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Posted: 9/18/2026 8:50:07 PM EDT
[Last Edit: KavonTN][Edited]
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So i kind of lucked into an older mini 14 w/ folding stock and am getting the barrel cut down to about 13 inches to use with an old ops inc can. This will remove the front sight. Samson makes an Ac556 style front sight that fixes that problem. They also make a rail that replaces the heat shield, the Hannibal but does not let me use the front sight. Ultimately I would like to put a white light and optic(maybe?) On the gun without losing the iron sights. The rail would be easy for the light and optic but i dont really want to lose the iron sights. I'm also not opposed to drilling into the heat shield or stock for the light. I also dont want to lose the old school vibes. I want to use the Axis LBR so that rules out a mount that replaces the bolt lock cover plate. Anyways, to the problem. If I use the hannibal rail, what is the shortest picatinny front iron sight that is out there? Im thinking with all the new sub guns out there may be something low enough to work? This is the only other thread I've found about this. I'm not opposed to doing this, but I figured someone may have a better idea. https://www.uzitalk.com/forums/index.php?threads/front-sight-added-to-13-ac556-with-the-samson-hannibal-rail.100752/ I also dont have the gun or rail right now, so i can't measure. Thanks!! |
''Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.''
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The Ruger Mini 14 GB (Government Barrel) uses a fixed front sight with integral bayonet lug. The muzzle end of the GB front sight to the rear is right at 1” in length. The barrel in the pictured Mini 14 GB 183 series is right at 13” inches in barrel length to the rear of the front sight. I don’t think you could find a front sight with less length. By the time you rethread the muzzle I think the Samson gas block front sight would be the best option. I had a commercial Ruger Stainless 181 series Mini 14 back in the 80’s with thin unprotected blade sight which is pinned onto the barrel. That sight can be relocated but as far as appearance I prefer the GB front sight or the gas block front sight. You might look on the Perfect Union gun forum as there is a lot of info and pictures on that forum. Here is the Ruger Mini 14 GB 183 series rifle. Just FYI the Mini 14 GB barrel is 18.5” with a 1:10 twist. The end of the barrel ends right before the Flash Hider slits and the FH extends about 1.5” beyond the end of the barrel.  Here is a link to Perfect Union Mini 14/30 forum. https://www.perfectunion.com/forums/ruger-mini-14-and-mini-30.86/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic |
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Another option for an older Mini 14 is the Choate front sight with an integral flash hider. I don’t like the looks as well as the GB but it basically boils down to personal preference and the Choate sight could work with a shortened Mini 14 barrel. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2171531815 |
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Thanks for the ideas! Here is the gun Attached File Here is what I'm trying to do Attached File Where the flash hider is is where it would be with the can attached. Eta, with the samson front sight after cutting off the sling swivel thing. Attached File |
''Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.''
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