Archived Posts » 59,609,787
my new mini 14 tactical...
9/3/2011 2:25:07 PM
just got it yesterday. ordered it from CDNN at a pretty good price - $590 + $15 for shipping.
it's a 580-87 series and according to the label on the box was manufactured in october of 2009.
are there any significant changes between the 580 and 581 series models?
mine is the blued (black oxide?) version. it has the heavier tapered barrel and new style rear sight. so i'm guessing that it has all the latest updates. correct me if i'm wrong.
the first thing i did was to field strip it for a detailed cleaning and inspection. i noticed one thing that's got me wondering. the gas piston (or "gas pipe" as ruger calls it) is very slightly loose. by this, i mean you can turn it a small amount in either direction. is this normal / o.k.?
i also noticed that the 4 gas block screws seem to be staked in place. the gap on either side of the gas block is pretty equal and the front sight is not canted.
any input is appreciated.
FYI - midway usa has ruger factory 20 rnd mags on sale for $26.99 and 30 rnd mags for $34.99.
maybe not the cheapest, but they are available. i don't work for midway, just a customer...
it's a 580-87 series and according to the label on the box was manufactured in october of 2009.
are there any significant changes between the 580 and 581 series models?
mine is the blued (black oxide?) version. it has the heavier tapered barrel and new style rear sight. so i'm guessing that it has all the latest updates. correct me if i'm wrong.
the first thing i did was to field strip it for a detailed cleaning and inspection. i noticed one thing that's got me wondering. the gas piston (or "gas pipe" as ruger calls it) is very slightly loose. by this, i mean you can turn it a small amount in either direction. is this normal / o.k.?
i also noticed that the 4 gas block screws seem to be staked in place. the gap on either side of the gas block is pretty equal and the front sight is not canted.
any input is appreciated.
FYI - midway usa has ruger factory 20 rnd mags on sale for $26.99 and 30 rnd mags for $34.99.
maybe not the cheapest, but they are available. i don't work for midway, just a customer...
9/3/2011 5:38:56 PM
My gas piston moves a little bit as well, but it wiggles side to side very slightly, and i'm not sure if it will rotate any, never tried to. The gas bushing is the only thing holding the gas piston in place, so i would imagine that there will be a little bit of play in the fit. The gas block screws are staked in place to keep the block in that exact position, since the position is critical to operation of the system. You can take the block off, just be sure you that when you put it back on that it's straight and that the gap on each side is even. Cross tightening is probably the best way to tighten it down.
9/4/2011 8:54:45 PM
Did you get one with the folding ati stock or fixed synthetic stock?
4073
4073
9/4/2011 9:35:01 PM
it came with the fixed synthetic stock.
however, i've changed it out with a ruger factory wood stock with the rubber recoil pad.
gives it just a little more length of pull and a bit more weight for better balance.
however, i've changed it out with a ruger factory wood stock with the rubber recoil pad.
gives it just a little more length of pull and a bit more weight for better balance.
9/8/2011 2:56:32 PM
I just called them about the tactical model with the collapsible stock.
They have sold out.
4073
