Mini 14 and folder help please

[hittman]

I've never owned or fired a Mini 14 or 30. Here's some Mini newbie questions for you.

May have a chance at whats described as a blued Mini 14 with factory wood folder.

Am I correct that (if very nice) the folding stock alone would bring $200-plus?

Any ideas or suggestions what to look for or stay away from?

Would ALL the folders fit ALL the Mini 14's made or has there been modification requiring stock changes?

 

[crewdog05]

There is one in the classified section now for 270.00, so maybe your a little low.

 

[44rugerr]

All factory mini-14 folders have the gas block with a side swivel. Most stocks sold are without the factory gas blocks.

 

[hittman]

This gun is already mounted in the stock. How do I tell if it's factory without disassembly? Mind you .... I know zero about Mini's.

 

[dfletcher]

I sold my stainless a few years back for about $450.00, I think between $350.00 to $500.00 is the low and high?

There are many good fakes and also rans out there. It's hard to describe the real from the fake. Absent getting a picture of the one in question I'm pretty sure someone here has posted a "how to tell" with pictures.

On the other hand, I think pretty much any wood and steel Mini folder is worth $200.00.

 

[bvd1]

I have not seen any of the original factory stocks for less than $350.

 

[44rugerr]

I have several mini-14's. The main problem with the take off stocks, is the gas block with the side swivel is always missing. I have seen many folders for sale that are conversions, not factory original. But the sellers swear they are factory. If you want a folder for fun, then it does not matter. Ruger only made the folders with the side swivel gas block.

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

I have several mini-14's. The main problem with the take off stocks, is the gas block with the side swivel is always missing. I have seen many folders for sale that are conversions, not factory original. But the sellers swear they are factory. If you want a folder for fun, then it does not matter. Ruger only made the folders with the side swivel gas block.

The Ruger Mini 14 folding stock will fit on any Mini, regardless of the postion of the sling swivel, and the gas block does not have to come with the stock, just to clarify that statement you made. Yes, a factory folder Mini 14 will have the sling swivel on the left side of the gas block, not on the bottom of the gas block. I bought at least 6 factory folding stocks out of California. None came with their gas block.............. 8)

 

[KAC-556F]

Those stating the gas block swivel is the definitive characteristic are simply wrong. The vast majority of factory folding civilian minis/ranch rifles did come with the side mount gas block swivel, but the standard gas block did make it out of the factory on quite a few factory folders. The GB rifles were even more commonly paired with the standard gas block. The serial number is the only way to confirm the factory configuration and even then Ruger cannot tell you what specific gas block came on a particular rifle. Call Ruger records if you are that concerned.

The real folding stocks have no comparison to the knockoffs, the Ruger stock is of a much heavier duty build than the knockoffs. One visual clue if you are not familiar with these stocks is that the Ruger stocks do not have an AR style pistol grip profile. Also Ruger stainless folders are actually stainless, the knockoffs labeled as stainless are in fact nickel plated that usually show signs of pitting and corrosion. Once you have seen a real Ruger folder the knockoffs are easily distinguishable.

 

[blume357]

From what I've learned over the years.... I would be hard pressed to determine if a factory folder on a Mini is actually ... factory... because of this and the quality and looks (better) of aftermarket ones like Butler Creek and Choate I'd not pay much more for a mini who's claim is to be a factory folder as compared to an aftermarket folder stock. ... besides that, except for the 'A' team look... I don't think the factory ones look that good.