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Posted: 8/6/2026 1:53:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: BeaterHonda][Edited]
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Talk to me like I’ve never touched a mini14 in my life Clyde armory PD trade in Attached File Plan to SBR & chop to AC556 length, Samson gas block front sight Samson A team stock seems expensive and discontinued (?) Ghost mountain mag release sounds like a good idea 20 & 30 rnd mags on order Should I go to Wolff and buy a new assortment of springs? I don’t see a reason to build this out like a true fighting rifle IE reputable red dot, $200 light, blah blah I think this will just be a cool, older SBR shooter |
I wouldn't stand in front of a piss-filled supersoaker. Does that make it a good pistol? - Caboose314
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
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Originally Posted By M15A2CLE: A way to spend $1000 and still end up with an inaccurate rifle… That said it looks like a pretty cool rifle as it is I think I would shoot it for a while and decide how it fits my practice sessions 2/3 ispc at 100y out in the desert is fine by me I’m well aware of the reputation Minis have earned lol |
I wouldn't stand in front of a piss-filled supersoaker. Does that make it a good pistol? - Caboose314
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
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Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: 2/3 ispc at 100y out in the desert is fine by me I’m well aware of the reputation Minis have earned lol Cutting the barrel WILL improve accuracy. Don’t use an extra power op rod spring, if it needs replacing just use oem. I tried to pm you a few days ago but it wouldn’t send, I have some parts you can have if you would like. |
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This an early version of the Mini 14. Early 5.56/223 Mini 14’s had 1:10 twist barrels. In 1986 in the 184 series Ruger switched to a 1:7 twist. In 1997 with 186 series Ruger changed to 1:9 twist barrels. The later 581 series introduced in 2005 still use 1:9 twist barrels. If you post your series # plus serial number I can tell you approximately when the Mini was manufactured. As an example a friend has a 183-307** manufactured in 1982-1983. |
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The thin barrel suffers from barrel whip and makes it shoot patterns, not groups. Chopping the barrel and pinning on a flash hider typically increases accuracy. You can also add the barrel strut (looks like an M14 gas cylinder) to increase accuracy. I recently purchased a Mini-14 with an old Ramline wood & metal side folder (Ruger folding stock clone) along with an Aimpoint MKIII red dot scope. I was going to do a SBR on it, but I was waiting on the engraving requirement to go away as I have a few SBRs in the safe. Now with the SBR paperwork potentially going away entirely, I'm now waiting to the next ruling to take place. |
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Originally Posted By LineHaul: Cutting the barrel WILL improve accuracy. Don’t use an extra power op rod spring, if it needs replacing just use oem. I tried to pm you a few days ago but it wouldn’t send, I have some parts you can have if you would like. Originally Posted By LineHaul: Cutting the barrel WILL improve accuracy. Don’t use an extra power op rod spring, if it needs replacing just use oem. I tried to pm you a few days ago but it wouldn’t send, I have some parts you can have if you would like. Hmm, let me PM you Originally Posted By VASCAR2: This an early version of the Mini 14. Early 5.56/223 Mini 14’s had 1:10 twist barrels. In 1986 in the 184 series Ruger switched to a 1:7 twist. In 1997 with 186 series Ruger changed to 1:9 twist barrels. The later 581 series introduced in 2005 still use 1:9 twist barrels. If you post your series # plus serial number I can tell you approximately when the Mini was manufactured. As an example a friend has a 183-307** manufactured in 1982-1983. Thanks 185-992xx |
I wouldn't stand in front of a piss-filled supersoaker. Does that make it a good pistol? - Caboose314
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
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Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: Talk to me like I've never touched a mini14 in my life Clyde armory PD trade in https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/184182/IMG_4168_jpeg-3806795.JPG Plan to SBR & chop to AC556 length, Samson gas block front sight Samson A team stock seems expensive and discontinued (?) Ghost mountain mag release sounds like a good idea 20 & 30 rnd mags on order Should I go to Wolff and buy a new assortment of springs? I don't see a reason to build this out like a true fighting rifle IE reputable red dot, $200 light, blah blah I think this will just be a cool, older SBR shooter |
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Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: Hmm, let me PM you Thanks 185-992xx Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: Originally Posted By LineHaul: Cutting the barrel WILL improve accuracy. Don't use an extra power op rod spring, if it needs replacing just use oem. I tried to pm you a few days ago but it wouldn't send, I have some parts you can have if you would like. Hmm, let me PM you Originally Posted By VASCAR2: This an early version of the Mini 14. Early 5.56/223 Mini 14's had 1:10 twist barrels. In 1986 in the 184 series Ruger switched to a 1:7 twist. In 1997 with 186 series Ruger changed to 1:9 twist barrels. The later 581 series introduced in 2005 still use 1:9 twist barrels. If you post your series # plus serial number I can tell you approximately when the Mini was manufactured. As an example a friend has a 183-307** manufactured in 1982-1983. Thanks 185-992xx Mini-14/30 Barrel Rate of Twist chart: Mini ROT Chart Your bbl seems to be 1-7" ROT; more on that later. First thing to do is have an expert examine rifling at the end of the barrel to see if it was damaged by improper cleaning/tools/technique. Some damaged barrels can be fixed by a simple re-crown, some by counter-boring. Cutting will do the trick, but more later. Do experiment with different types of ammo along with different