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11/9/2025 12:53:03 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:


I still had the leftover can from years back - I never throw old cans away fast enough thinking I might want to use it up someday.

It was actually the "professional" grade stainless steel spray paint - its a metallic looking paint despite the Lowes pic making it look gray.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum-Professional-Gloss-Stainless-Steel-Spray-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-14-oz/3728759?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-pnt-_-google-_-lia-_-219-_-spraypaint-_-3728759-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm4TyBRDgARIsAOU75soFhgjYT-OvK1RcXEuKfikbQih-DYvSwSZgss8EAguCSiRlyEOOdjAaAnqIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
View Quote
When you have time - and if you have it, would you post a clearer picture of that magazine of yours?

I think I might do two - the 20 and the 30 rounders
11/10/2025 10:20:49 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
When you have time - and if you have it, would you post a clearer picture of that magazine of yours?

I think I might do two - the 20 and the 30 rounders
View Quote


I don't think I even sanded the original finish in case it didn't work out.  If you want it to really hold - scuff the surface with 220 grit, clean well with brake cleaner, etc. then coat.  There are a few dings from mags in the case or other guns in the safe - but the Color was right on.

11/10/2025 11:27:22 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:


I don't think I even sanded the original finish in case it didn't work out.  If you want it to really hold - scuff the surface with 220 grit, clean well with brake cleaner, etc. then coat.  There are a few dings from mags in the case or other guns in the safe -https://hosting.photobucket.com/19e4745a-66b9-4c05-ac38-2a30c200ea6d/0993fb9d-0fbf-41d0-9ed8-d25d754aa31a.jpg but the Color was right on.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/19e4745a-66b9-4c05-ac38-2a30c200ea6d/381100c3-dcf8-42c9-ac2a-dddeb8ec9c39.jpg
View Quote
@cherenkov


Attached File

11/16/2025 8:38:56 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Texas1994][Edited] [#4]
So I picked up a mini 14 last month in 300blk and  had a local smith go to work.
Stamp took 3 days
Barrels 11.5”
Gun came with the stabilizer / adjustable combo. Ditched the stabilizer but intend to tune.
Skd mount modified for the Aimpoint PRO
Samson rail and qd cups
Ghost mountain oversized mag catch
One hundred concepts light cover
3d eBay buffers
Surefire 3 prong for a socom mini eventually short term I’m running the Obsidian
Surefire 640Vampire
Trigger job
He forgot the inlay an mlok rail for the hand stop, going back Monday.
And waiting on a somo ngal from paragon to come in the mail. 40 something days in.
Currently need to overbore the gas bushing. And maybe shorten the spring a final time. Will run one spring for full power loads and a short for subs.
Also need to find a black padded short sling for her. Any suggestions ? Or overall input I’m open too?
Attached File

Attached File
11/16/2025 8:59:10 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Texas1994:
So I picked up a mini 14 last month in 300blk and  had a local smith go to work.
Stamp took 3 days
Barrels 11.5"
Gun came with the stabilizer / adjustable combo. Ditched the stabilizer but intend to tune.
Skd mount modified for the Aimpoint PRO
Samson rail and qd cups
Ghost mountain oversized mag catch
One hundred concepts light cover
3d eBay buffers
Surefire 3 prong for a socom mini eventually short term I'm running the Obsidian
Surefire 640Vampire
Trigger job
He forgot the inlay an mlok rail for the hand stop, going back Monday.
And waiting on a somo ngal from paragon to come in the mail. 40 something days in.
Currently need to overbore the gas bushing. And maybe shorten the spring a final time. Will run one spring for full power loads and a short for subs.
Also need to find a black padded short sling for her. Any suggestions ? Or overall input I'm open too?
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/368832/IMG_1839_jpeg-3660303.JPG
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/368832/IMG_1838_jpeg-3660304.JPG
View Quote
Holy shit.. my dream rifle made reality - by you!

