Tankertoad

Newbie here. I'm looking for an economical and fun to shoot semi auto (mostly targets), and am leaning towards the Mini 14. I really like the features of the "Tactical" (shorter barrell, full stock), but like the retro look and feel of a wood stock. I've checked the Ruger website, and I don't wood and tactical are sold toether. Just curious, will a Range Rifle Mini 14 wood stock fit a Tactical Mini 14??

Thanks!

rugerfreak

Ya --the wood will fit---easy swap

If you get just the stock--you'll also need a mag well liner(not sure what the part is called exactly)---2 screws and 2 washers that hold the liner in place.

You'll also need to move the barrel channel liner from your existing rifle.

SoCalTacticalShooter

Cheaper than dirt those. I got mine from there when I swapped my SS ranch rifle to a wood stock.
I belive it's called a mag well Reinforcer.

Tankertoad

Thanks gents.

BangBangPlay

Numrich sells a birch hardwood stock with a walnut finish, found here.

You'll also need a stock reinforcement (found here), a few screws, found here, and a few lock washers, found here. Although the lock washers can be found at your local hardware store too.

You could also search Ebay and find a used wood stock from someone who wanted to do the opposite from you. Just make sure it is from the 190 series or above because the 180 series wood stock won't fit your tactical model.

Stocky's sells a really nice solid walnut stock for a pretty penny, along with various colored laminated stocks as well. They are unique, and high quality but cost three to four times as much as the birch stock found in the link above. I did the same thing with my 581 series Mini 14 tactical and I too prefer the traditional look of the walnut stock on that rifle. Hope this helps.

Tankertoad

Thanks BBP. I have a lot to learn! How do I know what serial number a particular mini 14 has? The Ruger website states the model number for the Tactical mini I'm considering is 5847

BangBangPlay

No worries, I picked up a lot of knowledge on forums too, especially regarding my Mini. The series is signified by the first three numbers in your serial number, found stamped on your rifle. The 180 series were the first generation mini's and it went up from there. Yours is a tactical model so it is probably 580 or 581 series, like mine. Just stay away from the 180 series stocks, they are pretty much the only stock that won't fit your rifle.

Tankertoad

Thanks BBP - that helps. I've read about "pre-180" minis and "post-180" minis, but wasn't exactly sure what that meant. Thanks for the Numrich links as well.

BangBangPlay

No prob, glad I could help. Like I said I learned quite a bit over on the PU forum when I bought my Mini. BTW the Mini 14 tactical is really a great weapon, has never failed me once, and looks killer with a walnut (wood) stock. Although it isn't terribly accurate, but that isn't really what I bought it for. Some folk try to make it something that it really isn't, and that quest will only disappoint, or drive you crazy. I recommend just buying another rifle to suit that need, or want.

Bvd1

The tactical model was available with a wood stock for awhile as a distributor exclusive. Tthe distributor was Davidsons. I had just bought mine with synthetic stock so I didn't buy one. They do show up at gun shows I attend. Real nice, I think it's Circassian walnut, whatever that is. I bought a used birch stock for mine. The only thing I don't like is the plastic buttplate on the one I bought, my other minis have a metal buttplate.

blbolin

I am going to do the same thing, I still like wood stocks better than plastic so I bought a mint wood stock, now I have to buy a tactical to put the stock on. I guess I want a little brother to my M1A. Trying to decide on a .223 or 7.62 tactical right now. Does anyone make a 10 round magazine that is reliable for the mini 30?

Bvd1

Does the stock you bought have the magwell reinforcement with it? These are hard to find.

blbolin

Yes. It is complete.