I took the mini-14 out today after my modifications. I added an AK muzzlebrake, Ultimak Rail and Hakko Tacpoint. I had 5 cold shots in a 2 inch group at 100yards using Sellior and Bellot range fodder. That was my best group of the day. I haven't had a trigger job either. I'm impressed by the muzzlebrake. Before the AK brake I had on a Clark Gun Barrel Stabilizer. It worked but it made the mini so heavy that it basically became an emplaced weapon. I wanted something portable. Over at the perfect union forum guys were raving over muzzlebrakes reducing groups. So I went over to Bushmaster and purchased their AK brake. I went with the AK because the other brakes added like 4 inches to the barrel. I wanted to keep the mini as compact as I could. The AK brake fits over the factory front sight. Punch out the factory pin, slip on the AK brake, punch in the supplied replacement pin, and loctite 2 locking screws and you're done. It was super easy. I was also looking for a scout configuration so I bought the Ultimak. Forum member Variable1 had some Hakko Tacpoints (Aimpoint 700 clone) for $100 so I figured why not? The Ultimak rail is solid. It replaces the top of the gas block and also clamps to the barrel between the barrel and op rod. The Hakko has been a nice surprise. The dot is not blurred at the highest setting and held zero all day. I think the combination of the muzzlebrake and ultimak rail has greatly helped reduce my groups. The muzzlebrake adds weight to the end (like the GBS but without all that weight) while the Ultimak seems to make the barrel more rigid because of the clamp. I think both factors limits the amount of barrel whip so accuracy is enhanced. I still have the problem of wandering accuracy if I fire off 30rnds at once. But now, instead of peppering a 8.5X11 sheet of paper like a shotgun, they stay in one quarter of the paper. If anyone is looking for a quick accuracy mod, take a look at the AK muzzle brake and Ultimak rail. Now I'm contemplating a trigger job and new gas bushing (the ranch models launch brass like crazy!!)
I improved my mini-14
- Thread starter Sactown
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Gunsnrovers
Member
Mike Knifong has my trigger group now. Getting his gas bushing kit when he returns the group. Looking foward to the results when it's all said and done.
Glad things are looking up for your Mini.
Glad things are looking up for your Mini.
George S.
Member
Using the small gas bushing in Mike's kit will stop the empty case tossing Olympic event!! My factory bushing in my Ranch would easily toss cases about 25 feet away so I always had to wait for the right-most spot at the range. Once I installed the smallest bushing, the cases only go 5 feet or so.
You will love Mike's trigger job. He got mine down to abut 3 1/2 lb and a very smooth feel.
You will love Mike's trigger job. He got mine down to abut 3 1/2 lb and a very smooth feel.
Sounds good!
I'd like to see pictures too.
(I've been looking at the scout rail, and the Tacpoint.)
I've had my barrel cut, and have the gas bushing, and Mike's trigger job.
I also second the idea of glass bedding the stock.
The Mini is a decent little carbine, I don't care what the bashers say.
I'd like to see pictures too.
(I've been looking at the scout rail, and the Tacpoint.)
I've had my barrel cut, and have the gas bushing, and Mike's trigger job.
I also second the idea of glass bedding the stock.
The Mini is a decent little carbine, I don't care what the bashers say.
RW_Reagan
Member
"I improved my mini-14 "
oh, so you bought a real gun then?
oh, so you bought a real gun then?
RW_Reagan said:"I improved my mini-14 "
oh, so you bought a real gun then?
No he figured out some BASIC things to do to about any fiream that has accuracy trouble.
I wish most of those who whine about the mini-14 would think about some SIMPLE things like that to do.
You know like you do with any other rifle you might have accuracy trouble with. Like a trigger job and glass bedding and maybe recrowning the barrel if it needs it.
2" groups for a semi-auto carbine with regular ball ammo is just fine. My
M-4's do that with Rem/UMC FMJ and so does my Mini-14. With good quality handloads all 3 do even better; including the lowly Mini-14.
cracked butt
Member
Actually its more like Ruger should think about the simple things they could do before people actually buy it.
A company could for exaample turn out a line of shotguns that have crooked barrels and short stocksfor years and leave it up to the customers to figure out how to compensate, cut the barrel down to make it straighter or rebarrel it, then add and extra recoil pad or a new stock, or the company could make the gun right to start with.
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The barrel is the key to accuracy whether you replace it with a heavy barrel, shorten it to 16-16 1/2" or add a Clark or other muzzle device. 90% of the accuracy comes from the barrel. Other things like trigger work and glass bedding is secondary. Work on the barrel first before you spend time and effort on other things.
RW_Reagan
Member
ACTUALLY I was being sarcastic (or would it be sardonic?) I had owned a mini for a while, decent gun, nothing great, but not all that bad besides being over-priced for what you get.
I find that most accuracy problems are found behind the trigger on ANY gun, not in bedding, barrel weight/length, bipod, no bipod, handloads, no handloads, etc...... I have no idea what the trigger pull is on any of my rifles or hand guns, nor there rate of twist and quite frankly I dont give a sh*t.
