Mini 14 not a tactical, tactical

[land locked]

So I wanted a Tactical Mini 14 for a long time. Had a 585 series standard 18" barrel. Was going to buy a tactical but decided to save some money and send this off for some work. Had it machined to a 16.5" barrel, threaded, crowned and the front sight moved back. 2 week turn around, work was under $200. Installed a muzzle brake with crush washer when it came home. Hope to take it out shooting soon.

IMG_2015.jpg
IMG_2016.jpg

[splithoof]

Very nice.
There is a lot to be said for making something how you want it. Imagine how nice it would be if one could order most firearms exactly specified to their own tastes in whatever configuration (within practical limits) suited them.
Sure, some custom makers will do that, but like anything else set up in such manner will be $$$$.

[Dirk Tungsten]

Looks good! if you don't mind, where did you end up sending it for work?

[land locked]

JP Grips and Machine

https://www.jpgrips.com

[dfletcher]

I don't have the 581 and later series. I have three 180/190 series and a Mini 30. Over the years I've kind of settled on cutting the barrel to 16" and threading it for a brake. Instead of trying to move back the front sight, which is sweated and pinned, I buy an upper gas block with sight from Arms Room LLC..

The barrel diameter of the older Mini barrel is sized just right for easy threading to 1/2X28 for 223. Barrel on the Mini is the same. If one has the tools (TAT, die, cutting oil and crowning cutters) and the ability it's not particularly difficult to do.

The Mini 14 actually went to Accuracy Systems for the barrel change and threading, the gas block upper was added later.

IMG_1058.jpg
IMG_1059.jpg

The Mini 30 carries the same and was a DIY effort -

IMG_1060.jpg
IMG_1061.jpg

Front sight blade on each is an XS Systems with white dot.

The other Minis are in Oregon using a factory folder and Ruger flash hider instead of a brake.

[land locked]

Took the new "tactical" out shooting this last week. Functioned great, was dead on accurate with iron sights. The muzzle brake tamed whatever recoil was left in it. No issues except the patent Ruger brass throwing. Thinking about getting different bushing size. Anyone running a smaller bushing? If so what size did you go with?

[smle-man]

Took the new "tactical" out shooting this last week. Functioned great, was dead on accurate with iron sights. The muzzle brake tamed whatever recoil was left in it. No issues except the patent Ruger brass throwing. Thinking about getting different bushing size. Anyone running a smaller bushing? If so what size did you go with?

I put one in my 584 series. I don't recall which one, .040 maybe. It puts the brass about 5 ft away. Yes, I looked it up, it is .040 . the .045 bushing reduced the brass throw to 10 ft from 16 ft thus settling on the .040 bushing.

[land locked]

OK sounds good. I will look into installing that size and seeing how it runs

[dfletcher]

Pretty sure I use the .040 also with same results. FWIW, I first bought an Accuracy Systems adjustable type but was forever fiddling with it depending on the ammo. Some stuff dropped close, same setting others (mostly 55 FMJ) went flying. Didn't seem worth it.

[ar15barrels]

I do mini14 shorten/thread type work while you wait.