mini-14 Ranch Rifle w/BC folder--pics

[benEzra]

Am learning how to use the digicam. This is not Oleg quality, but it's a start. Rifle is my 188-series Ranch Rifle, which was my first rifle (I got it back in 1989, IIRC). I had a Choate E2-style pistol grip stock on it for a decade, but when the AWB expired, I got the stock I had been planning to get for ten years, a Butler Creek folder.

I didn't like the narrow rubber buttpad of the Choate stock, so I had custom-made a shaped wooden buttplate for the Choate stock. The BC stock had a narrow rubber buttpad as well, so I modified the one I had made previously to fit the folder (just had to move one screw hole and relieve the right side a tad for clearance). It is wider than the stock pad so it doesn't poke into your shoulder as much, and raises the stock an inch or two on your shoulder so you don't have to crane your neck down as much when shooting with the iron sights. Since it's finished wood rather than sticky rubber, it also shoulders easier (I found the rubber buttpad would snag on loose-fitting shirts).

First photo shows the stock in shooting position; the second shows the rifle with the stock folded for storage (3913LS for size comparison).

 

[eldomatic]

Another Mini 14 in a BC folder

Added an extension to the butt plate for longer reach. Also mortised a weaver rail into the forestock for accessories.

 

[benEzra]

Where'd you get the rail? That's a good idea.

BTW, nice photo!

 

[eldomatic]

The rail is just a standard Weaver/Picatinny rail, about 4" long bought at Gander Mt. I cut a flat area in the bottom of the forestock so the rail when installed runs parallel to the bore. I've since moved the front sling ring to the left side so the rail can also mount a light.