[Stu]

Someone's probably answered this one before, sorry if my question appears stupid. I seem to remember that combo AR15/Mini-14 mags were produced at one time, and considering the ready availability of metal hi-cap AR15 mags, couldn't someone with a mig welder and a drill modify AR15 mags to create workable Mini-14 mags? Would it be legal to do so? If the answer to both questions is yes, someone could satisfy an obviously strong demand for Mini-14 mags with inexpensive mods to reliable magazines.

 

[Flak 2]

I think to much material would have to be removed from the front of the mini 14 reciever for an AR15 magazine to work. Mini 14 mags are narrower than a AR15 magazine at the front. The Ramline comb mags resemble a Mini14 mag more than a AR.

 

[op-rod]

Too bad Ruger didn't design the Mini-14 to accept AR mags to begin with. Must have been a way for them to make a few extra bucks because the AR-15 had been in production for a number of years before the Mini came out. Just think, the Mini would be a much better gun today if you could find decent mags for it without having to spend an arm and a leg. I love Ruger products for their reliability but I admit I am also a bit bitter at them over such things as mags and spare parts. Just recently, I bought 2 PMI 30 rounders for the Mini and 5 GI 30 rounders for the AR. I paid about the same on each purchase. That put me to thinking and I have almost decided to transition over to a Bushy M4 for a SHTF rifle. I can live with the accuracy shortcomings of the Mini but mags and spare parts issues are almost becoming too much.

op-rod

 

[Stu]

I understand the feelings about Mini-14 mags and parts - I felt the same when I bought my first 182 series mini about 1980 and found Ruger only produced 20rd mags for civilian sale. At least you could still get them at that time. I recently passed on an opportunity to buy a preban AR15 sporter (1/12 barrel, no forward assist) in favor of my new ranch rifle, but think I'll have to find the money for the AR as well. I just can't give up on the Mini (this is my third one), it's such a neat little rifle and fits me so well. At least quality, functional 10rd aftermarket mags are apparently available, and that's 2 more rounds than a Garand! And .223 is much less expensive than .30-06, too.

 

[Satan2655]

Originally posted by Stu
I understand the feelings about Mini-14 mags and parts - I felt the same when I bought my first 182 series mini about 1980 and found Ruger only produced 20rd mags for civilian sale.

???? Ruger produced 30 rounders too, for civi's. Also, quality 30 rounder aftermarkets are available. Check out the posts here. You can get them, unless you live in CA, of course.

 

[Stu]

I know factory Ruger 30rd mags have been available to civilians (I own/have owned several), but was unsuccessful during the early '80s ordering anything but 20rd mags from Ruger. I finally obtained my first 30rd from a relative in law enforcement - at the time the mag was not marked LE only. It came with his issued AC556. I'll be looking for some of the mags discussed in these threads as my experience with aftermarket stuff involves mostly no name types with inconsistent functionality, which is all that I seem to run in to now at gun shows in East Texas, Dallas, and Austin. Believe me, I appreciate access to all the feedback from people who've used various brands of mags and their experiences with vendors across the country.

 

[Satan2655]

I hear ya. The only input on that matter I have is that the Masen preban 30's are the best I've seen for aftermarket. The magazine gallery should help everyone to identify the Masen's at gunshows, pawn shops, etc. I've had pretty good luck going to Military Surplus stores, especially in larger cities. Everytime I go to Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, Memphis, wherever, I look for more surplus stores. Commonly, pawn shops have no clue as to the value of some things. If you ID a 30 rnd Ruger mag, it might be stickered at $20!

Then again, I've seen a used plain-jane Mini-14 blue at a pawn stickered at $680! I just chuckled, and the guy said "What?"

I told him he was about $200-220 high. He wouldn't budge on the price, even though I wouldn't have bought it anyway.

 

[Stu]

I totally agree that mag deals can be found where you least expect them - keep looking, the Ruger 30rd I picked up recently was used (barely) for $80 at a HUGE gun store in Houston. I went in just to waste time (in town for business) and ended up finding it after digging through a tote bin of no-name a/m mags. Although the store had correctly id'ed it as a Ruger mag, they said it just came in and were'nt aware of how much it could go for. Pawn shops and smaller gun shops are ideal places to look. Also, I just viewed the mag gallery - am blown away (no pun) by the effort you guys went to. It's easy enough to id Ruger mags, I guess we'll all have to get better at the quality a/m ones too.