9-Holes Review tested an old Mini-14 manufactured in 1983 (so well before the more recent upgrades to the sight and barrel) out to 500 yards using 55 grain bullets. Considering the very basic sights, it did fairly well--actually pretty good to 300 yards or so, but was limited by the sights beyond that range. When considering its performance, keep in mind that it was intended to compete against the M16A1 style rifles with their pencil barrels and basic sights, not the A2 with its rifleman sights and heavy barrel.
The whole video is long (42 minutes) but the actual testing of the rifle was only the first 14 minutes. The remainder is discussion about the rifle: the host's history with the rifle, it's widespread use in the 1980s, how the Mini-14 tends to escape many of the bans that impact the AR-15 or AK, and more general discussion about the rifle. I was mostly interested in the shooting test, so I did not watch much beyond the segment on the testing.
If you are interested in reading more about the Mini-14, see my post: "Survival Weapons -- The Ruger Mini-14." It is one of my most popular articles.
VIDEO: "Mini 14 (1983 vintage) to 500yds: Practical Accuracy"
9-Hole Reviews (42 min.)
I had one of them I kept in the barn, stainless and plastic hardware, so it was perfect for those rough conditions. I use the 62 green tips, sucker was a tack-driver w/ an Eotech.
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