Mini-14 Gas Bushing

[Chuckfish]

I just ordered the Gas bushing kit from ASI for my mini. The kit comes with 4 different sized bushings. I would like to get some input as to what size to start with. The object is to stop the spent brass from flying into to next county while still allowing the rifle to function as it should. I would also like to know if installing a 1911 buffer will be of any advantage.

In a week or two as funds allow I will also be installing an ACCU STRUT. I have an early 186 series pencil barrel model. It's currently in a Houg overmolded stock.

Any input will be appreciated.

 

[COSteve]

Deleted

 

[Chuckfish]

Thanks , I was hoping to get some input here though. I find that there are way too many opinions on that forum. Too much to weed thru.

 

[DGW1949]

My blued 'n wood Ranch Rifle runs 100% with LC 5.56 ammo and a .045 bushing.

I put a Wilson 1911 buffer over the end of the op-rod's spring guide on mine in an effort to lessen the impact load on the factory (cup and cross-pin) "buffer". Reason was, I've seen Ruger's factory buffer Ass'y break clean in two.
So far, the Wilson buffer been in there for a bit over 1000 rds with no ill effects, but I can't say as to whether or not it is actually doing anything though. Nor do I know how well it would have held up had I not calmed-down the gas system prior to it being installed. In fact, all I know for sure is that the combination of doing both is working fine for me.

Hope this helped somewhat.

DGW

 

[Goldstar225]

I installed the .040 bushing in my 583 series mini-14. It reduced the ejection from 40-45 feet to about 15 feet. Still 100% reliable. I also installed a 1911 bushing at the op rod cup. At this stage I have no idea if the bushing has made a difference but it hasn't hurt.

 

[hickoryhillbill]

I have a 183 mini with a 045 bushing and buffers on both ends of the op rod.Very smooth and reliable with 6 ft ejection.

 

[Chuckfish]

Well I rec'ed the kit today. Going to be 100 degrees tomorrow so it sounds like a good day for a bit of gun smithing.

Way too hot to do any yard work.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Does anybody make an adjustable gas block for the Mini?

 

[eveled]

Does anybody make an adjustable gas block for the Mini?

Accuracy systems does. You can dial it down so low the gun won't eject the shells at all. Basically turning it into a bolt action, making it a lot easier to pick up your brass.

 

[Chuckfish]

I am going with the .035 bushing and will see if it cycles ok...anybody with some thoughts?

 

[DGW1949]

I am going with the .035 bushing and will see if it cycles ok...anybody with some thoughts?

Thoughts?....oh yes indeed;
Measure the length and OD of your new bushings to make sure that they are sized the same as your factory bushing. Reason is, the gas bushing does more than just meter gas. It also establishes how much play the gas piston has AND serves as a locator for the gas block, neither of which it can (properly) do if it's sizing is off.

In other words, if your new bushings are too short or too skinny, you'll need to seek a refund. On the other hand, if they are tool long or too fat, you'll need to trim 'em down to size.

Hope this helped.

DGW

 

[Chuckfish]

Yup, I've gone over the sizing procedures on ASI's web site. I'll just take my time. I'm confident I can handle the job. After all it's not "rocket science" just some accurate measuring with a dial caliper and perhaps some "backyard" machine work with my mini lathe.

 

[DGW1949]

You are right in that none of it is "rocket science".
Still though, it needs to be what it needs to be...but it seems like you've got that part of things covered already. :wink: .

As for the .035 orifice size which you mentioned....I haven't plowed that particular ground myself, so I'm afraid that I'm no help at all there.
On the other hand, you gotta start somewhere right?...and the worse thing that can happen is that you may need to go up a size until you get to where you want to be.

I do have a suggestion on a related matter though:
In my experience, the threads on the factory gas block screws start getting worn/distorted after they've been used a couple of times, so keeping some extras on hand might be a good idea.

DGW

 

[Chuckfish]

DGW1949, thanks for the info and I will get some new screws on order. I think I'll order a few sets just in case. That way I'll have them in stock. Would you suggest a drop of Blue Loctite on the threads is in order?

 

[DGW1949]

I don't see any harm in it.....but if it was me, I'd wait until all of my bushing-experimenting was done.

DGW

 

[FergusonTO35]

I wonder if it is possible to get a Mini to eject only a couple of feet away and still be reliable? I actually the prefer the Mini over other autoloaders but the hard ejection is a big turn off.

 

[Chuckfish]

That's what I'm trying to achieve with a .030 gas bushing. I'll try to keep everyone posted as to my progress.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Cool, keep us updated. Unlike AR's, used Minis can be purchased for reasonable prices and you can't beat the classic looks.

