Has anyone replaced the “pencil barrel” on an older Ruger Mini-14 with a heavy barrel and gas block to improve the accuracy? If so, who have you used and how much did it cost? And, were you satisfied with the results? Just as an FYI, Ruger doesn’t do this anymore.

On the other hand, Ruger will accept the older rifle and give you a partial credit towards a new one. Has anyone gone that route?

Or, have you just accepted minute of bad guy and moved on?

Thoughts?

I don't mean to be sarcastic but the best way to upgrade a Mini-14 into a more accurate rifle is to buy an AR-15.

To me it would be like rebarreling a Moisin Nagant. I like Nagant's for what they are but if you are spending the money for a match grade barrel and upgrades there are better base actions to start with.

Ruger's are handy and reliable and are what they are. I don't think a lot of money spent on upgrading them is worthwhile that money would be better spent on a more accurate platform and keep the Mini-14 as a truck gun or something. In other words accept the minute of bad guy and buy a more accurate platform..........

I have contemplated this same issue. I'd suggest starting with a barrel strut and see what that does for you. You can also loosen and retorque the gas block which can help accuracy to a small degree.

I did a lot of research on this subject because I live in California and our options for using AR's all involve some kind of compromise that I just didn't want to deal with. If I could have an unneutered AR I'd go that route.

Thanks for the replies. No offense taken by certain statements as they are valid points. As an FYI, this Mini-14 is over 40 years old and the first EBR I ever bought. It has the original pencil thin barrel that heats up quick and is minute of bad guy.

I'd forgotten about the Accu-strut whose inventor is a member. Does anyone remember who he is? I believe he is still active and I had a couple of questions for him.

somewhat interested. I have a series 180 with the 1776-1976 200 year rollmark...

It doesn't get much attention anymore, but it is not going anywhere...

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Thanks for the replies. No offense taken by certain statements as they are valid points. As an FYI, this Mini-14 is over 40 years old and the first EBR I ever bought. It has the original pencil thin barrel that heats up quick and is minute of bad guy.

I'd forgotten about the Accu-strut whose inventor is a member. Does anyone remember who he is? I believe he is still active and I had a couple of questions for him.

kkina is the member you want and can answer all your Mini questions.

Accu-Strut

^^^^
That's it. Thanks!

How can I help you, my friend?

Bill Ruger said it best:

The Mini 14 is the world's most expensive plinker. It was never meant to be a precision rifle.

And yes, I have one and love it. Field Strips just exactly like the M14 I shot in Basic Training.

I also have ARs, and love them too, but they're a completely different animal.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
How can I help you, my friend?

Thanks for dropping in. Would the Accu-Stut work with a 181-XXXXXX series Mini-14 that has the Butler Creek folding stock, from the mid-90s? I could reinstall the original stock but I prefer the Butler Creek stock if possible.

And, what type of accuracy could I expect over how many shots? Obviously, I’m not expecting the accuracy of a 20” fluted AR-15 setup, but do you have a guesstimate on what I could expect?

Thanks for your time!

Man I sure love those pencil barrels. So light weight and handy. Perfect for home defense. You are not missing from across the room, so accuracy potential is unimportant, in my view.

Let’s remember a military M16 has a requirement of 4MOA ....that’s four inches at 100 yards....once you have figured out your requirements, it will make it easier.

Kkina offers a cheaper attempt at “alleged” accuracy...

Start there and then work your way up to a new barrel..which I’m sure is more expensive.

quote:

Thanks for dropping in. Would the Accu-Stut work with a 181-XXXXXX series Mini-14 that has the Butler Creek folding stock, from the mid-90s? I could reinstall the original stock but I prefer the Butler Creek stock if possible.

And, what type of accuracy could I expect over how many shots? Obviously, I’m not expecting the accuracy of a 20” fluted AR-15 setup, but do you have a guesstimate on what I could expect?

Yes, the Accu-strut will install just fine. The stock doesn't matter, you can use any stock.

You could probably expect groups under 2" @100 yards, and even below 1.5" depending on ammo.

Also, I've never heard of Ruger replacing the earlier thin barrel with the updated thicker one. They will only replace parts to bring the rifle back up to spec. I.e. they would replace a thin barrel with another thin barrel as per original spec. Upgrading to a thick barrel would be considered custom work, which they don't do.

Maybe a long time ago they did barrel upgrades, perhaps someone knows, but as you said they won't do it now.

Thanks. I'll be getting one of your Accu-struts.

The Mini 14 is just a fun rifle to shoot. Is it as accurate as an AR? Nope. But take one to a range and people always ask about it. AR’s are boring, but the Mini 14 brings a smile to my face. And it’s my son’s rifle. He’s proud of it.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
Thanks. I'll be getting one of your Accu-struts.

Well thank you!! There's a backlog now due to our CNC mill needing a repair, but we're back in production and should be fulfilling our distributors in a week or so. Check with Sunflower Outdoor Sports in another week.

Source for Mini-14 barrels: www.accuracysystemsinc.com

I have put an accu-strut on both of my pencil barrel Mini-14s and they do make a difference. Plus they make the rifle look cooler, and while I don’t tend to buy accessories for looks, I’m certainly not going to complain when something improves function and appearance.

I agree with others that the Mini-14 is just fun to shoot. It was the first semi-automatic rifle I purchased and I love it to this day. I have a lot of appreciation for the AR platform and I own several, but I’ve never truly enjoyed shooting them.

accustrut turned my pencil barrel mini from a pie plate at 50 yards offhand shooter to a tennis ball at 50 yards offhand. which is good enough for me.