mini-14 folding stocks

[benEzra]

Any of you have experience with folding stocks for the mini-14? If/when that ridiculous ban sunsets in 2004, I plan to go out straightway and get one (since I was about to get one in 1994, but didn't before the ban and have been kicking myself ever since).

Of the stocks that were available in the early '90s, my favorite (just from handling it) was the Butler Creek model. The Choate stock was a second favorite, and it looks a lot like the Choate nonfolder I have on my mini right now.

I don't really care for the folders that require two separate motions to unfold (main hinge and buttplate hinge) like the Ram-Line and Ruger factory folder, and I'd like a reasonably comfortable buttplate since I will almost always be shooting with the stock extended (I just want a folder for ease of storage and transport).

Any thoughts?

 

[MiniZ]

I liked the factory folder because it looked "cleaner" when folded, due to the "butt" hinged down.

The Butler Creek should suit your tastes, and it is a comfortable stock as well.

 

[benEzra]

I'll be keeping my eyes open for one in 2004 then--if the stupid law sunsets like it's 'sposed to.

One thing I don't like about the Choate stocks is that Choate advertises all their mini-14 stocks as "adding 1" length of pull to the gun." They must be a bunch of long-armed galoots. I had to shorten my Choate pistol grip stock I've got right now, and would rather not have to do that again to a new stock.

The Butler Creek did seem the most well-made of the bunch.

 

[Badger Arms]

Ghetto Mini-14 Restored!!!

About 10 years back I bought a mini-14 180 series that had the stock cut off. I used a Choate side-folding stock that I didn't like on my Ithaca 37 as a donor for the gun you see below. I have a feeling that I'm the ONLY person that owns a gun like this:

 

[Badger Arms]

Here's another shot:

 

[Weaps]

Badger Arms: Nope, you're not the only one. I have the identical stock for mine. I purchased it back in the late '80's shortly after I bought the Mini. Mine is stainless, however, and has a scope which is mounted on a special-for-the-non-Ranch-Mini Aimpoint scope mount. All together it looks real "tactical." As an aside the scope mount allows for use of the iron sights.

I am quite happy with my Choate.

 

[jthuang]

Butler Creek. I have a pre-ban Mini and have tried both the BC and RamLine stocks. The BC stock allows a much better cheek weld and IMHO is higher quality.

Justin

 

[Onslaught]

Funny, I always thought the Choate felt like better quality to me. It feels more solid, and the lockup on the arm of the folder was more solid as well, and didn't rattle like the BC specimens I was choosing between.

I do agree though, that the Choate stocks (folding and non-folding) make it a tad too long, but that's easily remedied. Remove the "recoil pad" which the factory Mini doesn't have anyway, and get something like PacSkin, Skateboard tape, rubber grip tape, whatever, and put it on the end of the stock. Back to factory LOP.

The absolute nicest looking Ruger folding stock I ever saw was made by TacStar. It was identical to the factory folder, except that it used an AR15 grip instead of the "too short" grip on the factory folder, and the folding mechanism was much tighter on lockup. They also made seperate models for the Mini-30, and had both in blued or stainless finish.

TacStar discontinued the folder in the early 90's, (92?) and cited "manufacturing cost" when I asked them why they stopped. I've always regretted missing out on one.