Shorten Mini14 barrel?

[Delta789]

Hey, I have heard that by chopping and re-crowning the barrel a couple of inches will improve the accuracy of the mini. Anyone have personal experience? I was thinking about doing it to mine (if nothing else just to shhorten O/A length.) I'd really appreciate any input.

:)

[DJ Niner]

Yes, it may help a bit; how much depends on your particular barrel.

If you have a wood stock, upgrading it to a synthetic one might improve accuracy more than the barrel work, unless the barrel's crown has definitely been damaged. Way back in the medium good-old-days, I had a stainless Mini that shot about 4" 100 yard groups; a new stock got me down to 2.5", and a barrel shortening (with recrowned muzzle) only took another half-inch off the groups. It was a 2"-2.25" 100 yard gun from that point on, and more consistent in its POI, too (less wandering of the zero), so I was pretty happy with it after the modifications.

[RickyD]

An added flash hider works well on some Minis, too.

[Delta789]

Yeah, well I have a synthetic folding stock on it now...that did seem to help a little, but it wouldn't hurt to shave off an MOA or so. Does anyone know a ballpark cost for getting a barrel shortened and recrowned? What about the threading it? Thanks...

Delta789

[Skintop911]

Cutting Mini-14 barrels to 16" has produced moderate to significant improvement in several guns. The work was about $100/ea from a competent, area smith.

On one, I also lopped about 2" off the stock, resulting in a pretty handy carbine. I also opened up the rear sight a bit and mounted a light. A healthy supply of firing pins and extractors kept it running and it was in service for several years.

[DJ Niner]

"Handy" is what the Mini-14 does best. :)