The Mini-14 was first introduced in 1973 by Sturm, Ruger & Co.[4] The name Mini-14 was coined because it resembles a smaller version of the military M14 rifle.[5] Designed by L. James Sullivan[6] and William B. Ruger, it incorporated numerous innovations and cost-saving engineering changes. The Mini-14 rifle employs an investment cast, heat-treated receiver and is mechanically similar to the M1 rifle, with a self-cleaning, fixed-piston gas system.[7][8] Initial rifles were produced with a complex, exposed bolt hold open device with no button for manual engagement.