I'm about to rebuild a Mini-14 that spent a year in the North Pacific. **Rifle complete, page 2!!**

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I'm about to rebuild a Mini-14 that spent a year in the North Pacific. **Rifle complete, page 2!!** (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 4/13/2018 11:35:21 PM EDT

In 1989, my soon to be FIL was on a commercial fishing boat in the North Pacific out of Kodiak. They hit a reef and the boat started sinking. Eveybody hopped in the skiff in time, and they were able to get to shore. The owners decided to raise the boat the next year and thats when my FIL was able to find his mini-14 that he forgot in his haste.

As soon as they got it to shore, it sat in a drum of diesel for a few months. It has fired since coming back up, but has since been taken apart and put in a trash bag, with the stock thrown away. It was covered in mud on the deck of the boat, so that saved it from a lot of corrosion. All the major components are sound, but the barrel bore is the only questionable item, because pitting can be seen at the muzzle. It has sentimental value, and cost doesnt matter much, but he wants it nickel coated now too.

Starting with springs, pins and firing pin to be replaced. Also lots of TLC with a buffing wheel and sandblaster.

I'll update with pics as I go.

Attached File

Attached File

**Corrections, it was a boat leaving Kodiak, not Dutch Harbor, and rifle was blued**

Posted: 4/14/2018 12:00:01 AM EDT

[#1]

I love the s threads, pictures?

Posted: 4/14/2018 12:26:51 AM EDT

[#2]

As I understand it some parts are only available from Rugar.

Posted: 4/14/2018 5:47:02 AM EDT

[#3]

Just because you can see a little pitting at the muzzle doesn't mean the barrel has to be replaced. I have a sporterized M1917 that looks like an old sewer pipe inside the barrel and it shoots amazing groups with factory .30-06 ammo. It was my deer rifle for a couple years.

Are you keeping it stock? Or willing to modify it's appearance? If modification is okay there's people here that can steer you to parts sources. I've seen some really neat looking Mini14's here.

How did it end up in the water? How was it found/rescued?

Posted: 4/14/2018 6:08:48 AM EDT

[#4]

Have you called Ruger?

If it's a 180 series you may be SOL.

Posted: 4/14/2018 6:55:12 AM EDT

[#5]

Fire lap the barrel

Posted: 4/14/2018 6:57:41 AM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:
I love the s threads, pictures?

View Quote

I will get pics up later on, this will be a doozy.

Posted: 4/14/2018 6:59:42 AM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just because you can see a little pitting at the muzzle doesn't mean the barrel has to be replaced. I have a sporterized M1917 that looks like an old sewer pipe inside the barrel and it shoots amazing groups with factory .30-06 ammo. It was my deer rifle for a couple years.

Are you keeping it stock? Or willing to modify it's appearance? If modification is okay there's people here that can steer you to parts sources. I've seen some really neat looking Mini14's here.

How did it end up in the water? How was it found/rescued?

View Quote

Funny you mention the 1917, my Eddystone is the EXACT same way. We talked and decided if it can shoot minute of pie plate at 50 yards, the barrel stays.

All springs, and firing pin at least will be replaced to start with.

Posted: 4/14/2018 1:07:03 PM EDT

[#8]

Accuracy Systems has Ruger factory take-off barrels. http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/index.php

Posted: 4/15/2018 7:17:42 PM EDT

[#9]

Pics added

Posted: 4/15/2018 7:20:15 PM EDT

[#10]

That doesn't look too bad, honestly. I'd be extremely careful about cleaning out the barrel, but otherwise looks salvageable.

Posted: 4/15/2018 7:39:44 PM EDT

[#11]

Cool!

Posted: 4/15/2018 7:54:19 PM EDT

[#12]

I like watching these threads.

Posted: 4/15/2018 7:55:03 PM EDT

[#13]

excited to see this one come together.

Posted: 4/15/2018 7:56:27 PM EDT

[#14]

In.

Posted: 4/16/2018 2:07:37 AM EDT

[#15]

I have seen a few here in the bush that looked worse and are still being used.

Posted: 4/16/2018 2:58:55 AM EDT

[#16]

True story. I'm sitting here in my garage going through the boxes of paperwork(taxes,banking,work) of my Grandfather who passed in 1998. Thinking to myself i wish I had something more to put my hands on. I wish I had him back.

Go fix that rifle

Posted: 4/16/2018 5:52:00 AM EDT

[#17]

Sofa King in.

Posted: 4/16/2018 6:16:52 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have seen a few here in the bush that looked worse and are still being used.

View Quote

Ive seen it too. FIL has made many a trip up river to Bethel buying salmon too. He owns two 70’ cod boats out of Kodiak now.

Posted: 4/16/2018 7:18:18 AM EDT

[#19]

I suggest using electrolysis to remove the rust from the parts. Least-damaging method of doing so. Complete tear-down, naturally. I suspect that the barrel is toast, if not because of damage to the bore, but because of damage to the chamber, which can cause cases to stick.

