New bolt assy for Mini-14 300BLK

[BarboursvilleBill]

The extractor on my mini (abt 540 rounds) has become deranged. It appears to be pushed over, and is not concentric with the other two shell-holder pieces of the bolt. I believe it has been bent out of shape because I've run cartridges that are a little short (I've found COALs on .300BLK in my reloading manuals, but no minimum anywhere that I've looked online). The bullets I used had flat noses (as if for 30-30s). In any case, I think that there may have been some sideways play as the bolt was pushed home which pushed the extractor out of line. The plunger does not compress enough to slip over the case ring. Once I get this fixed, I will discontinue those loads, writing off the bullets and completed stock.

I talked to Ruger service this morning, and they will not send me a new bolt (I thought it would be wise to simply exhange the entire bolt assy, including firing pin, and extractor) but they said bolts are restricted to factory installation only. So they issued me an RMA and shipping label; but now I see they want me to sign off that my rifle has no aftermarket or modified parts, and that if it has a trigger pull that is below the factory minimum, they will reset it to their spec.

I cannot sign that document because I have had a gunsmith modify the trigger (which was nearly 7lbs) and I have installed Tech Sights rear aperture because the factory sight kept shooting loose.

So now I feel as if I'm in between a rock and a hard place as I will not return the rifle to the factory because of the sign-off certifications and their statement that they will return the rifle to "their" spec.

Any suggestions?

 

[rodregier]

Nothing good leaps to mind. You could pull the non-compliant parts incl the trigger group and rear sight and them have them sell/supply factory compliant versions as part of the repair.

On return restore your preferred versions.

That will of course run up the cost of the repair, but they have you seriously trapped by their policy. Such rules are liability-exposure driven, so there isn't much prospect for a reprieve. You could possibly sell-off the trigger group replacement on receipt to reduce your investment.

These kinds of issues are why I sold my Mini-14 and purchased an AR15-pattern rifle years ago. Easier spare parts availability and easier to clean in addition to all of the other advantages.

I had earlier gotten a spare extractor by removing the one my Mini-14 had and sending it in for repair. In your current circumstance that's not a preferred approach.

 

[BarboursvilleBill]

thanks for your suggestions. of course, i thought of stripping it back to standard, but i don't even have the stock fire control group. here is what they require me to sign:

Any aftermarket or altered Ruger part(s) found to inhibit the function or safety of the firearm will be changed out.
Any altered Ruger part(s) will not be returned. You have my permission: ________*

If the trigger pull of my firearm is below the factory minimum, it will be brought back to factory standards.
You have my permission: __________*

crummy sights and a crappy trigger add up to a so-so firearm.

Bill

 

[BarboursvilleBill]

What I'm seeing as I look around online, is I'm not the only one who's had problems with the extractor and plunger; there's even a spare for it on MidWay. So, I'm gonna bag the idea of going with a new bolt, order the part, and find a smith to install it for me.

Because a number of other shooters have had problems with this, I'm re-examining my concern that my ammo is not right. Looking through some reloading manuals, I've found there are a number of COLs that are even less than what I'm loading. Hornady has some RNs that aren't much different in appearance to my FNs. Actually, there are a number of shooters who've run the exact same load through their ARs.

FYI, and thanks all, for your responses.

Bill

 

[rodregier]

If you *just* want a new extractor and plunger, you might be able to get Ruger to replace those on your bolt sent in to them. That would avoid the new bolt "headspace to a particular serial number" question which *is* a possible safety/liability issue from Ruger's POV.

 

[BarboursvilleBill]

I already asked them that, Rod. They want the whole rifle; ideally, they should only need the barrel/receiver/bolt assembly--would be a smaller package too. I've found an extractor, plunger and spring online from two different sources, and will be ordering them to take to a gunsmith. It is now clear to me, upon further examination, that the rim on the extractor is worn down on the side opposite from the ejector ridge.

Thanks again for your help,

Bill

 

[rodregier]

If you're handy with tools it's not a big deal to change the movable parts on the bolt.
OTOH, if you're more comfortable getting it done by a gunsmith I'm not denigrating that desire.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

eBay has several complete bolt assemblies.....

 

[Nature Boy]

Is the extractor the same design as the M1A / "Biggie 14"?

If so, they're pretty easy to replace.

 

[rodregier]

Yup, the Mini-14 ("Miniature M14") bolt design is very similar to the M1 Garand, M1A and M14 pattern rifles.

https://www.brownells.com/userdocs/schematics/r-mini14-187-188.gif