. However, some users also talk about some feeding issues, which are quite rare. These mags are seen as a good replacement or backup for the factory Ruger mags.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The last round feeding efficiency of this magazine is worth noticing. Plus, the durable finish and fitting inside the mini-14 is quite good. Another factor, is the finish of this magazine, which can withstand a lot of abuse before succumbing. Plus, the heavy duty spring also ensures that the magazine loads a round after every cycle.
There is a notable effort from John Masen to imitate the Ruger factory magazines. Manufactured from stainless steel, these magazines can hold 10 rounds and are available in black or nickel finish variants.
The stainless construction provides corrosion resistance and durability. It features a black polymer follower and a shock-absorbing bottom pad.
Who Will Use This Most
Since it is a 10 round magazine, it is more likely to be used by hunters and competitive shooters. The magazine is made of steel and is quite durable, which also makes it useful for shooting range sessions. It can withstand rugged operation and can help you to train a bit with your weapon for emergency situations.
Bottom Line
The John Masen 10 round Mini-14 magazines are a reliable alternative to the factory mags. Plus, they can be kept as backup magazines for hunting or range sessions. These are just a bit cheaper than the factory magazines, so eventually it's your own discretion.
7. Ruger 90332 Mini-14 6.8mm Remington SPC 5 Rd
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to user consensus, the magazine may take some time to break-in. However, it functions flawlessly after getting used to the rifle. The magazines have a strong spring which ensures that the rounds feed properly into the receiver. The finish of the magazine is splendid and protects it from any sort of wear and tear for years to come.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The magazine is fairly reliable for the 6.8 SPC rounds and fits very well to the mini-14. Obviously because of the fact that it has been manufactured by Ruger. The magazine has a flawless anti-tilt follower that is edged on the rear to ensure the last round is chambered properly.
If your Mini-14 is chambered in the estimable 6.8 SPC caliber and you require a lightweight five-round magazine for long slogs packing your rifle through the woods, or if your hunting grounds fall under stringent magazine capacity laws, this mag is the perfect option.
Once again, Ruger is known for dependability without a hefty price tag. You will sleep easy pulling the trigger on Ruger's own factory mags, thanks to the company's solid reputation and the knowledge that after-market parts and accessories, such as this one are engineered and manufactured right there with your M-14.
If you need a lightweight, handy hunting mag for your 6.5 SPC Mini-14 or if you are restricted by state magazine capacity rules, this mag is for you. This detachable five-round box magazine is built of the toughest blued steel, and the aesthetics are a lot like a standard mil-spec mag.
For most civilian situations, five rounds are plenty. Even if you are just plinking or passing a day at the range, for consistent accuracy, the best thing is to let your barrel have some time to cool down. Reloading your magazine every five shots or so is a pretty good way to do this.
Who Will Use This Most
Anybody using a 6.8 SPC mini-14 can use this magazine. However, it is not good for tactical or defense purposes. It is an exceptional magazine for hunting and target practice. Plus the 5 round capacity allows ample time for your barrel to cool off while you reload.
Bottom Line
A mini-14 in 6.8mm SPC is a rare sight, but it is still an effective hunting and sniping cartridge. This 5 round magazine will turn out to be best for hunters and range shooting.
This is a fantastic low-capacity magazine for everyday civilian uses. Its best features are the rugged blued steel design and the reliability.
8. Ruger Mini 14 Magazine 90583 Magazine Capacity: 5
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The magazine displays competent crafting and a durable design. It holds 5 rounds and works flawlessly with the mini-14. It can be split apart easily for cleaning and maintenance. Plus, the chocolate bar grooves over the body help with getting a better grip.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The magazine has been meticulously designed with no flaws whatsoever. The steel spring is strong and facilitates flawless feeding. Plus, the caliber engraved on the right side helps with storage, assortment, and looks aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, this is an original factory mag manufactured by Ruger.
If your Mini-14 is chambered in the popular 300 Blackout round and you need a light five-round mag for long days of packing your rifle around the bush, or if your state has strict capacity laws, this magazine is a great choice. Again, Ruger has a reputation for dependability that you can afford.
You will be able to rest easy purchasing Ruger's own in-house mags thanks to the company's reputation and the knowledge that components such as this one are designed and made alongside your M-14. If you need a light, efficient hunting mag for your 300 Blackout Mini-14 or if your options are restricted by local magazine capacity laws, this mag is perfect for you.
This detachable five-round box magazine is constructed of heavy-duty blued steel and looks a lot like a standard mil-spec mag. For most civilian use cases, five rounds are more than adequate. Even if you are just plinking or spending a day at the range, for consistent shot placement, best practice is to give your barrel time to cool down. Reloading your mag every five shots is a reasonable way to do this.
Who Will Use This Most
The magazine is best for hunters and range use. It has a limited capacity of 5 rounds which is enough for a skilled shooter to take down game. Plus, the 5 round capacity allows your rifle time to cool down while shooting at the range.