Bravo!!!
11/16/2025 9:16:25 PM EDT
[#6]
To go shorter we'll have to find a smith to shorten the op-rod/piston.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
11/16/2025 9:53:43 PM EDT
[#7]
Solo if you build one out , what’s your plan?
11/16/2025 10:58:05 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Texas1994:
Solo if you build one out , what's your plan?
View Quote
Simple stuff - as shown above BUT5.56mm

- buy new tactical folder stainless

- SBR

- cut barrel to 11.5" (gunsmith)

- trijicon credo 1-10 LPVO

- suppress

- end

(might do some of those little mods, extended mag release etc.)
11/16/2025 11:14:59 PM EDT
[#9]
Well I dodged a bullet. Shopruger is out of stock on the, uh, stock.

Ha ha, marked safe from arfcom spending my money (today).
I know I'll never go home.
So set fire to your ships, and past regrets, and be free.
11/17/2025 4:17:24 PM EDT
[#10]
Well little update.
Spoke with Carl from Accuracy systems.
He told me to shorten the mainspring and check gas bushing Id. Prior owner had swapped a thinner .80 Id hole. Was starving the gun with the sub. So suppressed she’s running like a top. Little gassy. But eating!!
May try choking her back a little and tweeting springs in the future if needed.
11/17/2025 4:29:27 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TNC:
Well I dodged a bullet. Shopruger is out of stock on the, uh, stock.

Ha ha, marked safe from arfcom spending my money (today).
View Quote
bahahhahahaah
11/17/2025 4:30:02 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Texas1994:
Well little update.
Spoke with Carl from Accuracy systems.
He told me to shorten the mainspring and check gas bushing Id. Prior owner had swapped a thinner .80 Id hole. Was starving the gun with the sub. So suppressed she's running like a top. Little gassy. But eating!!
May try choking her back a little and tweeting springs in the future if needed.
View Quote
Would LOVE to watch a video of yours shooting the thang here on this thread - when you can?
11/28/2025 7:55:13 AM EDT
[Last Edit: tac556][Edited] [#13]
Those of you with 5.56 SBR’d Mini’s - what did you do to the gas system to make it run (if anything) ?

Finally chopped mine, have had the stamp for a couple years.  Older blued 185 series with a stainless Falcon folder that I got off the EE a few years back.  Upgraded to a blued Samson folder (darker wood than I expected but OK), added the Samson gas block front sight.  Did the barrel by hand to avoid any possibility of receiver damage trying to dismount the barrel.  Used an annular cutter with .223 pilot to reduce the barrel OD.  Only hiccup was the thread alignment tool and pilot kind of got screwed up and not turning, and the first part of the threaded area basically got stripped.  Oops.  Plenty of thread though when I got that fixed, and it is hidden under a short Ruger 1/2-28 FH that I added.  Crowned the barrel with brass round head screws and valve grinding compound!  Super ghetto method, but betting it will shoot OK…. And I left the barrel at 13 1/4”, so I have the option to cut it back again if needed and still be matching OEM AC556 length (or shorter).  Just Rocksetted the FH, no crush washer used.

But I have yet to shoot it, so I don’t know what mods I might need to do with the gas port or gas bushing.  So would be helpful if folks could say what worked for them.  I want it to run with a range of 5.56 and .223 loadings, figure down to PMC 55 gr level, which is one of the milder commercial loads, and also with my own blasting grade reload 55 gr ammo.  

Not gonna red dot it or anything like that, just wanted the AC556 look.  OK with not running a can on this particular rifle, have plenty of AR SBR’s for that.  This falls into my fun gun category, not my serious use category.  As a kid of the 80’s, shooting Mini’s because I did not know anyone with an AR, it is just a nostalgic firearm for me.  (Next up is likely chopping a 10/22 ).  Will post a pic eventually, thought I had already taken one but I guess not…


