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Perfectunion is such a fucked up site! Their site is broke. Signed up for a membership and they won't allow you to post. You have to wait to be activated by email that never comes no matter how many times you request it. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Perfect Union has a whole section on the Mini. https://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/ Their site is broke. Signed up for a membership and they won't allow you to post. You have to wait to be activated by email that never comes no matter how many times you request it. |
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I was a regular there on the Mini and Handloading forums for years until early this year I got fed up and left it. The Moderator, Whofarted, lets the members who pay to advertise say and do pretty much anything they want. If someone challenges their rudeness or callouts, then they get warnings or temp bans but the real culprits go unchecked able to screw around with anyone.
Anyway, a number of us dropped out because we just didn't find PU to be the good, considerate, technically excellent site it had been in the past as more and more of the real contributors left in disgust. It's sad as there were a fair number who regularly posted there that really know Minis and were a great source of information. No so much anymore. |
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I was a regular there on the Mini and Handloading forums for years until early this year I got fed up and left it. The Moderator, Whofarted, lets the members who pay to advertise say and do pretty much anything they want. If someone challenges their rudeness or callouts, then they get warnings or temp bans but the real culprits go unchecked able to screw around with anyone. Anyway, a number of us dropped out because we just didn't find PU to be the good, considerate, technically excellent site it had been in the past as more and more of the real contributors left in disgust. It's sad as there were a fair number who regularly posted there that really know Minis and were a great source of information. No so much anymore. View Quote Screw them. |
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Quoted: Perfectunion is such a fucked up site! Their site is broke. Signed up for a membership and they won't allow you to post. You have to wait to be activated by email that never comes no matter how many times you request it. View Quote |
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Quoted: Perfectunion is such a fucked up site! Their site is broke. Signed up for a membership and they won't allow you to post. You have to wait to be activated by email that never comes no matter how many times you request it. View Quote There is some truth to what COSteve says. There are some distinct "personalities: there, and business members do get more latitude. I still hang around there because it is the best resource for Mini 14 information. Currently part of the problem seems to be the dated platform PU uses. I have had several people alert me to the problem of signing up or even resetting the passwords. Let me see what I can do. UPDATE: I contacted admin directly. We'll see what response I get. |
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Quoted: They are having some infrastructure problems. What user name did you use, I'll send a note to admin. View Quote |
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Uh Oh! LOL reminds me of the joke about a 747 load of passengers, half way across the Atlantic. A voice come over the loud speaker that says "This is an computer controlled flight. There is no crew. Everything is done by computers. Do not worry, though, as absolutely nothing can go wrong, go wrong, go wrong, go wrong, go wrong..."
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I am remiss in not complimenting OP on an exceptionally well done thread.
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I am remiss in not complimenting OP on an exceptionally well done thread. View Quote |
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One thing that irks me is how the Mini-14 is often subjected by their owners to ridiculous accessories that scream mall ninja.
Pin on muzzle brakes and pin on hiders. Promag mags. Anything made by Masen. Barrel shrouds Tapco etc etc. Leave it in its perfect form. Its beautiful as is. |
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Quoted:
One thing that irks me is how the Mini-14 is often subjected by their owners to ridiculous accessories that scream mall ninja. Pin on muzzle brakes and pin on hiders. Promag mags. Anything made by Masen. Barrel shrouds Tapco etc etc. Leave it in its perfect form. Its beautiful as is. View Quote |
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I wish it was SS. Its got this stupid switch on it that I never did figure out what it was for. http://i66.tinypic.com/2m6oj6f.png View Quote ![]() |
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Here is a question on Mini-14 GBs.
Two Mini-14 GB SS folders. One is marked with the Restricted markings post 1994 and one is not from 1989. All being equal otherwise, which is valued more? |
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Here is another question.
GB stands for GOVERNMENT BARREL. OR GB stands for GOVERNMENT BAYONET. I will please ask for supporting Ruger documentation, otherwise its just opinion based on nothing provide by the manufacturer. My opinion is Government Barrel. |
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LOL! I tend to agree. I think it shines as an M1 Carbine with a hard on like mine. Great HD/Ranch gun, and I can whack a softball sized target with iron sights at 100 yards every time. I had a strut on it, but took it off. It does increase accuracy on older minis, but for 100 yards and lees, it is irrelevant, AND it adds 9 ounces to the under 7 lb Mini. I have a 1/7' twist, 20" AR15 with a 2x6 tactical and a PTR91 .308 G3 clone with a 4x10 Redfield Revenge for longer ranges. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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One thing that irks me is how the Mini-14 is often subjected by their owners to ridiculous accessories that scream mall ninja. Pin on muzzle brakes and pin on hiders. Promag mags. Anything made by Masen. Barrel shrouds Tapco etc etc. Leave it in its perfect form. Its beautiful as is. https://www.riflestock.com/store/product/mini-14-580-series-cage-s-s/ I would add this device to any Mini with OEM barrel that lacked same, and without reservation.. Adds some mass to the muzzle which damps out barrel whip. Gives a far better, protected, mil-type sight picture. Adds flash suppression, which all Minis need. One of the first steps in making any Mini better. Installing your Mini into a tight-fitting syn stock will change your Mini-14 world unless your barrel has been damaged by former idiot owners. |
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I agree! I have used the Choate before things got weird in Commiefornia. Now a flash hider on a semi-automatic rifle with a detachable magazine is a felony, thus the 583 sight. The John Masen Flash Hider or Brake combo are good also. When I move to Oregon nextb year, I am threading the barrel of the 186 1/2x28 and installing a Ruger flash hider.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE FOR 181 SERIES: CHOATE |
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Don't buy the John Masen FH/bayonet lug front sight assembly.
