IT'S MINE! ALL MINE! mini 14 old school 181 series.

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - IT'S MINE! ALL MINE! mini 14 old school 181 series. (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 8/29/2017 9:57:04 PM EDT

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/684176240

Going to add a barrel clamp thing, the one clamp style that looks like a M14 and a flash hider. Going for a duplicate of my norinco m14. Started studying over at perfect union for improvements. Can't wait to get this thing here.

I had 2 mini 14s back in the 80s when they were new so I know how bad they shoot. Hoping to use some of the new ideas to improve an old design.

Posted: 8/31/2017 12:18:54 PM EDT

[#1]

You realize that it's sold as a 'Parts Gun' so the seller is saying that it's not necessarily in firing condition, don't you?

Posted: 8/31/2017 2:23:02 PM EDT

[#2]

Yes. I'll check headspace first. There are new take off barrels on eBay. Having a lathe in your garage helps. It may get sent back to Ruger.

Posted: 9/5/2017 9:30:24 PM EDT

[#3]

It's here, has all the parts, and is big on headspace. It's in between 223 field and 5.56 field. Way under the Colt field so should be safe to shoot. I'm still tempted to fit a newer take off barrel. I'll try to make this a rebuild thread. Will shoot once before any changes to establish a base line.

Anyone recognize this magazine?

Posted: 9/6/2017 4:38:41 AM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yes. I'll check headspace first. There are new take off barrels on eBay. Having a lathe in your garage helps. It may get sent back to Ruger.

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Ruger will not work on a 181 seris

Posted: 9/6/2017 4:46:19 AM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ruger will not work on a 181 seris

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Yes. I'll check headspace first. There are new take off barrels on eBay. Having a lathe in your garage helps. It may get sent back to Ruger.

Ruger will not work on a 181 seris

Why?

I should know...I went to mini armorers school a decade or so ago...don't recall much beyond "send it to the factory" for any polished or fitted parts.

Posted: 9/6/2017 5:33:13 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

Ruger will not work on a 181 seris

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They won't work on 180 series. Think they still do 181. Not sure I'm sending it in.

Posted: 9/6/2017 7:25:20 AM EDT

[#7]

Congrats! Now you can miss things old school!

Posted: 9/6/2017 8:38:59 AM EDT

[#8]

Where to buy a new recoil spring? Midway is out of stock and brownells only has the extra power wolf. Don't see one on the shop ruger site.

Called Ruger and they are sending one out today.

I'm gonna try to get to the range this evening.

Posted: 9/6/2017 9:12:22 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/684176240

Hoping to use some of the new ideas to improve an old design.

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Buy a new one. Ruger has done quite a bit of work on the newer ones to improve accuracy, namely the barrel.

Posted: 9/6/2017 7:22:29 PM EDT

[#10]

50 yards indoor range. It's too dark to shoot open sights well. So this group is actually better than I expected.

The gas bushing hole is less than .060 in diameter. Not sure that's factory. Brass was ejected with enthusiasm straight ahead to about 12:30. I'll replace the recoil spring and shorten the barrel before replacing the gas bushing. I'm happy. Rifle functioned 100%.

Posted: 9/6/2017 7:35:01 PM EDT

[#11]

Nice buckshot pattern!

Posted: 9/6/2017 9:13:55 PM EDT

[#12]

I'm tired and don't feel like setting up to shorten so I just threaded it. Going to mod a m14 sight to fit later. Damn that front sight is hard to get off.

Posted: 9/7/2017 12:17:19 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
50 yards indoor range. It's too dark to shoot open sights well. So this group is actually better than I expected.

https://i.imgur.com/tvfWKSW.jpg

The gas bushing hole is less than .060 in diameter. Not sure that's factory. Brass was ejected with enthusiasm straight ahead to about 12:30. I'll replace the recoil spring and shorten the barrel before replacing the gas bushing. I'm happy. Rifle functioned 100%.

View Quote

Living the stereotype!

Posted: 9/7/2017 1:31:13 PM EDT

[#14]

Hey! 2 are touching!

Seriously it's a dark indoor range and my eyes are over 50 years old. A lot of that group size could be more my fault than the mini.

Posted: 9/7/2017 8:33:33 PM EDT

[#15]

Added a barrel clamp rail and mounted a red dot.

Posted: 9/8/2017 8:12:02 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
Added a barrel clamp rail and mounted a red dot.

https://i.imgur.com/q1f43c8.jpg

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Posted: 9/8/2017 8:23:14 AM EDT

[#17]

That looks like what I had back in 1986. Like a dumbass with no money I sold it to purchase something else.

However, I redeemed myself this spring and picked up a stainless 188 series ranch rifle.

I should have saved my targets from Sunday because nobody will believe how good it shoots.

Posted: 9/8/2017 9:01:32 AM EDT

[#18]

Found a van for sale.

Posted: 9/8/2017 9:25:57 AM EDT

[#19]

Posted: 9/9/2017 8:55:25 PM EDT

[#20]

Making a brace.