Added- did find that my barrel at the 13” range was not evenly bored, the annular cutter took off about twice the material on one side vs the other, using the .223 pilot for it.  So even if done by hand with a pilot, it is better than if the barrel was 1/2” to begin with and I just ran a die down the OD.  Still was not too impressed- know it is not uncommon sometimes, but still…
a loaded gun won’t set you free, so you say…
11/28/2025 5:09:48 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By tac556:
Finally chopped mine, have had the stamp for a couple years.  Older blued 185 series with a stainless Falcon folder that I got off the EE a few years back.  Upgraded to a blued Samson folder (darker wood than I expected but OK), added the Samson gas block front sight.  Did the barrel by hand to avoid any possibility of receiver damage trying to dismount the barrel.  Used an annular cutter with .223 pilot to reduce the barrel OD.  Only hiccup was the thread alignment tool and pilot kind of got screwed up and not turning, and the first part of the threaded area basically got stripped.  Oops.  Plenty of thread though when I got that fixed, and it is hidden under a short Ruger 1/2-28 FH that I added.  Crowned the barrel with brass round head screws and valve grinding compound!  Super ghetto method, but betting it will shoot OK…. And I left the barrel at 13 1/4”, so I have the option to cut it back again if needed and still be matching OEM AC556 length (or shorter).  Just Rocksetted the FH, no crush washer used.

But I have yet to shoot it, so I don’t know what mods I might need to do with the gas port or gas bushing.  So would be helpful if folks could say what worked for them.  I want it to run with a range of 5.56 and .223 loadings, figure down to PMC 55 gr level, which is one of the milder commercial loads, and also with my own blasting grade reload 55 gr ammo.  

Not gonna red dot it or anything like that, just wanted the AC556 look.  OK with not running a can on this particular rifle, have plenty of AR SBR’s for that.  This falls into my fun gun category, not my serious use category.  As a kid of the 80’s, shooting Mini’s because I did not know anyone with an AR, it is just a nostalgic firearm for me.  (Next up is likely chopping a 10/22 ).  Will post a pic eventually, thought I had already taken one but I guess not…


Added- did find that my barrel at the 13” range was not evenly bored, the annular cutter took off about twice the material on one side vs the other, using the .223 pilot for it.  So even if done by hand with a pilot, it is better than if the barrel was 1/2” to begin with and I just ran a die down the OD.  Still was not too impressed- know it is not uncommon sometimes, but still…
View Quote


As I had written in a link to my past project - "Open up the gas bushing with a 3/32 drill bit and open the barrel port to 0.070" (#50 drill bit)
12/2/2025 9:52:40 AM EDT
[#15]
Ain't gonna let this thread go to archive - and I just bought my brand new Mini 14 tactical.

I had some doubts whether going for a .300 Blackout then let it where it lays and went for a 5.56mm, standard one.

Waiting on shipping from seller - then I will Form 1 it, then it goes to my friend gunsmith here to get chopped at 13" exactly.

I find that if the barrel gets shorter you miss on that AC556 look entirely - I don't want to do that.

Seller's picture with 'sold' tag on

Attached File

12/3/2025 5:12:48 PM EDT
[#16]
Attached File
12/3/2025 5:55:30 PM EDT
[#17]
The short barrel is my favorite - I liked "Broken Arrow" for the gun play with my favorite firearms - Beretta 93R and PM12, and the Ruger AC556K

12/4/2025 6:08:55 PM EDT
[#18]
Just swapped out the factory grip for a grip from Driven Arms.  
Have to say, lights out major improvement.  Super comfortable and no more sharp edges.  Attached File
12/4/2025 7:35:04 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By RONIN45:
Just swapped out the factory grip for a grip from Driven Arms.  
Have to say, lights out major improvement.  Super comfortable and no more sharp edges.  https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/6689/IMG_2327_jpeg-3669979.JPG
View Quote
Great last few posts all of you - intrigued by this pistol grip, will consider.

Aesthetically, I LOVE the original one; it's the one that has the looks.
12/7/2025 12:41:41 PM EDT
[#20]
I am picking it up tomorrow. Excited.

Also bought one of those ProMag 30 rounds nickel magazines - won't probably work, I want it for the looks,

Attached File

12/7/2025 1:27:32 PM EDT
[#21]
I have tried a few promag 30 rounders(blued) and found them to function reasonably well in the Mini-14.  They can make a magazine that actually works - like the HK93 mags as well, but some of their products simply don't work or are so ugly you don't want to be seen with them at the range.
12/7/2025 8:04:59 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
I am picking it up tomorrow. Excited.

