Buds Gunshop Mini 14 arrived and I have a pic

[O.S.O.K.]

Here it is:



Pretty much exactly what I expected. Does have some handling marks - the mag was a bit grungy but cleaned up nicely. I'll probably strip the stock and refinish - there's some rub marks on the other side where the finish is gone but not gouged at all. Bore looks VG - in the process of removing the built-up copper.

I put an old Hungarian AK sling on it (took the galvanized d-ring and snaffle off the front end of it).

I'll post range results after I shoot it this weekend - picked up some Win, S&B, PMC and the Federal shown in the pic to test it with - all 55 grain and fmj exepting the PMC which is soft point.

Oh, and the serial number is 186-8XXXX which according to Ruger's site indicates that it was assembled in 1997. Another source had the rifling twist change from 1:7 to 1:9 in 1994, so this should have 1:9 twist - same as current production.

Fedex left me a love letter earlier today saying that my mags need to be signed for by a 21 year old or older - so those should come tomorrow. Wouldn't want those dangerous high-cap Ruger mags getting into the wrong hands!!!

[Richard Simmons]

I've considered one of those a few times but, at the time the lack of extended capacity mags was a deal breaker plus reports of so-so accuracy. Congrats and please do keep up posted. I may just reconsider.

[AKTexas]

Here it is:



Pretty much exactly what I expected. Does have some handling marks - the mag was a bit grungy but cleaned up nicely. I'll probably strip the stock and refinish - there's some rub marks on the other side where the finish is gone but not gouged at all. Bore looks VG - in the process of removing the built-up copper.

I put an old Hungarian AK sling on it (took the galvanized d-ring and snaffle off the front end of it).

I'll post range results after I shoot it this weekend - picked up some Win, S&B, PMC and the Federal shown in the pic to test it with - all 55 grain and fmj exepting the PMC which is soft point.

Oh, and the serial number is 186-8XXXX which according to Ruger's site indicates that it was assembled in 1997. Another source had the rifling twist change from 1:7 to 1:9 in 1994, so this should have 1:9 twist - same as current production.

Fedex left me a love letter earlier today saying that my mags need to be signed for by a 21 year old or older - so those should come tomorrow. Wouldn't want those dangerous high-cap Ruger mags getting into the wrong hands!!!

Looks good,hope it shoots well.

[aliceinchains]

They really went up in price. My uncle just got a new one a couple months back in a composite stock. Over 7 hundred bucks.

I remember when they were in the 450 range. Would like to hear range report from you. Enjoy your new toy.

[O.S.O.K.]

CDNN has em brand new for $599. And they are 2MOA accurate at least from the reports.

I was attracted by the old school config.

[videodon]

Neat-O!

[Schuetzenman]

Well ..... it's like this. I wish you all the luck in it performing to 2 MOA, but .... don't hold your breath. I had one that thanks to Obama's victory left my collection for $650 bucks. I considered it a good thing to be rid of. Why? Because My SAR-1 could handily out shoot it. I will say it was 100% reliable in feeding and firing ammo, just couldn't hit a bull in the ass at 100 yards.

[mriddick]

Is that reports of 2MOA or Guns and Ammo reports 2MOA? I wish you luck as well.

[ubersoldate]

Very cool. BA baraccas would be proud!

[O.S.O.K.]

Very cool. BA baraccas would be proud!

Yes. Pitty the Foo that questions Mr. T's choice of weapon!

And the 2MOA remark was about the new ones with thicker barrels, etc... And don't know it that's fact or what... just hearsay - and you know about that. I read an article on this by Brian Pearce in Rifle Mag - I have found him to report honestly...

As to mine, I'm meditating and thinking positively until the range session.

[O.S.O.K.]

OH - forgot to ask - for you that know - is the flash hider screwed on? I don't want to go torqing on it until I know. But I'd like to inspect the crown a bit closer...

[weevil]

Cool!


Yeah I heard they had redone barrels a few years back too.


Supposedly thicker and a better or at least different heat treatment.


Don't know when or if it helped with the accuracy, though I would assume that's why they did it.



Keep us informed as to how she shoots.

[O.S.O.K.]

Will do.

From what I understand, prior to 94 IIRC, they used suppliers for their mini 14 barrels. Then they started using their own, hammer forged barrels which supposedly were much better and of consistent dimensions and with good crowns, etc.

[mriddick]

So what price are these GB's going for?

[O.S.O.K.]

I listed that in the other thread - $499 shipped to your ffl. They also have the poly stocked version for $529.

If you like this config, that's a good price IMHO. But if you just want a good shooting mini 14, then I'd go for the current production - CDNN has em starting at $569 plus ship... $599 for the upgrade tachy type.

http://www.budsgunshop.com - scroll down = they are " weekly specials" at the bottom of the home page.

Deer skin, milsurp Hungarian sling and box of ammo not included

[vit]

Prison guard guns?

[O.S.O.K.]

Nope - Nebraska State Police trade-ins. Cornhusker guns.

And I want to put out a KUDOS to CDNN - who once again came through with flying colors! The mags arrived this morning.



Had to laugh - when I was looking around for the best price on these, found some 30 rounders at another site and they were listed for $120 - "rare Ruger factory 30 round mags"

These were $29.95 from CDNN - and the 20 rounders were $24.95.

CDNN Rocks!!

[AKTexas]

Nope - Nebraska State Police trade-ins. Cornhusker guns.

And I want to put out a KUDOS to CDNN - who once again came through with flying colors! The mags arrived this morning.



Had to laugh - when I was looking around for the best price on these, found some 30 rounders at another site and they were listed for $120 - "rare Ruger factory 30 round mags"

These were $29.95 from CDNN - and the 20 rounders were $24.95.

CDNN Rocks!!

These mags should not cost more than AR mags IMHO.That is a raping without some after cuddling.

[mriddick]

So you're into it for $675 with 6 mags? Not too bad with the Ruger mags, although I've built AR's and had money left over for 12 mags for that price. I take it it's some sort of repressed A-team dream .

[O.S.O.K.]

Yes. And I have a strange urge to either start smokin cigars or get a mohawk.... can't decide which... Maybe the cigars as I have the gray hair to go with already...

And I agree that the mags should be $12. At least they're built like tanks - good heavy gage steel. For some reason, even the aftermarket mags for the minis are more $$$. I guess because unlike the other's (AR's, AK's, FAL's, etc.) there's never been a "surplus mag" available.