Mini-14 581 Range Report FINAL UPDATE FOR THIS THREAD

[Voyager28]

Took my New To Me Mini to the range today for the second time and worked the 200 Yard Line. I wish I could say that all went well but it was challenging. not because of the rifle but because of the scope mounts. Anyway, I'll explain as I go.

Photo #1 was shot from the bench wit sand bag rests. After a few rounds that were pretty much spot on I kicked two rounds low for no apparent reason. so, I waited for a cease fire to get a closer look at my target and take this photo.



After the range went hot again, I began firing, still on sand bags, and for the life of me I could not get it doped back in and I got a group that looks like it was fired from a 12ga shotgun. Waited for a cease fire, went to the target and took this photo.




When the range went hot again, I examined my rifle and noticed that the nut was missing from my rear scope mount. I found it laying on the ground, replaced it and then checked the front mount, It too was loose and it took 2 full turns to tighten it. Both mounts tightened I then fired 10 more rounds, two rounds to re-zero and the rest pretty much in the X ring. For the final shot I was on the bench resting on my elbows. Here's what I got.




Near as I can figure, when I initially mounted the scope using the Rugar Mini Rings, I mounted and torqued the bolts when the rifle was cold. As the rifle heated up everything, including the mount bolts, expanded and it loosened up. I'm still not sure I got it bedded back very well so plan to take my tools and re-bed it again next time at the range and, after the rifle is hot again, use Blue Lock-tite on the nuts. That should keep it from loosening again.

After I'm satisfied I've got the scope bedded and solid I'll take target photos again. None of these groups are as good as my first trip to the range with this rifle. Though not too bad for shooting a 100 yard target at 200 yards, this rifle is capable of much better.

Bob

 

[Tweety Bird]

I wish I could do half that well!


(Sorry. Not trying to be insulting here; I have an older Mini-14 and love it, though it's just open sights and I can't see anything at 200 yards any more. But I did think the picture was sort of funny.)

 

[Voyager28]

LOL, I love it! :lol:

Bob

 

[FastEd]

That looks good to me. What kind of scope do you use?

 

[eric conrad]

I've had the same problem with my Mini-14. The rear sight also came loose. Good old blue Lock- Tite. Eric

 

[Voyager28]

That looks good to me. What kind of scope do you use?

It's a Redfield Battle Zone 3-9X42.

Bob

 

[Voyager28]

OK Lads, here's the last update for this thread.

After the initial session at the range that I reported in this thread, I went back one more time just to confirm my initial results and had the same result as before. Scope mounts kept coming loose making the pattern look like a Claymore Mine went off. So, after a lot of research and some good advice, here's what I am in the process of.

1. Getting rid of the proprietary Ruger scope rings and replacing with a Weigand Picatinny rail and weaver style scope rings. The Weigand (Weiga-Tinny) rail is designed so the bolt can be removed for cleaning without removing the rail.

2. From all my research, the Ruger Mini-14s, both 180 and 580 series, is WAY over gassed causing the operating rod and bolt to slam back with far excessive force. So, I am replacing the Gas Port Bushing with a much smaller size (.045) bushing from Accuracy Systems to reduce the amount of gas allowed into the gas pipe. This will greatly reduce or eliminate excessive vibrations and harmonics.

3. I am installing a recoil buffer. This will shorten the operation stroke just a bit and keep the bolt from coming into contact with the receiver. This will further reduce vibration and harmonics.

Total cost, less then $80.

I have all the parts in hand and will do all of the final assembly next week and head, once again to the range. I will take photos and do an updated thread when I get it done.

Bob