Smith & Wesson Forum

Advertise With Us Search
Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-28-2024, 10:04 AM
ladder13's Avatar
ladder13 ladder13 is offline
SWCA Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 32,787
Likes: 67,136
Liked 58,833 Times in 18,307 Posts
Default Mini 14 folder

I see Ruger has brought it back. I’ve owned two mini’s before and sold them, but may have to own a third.
Reply With Quote
The Following 11 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 01-28-2024, 10:49 AM
LostintheOzone's Avatar
LostintheOzone LostintheOzone is offline
US Veteran
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: WA.
Posts: 4,649
Likes: 4,729
Liked 4,708 Times in 2,296 Posts
Default

Is everyone tired of going to the range and seeing 10 rifles that look exactly like yours. Ruger hopes so.

A Team retro. I'm not seeing this one as a huge seller. Looks cool though.
__________________
That's just somebody talkin.

Last edited by LostintheOzone; 01-28-2024 at 10:52 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 01-28-2024, 11:06 AM
Goblin Goblin is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 2,467
Liked 1,154 Times in 610 Posts
Default

You can also just buy the folding stock, it came available a year or two ago. It’s pricey, I think I paid $299 for mine.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 01-28-2024, 02:05 PM
Eric300's Avatar
Eric300 Eric300 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2,552
Liked 8,530 Times in 1,864 Posts
Default

These guys seemed to like them....

__________________
SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-28-2024, 03:18 PM
target tech's Avatar
target tech target tech is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Western, PA
Posts: 588
Likes: 5
Liked 1,106 Times in 249 Posts
Default

I see Ruger is actually making a GB model again with the 18” barrel and the bayonet lug under the front sight. I still think the folding stock looks best under a 16” tactical. I bought one a couple of months after the initial hype wore off, back 3 or 4 years ago. The stocks are a little pricey, but they are very well made.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-28-2024, 04:00 PM
moralem moralem is online now
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 247
Liked 6,505 Times in 1,623 Posts
Default Mini 14 folder

When the stocks came out I put one on just for grins.

Last edited by moralem; 01-28-2024 at 04:02 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 01-28-2024, 04:07 PM
Breakaway500's Avatar
Breakaway500 Breakaway500 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Whiskey Hill Ma.
Posts: 3,115
Likes: 17,935
Liked 10,286 Times in 2,229 Posts
Default

I owned a Ruger AC556-FSS (factory full auto mini-14,folder,stainless steel) and it was not as dependable as I expected, even after multiple tries to get it there. So,I sold it after 10 years of ownership and quadrupled my "investment".
__________________
Remain Viable

Last edited by Breakaway500; 01-28-2024 at 04:09 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 01-28-2024, 04:25 PM
gdogs's Avatar
gdogs gdogs is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: DFW
Posts: 1,024
Likes: 1,827
Liked 1,858 Times in 541 Posts
Default

If you ever watched the A-Team and own a Mini, then you must purchase one of these Samson stocks. I pre-ordered mine back in early 2020 and I think I could have tripled my money the day after it arrived. They've finally worked through the back log of orders and now they can be found for MSRP or a little under. Considering that used factory Ruger folding stocks were selling for nearly the price of a new Mini before Samson started making them, I don't think sub $300 is too much cash for one, especially for the quality. I agree that they look best on shorter barrels, but I've currently only got 1 Mini, a 182 series GB. Until Ruger comes out with a 16" 6.8 or 350 legend model, the GB will just have to do. The stocks aren't the most comfortable to shoot, but they aren't as uncomfortable as say an underfolder AK. Coolness factor is however completely off the charts!
Reply With Quote
The Following 11 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 01-28-2024, 04:26 PM
Echo40's Avatar
Echo40 Echo40 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,029
Likes: 8,252
Liked 7,814 Times in 2,634 Posts
Default

This has always been by far the coolest model, IMO. I'm glad they brought it back.
__________________
Shooting Comfort is bilateral.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 01-28-2024, 04:52 PM
BB57's Avatar
BB57 BB57 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 3,806
Liked 13,434 Times in 3,558 Posts
Default

After Samson started selling the folding stock (and after the prices came down to MSRP), I put one on a series 184 Mini 14 I acquired with a 16” barrel.



