Codger's Mini's

[codger]

I've posted this one before, but for those who're interested. Here's my latest toy. I have photos of a few others I've owned or still own, if anyone's interested...

[Bam Bam]

Thats gotta be about the coolest looking Mini I've seen Codger. The pistolgrip on the Mini just doesn't look quite right to me, but yours looks tactical and still classically styled.
The muzzleblast must be fairly loud though, as well as flash? It looks like you chopped the barrel to the legal minimum and welded the brake on for a total of 16 inches?

[cajungeo]

Hey Codger, you deserve to have that beauty on your own thread, if you have more, and would like to attach them to YOUR thread, please do so, we would like to see them all!! I like that scope, what is it? Also is that front sight a winged site? If so where did you get it? Very nice rifle!!!;)

[codger]

Bam Bam:
Thanks for the kudos. You're right on the barrel, it's about 16.25" OAL. Muzzle blast isn't bad for the shooter and no one's complained at the range so far. Probably would be pretty bright in low light...

cajungeo:
The "scope" is an Aimpoint Comp ML or M68 (Army) with a 3 MOA dot. It's a perfect match for the shortened Mini, fast and rugged. An improved version of the Aimpoints used by the SF Snipers in Black Hawk Down.

I'll try to post some other photos tonight...

[lcm]

codger

Very nice!!! I'm also intrested in type of scope and mount.

[codger]

Might be tough to find this mount/base as I scavanged it off a Armson OEG I used to have. I cut grooves to fit the Comp ML ring mount and made a couple other mods. It works well, sits low and still allows iron sight use.

[lcm]

Thanks for info codger
Found mount http://armson1.site.yahoo.net/maxdutymini14.html

What did you think of Armson OEG sight (no batteries) ??? dot size if you know or just fiber optic?
Thanks again for info.

[codger]

Personally, I was underwhelmed by the OEG. Although I've used dot sights since the 1st Aimpoint came out (80's?) and even shot a few jackrabbits with a Singlepoint (very similar to the OEG) equipped AR180, I could not get the Armson OEG to work for me. The dot was too large, and very dim except in bright sunlight. It is ruggedly made, but didn't allow precision shooting.

Some prople have sworn by them, but for me, it didn't work out...

[codger]

Here's my other Mini.
Shilen barrel, custom scope base, 2lb trigger, Simmons Aetec 3.8-12x44 illuminated scope, Leupold quick-release rings, AO ghost ring, Hogue stock, AC556 upper gas block.

[cajungeo]

Codger, If I could choose only one of your rifles---I couldn't. Now I see why you have 2 mini's. One suited for each purpose.
How can you attach such a large detailed photo? Your Jpeg is 640x 479 pixels. It would only let me attach a photo about 1/2 that size? Can you give us some pointers?

[Blitzcell]

Codger where did you get all those nice toys for your Mini 14? Is that a muzzle brake of a flash hider? Where did you purchase it at? Same for the scope? And who did your gun smithy job of shorting of the barrel?

[codger]

Blitzcell:

If you're referring to what I call the CQB (Close Quarter Battle) Mini, the muzzle brake started out as a Choate flash hider/front sight and I had my "Smith" cut-off the flash hider and replace it with a muzzle brake. Out here in Kalifornia, flash hiders are verboten.

The "scope" is a Aimpoint Comp ML with 3 MOA dot. Really a slick little optic. I saw a some photos showing the US Special Forces bodyguards who stopped the assassination attempt in Afghanistan had them on their trick M4 weapons... I bought it on ebay for a good price, but you won't find them very cheap.

I've been using Bain & Davis (San Gabriel, CA) as one of my gunsmiths for about 30 years, but shortening a barrel is a simple job for any competent gunsmith.

[Blitzcell]

Can I have the source where you purchase your Choate flash hider/front sight? I having a hard time finding the one that you have

[codger]

Here's a link to Brownell's:
http://www.brownells.com/Product/index.asp

Select Choate as the manufacturer
Mini-14 as the product

Hit search button...

Good luck.

[Kalifornia Citizen]

codger,
I noticed there aren't any front sights on the last mini, but you custom made a scope mount for functional iron sights on your first mini.

Which option works best? Are you range shooting with both? Did you take either one hunting? And were you hunting 4-legged creatures or other?

KC
:usa:

[lcm]

Hey Kali,
Take a closer look its on the gas block!

[codger]

Kalifornia Citizen:

Actually the Shilen-barreled mini has a AC556 front sight/upper gas block, that allows iron sight use if the scope is removed (QR Leupold rings). When this was my only mini, I envisioned the iron sights as a backup in case the scope was damaged in a defensive scenario. But the weight of the "bull" barrel isn't a lot of fun to hump hills rabbit hunting, so know it's primariy for coyote hunting and target shooting.

