Mini-14 Bolt Travel

[Chumango]

I bought a used mini-14 from the family of a friend, mid-late 1980s manufacture. I have not shot it much so far. Yesterday I shot it some, and I noticed that the bolt was making contact at the end of travel. It was not hitting hard by any means, just enough enough to feel it with the cheek against the stock. As I don't have much experience with the mini-14, I am curious if this is normal, or if this is a sign that I need a new spring.

BTW, my 16-yr old daughter really likes shooting it.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

What you are experiencing is normal. My Mini 30 has the same "slam" feel during the cycle. It is part of the design, but if it bothers you, there are companies that make buffers, but I feel they may compramise reliability. I've always believed that if I wore it out, then I certainly got my money's worth out of anything built (read-overbuilt) by Ruger.

 

[rodregier]

If you're at all concerned, the recoil spring will be pretty cheap.

 

[Chumango]

Thanks for the input. I would not call it a slam, it is a light tap. I was just curious.