The Mini-14 Platform Meets 300 Blackout
The Ruger Mini-14 Tactical Model 5864 combines the traditional Mini-14 operating system with one of the most versatile modern intermediate cartridges: 300 AAC Blackout / 300 BLK.
Rather than using the AR-15's direct-impingement architecture, the Mini-14 uses Ruger's proven Garand-style action, breech-bolt locking system, fixed-piston gas system and self-cleaning moving gas cylinder.
For the shooter who likes the handling and operating characteristics of the Mini-14 but wants the versatility of 300 Blackout, model 5864 is a particularly interesting combination.
Designed Around Supersonic and Suppressed Subsonic 300 BLK
Ruger originally engineered this version of the Mini-14 with an optimized gas port specifically to broaden the operating envelope of the rifle.
Ruger states that the system was designed to cycle with supersonic 300 Blackout ammunition as well as subsonic ammunition when a sound suppressor is installed.
That makes model 5864 especially well suited to shooters who want to take advantage of the two personalities of the 300 Blackout cartridge: conventional supersonic performance and heavy subsonic ammunition for suppressed use.
16.12" Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel
The rifle uses a 16.12-inch cold hammer-forged alloy-steel barrel.
Ruger's cold hammer-forging process forms the rifling under substantial pressure, producing a durable bore intended to provide long service life and consistent accuracy.
The relatively compact barrel keeps the rifle's overall length to just 36.25 inches while avoiding short-barreled-rifle classification in its factory configuration.
1:7 Twist for the Broad 300 Blackout Bullet Range
The barrel uses a fast 1:7" right-hand twist with six grooves.
That twist rate is particularly appropriate for 300 Blackout because the cartridge can use everything from relatively light supersonic projectiles to very long, heavy subsonic bullets.
The faster twist helps stabilize the heavier projectiles commonly associated with suppressed 300 BLK ammunition.
5/8x24 Threaded Muzzle
The muzzle is threaded 5/8"-24, the common thread pattern used on many .30-caliber suppressors and muzzle devices.
Ruger supplies the rifle with a factory-installed flash suppressor. The flash suppressor can be removed when installing a properly matched suppressor mount or other compatible 5/8x24 muzzle device.
Classic Mini-14 Fixed-Piston Operating System
The Mini-14 remains mechanically distinct from the AR-15.
Ruger's fixed-piston gas system and self-cleaning moving gas cylinder were designed around rugged reliability, while the breech bolt uses a locking arrangement influenced by the M1 Garand family of rifles.
That gives the Mini-14 its characteristic operating feel while keeping fouling and hot combustion gases largely forward of the receiver.
Protected Front Sight and Adjustable Ghost-Ring Rear
Model 5864 comes ready to use with conventional iron sights.
The front sight is a protected non-glare blade, while the receiver-mounted rear sight uses an adjustable ghost-ring aperture.
The arrangement provides a durable sighting system for a general-purpose rifle while still allowing optics to be added when desired.
Two Factory Optics-Mounting Options
The Mini-14 receiver incorporates integral Ruger scope-mounting cuts machined directly into the solid steel receiver.
Ruger includes the appropriate scope rings, allowing a conventional scope to mount directly to the receiver without relying solely on an accessory rail.
The receiver is also drilled and tapped for the included Picatinny rail, providing a more conventional mounting surface for red dots, prism optics or Picatinny-compatible scope mounts.
Black Synthetic Stock
The rifle uses a rugged black synthetic stock with a traditional rifle profile rather than an AR-style pistol grip and collapsible stock.
Length of pull is 13 inches, giving the Mini-14 relatively compact handling while maintaining a full fixed-stock shoulder position.
20-Round Capacity with Two Magazines Included
Factory capacity is 20 rounds.
Ruger supplies model 5864 with two detachable magazines. Ruger's original factory announcement for this model specified two 20-round steel magazines marked for 300 AAC Blackout.
The Mini-14 uses its own magazine system and should not be confused with an AR-15 simply because the two rifles may share ammunition.
6.7-Pound General-Purpose Rifle
Despite its solid steel receiver and piston-operated action, Ruger lists model 5864 at just 6.7 pounds.
Combined with the 36.25-inch overall length, the rifle remains relatively handy for use around a ranch, hunting property, vehicle or range.
300 Blackout Without the AR-15 Format
Most semi-automatic rifles chambered in 300 Blackout are built on the AR platform. The Mini-14 Tactical offers something different.
It retains the traditional stock profile, Garand-inspired rotating-bolt action, conventional safety arrangement and distinctive Mini-14 handling while still providing a modern threaded barrel and suppressor-friendly cartridge.
For someone who wants 300 Blackout capability but prefers a conventional rifle layout over the standard AR configuration, the 5864 occupies a fairly unique niche.
Factory-Configured for Optics or Iron-Sight Use
Ruger supplies enough mounting hardware that the rifle can be configured several different ways directly from the box.
The shooter can stay with the factory ghost-ring sights, use the included Ruger scope rings for a conventional optic, or install the included Picatinny rail for a wider range of modern sighting systems.
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