[Mr.T.]

Just showing it off. It's currently wearing the beautiful factory wood while I sort out some issues with the OD Hogue.

I'm afraid to mess up the factory wood, and I like the grip of the Hogue better, so once tuned up, it'll likely go back to wearing the Hogue around

 

[LoneWolf]

Mr. T. I think your rifle looks good in both stocks. Although I'm a bit partial to the wood myself.
The only reason I didn't get mine in wood (I went synthetic) was the weight factor. That's the same reason I went with a red dot over a scope.
What's the issue with the Hogue ?

 

[Mr.T.]

Unfortunately, it's starting to look like it may be squeezing somewhere it shouldn't, causing frequent FTL's...

https://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/195652-583-ftl-issue.html

I need to take both stocks to the range and test a bit more though before I can confirm.

 

[LoneWolf]

I just quickly read your linked thread. I personally would contact Hogue. Talk to one their tech's before doing any modifications.
The one thing I picked up on was you said you were having the problem but less often in the wood stock. I would try to borrow magazines and see if the problem persists in the wood stock. I've had problems in the past with faulty magazines. JMO

 

[Mr.T.]

It could be the mags, and I was hoping so! I polished the feed lips a bit, so that may have solved the problem in the wood stock, not certain yet.

I'm going to take the entire lot to the range soon and test various combinations and see if I can narrow it down. Getting Hogue to replace the stock would be a lot less painful than dealing with an FFL to ship the thing into Ruger and wait for however long it takes to fix things... although that's assuming it's a problem with Ruger equipment. ;P

 

[LoneWolf]

Good luck at the range and let me know how it turns out.

 

[LoneWolf]

One tip on the magazines. Place a small piece of whatever, painters tape, on the bottom and use a marker to number them. This way you can identify a problem magazine and remember which it is. Good luck !

 

[Mr.T.]

LoneWolf, that is indeed a good tip! I've mixed them up before by forgetting which went into which pocket on my rifle bag

I'm going to make a point to get to the range this weekend. I'm hot on the trail of this problem and won't let it get away this time!!!!

 

[RJF]

I use a silver Sharpie to number my mags: do it on all of them. Still need to do so on my most recent ones, but is easy to do. Only needs the occasional refreshing...

 

[Mr.T.]

RJF that's a good idea too, especially if you shoot with others! I'm certain I've mixed up some of my glock mags with a shooting buddy before... although those mags "just work", so doesn't matter as much!

 

[RJF]

RJF that's a good idea too, especially if you shoot with others! I'm certain I've mixed up some of my glock mags with a shooting buddy before... although those mags "just work", so doesn't matter as much!

It is also a great way to keep track of potential problems - particularly with new mags. Once all are 100% reliable, it is sort of irrelevant, but always good to keep track of them!

I'll need to work on some sort of Dewey Decimal System for my Mini-14 Mags: three different manufacturers, over time...Fortunately, a Silver Sharpie can handle that...

I do the same for my electrical outlets so I know which circuits to shut off when doing work. Sure makes things easier!

 

[Hellgate]

I use fingernail polish to mark my mags. Glitter silver looks cool.

 

[Mr.T.]

Alright, updated Mini-14 Pics! This time with my bipod mounted!

Also have a comparison shot between the factory wood and the Hogue. I didn't realize the profile was quite a bit different on the foregrip. It's certainly a nice stock!

I do wish I had been able to mount the bipod stud just a tad more forward on the stock, but the ribbing inside the Hogue wouldn't allow. As-is though, it seems to work well. Just another good excuse to get to the range and confirm

 

[LoneWolf]

So I'm assuming you have everything squared away on the stock issue ?

 

[Mr.T.]

So I'm assuming you have everything squared away on the stock issue ?

I'm hoping so... lol

I'm past the point of no return, with the bipod stud and the liner both JB Welded in place after taking a dremel and grinding some material out of the Hogue... I have yet to range test, which will come next week since I'll be out of town this weekend.

Fingers crossed!!!!!

 

[RJF]

Mr. T.: I used T-nuts on my wood stock, worked well. Most of the time, though, the bi-pod stays at home due to the weight. For "range" shooting, I now use a rest. Bi-pod is always available for carry separate, and has a QD mount should I feel the need. I just got tired of carrying around an extra pound or two at the end on my Minis. But ALWAYS nice to have the option...

Haven't toyed with the synthetic stock on my 583.

Yet.