bullet weights. the ROT chart is an excellent guide to bullet weight, but each rifle is a little different, and quality of ammo is highly variable. Factory loaded 5.56 ammo is perfectly safe to use in your Mini. Download the Owner's Manual and read it completely: Mini Manual Watch Brownell's YouTube series of Mini videos: Brownells vids Since your Mini has an unknown amount of use on it, replacing the springs, esp. the Main/Op-rod Spring may be useful. There is almost never a reason to use any sort of "Extra Power" springs in Minis. Other components which can wear out are the extractor and ejector (plus associated bits and pieces, and possibly the firing pin. Cutting the barrel is irreversible and will reduce bullet velocity and effective range. Your rifle, and your call. 1-7" ROT bbls are sought after because they will stabilize heavier bullets which are used at longer ranges. Cutting the early Mini "Pencil barrel" barrel was a "thing" before Dual-Clamp barrel struts became available: Accu Strut Many folks remove the OEM blade front sight and use a smaller Choate M+T "Recoil Compensator", which is actually an A-2 flash suppressor and front sight combo; (May be illegal in some States). Adding a reasonable amount of weight/mass to the muzzle of rifle barrels has often been demonstrated to reduce barrel whip. My 186 series Mini-14 with undamaged (Pencil) barrel, Dual Clamp Accu Strut, Choate muzzle device, and very good quality ammo will shoot about 2MOA, some days a little better. Rather than cutting bbl, consider side-folding stock from Choate Machine and Tool; bonus points for (paintable) stainless steel metal parts. Choate Machine and Tool Suggested forum to visit for Mini-specific Q's: https://www.rugerforum.net/forums/ruger-mini-14-30.137/ I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. |
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This would be the op rod spring I’d want? Attached File |
I wouldn't stand in front of a piss-filled supersoaker. Does that make it a good pistol? - Caboose314
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
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Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: This would be the op rod spring I'd want? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/184182/IMG_4195_jpeg-3808389.JPG Wolff generally makes good springs but the HP mini springs not usually suggested--or desired. See ASI for prices, etc. There are other vendors, including Ruger. Use exploded diagram in Owner's Manual for Part #/Part Nomenclature, and have complete serial number of Mini on hand when calling Ruger for parts. |
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Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: Hmm, let me PM you Thanks 185-992xx The 185-992** was manufactured in late 1990 with a 1:7 twist. I was pretty busy last week and hadn’t been back to the Armory section. Looks like you got a pretty nice Mini 14. |
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I have a 188 series ranch rifle, and adding an Accustrut tightened up the groups. The two clamp model is recommended. If you want to mount an optic, a Samson or Ultimak handguards are options. The ranch rifle's receiver is different because it has can use Ruger proprietary rings.. |
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Neat, OP. I'm going in the opposite direction w/ my 182, removing the aftermarket folding stock, will put a wood stock on, 10 round mag, already have a forward rail for a red dot, and will mount the aftermarket 10 round stripper clip guide. Will also hang a light off the upper handguard rail at some point. Planning on a 2 clamp Accu Strut or equivalent along w/ an adjustable gas block, but not in a hurry. |
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MidwayUSA has a lot of Mini 14 parts at great prices. Mini 14 recoil spring $3.99 |
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Originally Posted By LineHaul: More inspiration for those you on the fence about chopping your Mini-14 Do it!! 2026 is the year of the Micro-14  https://i.ibb.co/0RP6WJPT/IMG-0989.jpg It really looks great |
I wouldn't stand in front of a piss-filled supersoaker. Does that make it a good pistol? - Caboose314
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
I thought I was covered for 22 cans, but the NFAids is a bitch when it mutates - themagikbullet
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Originally Posted By BeaterHonda: It really looks great Reduced effective range not so easily remedied. Cut the barrel if you want; it's your rifle. Just mentioning that "Cutting Has Consequences". |
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Originally Posted By raf: Looks aren't everything, though. For example, if the optic fails for some reason, there's no iron front sight available. This can sometimes be remedied, though it depends on the O.D. of the suppressor. Reduced effective range not so easily remedied. Cut the barrel if you want; it's your rifle. Just mentioning that "Cutting Has Consequences". You do realize guns can just be fun, right? Sheesh. |
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Regret that facts I have stated may get in the way of simple "Fun". I reckon there are a ton of modified M-1903 Springfields and M-1917 rifles which used to be sold for dirt cheap which were "custom-modified" to suit "Bubba's" desire. Same thing can be said about lots of once common and cheap SKS rifles which were desecrated. Mini-14s are not exactly ancient or uncommon rifles, however there are "some" versions which are actually collectible. Not my business to tell folks what to do with their rifle. Their rifle, their money. OTOH, on an open forum, I can offer polite and pertinent opinions and suggestions. As an aside, many early Mini barrels are in scant/unreliable supply. If one wishes to restore a Mini-14 to original status, correct barrel Material, correct original barrel Length and correct ROT barrel must be found, and installed by an expert. I'm assuming the bore is fine, and the muzzle does not need any re-crowning or other work. None of this is easy to do, inexpensive, nor is the work itself trivial. Just saying that permanent mods are permanent and deserve some thought beforehand. |
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