Also bought one of those ProMag 30 rounds nickel magazines - won't probably work, I want it for the looks,

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/326068/RUG-A3N_002__31920_jpg-3671599.JPG
View Quote

You know Ruger did some factory 20 round nickel magazines recently, right?  Bought one on their website.
<**Me:**> I just spent 95% of my paycheck on LaRue stuff, within 30 minutes of getting paid. < **mfingar:**> For what it's worth, Dillo Dust is great on Ramen. </**mfingar:**></**me:**>
12/7/2025 8:17:51 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Seven-Shooter:

You know Ruger did some factory 20 round nickel magazines recently, right?  Bought one on their website.
View Quote
Absolutely. But they are different - somewhat chrome looking, instead of 'Nickel".

Bought one for my 50th Anniversary Mini 14 (that I bought last month) and two are coming tomorrow with the Mini 14 Tactical (they come by default with that particular rifle).

Again, they're not truly 'Nickel' looking (like the vintage ones), but more chrome "mirrored" (and they're 'only' 20 rounders; I wanted the look of a 30 rounder nickeled as in, say, "A Team")

The one I bought from Ruger that currently sits on my 50th Anniversary

low rings by Solo__, on Flickr



ETA an actual nickel 30 rounders on one of the TV show rifles

Attached File

12/8/2025 6:18:03 PM EDT
[#24]
Got mine. Super stoked. This thing is beautiful, sturdy, hefty (even too hefty with the optic) - nothing is loose, everything is tight.

Damn!

Mini 14 Tactical "A Team" by Solo__, on Flickr


Mini 14 Tactical "A Team" by Solo__, on Flickr


Next: form 1, cut barrel.
12/10/2025 6:26:53 PM EDT
[#25]
... running armed dogs patrol with new rifle

A-Team Mini 14 Florida Patrol by Solo__, on Flickr

12/15/2025 9:14:00 PM EDT
[#26]
Picked this up off the EE. Getting a form1 after Jan1 so I can remove the P/W 3prong.Attached File
"My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori." -Wilfred Owen
12/18/2025 10:36:43 AM EDT
[#27]
Just to the ProMag stainless (nickel?) 30 rounds magazine for the Mini 14.

Looks are very good - function is still unknown,

ProMag Stainless 30 Rounds by Solo__, on Flickr

12/19/2025 7:41:37 AM EDT
[#28]
I just saw an LEO Trade in Mini-14 Stainless in Black Polymer stock - later version with the heavy barrel that tapers not the earlier type for $599.  Everytime I re-read this thread I get a feeling to go get in my car and go get it.  I got to stop looking at these pretty builds you guys have.

Years ago (1980s) Mini-14s were way cheaper than the AR15s on the market - now that is completely flipped  Same shop has AR15s from $400+ and new Mini's with folders $1300!

12/19/2025 11:22:02 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:
I just saw an LEO Trade in Mini-14 Stainless in Black Polymer stock - later version with the heavy barrel that tapers not the earlier type for $599.  Everytime I re-read this thread I get a feeling to go get in my car and go get it.  I got to stop looking at these pretty builds you guys have.

Years ago (1980s) Mini-14s were way cheaper than the AR15s on the market - now that is completely flipped  Same shop has AR15s from $400+ and new Mini's with folders $1300!

View Quote
Hahaha - it's a joy to have you here though, brother.
1/1/2026 3:03:14 PM EDT
[#30]
I read this thread and went on Gunbroker. I ended up winning a blued Mini14 with a Ramline wood folder and an early Aimpoint. Once I get it, I'll form 1 it and have it chopped to 11.5".  Who is the goto guy to chop & thread it? Any idea on the cost?  

I'm going to SBR & SBS a bunch of projects that I put off. So if a chop & thread is expensive, I might try it myself.  Perhaps a chop and pin on a flash hider/front site combo.
 
I'm going to build a Remington 870 Witness Protection clone as well. I already have the AR SBR. So I'm checking off guns I only dreamed about in the childhood in Hawaii. I was aware of NFA, but state law prohibited it.
1/1/2026 7:44:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Solo_][Edited] [#31]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ihon:
I read this thread and went on Gunbroker. I ended up winning a blued Mini14 with a Ramline wood folder and an early Aimpoint. Once I get it, I'll form 1 it and have it chopped to 11.5".  Who is the goto guy to chop & thread it? Any idea on the cost?  

I'm going to SBR & SBS a bunch of projects that I put off. So if a chop & thread is expensive, I might try it myself.  Perhaps a chop and pin on a flash hider/front site combo.
 
