Bull barrels for Ruger Mini-14's?

[Ladykiller]

First time poster, so bear with me ....

I'm looking to build a Ruger Mini-14 for a friend. He wants a bull barrel and a trigger job. My questions are:

Is this a DIY "drop-in" project or will I need a gunsmith? (I've never toyed with this rifle before)
Is the trigger as easy to work on as the 10/22?
Where can I get reasonably priced DIY bull barrels? Or do I have to go with a "choked" barrel?
What work will need to be done? Threading? Indexing? Gas Port drilling? Headspacing? Stock/handguard trimming or replacement parts? Etc ....
Any other input is appreciated such as cost. I would like to keep this gun on light budget if possible.

 

[stoky]

Probably not DIY, or cheap.
http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/ruger_mini_prices.html
Might make a mighty sweet little carbine though.

 

[ArmedBear]

Accuracy Systems Mini-14's are NICE, and accurate. If that's what you want.

My Ranch Rifle exists to be handy, rust-resistant, and fun for plinking. I don't take it to the formal target range at all, unless the sights are off; then I just shoot it long enough to set them.

I've heard these work, and they're a lot cheaper. They don't make the gun any less viable as a plinker, either.

http://www.aimstraight.net/

 

[Outlaws]

Thats the biggest waste of money I have seen in a while. Who would pay close to $2000 for a 1 - 1 1/2 MOA guarantee? You could get a AR that shoots .25" groups for that price. I know that the Mini would be a unique rifle when all is said and done, but it won't be 1/10th as functional as an equally priced AR. Now if you want to debate a stock Mini and its INTENDED function, thats fine - I won't argue its a nice gun, but IMO those Accuracy System mods are a joke.

 

[ArmedBear]

A few things, Outlaws:

1. California and other state gun laws don't always allow for that.
2. An Accuracy Systems 1/2 MOA Mini-14 with a laminate, traditional stock appeals to people who don't care for the AR platform and want a rifle that handles like a rifle. Some of the AS guns, though I'm not buying one, are things of beauty that the AR just can't be.
3. Volquartsen's .223, the only other gun in the class, is even MORE expensive.

Hell, people pay $2000 for a 10/22, and they like it.

It's just not something to be taken lightly.

I like my Mini-14 as-is. I even like my synthetic-stock 10/22 carbine as-is, except that I added fiberoptics so I could see the front sight in the shade.

But I can see why someone else would want these things, or why I would, if I had the cash lying around and nothing better to do with it.

 

[Outlaws]

Well I didn't notice any .5 MOA rifles on that page, but if there are then that wouldn't be so bad. But a lot of those are 1 to 1.5 and that is just pathedic IMO for the price.

I understand people not liking the AR platform, I am just pointing out that if you want accuracy, there is a much cheaper means of getting it.

 

[JohnKSa]

But a lot of those are 1 to 1.5 and that is just pathedic IMO for the price.

Which page are you talking about? The aimstraight page shows results from a $90 bolt-on kit.

 

[Outlaws]

I am talking about Accuracy Systems.

 

[MrAcheson]

Back to ladykillers original questions...

It is my understanding that the mini-14 is much more difficult to work on than a 10/22. The 10/22 is a garage gunsmith's dream. The mini-14 actually needs professional care. Among other things, putting a new barrel on the mini requires fitting by a trained gunsmith. This is why a lot of mini shops are "send the rifle to us" operations not parts houses like the AR-15 or 10/22.

 

[JohnKSa]

I am talking about Accuracy Systems.

There are no accuracy results on that page, only accuracy guarantees.

I think if you price other rifles that come with similar accuracy guarantees you're going to find roughly commensurate prices...

 

[Outlaws]

There are no accuracy results on that page, only accuracy guarantees.

When some are guarenteed at sub .5 MOA, sub MOA and some are sub 1.5 MOA, that means the results were right in that area.

 

[Third_Rail]

I like some of the ideas on that page... a Mini-14 using .50 Beowulf would be very nice; looks non-threatening, until you pull the trigger!

 

[JohnKSa]

When some are guarenteed at sub .5 MOA, sub MOA and some are sub 1.5 MOA, that means the results were right in that area.

No, it means they were no worse than "that area".

Anyway, the pertinent part of my post was the sentence you ignored.

I think if you price other rifles that come with similar accuracy guarantees you're going to find roughly commensurate prices...

 

[rockstar.esq]

Can't polish a turd but with enough laquer you sure can make it shine!