A local gun store has some mini 14 gb stainless non-ranch receivers and barrels for $50 each. Only one still has the front sight and flash hider still on and the receivers are stripped, no bolt, bolt catch, etc., and most had the rear sights removed.

My question is, do you think it would be worth it to buy one or two and slowly piece a mini together? The only thing I should have to send them to Ruger would be to get bolts fitted, but other than that I could find everything else online or at gun shows. Also, how cheap could I reasonably expect to complete the build of the rifle, minus stock ir magazines? I already have a spare factory handguard, stock and magazines.

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I'm trying to buy my first Mini and it seems like prices are trending through the roof. So I'd say yes.

I'm gonna mention Gundoc here, he's written a bunch about this topic. Do a search.

Semper Fi, do or die!

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"The proverb answers where the sermon fails, as a well-charged pistol will do more execution than a whole barrel of gunpowder idly exploded in the air."
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Gas block and op rod are both pricey and chasing down all the small stuff will be a pretty daunting task.
I rarely see any of it for sale at any of the forums, so you will probably end up having to buy it all from someone like Brownells or Midway. Cost will add up quickly.

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Did some looking on numrich. Should be able to do everything but the bolt and trigger group for about $170 + shipping. Trying to find a complete trigger group to drop in. I've taken mine apart before and assembly was a major PITA.

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The AR boys have been doing it for years. I would like to see someone try it.

That's cheap! I have never heard of a mini receiver breaking, you could order a new thick barrel for it. Sounds simple enough if you can get the trigger group and bolt.

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With the amount of "better than ruger factory" quality parts available (e.g ASI etc..) Why would you want to bother with the factory stuff.

I think it's a good idea to start with the bare reciever. In the long run you will probably spend almost as much as a new mini but starting from bottom up you have the option of many aftermarket parts and in the end have a custom build that you will be happy with, rather than starting with the base cost of a new mini and eating loss on the parts you pitch for aftermarket improvements.

That was exactly what I thought too

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I put together a trigger group once for a mini from numrich.........it only took a year and a half to get all of the parts!

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...magnomark...

...Just take the shot...
Don't bother me-I'm reloading!

Well, my birthday is coming up next month, so this will probably be my wifes present to me. I will keep you posted.

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Hi BCavin;

Since the stripped receiver is sans sights, I would suggest the Tech Sights units that just came out for early series minis. I have one on my GB14/20 and think its a vast improvement over the factory stock unit. Still not quite up there with the M1A's sights, but nothing is perfect...

All the best,
Grumpy

I'd be interested in one of these. What state is this store in and any idea if they would ship?

With the possible exception of an adjustable gas block, what in that group are you going to up grade? We're talking small parts here, pins, springs, screws etc.

Not sure if they'll ship but i'll find out

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I purchased a stainless barreled GB receiver with the gas block, front and rear sights and flash suppressor the other day for $60.00. I have since found that Numrich has very few parts in stock as does Brownells and Midway. I have managed to score some parts off Gunbroker and from Midway, but have come to find that locating a complete trigger group is going to be difficult. That said, I feel that I should be able to assemble this stainless GB mini for less than $300.00. Parts are plentiful if you take the time to look.

I wish you luck in your endeavor.

Martin

Sweet

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