Firing pin, most bolt parts, and many trigger group parts are Ruger-only. However, The Accuracy Systems folks mentioned above are authorized Ruger repair people, and can probably do wonders with the Mini if the barrel needs to be replaced. They have the parts and skill to re-build the bolt and trigger group; likely better than new.

I'd completely disassemble, electrolytically remove all rust, take pix, and contact them. I would replace the barrel with a wider-diameter, less whippy version, have the bolt rebuilt and carefully headspaced to the new barrel, and change out the extremely wide OEM gas orifice for a much smaller one. Having a trigger job done on the rebuilt trigger group would be a great idea. New, tight-fitting syn stock; perhaps a Butler Creek folder. The Mini, with some minor pitting here and there, will be better than new.

Some before and after electrolysis pix here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=335835

Posted: 4/16/2018 1:20:23 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I suggest using electrolysis to remove the rust from the parts. Least-damaging method of doing so. Complete tear-down, naturally. I suspect that the barrel is toast, if not because of damage to the bore, but because of damage to the chamber, which can cause cases to stick.

Firing pin, most bolt parts, and many trigger group parts are Ruger-only. However, The Accuracy Systems folks mentioned above are authorized Ruger repair people, and can probably do wonders with the Mini if the barrel needs to be replaced. They have the parts and skill to re-build the bolt and trigger group; likely better than new.

I'd completely disassemble, electrolytically remove all rust, take pix, and contact them. I would replace the barrel with a wider-diameter, less whippy version, have the bolt rebuilt and carefully headspaced to the new barrel, and change out the extremely wide OEM gas orifice for a much smaller one. Having a trigger job done on the rebuilt trigger group would be a great idea. New, tight-fitting syn stock; perhaps a Butler Creek folder. The Mini, with some minor pitting here and there, will be better than new.

Some before and after electrolysis pix here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=335835

View Quote

Already had a butler creek folder inbound. This thing is NOT getting accurized and shit, it’s going right back on the boat anyways.

Posted: 4/17/2018 7:07:46 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
Already had a butler creek folder inbound. This thing is NOT getting accurized and shit, it's going right back on the boat anyways.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I suggest using electrolysis to remove the rust from the parts. Least-damaging method of doing so. Complete tear-down, naturally. I suspect that the barrel is toast, if not because of damage to the bore, but because of damage to the chamber, which can cause cases to stick.

Firing pin, most bolt parts, and many trigger group parts are Ruger-only. However, The Accuracy Systems folks mentioned above are authorized Ruger repair people, and can probably do wonders with the Mini if the barrel needs to be replaced. They have the parts and skill to re-build the bolt and trigger group; likely better than new.

I'd completely disassemble, electrolytically remove all rust, take pix, and contact them. I would replace the barrel with a wider-diameter, less whippy version, have the bolt rebuilt and carefully headspaced to the new barrel, and change out the extremely wide OEM gas orifice for a much smaller one. Having a trigger job done on the rebuilt trigger group would be a great idea. New, tight-fitting syn stock; perhaps a Butler Creek folder. The Mini, with some minor pitting here and there, will be better than new.

Some before and after electrolysis pix here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=335835

Already had a butler creek folder inbound. This thing is NOT getting accurized and shit, it's going right back on the boat anyways.

Your rifle, your call. Most of my advice is not so much accurizing, as reliability. Sometimes, one can do both at the same time. Done it all, never regretted doing so. YMMV.

Posted: 4/22/2018 12:11:45 AM EDT

[#22]

Check eBay for parts, occasionally I see all parts less the receiver in a lot that is up for auction. I guess someone scrapped a rifle for parts, or they are destroying a rifle from pd liquidation’s that are ordered to do so. I see lots of deals on eBay occasionally.

Posted: 4/22/2018 1:00:06 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

it’s going right back on the boat anyways.

View Quote

Replace all springs non serviceable parts.

Quoted:
, but he wants it nickel coated now too.

*

View Quote

Then TechPlate.

http://www.techplate.com/duraplate1.htm

Or...

Replace non serviceable parts.
Find a Cera coat shop.

Or cheaper.

buy a harbor freight air brush and some
Norrells Molly Resin and shoot it yourself.

Posted: 4/22/2018 1:40:28 AM EDT

[#24]

Edited. No offers for Sale/Trade/Buy outside of the EE. Suggest you take it to IM. raf

Posted: 4/22/2018 9:10:15 AM EDT

[#25]

Butler creek folder is here, all springs ordered from
ruger yesterday

Posted: 4/22/2018 9:17:56 AM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
I would replace the barrel with a wider-diameter, less whippy version, have the bolt rebuilt and carefully headspaced to the new barrel, and change out the extremely wide OEM gas orifice for a much smaller one. .... The Mini, with some minor pitting here and there, will be better than new.

