![Image](http://ruger.com/products/sr556Standard/images/5902.jpg)
Pricey though, so every time my gun-budget got enough funds, I got some other item (a levergun for me, or a CCW LCP for my daughter, etc.). Still, I kept lusting for the Ruger version of the AR-15, partly because it was "a Ruger" and partly because it was "gas piston", even though the traditional gas-into-action AR-15's do just fine for most heavy combat work, let alone the occasional 'ranch' or 'target' use I put mine to. In addition, I realize that the Ruger would not likely have all the advantages of 'generic' parts applicable to the gas-tube AR's we are all familiar with.
So now come events which will likely make obtaining one unlikely.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
However - I just realized, I DO HAVE A RUGER 'GAS-PISTON' .223 SEMIAUTO. . . .
![Mr. Green :mrgreen:](./images/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif)
It's called a "Mini-14", and my particular version is a stainless "Ranch Rifle" with a threaded muzzle just like all the AR-15's out there. My Trek suppressor fits it just fine, and it's still LOUD, but at least not to the point of permanent hearing-loss if I shoot it without muffs.
It can be had in a version very similar to the above...
![Image](http://ruger.com/products/mini14TacticalRifle/images/5846.jpg)
...or a more 'traditional' version like mine, that is functionally equivalent...
![Image](http://ruger.com/products/mini14TacticalRifle/images/5848.jpg)
...or a version that won't allow a suppressor, but looks almost old-fashioned...
![Image](http://ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/images/5801.jpg)
...and is available even with the dreaded 'high-capacity' magazines...
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
![Image](http://ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/images/5816.jpg)
All of them are basically scaled-down versions of the venerable M1A.
![Image](http://www.fulton-armory.com/images/products/detail/FAM14ServiceRifle.png)
It has all the advantages of the 'gas-piston' design, including cleaner receiver/action, and no problem with various power-levels of loads, as the 'excess' gas doesn't blow back into the receiver like the AR-15's. No - it is NOT as accurate as my AR-15, with its match-grade trigger, heavy bull-barrel, and high-axis scope (for maximum PBR). My AR-15 can keep five shots in 1/2" at 100 yards IF I manage to do my part, whereas the Ruger Mini-14 will keep five shots in 3-4" no matter how steady I hold it.
However much I'd like the Ruger SR-556 for the excellent machining and worksmanship and potential accuracy, combined with the 'combat' utility of a gas-piston design, I realized I already have all that except the match-grade accuracy, in my humble Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.
Anyway, those of you who are lucky enough to have a Mini-14, don't be sad about not getting that 'gas-piston AR' you always wanted, because you basically have a M1A, scaled down to fire the .223 Remington cartridge...
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)