Mini 14 barrel mods

[drifts1]

Kes, do u have pics? I was just going to add add an accustrut to my 186 series but I'm liking your suggestion.

[ChuckDizzle]

My advice as a guy that has tried almost everything with his Mini-14 is as follows... Give up on the accuracy. Attaching mo-rods and accu-struts might marginally improve the accuracy, but you are fighting a losing battle. Kind of like putting a lift kit on a Toyota Camry, it will be costly, ruin what the Camry is good at (reliable, economical, cheap) to only be marginally effective as a truck off the show room floor off road.

Instead ask what is good about the Mini-14 and embrace it from that standpoint. It is light, handy, reliable, and looks cool. So what would increase those qualities? Find an aftermarket synthetic stock (not the crappy looking heavy tacti-cool ones because that makes it an assault weapon in California anyways), cut the barrel and recrown. Don't wast time with heavy compensators or brakes that may increase muzzle flash and noise, don't put on a flash hider (again makes it an assault weapon in CA). Install a new rear sight aperture, some aftermarket ones are really nice and closer to the M14 for easy windage and elevation changes. Or if you have to have optics install a picatinny rail and put on the excellent for the money Bushnell TRS-25 red-dot. Your rifle isn't accurate enough to justify magnification.

Edit: Also avoid the "scout mount" style top hand guard rails if you want to mount an optic. None of them are secure to the action/receiver in a manner that makes for consistent holding of the zero from shot to shot. I always have to laugh when I see guys with Mini-14s with this kind of set-up because it took me less than 5 minutes of actually shooting mine to conclude that the mounting platform isn't solid enough and even greater hurts the Mini accuracy.

[kauaibuilt]

Kes, do u have pics? I was just going to add add an accustrut to my 186 series but I'm liking your suggestion.

Hmm... Look what i found....

For you tactical mini types....

http://youtu.be/6A_8Oox1ccc

[ScottsBad]

For options #2 & 3 that i listed ASI = accuracy systems inc.

Found out brownells stocks their stainless hbar barrel... Not a bad idea! Maybe pay a little extra and get it cut down?

ASI also has a strut that comes with an adjustable gas block. I'm thinking of adding one to my Mini14 Tactical. Or cut the barrel to 14.5.

I had some work done by ASI on a 581 SS Ranch Rifle. I had them shorten the barrel to 16", reinstall the front sight, put on a muzzle brake, adjustable gas block, and do a trigger job. They do good work. I added a Vortex PST 2-7 scope when they were discontinued for $189. Makes for a very nice plinker.

I'm mainly an AR and SCAR guy, but I enjoy the Mini-14s.

[SloChicken]

My advice as a guy that has tried almost everything with his Mini-14 is as follows... Give up on the accuracy. Attaching mo-rods and accu-struts might marginally improve the accuracy, but you are fighting a losing battle. Kind of like putting a lift kit on a Toyota Camry, it will be costly, ruin what the Camry is good at (reliable, economical, cheap) to only be marginally effective as a truck off the show room floor off road.

Instead ask what is good about the Mini-14 and embrace it from that standpoint. It is light, handy, reliable, and looks cool. So what would increase those qualities? Find an aftermarket synthetic stock (not the crappy looking heavy tacti-cool ones because that makes it an assault weapon in California anyways), cut the barrel and recrown. Don't wast time with heavy compensators or brakes that may increase muzzle flash and noise, don't put on a flash hider (again makes it an assault weapon in CA). Install a new rear sight aperture, some I aftermarket ones are really nice and closer to the M14 for easy windage and elevation changes. Or if you have to have optics install a picatinny rail and put on the excellent for the money Bushnell TRS-25 red-dot. Your rifle isn't accurate enough to justify magnification.



Edit: Also avoid the "scout mount" style top hand guard rails if you want to mount an optic. None of them are secure to the action/receiver in a manner that makes for consistent holding of the zero from shot to shot. I always have to laugh when I see guys with Mini-14s with this kind of set-up because it took me less than 5 minutes of actually shooting mine to conclude that the mounting platform isn't solid enough and even greater hurts the Mini accuracy.

The amega mounts to the barrel and has been consistent for me for many years as well as for many others.

I think your technician may be the weak link in this scenario

[dfletcher]

Depends on if the front sight is milled into the barrel like a 10/22 or if the sight is pinned to the barrel like a mini14.

Either type can be moved back...

True - sometimes I forget what magic you folks can do with metal. Quick question please - the brake in the picture, who makes it? I currently have an AAC on my Mine and it's a bit to big & chunky looking. Doesn't exactly work the best either.

[ChuckDizzle]

The amega mounts to the barrel and has been consistent for me for many years as well as for many others.

I think your technician may be the weak link in this scenario

No it isn't, it is mounted to the gas block and then mounted to a barrel clamp. Again in my experience this is a weak set up and much prefer something mounted to the receiver, behind the greatest point of barrel vibration. In my experience GG&G's (or comparable style) rail which screws securely into the scope mounts is the most solid mounting platform for optics on a Mini-14.

[ar15barrels]

Quick question please - the brake in the picture, who makes it?

Griffin Armament.

[SloChicken]

No it isn't, it is mounted to the gas block and then mounted to a barrel clamp. Again in my experience this is a weak set up and much prefer something mounted to the receiver, behind the greatest point of barrel vibration. In my experience GG&G's (or comparable style) rail which screws securely into the scope mounts is the most solid mounting platform for optics on a Mini-14.

yes, like I said. mounted to the barrel

The Gas block is mounted to the barrel, right?

The barrel clamps connect to the barrel, right?

ergo,
mounted to the barrel.

The barrel, when the shot is fired, may move during the bullet exiting the barrel, but returns consistently to its origin. As such, the POA will stay consistent.

Use whatever you like, but don't trash that which you don't know about.

[dfletcher]

Griffin Armament.

Thanks - looks good.