View Quote

I agree with this. Not only because @raf knows what he's doing, but also because I would be a little wary about shooting a barrel that's been underwater that long due to headspace and pressure concerns. And a replacement barrel might be faster, easier, and more effective than a nickel plate.

But if you're going to nickel it, why not NP3 it at Robar? I had a gun done there, and was extremely happy with the finish, and that was just for S&G. If that thing is going to live on a boat, Robar might have some good finishes for consideration.

Posted: 4/22/2018 9:23:32 AM EDT

[#27]

Keep us updated. I’d like to see how it turns out.

Posted: 4/24/2018 12:57:55 AM EDT

[#28]

Accuracy systems has a .625 barrel in both blue and stainless. I have a stainless one on a stainless receiver. If It we me, I would have the stainless barrel installed and cerrocoat the receiver in a bright gray color that is close to the stainless color. This would probably mean a new bolt was needed. After being under water for a year I'm sure it needs a new bolt anyway.

http://www.accuratemini14.com/index.php

Posted: 4/24/2018 6:41:58 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Accuracy systems has a .625 barrel in both blue and stainless. I have a stainless one on a stainless receiver. If It we me, I would have the stainless barrel installed and cerrocoat the receiver in a bright gray color that is close to the stainless color. This would probably mean a new bolt was needed. After being under water for a year I'm sure it needs a new bolt anyway.

http://www.accuratemini14.com/index.php

View Quote

Thats been my thought as well. I think Ill order a stainless barrel and gas block from them.

Bolt isnt in bad shape, but we will see.

Getting the electralysis tub set up, goes live Thursday. Ruger sent me a tracking number for the spring kit yesterday and I have the butler creek stock in hand.

Posted: 4/24/2018 9:44:53 AM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have the butler creek stock in hand.

View Quote

Where'd you get it, for what price? I might need one

Posted: 4/24/2018 10:05:28 AM EDT

[#31]

If you're not going to go the electrolysis route, do yourself a favor and pick up a gallon or so of evaporust. The stuff is non-corrosive and does an amazing job getting rid of rust in hard to reach places. Soak the action for a couple of days and the rust (and whatever blueing is left) will be completely gone.

Posted: 4/24/2018 1:09:42 PM EDT

[#32]

Neat project !

Posted: 4/24/2018 1:30:31 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
Where'd you get it, for what price? I might need one

View Quote

In the EE for $75 shipped

Posted: 4/24/2018 3:09:39 PM EDT

[#34]

Also ordered him one of these, new old stock. HK deomt sight/flash hider.

Attached File

Posted: 4/26/2018 12:13:31 PM EDT

[#35]

Contact me via email sir

Posted: 4/27/2018 5:40:11 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
I love the s threads, pictures?

View Quote

Posted: 5/6/2018 10:03:06 PM EDT

[#37]

Been ordering a ton of stuff for this thing. Barrel/gas block and rear sight come in tomorrow. Got all new trigger, stainless pins and small parts ordered from Midway, Brownells, and Numrich.

Receiver, bolt, slide, hammer, sear and trigger housing are packed up to go to CCR to get CPII cutting. Electrolysis and a bath in Evapo-Rust with the ultrasonic did a lot of theleg work before I went after it with the brushes.

Attached File

Posted: 5/6/2018 11:26:15 PM EDT

[#38]

I bet Ruger might like to take a look @ that gun @ some point.

Posted: 5/7/2018 7:40:23 PM EDT

[#39]

New stainless barrel and gas block made it in. Tech rear sight too!

Attached File

Posted: 5/7/2018 10:03:47 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
New stainless barrel and gas block made it in. Tech rear sight too!

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/237639/DA3ACA83-6433-4B7D-9A69-44BE0027584F-536888.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/237639/638BFF30-C6E5-4D83-A087-CB2F31439716-536889.JPG

View Quote

Neat.

Posted: 5/16/2018 9:51:32 PM EDT

[#41]

Cool thread OP, thanks for sharing. I love these.

Posted: 6/19/2018 9:16:46 AM EDT

[#42]

CCR coated the parts in I sent in their CP2 coating, and it looks great! I told them dont worry about getting the pitting out, just do what it takes to coat em!

Attached File

Attached File

Going to start assembly tonight!

Posted: 6/19/2018 11:42:46 AM EDT

[#43]

Awesome

Posted: 6/19/2018 12:46:28 PM EDT

[#44]

Looks awesome OP.

But I had to look up the coating.

CPII is a true composite plating consisting of an Electroless Nickel/Boron Nitride bath

CPII benefits are
* Extremely low co-efficient of friction. Which greatly reduces wear on
sliding parts
* Boron Nitride offers great lubrication. The Boron Nitride is dispersed
throughout the plating exposing new lubrication
* CPII has a higher hardness then standard plating and a fantastic
Satin look
*CPII offers extreme corrosion resistance for harsh environments
*CPII Makes Cleaning your Gun a Breez