Mini-14 : The Plinker, Hunter, Assault, And Everything Else Rifle

Rating:
Summary: Recommended reading for all gun enthusiasts.
Review: Duncan Long's The Mini-14: The Plinker, Hunter, Assault, And Everything Else Rifle is the definitive work on the most versatile modern rifle available to homeowners, hunters, survivalists, law-enforcement agencies, and the military today. Long covers all sixteen models of the Mini-14 and how the rifle owner can construct a number of variations through accessory kits such as standard, laser, and night scopes; magazines; folding and pistol-grip stocks; bullpup conversions; multi-caliber adaptors; flash suppressors; silences; and slings. Long's detailed history of the Mini-14 includes description of its factory-produced variations, specifications, available accessories, major suppliers, and a great deal more. Comprehensive, authoritative, and "reader friendly", The Mini-14 is highly recommended reading for all gun enthusiasts, and a "must" for all Mini-14 gun owners.

Rating:
Summary: A good book for a beginner working with Mini-14s.
Review: I recently purchase a Mini-14 and I was looking for some resource materials. I purchased both this book and "Super Systems". This is by far the better choice of the two. While field stripping explaination is ok, I would have liked some pictures of this proceedure. If you are already an experienced Mini-14 user then save your money.

Rating:
Summary: Save your money for ammunition. . .
Review: This book is very dated; it doesn't appear that the author or editor has looked at it, or revised it, since the mid-80s. As such, it fails to place the Mini-14 in the context of various recent crime bills and their effects on folding stocks, etc. Furthermore, there is too much in here about various Beretta designs, and a .22 cal. plinker. Much of the information is generic to all rifles, such as tips on scabbards and bipods, while there is relatively little timely information specific to the Mini-14, such as how to tweak better performance from the weapon. The author also digresses a bit too far afield on the Sturm Ruger corp. in general, and Ruger non-firearm information in particular.
Some current information on hand-loading for the Mini-14 would be a nice addition as well.
It appears this book was an early draft that was never finished for market, although it clearly shows evidence that the author is well-acquainted with his subject.