Finally Bought It with Bud's Unpredictability

I started a thread a couple of months ago about looking for a used Ruger Mini-14. Had lots of good input from members here. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/question-on-ruger-mini-14.843055/

The most important thing I got out of it was to hold out for a newer model with the thicker barrel due to accuracy issues of the older ones. I had wanted wood and stainless, but couldn't find a used blue or stainless at a price I was comfortable with. Bud's was one of the lower priced new ones, asking $803 with free shipping, same as I saw at a show yesterday, but that would have added local tax.

I was getting ready to settle for a new blued model, but checked one more time on Bud's last night and saw $738 and free shipping.

Whoa, where did that come from? Regardless, I tried to buy it online last night but they wouldn't let me change my address. With less than 10 in inventory, I was nervous about not getting one. So at 9 sharp this morning when they opened I called and thankfully got it. Certainly not the deal the lucky ones got from Wally World, but I'm good with it. Comes with 2 five round mags and a set of rings.

In the last thread most people had nothing good to say about aftermarket magazines, with the exception of one person who did well with Tapco 30's and a ProMag 20. Did some research and there seems to be some good reviews of the 2nd gen Tapco plastics with metal on top. At under $16, about a third the cost of a Ruger, I may try one along with a 20 round steel ProMag.

Now the anxious waiting begins! Will add a range report in hopefully not too long. lol

Thanks for mentioning this. I have not, but there was nobody asking less than they were once you include their free shipping, and certainly not at this last price point.

Good to know, thanks.

So it arrived 9 days after ordering at my LGS. Great place, nice people, and they charge a reasonable $15 transfer fee.

Had to wait a few more days before I was able to get to the range today. Tried 6 different magazines, a factory 5 rounder, a Pro-Mag 20 rounder, a 30 round Tapco, and three different 20 round mystery mags I traded a member here for, but who couldn't remember their brands.

I am glad to report the gun ran flawlessly with all the mags. I count myself lucky as aftermarket mags don't seem to have a good history re: functionality.

So I'm pretty pleased with it, now just have to mount and sight in a scope for it. I am surprised how heavy the included factory scope rings/bases are, they're steel and weigh much more than the usual aluminum.

All in all, very happy with the rifle. Thanks again to all for their excellent advice!

1948CJ2A said:

Wow, 9 days is a long time for Buds to get your firearm to your LGS if you paid with CC or other form of instant payment. I usually get a shipment notification within a couple of days and don't think I've waited more than 5-6 days total time.

Regardless, glad to hear its what you want and working as desired/designed. Enjoy!

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I cheaped out and bought it with an electronic check to save some money in credit card fees. They said it would take 5 business days to process, then there was the weekend and MLK day.

I visited several Walmart's looking for that deal, but it was not to be. Heard this a few times, "you just missed it".

Although the one I really wanted, and got, was the stainless model, at that price I would have been very happy with blued steel.

Don't hate you, glad someone here was able to get one. Or two. lol