[Aim2MB]

Attic finds are always awesome; so imagine my surprise when I found this gem in my parent's house! It's a 183 model non-ranch version. Apparently it got misplaced in the move 20 years ago, and like all things misplaced, forgotten about eventually.

Well, since it hadn't been fired for 27 years or so; I took it apart, cleaned it thoroughly, and then took it to the range. I was pleased to find that it fired solidly and consistently. I was impressed! And so; I set my mind to make this Mini like Burger King does with it's burgers (ideally), my way.

I joined PU and started researching. Hardcore. I believe I have decided on an upgrade tree that works for me and my budget. I want you guys to come along with me and share your experience with me as I go through each step, because I am a mini-newb, and I respect each and every contributer thus far that has added to my knowledge in the multiple pages of forum I read through.

Background out of the way now; on to Phase 1:

Although I loved the classic look of the wood stock, I found it just a little too short to shoulder for me. I was lucky enough to score a used Choate fixed pistol grip for cheap; which I thought was perfect, because I prefer to shoot standing freehand.

Installation was a literal snap! Snap out, snap in. The foregrip does have that little bit of play that I see some people complain about (on youtube specifically), but if you find yourself gripping the rifle -that- tightly at the front; your shooting form needs work.

Picitinny Rail set/fasteners is in the mail to be attached to the underside of the foregrip. As the last owner had the same setup- but didn't leave it attached. As soon as they come in, I'm going to OSH to pick up some T-nuts to help me attach the rails.

Phase 2 is coming next month, which hopefully includes a OD Green stock paintjob, an SS amega scout rail and a SS accu-strut LT.

Which leads me to this question; I don't plan to put an awesome optic on this. A good economical holo/red-dot is fine for what I want to use this for. My friend is trying to talk me out of the Amega and to get a rear mount. As this is the non-ranch model; I can't get the popularly recommended GG&G without making serious modifications. Any suggestions from the peanut gallery? Or should I stick with the amega?

 

[Aim2MB]

Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice, everyone! I just wanted to say that your vids, Gundoc, is what I used to disassemble and clean my trigger group, bolt/action when I first recieved it from the folks. They're really invaluable to someone like myself.
And yes, I did keep the wooden stock, because laws are crazy here in california, I might find the need to go low profile; Because with the choate stock it now has 2 descriptors qualifying it as an assault weapon (Semi-Auto, Pistol Grip) I'm curious how uninformed people will take it once I add a Mo-Reaper to it.

Which leads to me to question; Is the Mo-Reaper really that shiny (as I seen on vids) or did they change the finish recently to match the finish of the original SS of the Mini?

 

[Aim2MB]

Hi Aim2MB;

Please don't take this the wrong way, its just a word of advice, but since you're in Kali, make sure about the legality of any modifications you do to your rifle to make sure you won't get burned on their damn' AWB. I'm sure you already have been careful and have not violated anything inside the state of Kali (my perhaps flawed understanding is that a rifle can be taken outside the state, fitted with any parts you want on a "gun vacation" target/competition shooting someplace like Nevada, then returned to Kali legal for the trip home - check with a lawyer before you do such a thing though). Just want to make sure everyone else knows not to give advice to someone from Kali who may get in trouble if he or she takes it without checking. My understanding is that their laws are extremely byzantine and I in no way profess competence in them. I am not a lawyer, nor am I an LEO. Just a tired old guy who likes guns and can't figure out why the left hates gun-owners so much.

Good luck on your project, the mini 14 is one of the really good ones!
Best,
Grumpy

Bullet Buttons/Mag-locks meets the requirements of the CA AWB when it comes to configurations like mine. This one doesn't require heavy modification at all; and only takes a minute or less to set or remove. And while top-loading sucks, it's doable and for myself, well worth the cost of modding a rifle my way.

mini-14 mag lock is here!!! and its free. - Calguns.net

 

[Aim2MB]

Without having put on the accu-strut or done any other accurizing modifications, I've found that my MOA is down from 6-10 to around 5-7 at 100 yards.. I feel that the pistol grip relieves some of the issues of holding/gripping a featureless rifle and lets you focus more on breathing and trigger control.

As far as the choate stock goes; at first glance the plastic is kind of cheapy looking. But it's feels very strong. I don't know how other models fit into it; but it fit my 183 like a glove, no rattling, or shaking of the barrel/action. The only problem that might bother some people is that there's just a little bit of a gap between the lower heat shield from the edge of the stock; less than an 1/36th of an inch by my estimate.

I just want to say that I know that this isn't a sniper rifle, nor am I trying to build one. I just want a fun gun to shoot; maybe shoot some hogs with (legally).

The reasons as to why I don't want an AR is because it seems like everyone has one. I'm a gun hipster. If it's super popular, I tend to shy away from it and look for other options. Unless of course, it's a gun that I really want.