Reply With Quote
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 01-28-2024, 04:57 PM
zeke zeke is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: NW Wi
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 5,181
Liked 3,913 Times in 1,683 Posts
Default

One of any number of firearms have never shot. While i have read they are not match accurate, there are legitimate/very real advantages to having open sights right over the bore and a reliable/sturdy action.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 01-28-2024, 05:27 PM
Boogsawaste's Avatar
Boogsawaste Boogsawaste is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Quakertown PA
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 4,773
Liked 1,181 Times in 491 Posts
Default

I added a Samson stock to mine. Lots of fun!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_4008.jpg (115.7 KB, 43 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4007.jpg (123.9 KB, 40 views)
__________________
Jim
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 01-28-2024, 07:44 PM
robvious robvious is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Eastern Nebraska
Posts: 4,542
Likes: 12,522
Liked 9,745 Times in 3,366 Posts
Default

I did Butler Creek decades before Sampson came out... compact and uncomfortable... lol... but was only 49 bucks...
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 01-28-2024, 10:09 PM
LostintheOzone's Avatar
LostintheOzone LostintheOzone is offline
US Veteran
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: WA.
Posts: 4,649
Likes: 4,729
Liked 4,708 Times in 2,296 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeke View Post
One of any number of firearms have never shot. While i have read they are not match accurate, there are legitimate/very real advantages to having open sights right over the bore and a reliable/sturdy action.
The 580's are 3 MOA. At least mine is. Reliable and sturdy is accurate. 500 rds through mine and never an issue. They just run. Realize that the action is a copy of M1 and M14. Not a bad pedigree.

If you don't want to go to the range and see a dozen rifles that look exactly like yours, this is the one you shoot....or maybe a Russian AK-47. Make sure you wear one of these when you shoot it.

__________________
That's just somebody talkin.

Last edited by LostintheOzone; 01-28-2024 at 10:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 01-29-2024, 06:07 PM
DGNY DGNY is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Garden Spot, Upstate NY, USA
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 3,550
Liked 763 Times in 455 Posts
Default

This thread brings back good memories. Thank you.

Bought my stainless folder early to mid 80s on a whim.. Fun but not too practical. It still rests quietly in orig box but of course not for sale.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 02-09-2024, 10:48 PM
Abbynormal's Avatar
Abbynormal Abbynormal is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 2,125
Liked 2,368 Times in 910 Posts
Default

Q: Why didn't the bad guys ever die in the "A Team" tv shows?

A: Because the A team only used Ruger Mini 14's
Reply With Quote
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 02-09-2024, 11:10 PM
dsf dsf is online now
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Escaping CA to OR - soon!
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 1,357
Liked 1,885 Times in 744 Posts
Default

An FYI - the folder doesn't fit 180 Series Mini 14s. Lower GB is different. The folder does fit the Mini 30.

I don't have a photo handy, but I lop off the barrel to 16" and thread on the Ruger FH. Replace the upper GB with one from Arms Room that has an XS ramp sight.

Shorter barrel seems to help accuracy. A bit anyway.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 02-10-2024, 01:52 AM
oink oink is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southern FL, East side.
Posts: 2,546
Likes: 2,628
Liked 3,353 Times in 1,404 Posts
Default

I was issued a stainless folder. I took off the folder and put on a regular wood stock with an extended rubber butt pad. A big improvement and still very compact. The folder really isn't very good for shooting. On the factory folder models the gas block and sling attachment was different with the sling point being on the side rather than bottom. I still have an original blue folding stock still in the box I've never used. I also have an NIB older blue GB. I also have a regular older mini 14 that's a good shooter so I never bothered with the other one.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 02-10-2024, 02:03 AM
Well Armed Well Armed is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 1,519
Liked 1,331 Times in 522 Posts
Default