Posted: 9/12/2017 7:41:04 PM EDT

[#21]

Cleaned up the wood a little.

Posted: 9/12/2017 8:13:33 PM EDT

[#22]

Forgot the strut.

Posted: 9/12/2017 8:19:01 PM EDT

[#23]

WTF is going on in here?

Posted: 9/12/2017 9:33:47 PM EDT

[#24]

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Quoted:
WTF is going on in here?

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Sodomizing of a fine,old, inaccurate rifle.

Posted: 9/12/2017 10:30:44 PM EDT

[#25]

I think it looks great.

Good job OP

Posted: 9/12/2017 10:39:54 PM EDT

[#26]

I still want that van.

Posted: 9/12/2017 11:04:56 PM EDT

[#27]

Very nice rifle-- I once owned a 181-Series, quite liked it but was made an offer I couldn't refuse-- Do yourself a favor and spend $20 in a synthetic handguard. As pretty as the wood handguards are, it takes surprisingly little for them to start to char. Don't ask how I found out.

Posted: 9/13/2017 8:37:27 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Forgot the strut.

https://i.imgur.com/MmhHP7q.jpg

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Hot damn that looks good.

Posted: 9/16/2017 5:21:46 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cleaned up the wood a little.

https://i.imgur.com/mEKaiAp.jpg

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Looks Great! What was your process for refinishing the wood? Did you use a dye? Ruger birch stocks don't take stain well, so curious about your color process.

Posted: 9/16/2017 8:05:12 AM EDT

[#30]

Used an alcohol based leather die. Though I'm starting to think I need to change my application process. It's hard to get on evenly with a cloth or brush. Might try spraying it on thinned with a mini air brush next time.

Posted: 9/16/2017 8:09:56 AM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
Congrats! Now you can miss things old school!

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LOL I thought the same thing.

Posted: 9/16/2017 8:14:27 AM EDT

[#32]

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Found a van for sale.

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Id drive that as a daily driver.

Posted: 9/16/2017 12:15:02 PM EDT

[#33]

This dye.

Posted: 9/19/2017 7:21:42 PM EDT

[#34]

whats so great about the 181 series?

Posted: 9/19/2017 8:32:09 PM EDT

[#35]

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Quoted:
whats so great about the 181 series?

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Nothing. Some people like them more.

Shooting better.

Posted: 9/19/2017 10:55:29 PM EDT

[#36]

The thing I like the most is the lines of the older stocks with the wood handguards.

Makes them look like a 5.56 love child of a Garand and M1 Carbine.

I found a set really cheap for my 188 series Ranch.

Posted: 9/21/2017 7:25:17 AM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

Nothing. Some people like them more.

Shooting better.

https://i.imgur.com/AxVylHZ.jpg

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Much better group. I enjoy my 180 series made in 1976

Posted: 9/22/2017 11:27:23 PM EDT

[#38]

It passed the test.

Posted: 9/23/2017 6:08:52 AM EDT

[#39]

Who got the last similar 181 series on Gunbroker from the same seller? - Curious if the other sold for parts guns worked and Where are the pics!

Love the look of the old school wood handguards even if they heat up quick, Its just nostalgic.

Posted: 9/26/2017 9:44:25 PM EDT

[#40]

Cut 2 inches off the barrel and rethreaded. Waiting on the receiver to get back from the engraver.

Oh, and changed the front sight to a factory winged one.

Posted: 10/4/2017 11:47:55 PM EDT

[#41]

Besides bedding my 187 Mini, I put a scout mount over the gas block and changed the gas valve that reduces gas to the op rod. Mine shoots great. I won't say how good, because you will not believe me. Good enough for coyotes.

Posted: 10/6/2017 4:34:39 PM EDT

[#42]

Posted: 10/6/2017 4:51:31 PM EDT

[#43]

OST

Posted: 10/6/2017 5:54:16 PM EDT

[#44]

It's finished. (maybe)

Posted: 10/6/2017 7:46:53 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
It's finished. (maybe)

https://i.imgur.com/2O07ldk.jpg

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Needs a Tech Sight rear.

And I need some more 20 Round mags for mine.

Posted: 10/6/2017 9:33:01 PM EDT

[#46]

I've thought about the tech sight. May buy an extra factory rear and make my own.

Posted: 10/7/2017 11:03:18 AM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:
Used an alcohol based leather die. Though I'm starting to think I need to change my application process. It's hard to get on evenly with a cloth or brush. Might try spraying it on thinned with a mini air brush next time.

View Quote

You do know that when you find yourself drinking heavily due to your frustration with inaccuracy and spill your whiskey on the stock, it's gonna run, right?

By the way, this is a GREAT thread.

Enjoy your rifle, OP!!

Help me out with my dilemma in my post on Mini's!

Posted: 10/7/2017 3:33:53 PM EDT

[#48]

That looks really nice, OP. I just bought a new production Mini a few months ago, but this thread is making me wish I'd bought a police trade-in and souped it up like you did.