Hello first post

[karlhayes]

Hello everyone I just joined the forum. I am in Canada. Not everyone up here likes mini-14s:) I do. Not alot of aftermarket stuff either. My question is how do you tell what series the mini is? I have heard/read that past 188 series they tend to be more accurate? Please dont flame me I am new to the mini world. I need a project gun. After reading all the great stuff on here I am gonig to try to build one up. Thanks Karl

[tri70]

Welcome to the best mini forum there is!:D The series it the first 3 digits of the serial # that will indicate the year it was made and the barrel twist. The new models are 580 prefix with older models start with 180-197. I have a 196 series myself, lots of fun they are.;)

[karlhayes]

So are the newer ones more more accurate? 196 series verus a lower number? And how hard is the gasblock to ream yourself?

[tri70]

Most are reporting the new models are more accurate because they have thicker barrels. There are a few older models that were good in accuracy pending on ammo and how the gas block was attached from the factory. Equal torque on the gas block screws really helps the gun shoot better. I don't under what your asking about the reaming the gas block.

[karlhayes]

I must of read that aprt wrong I thoguh you guys bore out the gas block to let more gas through and damp the recoil down

[tri70]

The mini has a bushing in the gas block that we are changing out for better operation, its lets less gas thru for not throwing the brass 20ft away and landing brass on other shooters. Its also better for scopes if the recoil is not so hard, alot of us use buffers too. The gas block bushing is easy to change out, Gundoc and ASI have these for sale.

[karlhayes]

Excellent info thanks/. Does any one sell buffers to? The only problem with being in Canada is most companys wont send anything up her, Brownells will :)

[tri70]

I made my own from a vacuum cleaner belt, very good rubber and tuff. I know others are using 1911 pistol buffers and I think ASI may have some, they may need to be sanded down to fit and operate the gun, some buffer are too thick.

[handirifle]

Hello everyone I just joined the forum. I am in Canada. Not everyone up here likes mini-14s:) I do. Not alot of aftermarket stuff either. My question is how do you tell what series the mini is? I have heard/read that past 188 series they tend to be more accurate? Please dont flame me I am new to the mini world. I need a project gun. After reading all the great stuff on here I am gonig to try to build one up. Thanks Karl

Welcome.
I, too, bought my first mini after reading this forum. I do have a new 580 series target model, and it is very accurate. Some of my loads are sub 1/4" at 50yds, and STILL haven't gotten the chance to get out and shoot farther, but I will.

Like tri70, I made my own buffer, but I used an old belt from my band saw. It makes a big difference in the felt recoil as well. I did it mainly to protect my burris I have on top of it.

If you're handy with tools and love to make things better, you'll love the mini. I'l saving (albeit slowly) for a second one as a battle rifle. ONLY because the target is a bit combersome for quick handling.

Have fun with it. The 50-60gr bullets seem to have the best results, and use bullets like the Vmax (Hornady) and Gamekings (Sierra) and you'll be happy.

[Warlord]

I tried tri70's idea with the vac belt some time back and they work great. I don't know what kind of rubber they use but it is tough!!! Here is how mine turned out.

[karlhayes]

Thanks again for all the great advice. I do love my AR platform,but, I think it is tiem to try something alittle different. I have my eye on a few rifles. After I buy my Mini I am going tom try these improvments. I think a houge stock and the cyro treatment might be in order to. I will post pictures :)

[FMJMIKE]

Welcome Karl !!!
:D

[Marlin 45 carbine]

welcome to the Forum Karl. try a bore polish useing flitz or simichrome and lots of elbow grease. and recrown the muzzle and torque the gas block along with buffers and trigger job (gundoc does this for many members here). then if you think it's in your capability shim or glass-bed the action/stock fit up. all this will add up to better groups and can be done by the average handyman. oh yeah and some muzzle brakes/flash hiders help also.

[karlhayes]

Thanks once again. I am going to enjoy reading all the info on the Mini. I was wondering if any of you might know companies in the US who will ship to Canada. I understand no barrels and mags. I have looked in canada but there seems to be a lack of Mini lovers here. I am thinknig of just getting a target model mini but where would the fun be in that:) Any suggestions on a a brake or maybe thread it to take an AR one? Does any one know the longest barrel length you can get for this rifle?
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