[Starpower]

After going to the range to shoot the Mini 14 in the bullpup stock, and to take it all apart to clean it and the plastic bullpup is such a PITA to reconfigure back into proper alignment that I went back to the wooden Ranch stock. That was when I noticed a ring, almost cut into the outside of the barrel about where the bullpup gripped the barrel in the front bushing. It actually looks like somebody took a plumbers tube cutter and ran it around the barrel a couple of times. Have I totally FUBAR'd any chance of reselling the rifle, and are there any cures?? OMG! What have I Done?:banghead:

[SodaPop]

You will have to spend about $180 for a new barrel.

I think that's about what they cost.

[Bill Hook]

Ruger lists them for $60 and $96, blued and SS, respectively, but they won't ship them w/o an exchange part first.

[Starpower]

Replace the barrel? That's it? That's all I can do. Well, now let that be a lesson to ya if ya think the bullpup stocks "looks mean". Maybe I should write to the makers in Texas and give em' a piece of mind, which I can't really afford, anyway! Might be something to think about, too, if you're thinking about a barrel "stiffener" for your Mini 14. Where does it grab the barrel and what is all that moving about going to do to the ouside of the barrel? BTW if I do replace it, can it be done, or does it have to be shipped out? I know there was talk about the barrel moving about when shot, and the talk of stiffeners, which is probably what caused the rings, but is it really going to affect performance, or just cosmetic, or do I dare chance it? C'mon guys, help out this dunderhead!

[SodaPop]

My gunsmith hates Ruger because they always want him to ship guns back them before they even consider sending parts out.

[Andrew Wyatt]

uuh, i think that's part of every ruger. both of mine have steps there.

does it still shoot okay?

[BamBam-31]

I was thinking what Andrew was thinking. My Mini-14 barrel has a step also. The last several inches on the barrel are narrower than the rest of it. Is that what you're talking about?

[SodaPop]

I bet $5 that is what it is.

[rayra]

I've used one of those clamshell bullpup stocks on a 10/22.
I'm wondering if the thread author noted that the clamshell rubbed / touched the barrel.
A few minutes with a round file to relieve the opening would have seen to it.

[Starpower]

Negative. This is not a designed step down in the barrel. It is a cut ring, most likely from the front bushing of the bull pup. It is through the blue, and as I said, looks like a plumbers tube cutter was ran around the barrel. It's not all that deep into the steel, maybe a blueing kit may help, but it is defintely proof that them dang barrels do move when fired. which is why I didn't widen the bushing. It should help hold the barrel steady, right? Well, wouldn't it? DUH!

[Andrew Wyatt]

unless the gun has stopped working, it's not a problem. it sounds like it's just some finish wear.

[DougCxx]

If a factory replacement barrel costs $180, then do yourself a favor and look into what putting a REAL match-grade barrel on it would cost. Factory mini-14 barrels are not-very-accurate, have not been for a long time now, and paying $180 to shoot 4-5 inches at 100 yds is a laugh.
~

[4v50 Gary]

If the ring was because of the stock, it's a wear ring and I wouldn't worry about it. But if you bought the gun used and never noticed it before, clean it up and try to determine if it's an actual cut or a wear ring. If it's a cut, it's :uhoh: and should be examined by a competent smith for assurances of safety.

[Bill Hook]

Anyone make a match grade mini-14 barrel? Brownell's shows theirs discontinued at their site.

[DougCxx]

I don't know anywhere that ever sold drop-in mini-14 barrels, but a few years back there were at least three places that were doing custom work on them, mostly consisting of match barrels. Chief AJ was one, but curiously at the moment his whole website is MIA for me....?
Chief AJ Google Search (first return) (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=chief+aj&btnG=Google+Search)
~

[mdsteele]

If it's only a couple rounds with a "tube cutter", Then don't worry about it.

Probably won't affect anything.

[Gewehr98]

May very well make the Mini-14 more accurate. I can see the marketing potential already, selling tubing cutters to make stress relief ring cuts in Mini-14 barrels, changes the barrel harmonics and all, don't ya know... ;)

[Sven]

How about: cut down the exisiting barrel a bit, add third party muzzle guard, bed it. A lot cheaper and apparently it does the trick.

[Badger Arms]

E&L manufactures a barrel shroud that makes the gun look kinda MG-42'ish with that ventilated MG shroud. Would hide any marks on your barrel.

The other option is to send your gun to Ruger and tell them to refinish it. They will remove the mark for you. I had a badly pitted gun and they reblued it very cheap. Not sure what they charge anymore, but it was very reasonable. I've sent about 5 guns to Ruger for various reasons over the years and have always had EXCELLENT service from them. Call and ask them the question, you might be surprised.

http://www.brasscatchers.com/shrouds.htm

[Starpower]

Thanks for excellent suggestions, and the um, not so excellent ideas. But that's why ya gotta love this foruim.