[Vista]

I reported on this forum about six weeks ago that I had tried to disassemble the gas block to install one of the reduced size bushings from Mike Knifong, but couldn't get one of the gas block screws loose. After waiting for the smith to reorder the correct parts (should have done it myself - less time, less cost, less flap, etc.), I finally got the screw head drilled out (two hours, three drill bits - ss is tough stuff!) and the bushing installed. I think the lower surface of the screw head was jammed against the gas block, because after the head was off, the threaded portion of the screw came out very easily.

So, I'm off to the range shortly to see the impacts of the new bushing, new operating rod buffer pad, and a Mike Knifong trigger job.

Cajungeo: Any tips for estimating the 17-25 inch-pounds of torque you recommend for the gas block screws? Without a inch-pound wrench, I torqued them up with a T-handle Allen wrench just past "snug". I did use blue Loc-tite.

 

[Kalifornia Citizen]

Thanks for your post, Vista.

From your tale of woe, I think we know 2 things. One, you can order replacement parts if all goes to heck. Two, it is possible to remove the gas block screws without stripping threads.

I need some clarification, how old is your mini, is this the first time the gas block screws were removed, did the other 3 screws feel like they were hard to take out, and did you drill out the screw on the head end or the other end? Also, do you think that maybe the end of the screw was staked or "flattened" to prevent removal?

Thanks,
KC

 

[Vista]

Yes - you can readily find Mini-14 parts on the web. Brownell's and e-gunparts are good sources. As a matter of fact, you can probably build a Mini-14 by buying the individual parts (except maybe the receiver) from these sites, though it might be very expensive.

In regard to the gas block screws, they are staked at the threaded end; probably to preclude loosening rather than to prevent removal. It is easy to break the staking with a little force. I'm of the opinion that the screws are way over-tightened by Ruger. Three of mine came out easily, the fourth (naturally, one under the swivel) would not budge. I tightened the others to make sure the gas block wasn't causing the problem. By the time I gave up, I had "stripped" the inner faces of the Allen head, so that a 9/64" allen wrench couldn't get a grip. I then drilled down through the Allen cap using a 9/64" drill followed by a 5/32" drill, using oil and slow speed. The head came off just before the drill bit contacted the gas block face. To my surprise, the remaining threaded part of the screw came out very easily using vise-grips.

 

[Satan2655]

I was hesitant to take apart my gas block due to the staking Ruger did. But I agree, the staking is to prevent vibrating loose, not to prevent taking it apart.

When I took my block off, I just barely cracked each bolt loose and then backed each one off a litle before removing. I think Vista may have experienced a binding issue, as is common when removing something under compression that is held by 4 points. The last point removed tends to experience a binding force which can make it skip threads or cross-thread.

 

[PSG1]

When Allen screws are stripped,take a "Torx" bite that is slightly larger than the Allen and tap it in.It will cut its own groves and remove the Allen.Works like a charm. :sniper:

 

[bugdrvr]

If any of you have access to air and a 3/8in impact gun I would recommend getting them out that way. I used mine on the very lowest setting and barely used trigger pressure the gun just bumped them out no problem at all.

PSG1 do you own a PSG1? If so, 1, I'm jealous and 2, what do you think, like I don't already know.

 

[PSG1]

Yes,I do.I am on of the lucky few to find one(two).This is actually my second one.I had one about 10 years ago and sold it like an idiot.After that I swore if I ever got another one I'd keep it till I died.I might have it put in my casket with me(loaded of course).It is a super rifle!It will do everything H&K claims.Yes,1/4 inch groups with good ammo.Though I use mainly handloads.It is hard to justify the cost.They do call it "The $10,000 rifle".Thats with scope and aluminum case.You can have three top M-14s for one PSG1.My best M-14 will do everything the PSG1 will do.But its a cool looking machine.Its hard for me to get any shooting time in at ranges because people want to talk to me about it or want to know what it is.About the only thing I don't like about it is it throws brass to the next county.But I'll live with it.:sniper:

 

[bugdrvr]

PSG1
Very cool, I was looking at one on Aucton Arms. They had a buy it now for $10,500. I asked the wife and, well I guess you could imagine the look I got. The only good argument I could come up with was, "well it's cheaper than the 944 Turbo, and you let me buy that!" needless to say it din't work. Oh well, one day mabey, I guess I'll just have to be happy with the 91 as my top H&K for awhile. What would you recommend accuracy and fun wise for that rifle?

 

[PSG1]

I don't understand your last question.And do you mean the 91 or PSG1.I have both.The PSG1 starts life as a 91 & most PSG1 parts will go on the 91,triggers groups,stocks,etc.You could ALMOST build a PSG1 from a 91.I love my 91,it has a set trigger and throws brass to the next county too.We need a H&K forum!!!:sniper:

 

[bugdrvr]

Sorry, meant the 91. Hmm... build a PSG1 out of a 91? Sounds like a good idea to me. I've heard that you could interchange all of that stuff, are the parts still being imported? Or do I have to look around until I find parts that someone already has? I heard that H&K got around the ban as the PSG1 was intended as a sporting rifle and didn't fall under the assault rifle catagory, so you could still buy them new, www.remtek.com/arms/hk/index.htm is a good page for tidbits about them. All this I've heard but have been unable to prove.
Yeah I think an H&K forum would be nice but would it only be the two of us there?

 

[PSG1]

All the parts are available threw H&K distributers.I haven't heard the getting around the ban thing,that would be great!I think alot of people would like a H&K forum!!:sniper:

 

[cajungeo]

Mike Knifong in his video shows to break loose the staked screws, by loosen 1/4 turn, and tighten each screw a few times before removing them to open the stakes.
There arn't any counties in Louisiana, only parish. My mini thru brass into the next parish, till I installed a smaller gas bushing. Now about 10 feet!