I bought one from a reseller, brand new in his packaging that was defective. (misaligned bore) Saw him at a gunshow and he denied it was his product. ![]() |
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I bought a Masen from Guns and Surplus that was off. Contacted them and they sent me a new one that was OK. If you live in a free state, though you are better with the Choate with the flash hider. You don't even have to use the pins. A little red or green locktite and it will stay forever! I just sold an old Federal Ordnance Flash Hider/Baoynet lug/Front Sight unit I had. It was nicer than the Masen. I think Masen bought the molds when Fed Ord folded, then converted it to the brake style. I would have hung on to it for Oregon, but I am threading my barrel 1/2x28 and using a faux-A2 FH that is actually a brake (Wilson Combat Comp), until I move to Oregon. Then I will put on a Ruger factory 1/2x28 flash hider. Federal Ordnance M14 style top, and John Masen Brake bottom. https://i.imgur.com/effVvPJ.jpg View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Don't buy the John Masen FH/bayonet lug front sight assembly. I bought one from a reseller, brand new in his packaging that was defective. (misaligned bore) Saw him at a gunshow and he denied it was his product. ![]() Federal Ordnance M14 style top, and John Masen Brake bottom. https://i.imgur.com/effVvPJ.jpg While the bottom unit is often described as a "flash suppressor" by the vendor and/or mfr, that does not make it so. To describe it as a "Brake" or "Compensator" is equally untrue. |
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Anyone know if Thermolds made in 1989 are desirable to persons in restricted states?
I have a bunch of these brand new for the Mini-14 and thinking about getting rid of them. I can't remember what states needed them clearly marked with a pre ban date. |
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I know thermolds were around prior to 2000, but not sure how far back they go.
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Anyone know if Thermolds made in 1989 are desirable to persons in restricted states? I have a bunch of these brand new for the Mini-14 and thinking about getting rid of them. I can't remember what states needed them clearly marked with a pre ban date. View Quote |
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I know thermolds were around prior to 2000, but not sure how far back they go. View Quote I had some pre-94, AR, Ruger and Inch pattern FAL/L1A1 I think I even have some of the 30/45 extended ones that were expensive back then. I have to check my stash - I haven't seen thm in a while - Since I moved and being a mag hoarder, I can't seem to find stuff as easy these days. |
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I saw that one. Made me wish I had already moved to Oregon. I am moving from Commiefornia to my house in Oregon (I have had it for 15 years, using it as a rental until this day came) in May. I was going to make my first purchase a Mini-30 stainless Tactical, but may try to find a GB in the 1/7 twist barrel range, Hot damn!
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Excellent Thread OP. Thanks for posting. The Mini 14 was my first 5.56 rifle. I sold it off and then got into AK's and AR's for awhile. Got the itch again a couple years ago. I always wanted a factory folder...scored a NIB 1987 prod.factory SS ranch folder 1-7 twist.
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Here is a heads up on a pretty nice Mini-GB.
Low shipping and a BUY NOW price of $800. ITS NOT MINE! I would not wait and I would bet that you won't get it cheaper than the buy now price. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/792998062 I would buy it but I just bought one last month. |
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Quoted:. Here is a question on Mini-14 GBs.