I'm going to build a Remington 870 Witness Protection clone as well. I already have the AR SBR. So I'm checking off guns I only dreamed about in the childhood in Hawaii. I was aware of NFA, but state law prohibited it.
View Quote
FIRST - happy 2026! You are starting with a BIG BANG.

Secondly - can't help with gunsmith where or how etc. but IT SHOULD NOT be too difficult to chop a Mini 14 barrel ESPECIALLY if one tells the gunsmith to not remove the barrel from the receiver.

NOW that it comes to mind, the guys at accuracy offer specifically this service, look them up (cold: https://www.accuracysystemsinc.com)


ETA re: waiting on Form 1 form to be reliably online and back in business
1/1/2026 8:59:39 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
FIRST - happy 2026! You are starting with a BIG BANG.

Secondly - can't help with gunsmith where or how etc. but IT SHOULD NOT be too difficult to chop a Mini 14 barrel ESPECIALLY if one tells the gunsmith to not remove the barrel from the receiver.

NOW that it comes to mind, the guys at accuracy offer specifically this service, look them up (cold: https://www.accuracysystemsinc.com)

ETA re: waiting on Form 1 form to be reliably online and back in business
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Solo_:
Originally Posted By ihon: I read this thread and went on Gunbroker. I ended up winning a blued Mini14 with a Ramline wood folder and an early Aimpoint. Once I get it, I'll form 1 it and have it chopped to 11.5".  Who is the goto guy to chop & thread it? Any idea on the cost?  

I'm going to SBR & SBS a bunch of projects that I put off. So if a chop & thread is expensive, I might try it myself.  Perhaps a chop and pin on a flash hider/front site combo.
 
I'm going to build a Remington 870 Witness Protection clone as well. I already have the AR SBR. So I'm checking off guns I only dreamed about in the childhood in Hawaii. I was aware of NFA, but state law prohibited it.
FIRST - happy 2026! You are starting with a BIG BANG.

Secondly - can't help with gunsmith where or how etc. but IT SHOULD NOT be too difficult to chop a Mini 14 barrel ESPECIALLY if one tells the gunsmith to not remove the barrel from the receiver.

NOW that it comes to mind, the guys at accuracy offer specifically this service, look them up (cold: https://www.accuracysystemsinc.com)

ETA re: waiting on Form 1 form to be reliably online and back in business


Threading will be more difficult if the barrel isn't pulled.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
1/20/2026 7:55:05 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Tangotag][Edited] [#33]
Entertaining the thought of going SBR.
Attached File

Attached File
1/20/2026 9:49:20 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Beauty combo,
1/20/2026 10:37:33 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Seven-Shooter:
I have nothing to add but pictures of my 16” SS that I dropped in the Samson folder, and stuck an Ultimak rail onto.  Stupid handy, and everyone wants to shoot it when they see it.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/129976/IMG_2658-3263180.jpghttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/129976/F58D4AEF-C27B-4CFD-9E23-729036265609-1585745.jpghttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/129976/A5C2DA85-5E13-4E3B-A602-3A374A851A81-1543193.jpg
I also have a stripper clip guide on it, and bought one of the Ruger nickel mags they put out lately, just to complete the look.  No pictures though.
View Quote


@Seven-Shooter Did this start out life as model 5820 or did you chop the barrel?

Attached File





1/20/2026 10:52:55 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By machinegunseabee:
@Seven-Shooter Did this start out life as model 5820 or did you chop the barrel?

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/213303/5820_jpeg-3698396.JPG
View Quote

I don’t have the box handy, but I did not chop the barrel.  That sounds about right—factory 16” SS “new gen” rifle.  I don’t know if they ever did it in anything other than the polymer stock, but I don’t know if I still have that stock.  I need to sell some stuff to get a better handle on what I still have
<**Me:**> I just spent 95% of my paycheck on LaRue stuff, within 30 minutes of getting paid. < **mfingar:**> For what it's worth, Dillo Dust is great on Ramen. </**mfingar:**></**me:**>
1/20/2026 11:19:57 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Seven-Shooter:

I don’t have the box handy, but I did not chop the barrel.  That sounds about right—factory 16” SS “new gen” rifle.  I don’t know if they ever did it in anything other than the polymer stock, but I don’t know if I still have that stock.  I need to sell some stuff to get a better handle on what I still have
View Quote


lol

If it came like that it was probably 5820. I’ve emailed Ruger a few times over the years suggesting they bring it as a standard offering but they have their own ideas.
1/21/2026 7:44:30 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote History


When decisions are hard - Just get both!  

