mini 14 modding

[BoomRoasted]

Hey guys. So up until now I have just been using my Marlin .22 at the range and I am considering getting a mini 14. I really wanted the tactical version for the shorter barrel but I guess the flash suppressor makes it illegal in CA. I wanted to know how different the tactical version is from the standard ranch rifle if you don't take into consideration the barrel length and flash suppressor. Also, I was wondering if a viable option is to get the ranch mini 14 and have a smith cut the barrel and add an aftermarket muzzle break.

[jeffrice6]

No difference besides what you have listed! I'm looking into getting my ranch cut down to 16" But why would you want a muzzle break on a Mini?

[BoomRoasted]

Accuracy. As I said I don't know much about firearms but my understanding is that the mini has some accuracy issues and the break will compensate a bit for that.

No difference besides what you have listed! I'm looking into getting my ranch cut down to 16" But why would you want a muzzle break on a Mini?

[jeffrice6]

Accuracy. As I said I don't know much about firearms but my understanding is that the mini has some accuracy issues and the break will compensate a bit for that.

The new Mini's with the tapered barrels are much more accurate than the older series. Plus if you shorten the barrel it becomes even more "stiff" leading to greater accuracy. If you were to go beyond that you would be looking at a barrel strut like this: http://accu-strut.com/

One thing to keep in mind is that the Mini is not a bench rifle! A new out-the-box ranch rifle with good ammo "should" be right around a 2-3 MOA stick! I'm quite happy with that!!!

Great Mini site: http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/

[Kestryll]

The mods I like for a Mini-14 are a trigger job by Great West Gunsmithing, Gundoc did my trigger and it it very nice.

I later had him cut my barrel down to 16.5 inches and thread it to 1/2-28 so I could use all the attachments that are out there for the AR-15.

I added the Accu-Strut SOCOM strut to mine to stabilize the barrel, I went with the shorter strut because of the shorter barrel.

For mine since I had it I used the Ruger ACC556 front sight that replaces the top strap of the gas block. They're hard to find but The Arms Room makes one similar to it:

http://www.thearmsroom.com/id9.html

One mod that I really like and heavily advocate is the 'Tactical Magazine Release', it replaces the factory release with a side bar the you can hit with your trigger finger without changing your firing grip.
The mags drop out like a rock with this thing.

I went with a Primary Weapons Systems FSC556 and it makes a big difference in recoil and muzzle rise. I tried the SJC Titam comp and while it's a bit better for recoil the noise was a bit much so it's on one of my ARs now.

Since this picture I've changed out the Weigand rail and Primary Arms red dot for Ruger rings and a Meuller 1-4x24 red dot.



ARs are nice but frankly I prefer my Mini to be honest.

[jeffrice6]

Kestryll

With the mods & scope, how is she printing?

[Kestryll]

I just put the scope on last Friday and haven't had a chance to sight it in.

I'm thinking since I'm in an urban area and life is short range I'm going to sight her in at 50 yards.

Beyond that I've got other toys to play with!

[Drivedabizness]

Don't know where the OP is located but T&T Gunsmithing in Rancho Cordova did a great job on my trigger for like $60.

You will lose FPS if you cut your barrel - just be aware. Whoever cuts it needs to crown in properly or you are screwed.

If you are interested in a Mini with the kind of mods you are talking about I'd lurk on the guns for sale part of this site. I did and made what I thought was a great deal on a Mini with lots of mods already done. I had the trigger done and added some optics but then I got bit by the EBR bug badly and sold the Mini to another CalGunner to help pay for my first AR.

[wazzock]

Without the scope, did you have to open up the rear sight for use with the AC556k front sight? I have a project in the works, and the original rear peep seems too small for a clear sight pic. Maybe just my aging eyesight.

[jeffrice6]

Without the scope, did you have to open up the rear sight for use with the AC556k front sight? I have a project in the works, and the original rear peep seems too small for a clear sight pic. Maybe just my aging eyesight.

I believe XS sights have larger apertures that will fit the Mini.

[DasBoost]

The mods I like for a Mini-14 are a trigger job by Great West Gunsmithing, Gundoc did my trigger and it it very nice.

I later had him cut my barrel down to 16.5 inches and thread it to 1/2-28 so I could use all the attachments that are out there for the AR-15.

I added the Accu-Strut SOCOM strut to mine to stabilize the barrel, I went with the shorter strut because of the shorter barrel.

For mine since I had it I used the Ruger ACC556 front sight that replaces the top strap of the gas block. They're hard to find but The Arms Room makes one similar to it:

http://www.thearmsroom.com/id9.html

One mod that I really like and heavily advocate is the 'Tactical Magazine Release', it replaces the factory release with a side bar the you can hit with your trigger finger without changing your firing grip.
The mags drop out like a rock with this thing.

I went with a Primary Weapons Systems FSC556 and it makes a big difference in recoil and muzzle rise. I tried the SJC Titam comp and while it's a bit better for recoil the noise was a bit much so it's on one of my ARs now.

Since this picture I've changed out the Weigand rail and Primary Arms red dot for Ruger rings and a Meuller 1-4x24 red dot.



ARs are nice but frankly I prefer my Mini to be honest.

Looks great! I've been trying to decide between the Perfect Union Member's Tactical Mag Release or The Arms room's Extended Mag Release.

Without the scope, did you have to open up the rear sight for use with the AC556k front sight? I have a project in the works, and the original rear peep seems too small for a clear sight pic. Maybe just my aging eyesight.

I believe XS sights have larger apertures that will fit the Mini.

The Tech Sight Rear Sight for the Mini an accept any aftermarket and different sized apertures. Just buy the other piece and screw it in.

[BoomRoasted]

Is that muzzle legal? The description says it's flash suppressing.

[3GunFunShooter]

As mentioned, www.perfectunion.com is the site for all things about the Mini. Over
130,000 posting on the rifles.

[gorenut]

Aesthetically, this is one of my favorite Minis I've seen.


I wanted to add an AFG to my Mini as well.. but figured the small benefits gained wasn't worth risking the "gray area" of AFGs on a featureless rifle.

You can see this guy's thread here:

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/85850-mini-tactical-build-thread.html

Great forum for Minis

[coyotebait]

Accuracy. As I said I don't know much about firearms but my understanding is that the mini has some accuracy issues and the break will compensate a bit for that.

Shoot the thing before you start worrying about accuracy. I always hear people talk about how inaccurate the Mini is, to the point that if I didn't have one already, I'd be spooked into not buying. Mine is NOT the tapered barrel. I can hit a 6 inch plate at 250 yards every time. For some, that's the equivalent a broad side of a barn, for me, that's coyote killing.