The shortened Aimpoint Comp mini, is great for carry use (rabbit hunting, etc.) and plinking...

As a fellow Kalifornian, you know how hard it is to stay legal. In the old days I had an AR180 that served both roles beautifully.

[AC556]

Kalifornia Citizen IF YOU LOOK WEAR THE GAS BLOCK IS YOU WILL SEE THE FRONT SITE.ITS THE SAME SITE THAT IS ON THE AC556 ;)

[Kalifornia Citizen]

Yowza. I have a heavy barrel rifle that needs a front and rear sight. That gas block front sight is giving me ideas. Now I know enough to be dangerous! :D

KC

[AC556]

WELL THE FRONT SITE WITH GAS BLOCK WILL RUN YOU ABOUT 200.00 I JUST GOT ONE;)

[doonnzl]

Call me thicker than a whale omlette, but whats the do-hickey under the barrel in front of the gas block on both weapons?

BTW Sweet looking rifles....

[codger]

Them dohickeys are spuds for a VersaPod bipod...

[Blitzcell]

I have a few questions for you Codger? The muzzle brake is pin or welded? Is that a Smith Enterprises Muzzle brake? Is the Brake welded to the barrel or the flash hider? What the length of the barrel with out the muzzle brake? Finally can your gun smith do the same for you for me? Can I have has phone number.

[Nascarnhlnra]

Codger if you don't mind me asking a few questions ...here I go. How much did you pay for the Aimpoint and what would be a good price ? Which Ruger Scope rings did it require ? How many rounds have you fired ( roughly ) threw it with the Aimpoint ? How long do the batteries last and what type are they ? Sorry for all the questons but I have been battling back and forth on what to put on my Ranch Rifle. Thanks for your time in advance.:usa: :ar15:

[codger]

Muzzle brake (don't know maker-bought it at a gun show) is silver-soldered to barrel. I had the barrel threaded, Choate Flash hider cut off, remaining sight portion pinned to barrel then muzzle brake attached.

I'm not sure of exact barrel length w/out muzzle brake. I just told the "smith" to keep it over 16" OAL. I'm guessing about 15.25".

The gunsmith I used for this is an older man, and I believe he's out with some medical problem at the moment. I don't trust the other less-experienced guys there with my firearms. I also wouldn't recommend trying to have this done "remotely", as I had to make several trips in person to get this to turn out as I wanted it.

You'd be much better off finding someone locally (or within driving distance) to perform this work. It seems simple until you start explaining exactly what you want...

There's another post where someone had similar barrel work done:
http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/showthr...=&threadid=2129 (http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2129)

You might try them...

[codger]

RE: Aimpoint COMP ML
Didn't use Ruger rings, the Comp came with a large single ring. I've only fired about 100 rounds through it so far, but I wouldn't worry about reliability, this is the same optic the US MIlitary adopted as the M68, The battery is supposed to last over 10,000 hours! Type = one 3 volt lithium battery type 2L76, or DL1/3N.

Here's a URL with info: http://www.army-technology.com/contractors..._guns/aimpoint/ (http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/machine_guns/aimpoint/)

I paid about $250. You may find one cheaper if you look around...

Hope this helps...

[Nascarnhlnra]

Codger thanks for the fast response I think you have helped in my decision on the optics selection. I was hoping it took a lithium battery due to the shelf life those type of batteries provide. This is why I love this site so much alot of great folks to learn from.:D

[Dave3006]

Codger, did you see any reliability problems when you shortened the barrel? Does this change the gas port pressure?

Thanks,
Dave

[codger]

I've had 2 shortened Mini-14s and 1 shortened Mini-30. never had a problem with any re: feeding or ejection. If the gas port pressure is lowered it doesn't seem to affect function.

[Dave3006]

Thanks. I have my two Mini-14s at DRC for this mod right now. I was starting to worry. They should be back in a week.

Dave

[codger]

Dave3006:

Sounds like you'll be all set. Let us know how they turn out!

[Blitzcell]

Iwill like the same mod to be done to my mini? Who is DRC Dave?

[Beta_MO]

I think DRC is:

http://www.drccustomgunsights.com/

Looks like some cool stuff!