Sometimes used Mini's can be had reasonable - Can always get another rifle if needed.  $0 tax stamps aren't forever if admin changes.
1/21/2026 8:41:35 PM EDT
[#39]
Form1 approved and I placed my order with Jim at JPgrips to chop my bbl to 11.5” last week now I just have to find time to disassemble, box it up and drop off at the PO.  
Waiting on a Stacy’s Mom k i submitted 1/15 to be approved that will be dedicated to it.  

I wish Samson would make an ac556 style front site without that goofy sling mount.
1/28/2026 11:30:01 AM EDT
[#40]
There’s a folder stock in the EE for $275 if someone’s in the market. @pigpen
1/28/2026 4:18:22 PM EDT
[#41]
I want to chop my Mini's barrel to 16" and have it deeply counterbored.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
2/1/2026 9:57:13 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
I want to chop my Mini's barrel to 16" and have it deeply counterbored.
View Quote


Why Deeply counterbore?  To prevent movement of the projectile from barrel whip in the last few inches? or?

A short barrel might offer the same "stiffness" while also being "shorter" which is fun, but maybe you don't want the hassle of NFA.
2/1/2026 10:05:58 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:


Why Deeply counterbore?  To prevent movement of the projectile from barrel whip in the last few inches? or?

A short barrel might offer the same "stiffness" while also being "shorter" which is fun, but maybe you don't want the hassle of NFA.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By cherenkov:
Originally Posted By backbencher: I want to chop my Mini's barrel to 16" and have it deeply counterbored.


Why Deeply counterbore?  To prevent movement of the projectile from barrel whip in the last few inches? or?

A short barrel might offer the same "stiffness" while also being "shorter" which is fun, but maybe you don't want the hassle of NFA.


Definitely don't want NFA on a ban state travel rifle.  Some communist held states won't allow flash hiders or flash cans.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
2/1/2026 3:52:44 PM EDT
[#44]
If I've got to have a 16" barrel it's going to have rifling to the crown.
BikerNut:
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.

People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
2/1/2026 6:57:14 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


Definitely don't want NFA on a ban state travel rifle.  Some communist held states won't allow flash hiders or flash cans.
View Quote


I get it.  If a state is afraid of a flash can - but allows your rifle you got to wonder if that is a place you want to travel to
2/1/2026 9:04:30 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote History
Originally Posted By LineHaul:

I wish Samson would make an ac556 style front site without that goofy sling mount.
View Quote
Agreed. It is hitting against my existing one, I had to buy another one - the lower ring one so that the Samson one won't conflict with the existing one - or I won't have to dremel either
2/1/2026 10:35:26 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Seven-Shooter:

I don’t have the box handy, but I did not chop the barrel.  That sounds about right—factory 16” SS “new gen” rifle.  I don’t know if they ever did it in anything other than the polymer stock, but I don’t know if I still have that stock.  I need to sell some stuff to get a better handle on what I still have
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Originally Posted By Seven-Shooter:
Originally Posted By machinegunseabee:
@Seven-Shooter Did this start out life as model 5820 or did you chop the barrel?

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/213303/5820_jpeg-3698396.JPG

I don’t have the box handy, but I did not chop the barrel.  That sounds about right—factory 16” SS “new gen” rifle.  I don’t know if they ever did it in anything other than the polymer stock, but I don’t know if I still have that stock.  I need to sell some stuff to get a better handle on what I still have

For a while Ruger was selling a 16" NRA model Mini.  I don't recall if they sold it in a polymer stock or not.  I can only assume they did.  I know some of the guys on a previous forum were buying the old style stock and dropping them into the old wooden stock for a shorter overall length.

kwg
2/2/2026 1:30:39 AM EDT
[#48]
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Originally Posted By cherenkov:


I get it.  If a state is afraid of a flash can - but allows your rifle you got to wonder if that is a place you want to travel to
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Originally Posted By cherenkov:
Originally Posted By backbencher:  Definitely don't want NFA on a ban state travel rifle.  Some communist held states won't allow flash hiders or flash cans.


