Newbie to site....had to register to reply to Offcamber's opening question.
Offcamber, late reply to your initial question about seeing one of these....mini14/20CF (model #5846). Mike's Guns, 1964 old Hwy 94, St. Charles, MO 63303 636-949-8764; mike Pritchard - owner has one in stock for $669. Either mike or Charlie are good guys. Looked at it yesterday, but decided to go with the Tactical (model #5847) with flash suppressor. Plan to add the ATI stock. This way I have the flash suppressor and threaded bbl (although it's a bastard 9/16-24 thread...way to go Ruger polictically correct turkeys!!!) will still get the ATI stock and have flexibility for the coming Obama Ban.
Thanks, Tinman, for the ATI stock lead at combatstocks.com. will save me a few $$$....that I'll just spend on other gun goodies.
As mentioned, just bought a Mini 20GBCPC yesterday. Been a gunnie since age 5....now 60 years old....WOW, went fast; even had a FFL for 21 years (buying retail really SUCKS!!!; sold many mini14s, but never had a one myself.....just seemed un-American so I bought one.
Newbie tech question.....how to remove the factory flash suppressor? Threaded on according to Ruger service, but they would not offer correct technique advice. Any thread lock compound used at factory? Hesitant to place bar through suppressor slots for leverage...afraid to bent it. Any actual experience out there. Did a search on this site without any hits. Also, anyone know of source for threaded options....including thread protector.... that will fit? It is a 9/16-24 bastard thread form. Thanks for input.