I own a lot of AR15s, but I really rather have one of those Mini14s with the folding stock for a home defense and trunk gun. The only problem is I think Ruger and their management are smoking crack. They need to go to rehab ASAP. Asking $1000-$1600 for a Mini14 is outrageous IMHO.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 02-10-2024, 02:38 AM
Ματθιας's Avatar
Ματθιας Ματθιας is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Nuke City
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 3,988
Liked 8,886 Times in 2,790 Posts
Default

A few years ago, there were some Mini14 GBs, factory flash hider, and bayonet lug, that were LE trades. They were IIRC $800+. I thought about buying one, but I waited too long and they disappeared.
__________________
Thread Killer.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-10-2024, 03:23 AM
CH4's Avatar
CH4 CH4 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 11,744
Likes: 19,973
Liked 28,332 Times in 7,848 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Well Armed View Post
I own a lot of AR15s, but I really rather have one of those Mini14s with the folding stock for a home defense and trunk gun. The only problem is I think Ruger and their management are smoking crack. They need to go to rehab ASAP. Asking $1000-$1600 for a Mini14 is outrageous IMHO.
I agree. I just picked up one of their SFARs in 6.5 CM for $850.
Had 3 minis in the early to mid 80s, two 14s and a 30. Apparently Ruger installed skeet chokes in them, because they patterned like a clays gun. Never had an interest in a mini since.
__________________
213th FBINA

Last edited by CH4; 02-10-2024 at 11:29 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 02-10-2024, 05:18 AM
Rpg Rpg is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Denver area
Posts: 6,325
Likes: 20,437
Liked 13,273 Times in 4,232 Posts
Default

I couldn’t hit much with the folding stock model I shot.

It may look cool, but it’s no good on a rifle.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 02-10-2024, 07:49 AM
quikdraw67's Avatar
quikdraw67 quikdraw67 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Northeastern PA
Posts: 4,223
Likes: 4,055
Liked 9,539 Times in 2,880 Posts
Default

Ruger must be pretty proud of their new folder Mini-14. Pricey.

I remember when the Mini-14 was cheaper than the Colt SP-1.
__________________
BTDT, Got The T-Shirt
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 02-10-2024, 10:01 AM
SF VET SF VET is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 641
Likes: 330
Liked 5,945 Times in 572 Posts
Default

I don't have a Mini 14, but agree that sometimes it is fun to bring a less common firearm to an outdoor range, where there are more open shooting stations. Garands, M1 carbines, Sharps Buffalo rifle and the like. It is fun to offer less common weapons to others to shoot guns they have only heard about. Once, I let some shooters shoot my '44 Inland 30 cal, and then drove off forgetting it. But they caught up with me, to give it back to me. Close....

While I have always liked the Mini 14's I just don't need another rifle, esp one with a reputation for poor accuracy. I am always tryng to make my firearms, esp my rifles, more accurate with greater or lesser success. A perpetual endeavor.

Any of you older Vets remember the CAR short barrel M16's from that war? Now that was a really cool rifle. Enjoy your Mini 14's. SF VET
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 02-10-2024, 10:16 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 27,650
Likes: 1,963
Liked 21,633 Times in 10,297 Posts
Default

Just saw an old repeat on "Cops Reloaded", and lo and behold there was one of the officers with a stainless Mini-14 and folding stock. Definitely an 80's vibe.

And I didn't post in the "worst gun you've ever owned" thread, but an early Mini-14 Ranch Rifle would be right up there. 6" 'patterns' at 50 yards were not inspiring.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #26  
Old 02-10-2024, 06:18 PM
Well Armed Well Armed is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 1,519
Liked 1,331 Times in 522 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SF VET View Post
I don't have a Mini 14, but agree that sometimes it is fun to bring a less common firearm to an outdoor range, where there are more open shooting stations. Garands, M1 carbines, Sharps Buffalo rifle and the like. It is fun to offer less common weapons to others to shoot guns they have only heard about. Once, I let some shooters shoot my '44 Inland 30 cal, and then drove off forgetting it. But they caught up with me, to give it back to me. Close....