I get it.  If a state is afraid of a flash can - but allows your rifle you got to wonder if that is a place you want to travel to


For example, my adopted Iraqi-American family lives in Connecticut.  Not a place I would want to tour anymore, but a place I may end up visiting every once & awhile.  And it's an excuse to own a Mini in the role that it actually excels in.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
2/2/2026 10:26:08 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
I want to chop my Mini's barrel to 16" and have it deeply counterbored.
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If it's a 181 series, I definitely get it.  Shorter rifled length for less barrel whip.  But there isn't a lot of room to open it up much depending on how deep you want to go. The 181 has a .56" light profile barrel.

It may be easier to chop the barrel and mount a fake flash hider or barrel extension like they used to do during the 1994-2004 'Assault Weapons Ban'.  I know the Chinese M14 clones would come with fake flash hiders tack welded on to meet the import requirements rather than the AWB.  But there were fake flash hiders on ARs as well.  Some were pressed on and others were welded.  Or maybe just a barrel extension without threads.  CNC makes them with threads that can be chopped.

If you are going for a new purchase, get a 16" tactical 580-series and have a thread protector cap tack welded over the threads.  Like the old imported AKs, it'll satisfy the non-threaded barrel requirement.  When you get tired of accommodating, you can grind off the weld and remove.  It'll also help with future resale as the majority of people want threads if possible.  I know it cost $200 to have a Mini-14 properly threaded, so that is how much less I would pay for a non-threaded Mini personally.
2/2/2026 2:46:48 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ihon:


If it's a 181 series, I definitely get it.  Shorter rifled length for less barrel whip.  But there isn't a lot of room to open it up much depending on how deep you want to go. The 181 has a .56" light profile barrel.

It may be easier to chop the barrel and mount a fake flash hider or barrel extension like they used to do during the 1994-2004 'Assault Weapons Ban'.  I know the Chinese M14 clones would come with fake flash hiders tack welded on to meet the import requirements rather than the AWB.  But there were fake flash hiders on ARs as well.  Some were pressed on and others were welded.  Or maybe just a barrel extension without threads.  CNC makes them with threads that can be chopped.

If you are going for a new purchase, get a 16" tactical 580-series and have a thread protector cap tack welded over the threads.  Like the old imported AKs, it'll satisfy the non-threaded barrel requirement.  When you get tired of accommodating, you can grind off the weld and remove.  It'll also help with future resale as the majority of people want threads if possible.  I know it cost $200 to have a Mini-14 properly threaded, so that is how much less I would pay for a non-threaded Mini personally.
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Originally Posted By ihon:
Originally Posted By backbencher:  I want to chop my Mini's barrel to 16" and have it deeply counterbored.


If it's a 181 series, I definitely get it.  Shorter rifled length for less barrel whip.  But there isn't a lot of room to open it up much depending on how deep you want to go. The 181 has a .56" light profile barrel.

It may be easier to chop the barrel and mount a fake flash hider or barrel extension like they used to do during the 1994-2004 'Assault Weapons Ban'.  I know the Chinese M14 clones would come with fake flash hiders tack welded on to meet the import requirements rather than the AWB.  But there were fake flash hiders on ARs as well.  Some were pressed on and others were welded.  Or maybe just a barrel extension without threads.  CNC makes them with threads that can be chopped.

If you are going for a new purchase, get a 16" tactical 580-series and have a thread protector cap tack welded over the threads.  Like the old imported AKs, it'll satisfy the non-threaded barrel requirement.  When you get tired of accommodating, you can grind off the weld and remove.  It'll also help with future resale as the majority of people want threads if possible.  I know it cost $200 to have a Mini-14 properly threaded, so that is how much less I would pay for a non-threaded Mini personally.


No, I want a FUDD-looking as possible 182 series, w/ a forward red dot, adjustable gas block, and 10 round mag in a wood stock.  So far I have the 182 & the forward rail.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.

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