Mini-14 FOLDing Stock liner question---UPDATE!!!
I purchased a Mini-14 equipped with a synthetic stock a few months back--before the gun ban was retired. After the ban was passed, I decided to change the stock to a folding Butler Creek model. The BC model was made with two screw holes--one on each side of the stock just above the trigger guard. There was no liner or screws included with the folding stock kit. A "stock reinforcing" screw is in that place on wood-stocked versions, but there were NO SUCH SCREWS on my synthetic version.
I was told my BC that there's nothing to go in those holes and that Ruger used to make "medalions" that would fit them, but they are no longer available. I've looked online at Ruger's site and they indicate that they offer screws with little "locking washers" to secure the screws. No mention of a liner at that location. There IS one near the front of the stock.
I had planned to do a more cosmetic treatment for the holes, not leaving them empty and open, but not doing the "screw and lock washer" thing either.
Well, today, I was at a gun shop having the front sight adjusted (I'd messed it up without proper tools to put a pin in) and the guy there told me there was supposed to be a "liner" inside the stock secured by the screws that were supposed to be in the holes. He even cautioned against shooting it without the liner and screws in place. Finally, he said I could go ahead and shoot it but that the gas would erode the inside of the stock at that point. Wouldn't the same "gas" erode the spaces around the trigger guard, etc?
There was NO such metal liner in place inside the synthetic stock I removed to replace with the folding one...and there was no sign of "erosion" when I removed it.
Who is right here?
Do I need a liner and the screws?
Or may I procede with my "no liner/no screws" but cosmetic-closure plan?
I was told my BC that there's nothing to go in those holes and that Ruger used to make "medalions" that would fit them, but they are no longer available. I've looked online at Ruger's site and they indicate that they offer screws with little "locking washers" to secure the screws. No mention of a liner at that location. There IS one near the front of the stock.
I had planned to do a more cosmetic treatment for the holes, not leaving them empty and open, but not doing the "screw and lock washer" thing either.
Well, today, I was at a gun shop having the front sight adjusted (I'd messed it up without proper tools to put a pin in) and the guy there told me there was supposed to be a "liner" inside the stock secured by the screws that were supposed to be in the holes. He even cautioned against shooting it without the liner and screws in place. Finally, he said I could go ahead and shoot it but that the gas would erode the inside of the stock at that point. Wouldn't the same "gas" erode the spaces around the trigger guard, etc?
There was NO such metal liner in place inside the synthetic stock I removed to replace with the folding one...and there was no sign of "erosion" when I removed it.
Who is right here?
Do I need a liner and the screws?
Or may I procede with my "no liner/no screws" but cosmetic-closure plan?
0
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In the original wooden stocks from Ruger there was a metal liner for the trigger housing unit. Many of the synthetic stocks do not require the liner. If there is a screw hole in the synthetic stock for the liner it probably needs one. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
2nd A N G L I C O0 -
quote:Originally posted by gap1916
In the original wooden stocks from Ruger there was a metal liner for the trigger housing unit. Many of the synthetic stocks do not require the liner. If there is a screw hole in the synthetic stock for the liner it probably needs one. My 2 cents [8D]
Greg
Former Marine
2nd A N G L I C O
But, GAP, there were NO HOLES in the Ruger-issued synthetic stock...only in the Butler Creek stock that was made before Ruger started making synthetic stocks, when ALL Ruger stocks had the screw holes.0 -
I have the same stock. I use a liner, and screws/locking washers. It gets hot and dirty from the gasses around the piston.
Ben
Play Ball!!!0 -
Martin,
I have a mini GB but it has a full stock. Sorry I have no suggestions on this one. Dennis
"Save the Whalers, they need jobs too."0 -
quote:Originally posted by gap1916
If there is a screw hole in the synthetic stock for the liner it probably needs one.
I'd agree with that.
The Butler Creek stock is designed for both the forward metal reinforcement at the front (where the stock tucks into the gas block) and at the trigger group. Ruger's synthetic stock does not come with the metal reinforment at the trigger group. You are supposed to transfer BOTH metal reinforcement pieces to the Butler Creek stock. Since you don't have the metal for the trigger group, I'd suggest you buy the metal stock pieces from Ruger to add to your Butler Creek stock.
You can download a Ruger manual to find the parts you need here:
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/S-InstructManualsRI.html
It looks like you need part K(for stainless steel)MS00700 -- Stock Reinforcement, and two KMS06900 -- Stock Reinforcement screws, and two MS0800 -- washers
I would expect the barrel/gas block union is pretty sloppy if you never transfered your forward metal reinforcement to the Butler Creek stock. I'd also expect the fit at the trigger group will have "play" -- I wouldn't bother trying to shoot it without the proper reinforcements in the BC stock since accuracy will probably stink (not that the Mini-14 is known to be any tack-driver).
"Strength is the outcome of need; security sets a premium on feebleness." -- H.G. Wells (The Time Machine)0 -
Not to cast any doubt on ANYONE's post here, but I just got off the phone with Ruger Technical services and the dude there said the liner/screw combo in question is only for the wood stocks and that the synthetic stock has the "reinforcement" molded into it. Re: aftermarket stocks, he said if it fit tightly, there was "PROBABLY" no need for the liner-bracket and screws. At least, he said there was no "danger of injury or damage" by firing without the said bracket and screws.
Sooooooo, what shall I do? Do I risk it? Do I take it down and examine the inside of the folder again to see that there is a secure fit? Do I throw the gun in the river? (We have several to choose from around here--one on either side of me, actually.)
UPDATE! I placed an order to Brownell's this evening. Should have the parts in a few days. Will report on the outcome. Thanks for all the advice.
This just in...Received the parts from Brownell's and got around to installing them this evening. No probs except the fit was tighter and "more secure" so I guess it's a good thing I put the stuff in there after all. Can't wait to get outside and try it out. Funny thing about the neighbors in this little community of half a million folks--they kinda don't appreciate rifle rounds zinging through their zinnias or popping over their poppies. So, if not the range, it'll be a trip out of town to my papa's house--3 hours and $50 worth of gasoline away.0
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