 

[Chuckfish]

As far as AR's go you can get a nice Ruger AR or a S&W AR for about $600.00 that will most likely out perform a Mini just about any day. The Mini has been billed as "The Worlds Most Expensive Plinker" I'm attempting to make mine NOT throw the spent brass into the next county. ( I reload) , and I am installing an AccuStrut in an attempt to get it to not string and shoot MOA or even maybe subMOA groups at 100 yds.

If I didn't already have the Mini-14 I would buy the AR

 

[DGW1949]

As far as AR's go you can get a nice Ruger AR or a S&W AR for about $600.00 that will most likely out perform a Mini just about any day. The Mini has been billed as "The Worlds Most Expensive Plinker" I'm attempting to make mine NOT throw the spent brass into the next county. ( I reload) , and I am installing an AccuStrut in an attempt to get it to not string and shoot MOA or even maybe subMOA groups at 100 yds.

If I didn't already have the Mini-14 I would buy the AR

With all due respect to Mr Ruger's brain child, I'd say that you are right. Leastways, you are right relative to sitting at a bench while trying to squeeze-out little-bitty groups. You are also right in the aspect that the Mini-14 is what it is and aint what it aint.
As to the part about (a cheap AR) "will most likely out perform" though..."performance" means different things to different people. Hence the millions of satisfied Mini owners.....just sayin'.

In other words, I'm perty-convinced that most of the folks whom I've seen express disappointment in the Mini-14 platform were mostly suffering from a case of emotion-based unrealistic expectations....meaning that most of 'em bought it for "the look" while knowing right from the get-go that it was never intended to do what they "wish" it would do.

Personally, if I had a Mini-14 that I wasn't satisfied with relative to the uses I put it too, I'd be looking for a different gun rather than throw money at what I had...

...but that's just me.
No offense intended.

DGW

 

[Chuckfish]

None taken. I've already put it in a Hogue over molded stock. It has the correct length of pull for me and was a good improvement on making me a more accurate shot. I use this rifle on the farm for yote control ( truck and tractor gun). I rarely soot at anything over 100 yds. but would like the rifle to be a bit more useable. Beyond the replacement stock , smaller gas bushing , and Accustrut I may add tech sights. After these mods are completed I'll be done no matter the improvements or not. If I'm not satisfied I'll look for a mid priced AR or build one.

 

[RatBird]

As far as AR's go you can get a nice Ruger AR or a S&W AR for about $600.00 that will most likely out perform a Mini just about any day. The Mini has been billed as "The Worlds Most Expensive Plinker" I'm attempting to make mine NOT throw the spent brass into the next county. ( I reload) , and I am installing an AccuStrut in an attempt to get it to not string and shoot MOA or even maybe subMOA groups at 100 yds.

If I didn't already have the Mini-14 I would buy the AR

The adjustable gas block works nice. I've installed a few of them. One thing the Mini has over the AR is the powder residue isn't run back through the action.

 

[Chuckfish]

I think the adjustable gas blocks are a bit too expensive. I got the gas bushing kit and I figure with a bit of tinkering ( I like to do ) I can dial my mini in to my liking. I can afford the time more than I can afford expensive (to me )aftermarket parts.
As I stated before , if I can't get it to do what I am after I will sell it and get a mid entry AR or build one.

 

[Chuckfish]

Well, here we go. The AccuStrut came in today and the .035 bushing is ready for installation. After I get the Mini modified I'll post up as to the results.

 

[eveled]

Looking forward to hearing your results. Although I have been planning on going the adjustable route.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Looking forward to it! From what I understand, the Mini is still legal for the poor souls stuck in the Soviet republics of NY, MA, and CA so they would probably be interested in how this turns out.

 

[Chuckfish]

Well fellow Ruger folks , the plot thickens...

Took the Mini out to the shop today to install the gas bushing ( decided to go with the .040).Got the rifle apart and proceeded to remove the 4 screws that hold the gas block on the barrel. This is where it gets ugly. 3 out of the 4 screws were cross threaded from the factory (I've never taken the gas block apart). As we all know there is nothing tighter than a good cross thread. Had to drill the heads off of the 3 cross threaded screws. At this point I am NOT happy with Sturm Ruger. So at this juncture the modifications are on hold. I have ordered a new gas block from ASI along with 2 sets of screws.

So how's your Sunday going...More to follow

 

[DGW1949]

FWIW, a number of Mini's left the factory with "staked" gas block screws. On those, it's perty-important to remove all evidence of the staking prior to any attempt to remove them, or else you could end up with stuck screws and/or damaged threads in the gas block.

Not saying that that's what happened with the gun in question, just saying that it's something that Mini owners should be aware of.

DGW

 

[Chuckfish]

I am well aware of the staked screws...not the case with my rifle. The three screws in question were cross threaded.

Replacement parts are on the way and will be back in business in a few days.

 

[FergusonTO35]

How close did you come to fixing it with a BFH when that happened? I don't think I would have been able to resist.