Bottom Line
The Ruger Mini-14 .300BLK magazine is an OEM component for your rifle. It is sturdy and has been well designed to ensure flawless operation. The magazine is ideal for hunting and as a backup for carrying some extra ammo in a small confined space.
This is an excellent low-capacity mag for average civilian use cases. Its top features are the tough blued steel design and its reliability.
What to Look for in an Aftermarket Magazine
Thereโs quite a few things to keep in mind when considering an aftermarket magazine. A magazine is responsible for feeding the bullets into your action. If itโs not reliable, your feed system will jam every now and then. Not a good sight anytime.
Before choosing an aftermarket magazine, you must ensure that it is reliable and feeds well. Check the spring, which shouldnโt be too tight or too loose. Also check to see if the magazine has a โhold-openโ follower (this can be done manually using the switch, but if itโs built in, so much the better).
Another important aspect to consider is the size. There are 5, 10, 20 and 30 round magazines for the Mini 14. Thereโs even some larger ones. Think carefully about what size you really need. Sometimes it can just be a preference of how much it bothers you to switch clips.
Pro Mag Ruger Mini-14 .223 Rifle Magazine
The weight and the material of the magazine also matter. Thatโs because a heavier magazine will add to the weight of the rifle. That in turn might affect accuracy. It is also not a good option if you have to walk a good distance with your rifle.
Most of the magazines today are manufactured with polymer or metal. The polymer lightens these mags and eliminates the problem of rusting. However, the metal mags are still more durable and long lasting.
One last factor that might not be a huge deal but is a nice feature, and thatโs transparency. There are magazines where you can check out the number of rounds left without detaching them. This will be a bonus feature.
Benefits of Having Spare Magazines
Purchasing a spare magazine is an optional investment, and thus, is easily glossed over by many would-be buyers. However, there are some distinct advantages to having spare magazines, including:
Improved Performance
Many of the magazines on our list, improve performance with not only small details, such as improved grip when changing the magazine, but also polymer, non-tilt followers which reduce the risk of jamming. Whether the improvements are minor quality-of-life improvements or to ensure proper function of your gun when you need it most, having a spare magazine is one of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to increase performance.
Security
Letโs say something happens to your red dot scope. You still have iron sights. What happens if something goes wrong with your magazine? If you donโt have a spare magazine, youโre out of luck. That simply wonโt do, so all other advantages notwithstanding, ensure that you have a spare magazine for the same reason you have a spare tire on the back of your truck.
Photo credit: gunandshooter.com
Improved Longevity of Other Parts
Your weapon is like your body, treat one part badly, and it affects everything. By switching your magazines to higher quality parts, youโll put less stress on surrounding components. With features such as the self-lubricating poly-carbonate in the Pro-Mag Ruger Mini-14 Magazine, you can ensure a slick operation thatโll put less wear on your weapon.
Theyโre Inexpensive
While each spare magazine has a different price point, theyโre relatively inexpensive compared to other components. Additionally, classics such as the Ruger Mini-30 Magazine 7.62x39 provide renowned quality at a very reasonable price, so you donโt have to buy budget brandsโjust consult our reviews and get great performance and value!
Donโt make the common mistake of assuming spare magazines are unnecessary. They can improve performance, extend the life of your weapon, and are absolutely critical should something happen to your existing magazine. All of this, and they can be an exceptional valueโso consult our list for the best spare magazine for you and give yourself some peace of mind.
Cautious Considerations To Keep in Mind
If you want to be more informed about purchasing magazines for your Ruger Mini 14, then you need to be aware of some considerations that should not be ignored. Hereโs what you need to know:
Double Check Your Laws Regarding Magazine Size
Depending on where you live, there may be laws or regulations in regards to magazine size. So, it would be important to double-check your local and state laws to ensure that you do not run into any inadvertent legal headaches at some point down the road. From there, you can decide which magazine will be compliant with those laws if push came to shove.
Make Absolutely Sure Your Rifle Is Compatible
If you think every Mini 14 magazine can fit Mini 14 rifles, then you might be in for a rude awakening. If you havenโt found this out yet, then the guesswork may be a bit harder. But in order to save you time and money, youโll need to know the measurements of your rifleโs magwell so you can find a magazine that has the right measurements to fit.
Ruger Magazine MINI-14 223 10 Round 90339 Magazine
Conclusion
There are quite a few good aftermarket options for changing your Mini 14 magazines. The original Ruger factory mags are no doubt the best choice for the Mini 14, but they are quite rare and overpriced compared to the other options.
Lighter and more inexpensive models of magazines are easily available and can be used without any problems. But it all depends upon your individual discretion.
Pro mag is a waste of money. When the Ban expired I threw all that junk away and got ruger factory mags 20 round ONLY.