Mini-14 advice

[TheSwampFox]

I'm looking to add a Mini-14 to my collection. I was wondering if there was anything I should be on the lookout for on a used one. Are there certain models or years that were better or worse than others? Thanks for the advice.

 

[dfletcher]

Having owned one I would stay away from anything with a "pencil barrel" and go with something currently made. I'd go with a plain old Ranch Model in a wooden stock, not plastic.

 

[96/44]

They were all uber-reliable. The newer ones with the tapered barrel are more consistently accurate. If you plan on scoping it, definitely go for the ranch model with integrated scope bases. The aftermarket side mount scope mounts leave a lot to be desired.

 

[TheSwampFox]

Thanks for the input. I definitely want a wooden ranch stock. Unless I can the old stainless folder model that I call the "A-Team" version :lol:

The gun show will be in town next weekend so I should have one by Thanksgiving. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get one.