Two Mini-14 GB SS folders. One is marked with the Restricted markings post 1994 and one is not from 1989. All being equal otherwise, which is valued more? View Quote |
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did anyone notice how reasonable SS black stocked Mini-GBs sell for? They sell pretty cheap. Usually in the high $600 range. Seems to me that if someone wanted to get a damn nice original GB model that this would be a great choice. not mine. but its a nice setup. this way you get a factory GB and don't have to pimp out a standard mini. https://pictures.gunauction.com/496666/14520058/20171128125627-6110.jpg View Quote The newer Minis are reported to shoot much better than the older versions, out of the box. Given the short Mini barrel, and resulting effect on bullet speed and fragmenting ability, the Mini ought to shoot bullets out to 200 yds at which range the bullets will display the usual fragmenting due to yaw effects. Beyond that range, you're drilling .22 holes in the target. Test the accuracy of your Mini first at, say 100 yds, and then decide how to proceed. If accuracy at that point is acceptable, say, 4MOA, then decide how to sight-in your Mini. If accuracy is not 4MOA or less at 100 yds, then consider repairing or at least tweaking the Mini. Since Ruger takes a dim view of user-customized rifles (not unreasonable, IMHO), sent the thing back to Ruger for repair before engaging in any tweaks. It's been my longstanding contention that a lot of early, pencil barrel minis had their muzzles (and hence accuracy) ruined by improper cleaning implements and techniques. I know for a fact that tightening-up on the headspace makes a world of difference. Pencil barrel Minis can fairly easily be made to shoot accurately, but not if the barrel/muzzle is damaged. Newer Minis come better-made, and in mostly tight-fitting syn stocks. It's been a while since I last took my old, pencil-barrel Mini out to the range and let it win me some money. Might be time to make a few bucks. Just need to shoot against the right It's not hard to find them... Hell, most of Arfcom thinks Minis are always inaccurate, so they are potential |
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Here is a heads up on a pretty nice Mini-GB. Low shipping and a BUY NOW price of $800. ITS NOT MINE! I would not wait and I would bet that you won't get it cheaper than the buy now price. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/792998062 I would buy it but I just bought one last month. View Quote |
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I currently have a stainless ranch rifle in .222. It's a 188 series that I bought nib maybe twenty years ago now. Does anyone have any idea what the production numbers were on these? They come up for sale every now and then but I don't remember seeing very many of them over the years. I assume it was for export in .222 cal. Thanks in advance for any info.
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Fantastic thread and history lesson OP...well done, thanks.
I really like the Mini-14. I grew up shooting one in the late 80's/early 90's, and own one (a newer 580 series). I didn't know until I joined this forum that it was un-possible to like the AR and the Mini at the same time ![]() |
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Mini-14 GBs with folders are the Holy Grail of Mini-14 land, as for as I am concerned! Nice mini! View Quote I had my fill of bullet hoses in the service, having fired thousands of rds of 50cal from my TC Ma-Duce and even more from an M-60 MG. After you 'get over' the thrill of the things, you realize that you're just spraying around bullets randomly and in a civilian setting it's just too expensive and too dangerous to play that way. |
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I currently have a stainless ranch rifle in .222. It's a 188 series that I bought nib maybe twenty years ago now. Does anyone have any idea what the production numbers were on these? They come up for sale every now and then but I don't remember seeing very many of them over the years. I assume it was for export in .222 cal. Thanks in advance for any info. View Quote |
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I currently have a stainless ranch rifle in .222. It's a 188 series that I bought nib maybe twenty years ago now. Does anyone have any idea what the production numbers were on these? They come up for sale every now and then but I don't remember seeing very many of them over the years. I assume it was for export in .222 cal. Thanks in advance for any info. View Quote The .223 Remington was based on the .222 Remington, as was Winchester's .224 Winchester round for their WLMR (Winchester Light Military Rifle) for DOD's SCHV (Small Caliber High Velocity) weapons trials in the late 1950s. In Fact, the .223 was originally called the .222 Remington Special cartridge. |
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Quoted: Mini-14s in .222 Remington were made for export to Mexico and other countries that prohibit military calibers. I know some .222 caliber Minis made their way to Australia and New Zealand. They are some of the scarcest Mini-14s out there. .222 is not a bad round, giving about 3,000 fps with the 55 grain load, instead of the 223s 3250 fps. View Quote Now that have I have 4 pre-ban RamLine mags, I'm vaguely tempted by the old Mini-14s @ the shows - except for the fact that I can build ARs for $257, so... |
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Great write up Miami JBT! You are the go to guy for all things 80s & 90s!
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I try to email Ruger once or twice a year to let them know we're still interested in a revamped GB and/or a good quality version of that old folding stock. It could have a few minor changes like the ability to accept an M16 pistol grip instead of the Ruger one but no changes are really necessary.
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I try to email Ruger once or twice a year to let them know we're still interested in a revamped GB and/or a good quality version of that old folding stock. It could have a few minor changes like the ability to accept an M16 pistol grip instead of the Ruger one but no changes are really necessary. View Quote |
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I've only seen one .222 Ruger, and that was at a small gun show in 1993. IIRC a buddy with an FFL bought it and flipped it right away.
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I want them to bring back the old style wooden stock without that rubber pad View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I try to email Ruger once or twice a year to let them know we're still interested in a revamped GB and/or a good quality version of that old folding stock. It could have a few minor changes like the ability to accept an M16 pistol grip instead of the Ruger one but no changes are really necessary. |
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