I picked up a NOS stock set just like that for $35 at a local shop.

My 188 series Ranch dropped right in.

Informative, well composed post. Thank you.

For me, the Mini-14 is in the same category as the SKS. I've had a handful of each. I wanted to like them. I really did. Useful, reliable enough, accurate enough, but stuck in the back of the safe, because, well, kinda embarrassing compared to other long guns I owned at the same time. I'd rather show up at a class, a match, or a firefight, with an AR15 than a Mini-14. Same with an AK vs the SKS.
The one Mini that I had that I do kinda miss, was a standard (non-ranch) version that I shortened the barrel to 13", slightly oversized the gas port, and pinned/welded a John Masen flash hider/front sight combo- similar to an M14 front sight. I had this mounted in a Butler Creek sidefolder; and it was compact, fun, reliable, and more accurate with a 13" barrel than with an 18". Barrel whip is the theory, short/fat is stiffer than long/skinny and hence more accurate? I ended up selling it because I was saving for a house downpayment. Priorities and all that...
I ran across some pics of it recently, if anyone has an interest I can scan them.

I occasionally see a Mini-14 for sale and contemplate duplicating that long lost one, but the prices don't seem to be comparable anymore. When I had that one, I think I got it for $400 and ARs were $850+, now Mini-14s are hundreds more than a basic AR. It's become a "not-worth-it" to me. Maybe someday if I find one cheap enough at a yard sale or something...

Minis not be Black Rifles.  Original Assault Rifle Ban back in 1996 sez so.  Minis exempt from 1996 Assault Weapons ban

Many Minis sold during AWB period. Many aftermarket mags being available, some of the mag manufacturers be9ng ntrinsically better than others.  Some mags being non-allowed in certain
states.  Very confusing.

I had a Mini-30 during the ban and was so happy when I found some quality looking 10 rounders at a gunshow.

Almost looked like OEM thickness and rigidity.

God they were crap. They would spray rounds out of the action sometimes.

I stand corrected.

So many people wax poetic about the Holy Grail of the OEM Ruger Folding Stock.  So much Fandom.  So much Praise.  Nostalgia!

As someone who has used OEM Ruger Mini folding stocks, please allow me to speak the truth as I know it.

They were a bit of a hassle to deploy, since the buttplate had to be disengaged from the side of the stock before the assembly could be swung rearwards.  Hopefully the user remembered to fully deploy the buttplate, or else more fumbling would ensue.  A small training issue, but I've seen mistakes happen.

When retracting the stock, some care needed to be taken so that the partially folded buttplate would engage in the stud protruding from the stock, and so lock the folded stock in place.  Again, I have witnessed the failure to do so, with usually comical training results. At such point the rifles were unloaded, so it was all laughs.  Perhaps in a combat situation, not so funny.

The Ruger folding stock was fairly fragile, both in its original design, and in use.  The stock was generally considered uncomfortable during extended use.  The pistol grip was a bolt-on unit, and somewhat fragile in its' attachment.  There are no spare parts for it, and to repair worn parts, one will need to be creative, perhaps re-making some critical parts in order to repair worn stocks.  Doing so can be expensive, and some collectors frown on even well-made replacement parts.  How do you know if your OEM Ruger stock was re-built?  Good question.

Right from the OEM box, the Ruger folding stocks would rattle, and with wear, they got a LOT worse.  Rattle was bad enough, but the stocks being less-than-solid was an accuracy problem.

These OEM Ruger folding stocks are something that is prized by collectors all out of relation to their practical value.  If you decide you want a Ruger folder, well, it's your money.  Collectors will collect, and all that.

For practical use, I suggest one consider the Butler Creek folding stock.  Unlike the OEM Ruger folder, it is simple to deploy, it locks into place solidly, and does not rattle.  Unlike the Ruger folder, it is comfortable to use, and is capable of butt-stroking an opponent without damage.   The similar Choate side folder has been verified to NOT have a continuous steel rail throughput its' stock length, and so is inferior compared to the BC.

YMMV, and all that.

I dunno about the "wobble" you mention with respect to the BC.  I own a few, and no detectable wobble whatsoever in any of mine.  Might be a problem with your unit.

As to rest of your post, looking into it.  If BC has discontinued their side folder, well, all I can say is too bad, and glad I got mine when it was possible to do so.

Galil style hinges are usually the exception because the angled contact pieces compensate for wear.

Great thread.

Only rifle I ever had any pangs of regret after selling was my 1991 production 188-34xxx series RR.
Factory blued, but I put it in a SS BC folding stock, added an inexpensive 3-9 Weaver, and blasted away.
It was a mismatched joy. I think it was my first purchased by me centerfire rifle.

When I got deep into the AR pattern in the early 2000's it just sat in the back of the safe, and I finally put it up for sale a bit after the ban sunset, figuring I didn't need it, and wouldn't shoot it. Little did I know that I would come to regret that decision.

found an old pic

I cannot speak to the differences in lock-up between the Choate and the BC folding stocks.  The BC lock-up mechanism has some degree of adjustment, by means of the Allen-screw incorporated into the locking mechanism.  Those familiar with the BC folder will be able to see the adjustable nature of the mechanism.
I have never had the chance to personally try out a Choate Mini-14 folder, as I opted for the Butler Creek item, with no regrets.  FWIW, I own other Choate stocks, and no problems with them.

It should be noted that a Member here (name forgotten, unfortunately) did an experiment with his Choate folder, in order to see if the folding portion of the stock was entirely steel, or not.  Using a magnet, he found that the Choate folding stock was NOT entirely steel, overlaid with plastic; The steel extended rearwards a few inches rearwards of the hinge, and then stopped.

Does this matter?  Your call.  Personally, I prefer the all-steel BC, but YMMV.