- BETA

[Dogman1]

Very Sweet GUN! I posted about DRC awhile back under the thread(JUST GOT HER BACK), the guy does excellent work. I too have shortened the barrel and added the muzzle break with a BLAST CONE! awesome set up. ..What kind of stock is that on the Mini with the aimpoint?:sniper:

[codger]

Dogman1

Thanks for the comment, I'll bet your mini came out great. Have you had the chance to post any photos? The stock is a Bell & Carlson.

[hammer]

How accurate are your Mini's. ie. grouping?
Thanks!!

[codger]

Accuracy is better than stock, although I never intended it to be a "tack-driver". For that I have a different mini. This one's for rapid target aquistion and general handiness.

[Mr. C]

Codger,everyone says select the Ranch if using optics, and that the ejected cases from the Std. model will strike your device. I notice you've taken a different approach. I had a RR which I had to part with and am about to re-purchase another rifle now that conditions have improved. I like the beefier rear sight area on the Std. but would also be adding some kind of optics. Are there any problems in your opinion excepting the xtra cost with setting up Std. with mounts. Thanks for any advice, I'm itchin' to reaquire.

What a Forum!!! So glad to have found it and really proud to be here.

[codger]

MR. C:

I also prefer the std model rear sight. I had a Mini-30 and never liked the 10-22 style rear sight. Other than getting the receiver drilled and tapped for a mount, you may need to have the ejector "massaged" to kick empties lower and to the side. A recoil buffer is also a good idea.

I also noted that when using a scope with target turrets, empties frequently would hit the windage turret causing an occasional ejection snafu. I've since switched to a non-target turret scope that is more suited to field use & carry.

I've had no problems after making these changes...

[joeybagadonuts]

Codger, what is that in front of your gas block?

[codger]

joeybagadonuts:

It's a "stud" for a Versapod bipod.

[joeybagadonuts]

Aahhhhhhh! thank you, i see you have a Shilen Barrel on one of your minis, what is your opinion on these? is it worth the money? Forgive me im a newbie and im looking for so personal info. thank you.

[valleypine]

Codger,

If you're still around, did your Armson OEG contain the tritium lamp in addition to the fiber optic tube or did it have the fiber optic tube only?

[ralrein1]

Codger- If your still around. I would like to know how well your Shilen barrel works. Where's the place to get a good price on one. :) Did you install it yourself or have the smith do it? :D :usa:

[swill269]

B)
is that full length bull barrel or just to gas block?
:rolleyes:
very nice weapon!
:D

[boogeyman]

By far one of my favs :beer:

[AZRob]

Very nice Mini Codger. I was wondering what kind of cheek pad that is on the first picture? Your mini's have given me plenty of great mod ideas for my Mini Ranch Rifle!

[Bam Bam]

The A-team wishes they had your Mini. :lol:
They might have actually hit something with it, instead of tearing up the countryside with wild shots. :confused:

[minimeister]

Yo codger..... Gotta have one of those Versa-pod studs for my gasblock. PLEASE lemme know where U got it. Looks like the best mounting system for the mini. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Shooter Dan]

You can get the bi-pod and adapter from Midway and I believe Cabelas.

[codger]

Here's my latest update. Actually, I've put the mini-14-style handguard back on after relieving it to clear the scope caps...

[boogeyman]

Man that is a sweet mini ;) Who did that killer paint job?

[kravman4]

Yah, the paint job looks sweet. What are those things on your barrels? Just an extended barrel sleeve? Do they help with accuracy?

[Taquito971]

Is that a Shilen barrel? Looks real nice Codger! How's the accuracy?

Brian

[Kestryll]

So where did you get that front sight?

[codger]

Sorry for the delay in responding to all...

boogeyman: It's a Bell & Carlson stock and the pattern is a catalog option.

kravman4: Those things under the barrel are VersaPod bipod "spuds". I had to modify this one with longer bolts and shims to clear the Shilen barrel.

Taquito971: Yes, it's a Shilen. I was getting about 1.5 MIA (Black Hills 52gr.) with a Hogue stock. I haven't had a chance to fit ot have this stock bedded so I don't know what it will shoot like.

Kestryll: I bought the front sight 10-12 years ago from the now defunct Fed Ordnance Co. I believe it was their last one.

Believe it or not I'm debating whether I should sell this mini as I haven't shot it in over a year and can use the $$$ for other projects...

[kravman4]

Actually, I was wondering about the thickness of the barrels....kind of looks like you've got a shroud, but I guess it's just the Shilen barrel. Looks sweet!

[dakota kid]

props to this mini i was browsing the old pics and i wanted every one to knoq this one rocks!!!! ;)

[Bushw@cker]

Awesome Mini. B)

[gk longrange]

both of those are great looking rifles
I like the one with the shortened barrel alot