I go to the range and pull the trigger, I take time to LEARN what the gun does and how it operates and adjust appropriately. It's amazing to me how groups can get tighter over time as I just PAY ATTENTION TO THE BASICS.
Sorry if what was meant to be a little nudge rubbed some of your panties the wrong way. (not really, you can suck it for all I care)
I find that most accuracy problems are found behind the trigger on ANY gun, not in bedding, barrel weight/length, bipod, no bipod, handloads, no handloads, etc...... I have no idea what the trigger pull is on any of my rifles or hand guns, nor there rate of twist and quite frankly I dont give a sh*t.
I go to the range and pull the trigger, I take time to LEARN what the gun does and how it operates and adjust appropriately. It's amazing to me how groups can get tighter over time as I just PAY ATTENTION TO THE BASICS.
Sorry if what was meant to be a little nudge rubbed some of your panties the wrong way. (not really, you can suck it for all I care)
RW_Reagan
Member
the high road?
yes, the "high and mighty" opiniated road.
so what?
yes, the "high and mighty" opiniated road.
so what?
WhiteKnight
Member
I thought this thread was going to be about a new AR purchase...
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
My Grammaw gets really hacked when folks forget their manners.
Art
Art
BusMaster007
Member
I'll pass on some of that good information to my buddy with a Mini-14.
The muzzlebrake idea is first.
Barrel shortening might be on the list.
Good info.
The muzzlebrake idea is first.
Barrel shortening might be on the list.
Good info.
Muzzlebrake is a great place to start, and not expensive.
The other thing that makes significant improvement is bedding, and if you can do a little woodworking, you can do it yourself for $30 or less.
A Mini 14 is less than $500 for a new one in blue steel.
Compared to $750-850 for a new AR, the Mini is not overpriced.
I'm not sure you could compare a Mini to an AK, as the Mini 14 is made by an actual firearms company, with a proven track record, and service department.
(And yes, Bill Ruger supported the Ban. Give it a rest. )
Most $350 AKs are imports that are assembled by unskilled workers here in the states. They are great guns, but suitable for different purposes, in my opinion.
Since this board is called The High Road, why not start your own thread if you want to bash the Mini 14.
This guy says he enjoys his.
The other thing that makes significant improvement is bedding, and if you can do a little woodworking, you can do it yourself for $30 or less.
A Mini 14 is less than $500 for a new one in blue steel.
Compared to $750-850 for a new AR, the Mini is not overpriced.
I'm not sure you could compare a Mini to an AK, as the Mini 14 is made by an actual firearms company, with a proven track record, and service department.
(And yes, Bill Ruger supported the Ban. Give it a rest.
)Most $350 AKs are imports that are assembled by unskilled workers here in the states. They are great guns, but suitable for different purposes, in my opinion.
Since this board is called The High Road, why not start your own thread if you want to bash the Mini 14.
This guy says he enjoys his.
I have been thinking of getting a muzzle brake for my Mini-14 and was looking at Clark's GBS and the Accuracy Systems Harmonic stabilizer. But they are pricey.
Sactown,
are you saying that the Bushy muzzle brake for the AK47 pretty much delivers the same accuracy improvement as the Clark GBS? Did you consider the John Masen muzzle brake - the $50 one, not the $20 one?
Sactown,
are you saying that the Bushy muzzle brake for the AK47 pretty much delivers the same accuracy improvement as the Clark GBS? Did you consider the John Masen muzzle brake - the $50 one, not the $20 one?
Moonclips,
Between the GBS and the AK brake I don't think the GBS is worth the extra $220. I'd go with the AK brake first because it's a $30 option. My own personal experience, I didn't think the GBS provided that great an improvement vs. cost compared to the AK brake. I chose the AK brake because I live in Kali so the flash suppressor/brake combo's aren't legal. We make do with what we can here in Kali. I also chose the AK brake because it's shorter than the John Masen brake.
Between the GBS and the AK brake I don't think the GBS is worth the extra $220. I'd go with the AK brake first because it's a $30 option. My own personal experience, I didn't think the GBS provided that great an improvement vs. cost compared to the AK brake. I chose the AK brake because I live in Kali so the flash suppressor/brake combo's aren't legal. We make do with what we can here in Kali. I also chose the AK brake because it's shorter than the John Masen brake.
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pdt203
Member
How about a muzzle brake with a bayonet lug? I have been looking for one of those for a while.
Thanks,
Johnny
Thanks,
Johnny
RW_Reagan said:
No sounds like you got yours in twist when I called you on your BS attitude.
Normally I ignore trollish behavior here but in your case I'll make an exception.
If you don't like a firearm a thread is about why even reply? And as a smart-ass in particular?
Some of us here have been shooting since childhood and for me that would mean 28years of trigger time.
I don't get a any firearm and then start changing it either just for the heel of it I check it out and "LEARN" it also. Also from having owned 4 Mini-14's I think I have "LEARNED" something from shooting them over the years, maybe.
I also come here to learn and exchange ideas not listen to smartasses like you.
From everyone one of your posts in this thread you've shown an attitude.
So kiss off troll-boy.
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