Ruger Gunsite Scout mag release

[strongpoint]

I recently bought an aftermarket magazine release for my Mini-14, and I love it -- more positive engagement of the magazine, a larger thumb pad and a longer lever all make for an improved ergonomic experience, IMHO.

I've read some scuttlebutt saying the RGS uses the exact same mag release as the Mini-14. Dimensionally, they do appear identical (comparing the factory Mini-14 release, which is now out of the rifle, with the RGS release, which is still inside the rifle).

So, has anyone tried replacing their factory RGS release with an aftermarket Mini-14 release? Don't make me be the first lemming off the cliff.

[dfletcher]

I've been wondering the same, so maybe we'll get info from the Ruger Forum.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=197300

You could probably just remove the release from the GSR, see if the factory Mini lever fits and if so, it would seem the aftermarket one would fit too. What I would be careful of is tapping out the pin from the GSR trigger guard. It's a poly, not metal, and I'd expect more prone to breaking if not done properly. That and hoping Ruger didn't use some weird spring arrangement in the GSR release set up. Actually, that would be my 1st concern - that Ruger has a spring in a spring with a pin and God only knows what that requires 3 hands and a special tool to hold in place.

[strongpoint]

Actually, that would be my 1st concern - that Ruger has a spring in a spring with a pin and God only knows what that requires 3 hands and a special tool to hold in place.

Yeah, changing the release on the Mini-14 was enough of a PITA already. Is this some kind of Ruger thing?

[dfletcher]

Yeah, changing the release on the Mini-14 was enough of a PITA already. Is this some kind of Ruger thing?

I think all gun makers have their moments - Dan Wesson revolvers used to drive me up a wall, reassembling a Winchester 88 is no fun at all. I suppose there's a reason Ruger didn't use a simple coil spring set up.