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Posted: 11/22/2022 2:22:07 AM EDT
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I have a co-worker who has a Ruger factory folding stock in stainless steel and he is looking to sell it, along with the correct gas block with the side sling point that he wants to sell. It’s in very good condition with no serious damage, but some minor dings in the wood that can be fixed and the their is no wobble when locked open. He is offering both items for $700 and I’m wondering if that’s a fair price since it seem a bit too high, IMHO. He’s pretty set on the price, so no talking him down, not even a little. I know that there are new repo of these stocks that are now available from Ruger, but “I” like that it’s off an mid 1980s series 184 rifle since my Mini-14 is from late 1988/1989 series 1985 rifle, in stainless. Does that price sound right? I offered $500 for both items and that seemed about right, with the correct gas block. But!! I know that market is always changing and if $700 for both items fair, I’ll jump on it Thanks for looking!! |
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Considering that the newly made Samsons go for a 1/3 of that price I'd say not a "deal" https://lanbosarmory.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=107&products_id=55523 shows oos right now but they come and go quickly. They do have the blue in stock. |
GunPowder and Pu$$y, Live by one Die by the other, Love the smell of both!
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I am not an "Expert" on Minis, but I consider myself fairly well-informed. IIRC, Ruger will take your serial # and report back on how your Mini left the factory, with official paperwork. Might have to pay a nominal amount of $. In other words, not feasible to install an OEM folder + Gas block and misrepresent the Mini as an original side-folder--at least not with a fully informed buyer. NOT, repeat NOT accusing OP of trying to do so, just sayin'. Side swivel gas blocks, such as used with OEM side-folder Minis are very scarce nowadays. Point to all this is that the seller's price seems very high, unless one had an original side-folder (as documented by Ruger, with paperwork to prove it) and wanted to restore the Mini to "original" condition. In that specific case, the price "might" make sense. I suspect your friend might have an inflated idea about what his items are actually worth. It seems a little odd to be talking about Mini-14s being "collector items", but it can happen. Collectors be crazy, and the "right" item will bring a surprising price from the "right" collector who wants it. BTDT. For example, .222 caliber Mini-14s bring crazy prices. Unless OP is trying to restore a Mini which originally came with a (documented) side-folding stock, I'd suggest the Samson side-folder + Side rails as a FAR less expensive alternative, and a generally more useful set-up. Most modern Mini users who choose the Samson side folder install a short rail on both sides of the fore-end of the stock which will accept many different types of sling attachments and other accessories. I would never install such a side rail onto an Original Ruger side-folder. OP can visit PerfectUnion Mini Forum for informed comments from other Mini owners. Just my thoughts, and YMMV. |
Promoted to Member by Ed, Sr.
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Thanks for the replies. I thought it was high, but I’m going to make one more offer and then walk away if he’s not willing to come down a bit. Raf, I’m trying to convert my own Mini-14 into a folder model, which isn’t illegal, questionable or even dubious. I have no intention of selling my Mini-14 or misrepresenting it as an original factory side folder to anybody. Period. And you are right, a call to Ruger, and for a small fee they can inform you of what you have. I like Mini-14s, but honestly, they are not even close, IMHO, to “Highly Collectable” guns. Without question, they are nice guns, but not at the high end level, as of 2022. I have a Colt AR-15 SP1 with their Colt Guard nickel finish with an original Colt Scope, all the preban HK rifles, including the HK94 and a SP89 and numerous other truly collectable firearms from the mid to late1980s. I guess, if using that logic, I am guilty of converting my Romanian SAR1, SAR2 and SAR3 into closer military looking rifles with the correct Romanian parts from the early 2000s since they didn’t come from the factory that way or when I put an HK factory A3 collapsible stock on my original HK94A2 carbine. Since I’m outing myself, I am guilty of swapping out the C7 upper receiver on my Colt AR-15A2 SPII with a Colt A2 upper receiver. I better rethink SBRing my MK Arms MK-760 carbine now. Honestly, the guns I have in my collection, especially the military styled firearms from the 1980s are not for sell. Yes, my response is a little on the dick-ish side and I truly hear what you’re trying to say, but simply assuming somebody is trying to pull a fast one is somewhat in poor taste and off putting, regardless how it is worded since the thought/accusation was already thrown out there, but padded with some “disclaimer language.” Regardless, I still thank you for your input. |
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Originally Posted By bergunx: Thanks for the replies. I thought it was high, but I'm going to make one more offer and then walk away if he's not willing to come down a bit. Raf, I'm trying to convert my own Mini-14 into a folder model, which isn't illegal, questionable or even dubious. I have no intention of selling my Mini-14 or misrepresenting it as an original factory side folder to anybody. Period. And you are right, a call to Ruger, and for a small fee they can inform you of what you have. I like Mini-14s, but honestly, they are not even close, IMHO, to "Highly Collectable" guns. Without question, they are nice guns, but not at the high end level, as of 2022. I have a Colt AR-15 SP1 with their Colt Guard nickel finish with an original Colt Scope, all the preban HK rifles, including the HK94 and a SP89 and numerous other truly collectable firearms from the mid to late1980s. I guess, if using that logic, I am guilty of converting my Romanian SAR1, SAR2 and SAR3 into closer military looking rifles with the correct Romanian parts from the early 2000s since they didn't come from the factory that way or when I put an HK factory A3 collapsible stock on my original HK94A2 carbine. Since I'm outing myself, I am guilty of swapping out the C7 upper receiver on my Colt AR-15A2 SPII with a Colt A2 upper receiver. I better rethink SBRing my MK Arms MK-760 carbine now. Honestly, the guns I have in my collection, especially the military styled firearms from the 1980s are not for sell. Yes, my response is a little on the dick-ish side and I truly hear what you're trying to say, but simply assuming somebody is trying to pull a fast one is somewhat in poor taste and off putting, regardless how it is worded since the thought/accusation was already thrown out there, but padded with some "disclaimer language." Regardless, I still thank you for your input. bergunux, I never accused you doing anything wrong. Strongly suggest growing a much thicker skin. |
Promoted to Member by Ed, Sr.
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