The current rifle is as follows:

Ranch model, wood stock, blued barrel, 6 John Masen 30-rounders.

The following will be added shortly:

-Scout-type forward sight rail with Trijicon   Special Forces model

-Muzzle brake/flash hider (John Masen model, improves accuracy)

-Factory synthetic stock, fiberglass bedded

-Tactical nylon sling

Since this rifle was a gift, my investment so far is just for ammo.  I feel justified spending 600 dollars.  Any ideas as far as refinishing the blued barrel?

Ok, well I guess not...  LoL  Thanks fer lookin' anyways.

[beer}

Why not have the whole thing parkerized?  It would be a tough finish and a unique look.  You might also think about cutting a touch off the barrel to make it even more unique.  Check out:  perfectunion.com  for more mini info.  Good luck.

Why not skip the muzzle brake (unless it is just a brake, and not a flash hider), and gain more improvement in accuracy, as well as ergonomics, by adding the Choate Pistol Grip stock?

http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5530

A Mini-14 makes a nice behind-the-seat-of-the-pickup gun, esp stainless.

Galati International MP30 Mag Pouch, $20.
A few more 30 rounders (I like PMI, but have not used the Masens, understand they are OK).

Buffer Technologies buffer (protects optics)

EOTech Tactical!  I have these on some of my AR's.

$200 (appx) for a Birdsong Black-T or Green-T finish.  They do EVERYTHING except the bore and chamber.  I have seen pics of a guy firing a Tommy Gun and a M-4 with NO OIL.  This finish is very lubricous.

Free_Man, the Birdsong Black-T, I assume that is a type of finish for the rifle?  Would you happen to have an hyperlink handy for that?

As far as mags go, the John Masen's have worked without a hitch during the 500 rounds of Olympic (NPA 01) 55 grain.  Is there a way to load magazines via stripper clip through the breech of the gun?  Thanks again for all of the info, this board is a breath of fresh air.

PS- Free_Man, those are some nice mini's!!!

Thanks.

No, but you can load the mags with strippers via the M16 stripper clip guide.  You have to bend it a little with pliers to make it fit the mag right, but it does work.

Birdsong does not have a website, as far as I know.  They do the whole gun.  You ship it to them, they take it down, degrease, do any prep work, and apply the black or green T.

Walter Birdsong (601) 939-7448

Shipping Address:

W.E. Birdsong & Associates, Inc
1435 Monterey Road
Florence, MS  39073-9748

These prices are a couple years old:

Military-Type & Full Auto Rifles -  smaller than .50BMG, Submachine Guns, Machine-Pistols
$200

Extra Magazines
$15 ea

That price is for the whole gun, every part and pin.

Cheaper Than Dirt has factory Ruger Mini-14 stripper clip guides that work with M-16 stripper clips.

-Charging Handle

 Wolff extra power recoil spring will reduce felt recoil and lock time, also guy over at perfectunion.com sells gas bushings that reduce recoil and distance of thrown brass.