While I have always liked the Mini 14's I just don't need another rifle, esp one with a reputation for poor accuracy. I am always tryng to make my firearms, esp my rifles, more accurate with greater or lesser success. A perpetual endeavor.

Any of you older Vets remember the CAR short barrel M16's from that war? Now that was a really cool rifle. Enjoy your Mini 14's. SF VET
To be fair to Ruger, the reputation for inaccuracy stems from early models of the Mini14. Ruger has loooooong sense made changes to fix that issue. It's not a target rifle, and it's not meant to be. That's not the role it was created for or is supposed to fulfill. It's more of a ranch and self-defense rifle, and it's plenty accurate and capable of fulfilling that role.......



If it weren't for the exorbitant cost Ruger wants for them, they'd be selling like hot cakes. There are just better options once you get into the $1000-$1600 ballpark. For what it is, the Mini14 should only cost $700-$900 at most IMHO. If AR15 and AR10 barrels regularly sell for $150-$250 and the BCG are $80-$200, there is no reason why the Mini14 with the synthetic drop in stock, receiver, and barrel should be $800-$900.

Last edited by Well Armed; 02-10-2024 at 06:25 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #27  
Old 02-10-2024, 07:40 PM
lonestar57's Avatar
lonestar57 lonestar57 is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 587
Likes: 269
Liked 2,011 Times in 395 Posts
Default

Just put a Samson on my 1989 Mini-30 this afternoon.

Mini 14 folder-img_0875-jpg
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0875.jpg (188.7 KB, 123 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #28  
Old 02-12-2024, 08:47 PM
CAJUNLAWYER's Avatar
CAJUNLAWYER CAJUNLAWYER is offline
Member
Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder Mini 14 folder  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: On da Bayou Teche
Posts: 19,052
Likes: 20,287
Liked 62,780 Times in 10,212 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LostintheOzone View Post
The 580's are 3 MOA. At least mine is. Reliable and sturdy is accurate. 500 rds through mine and never an issue. They just run. Realize that the action is a copy of M1 and M14. Not a bad pedigree.

If you don't want to go to the range and see a dozen rifles that look exactly like yours, this is the one you shoot....or maybe a Russian AK-47. Make sure you wear one of these when you shoot it.

Which is why I drive the Tacoma (Hilux Americanized) and have an AK47. Terrorists worldwide can't be wrong
__________________
Forum consigliere
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #29  
Old 02-13-2024, 05:21 PM
Farmer17 Farmer17 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 5,626
Likes: 1,214
Liked 7,342 Times in 2,728 Posts
Default

In the 1970s Oklahoma Highway Patrol had three troopers that were killed by escaped convicts with rifles and they then became one of the first State Police forces to give rifles and training to every trooper. The folding stock came out later and they started using those guns and I remember seeing them carried upside down on crudely made aluminum U brackets on the bottom of the drivers door. Car doors were BIG back then!

Last edited by Farmer17; 02-13-2024 at 05:27 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply


Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mini 14 folder, Star BM!! PRKnives GUNS - For Sale or Trade 1 11-29-2022 12:25 PM
**Withdrawn** mini 14 185 side folder Ateam PRKnives GUNS - For Sale or Trade 1 10-15-2022 11:44 AM
WTS- New Old Stock Ruger Mini 14 factory folder in box, stainless Breadman1 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 0 02-07-2022 11:14 AM
FS: Pre-Ban Mini 14 with Factory Folder and Extras younggun22 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 2 03-03-2019 12:17 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:44 AM.


© 2000-2025 smith-wessonforum.com All rights reserved worldwide.
Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)