Bottom rail for Ruger mini 14?

willjr75 · June 24, 2011, 10:57 AM

My father just purchased a Ruger mini 14 ranch rifle with a synthetic stock. He wants to add a bottom rail to the existing stock. He does not want to get another full stock. Is it possible to add a bottom rail to the existing stock? My search on the internet leads me to changing stocks and so forth. Can a rail be purchased and drilled into the existing stock? I'm concerned that if i drill holes and add the screws there might be clearance issues when the original stock is put back together on the rifle.

Skans · June 24, 2011, 12:37 PM

There are bottom rails made for the Mini-14. The stock tolerances aren't that tight around the action. Depending on what kind of screws come with the rail, you might need to counter-sink them a little. But, I've seen mini-14's with just bottom rails and I've seen just the bottom rail for the mini-14 advertised on various websites.

Magog · June 24, 2011, 12:51 PM

you can get a little rail piece, 2-3 inches, and drill your own holes and screw it to the stock. Nutnfacy does this tot his rifles.

He said it is common.

willjr75 · June 24, 2011, 12:55 PM

Thank a lot guys. As always, there are quick informative answers on this site.

tobnpr · June 24, 2011, 12:59 PM

If it's a factory synthetic, it's a Hogue (assuming it isn't the ATI tactical folder).
If the rail is for a bipod, it may be simpler to just add a sling stud instead of a rail...

AZAK · June 24, 2011, 01:05 PM

Depending on exactly why he wants a lower mount, light possibly, he might consider the Amega forward rail. It essentially replaces the hand guard with a long rail with the option of mounting light/laser/whatever on either side of the main rail; optional kit that attaches to pre-drilled holes.
http://www.amegaranges.com/

I have one on a Mini-14 with a 2-6 Bushnell ERR scope; scout style. You can also use the stock irons if you do not have an optic mounted; I have quick detach rings for this very purpose. Very well made, solid as a rock, works great, a little on the spendy side.

There are some other products out there; however, I personally, after much research, went this route and highly recommend it.

AZAK · June 24, 2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

If the rail is for a bipod, it may be simpler to just add a sling stud instead of a rail...

If it is for a bipod, Harris makes an adapter specifically for the Mini, I have one of those on mine too.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=199096

willjr75 · June 24, 2011, 01:48 PM

My father wants to add a grip pod. I have one on my AR and he likes the dual functions of it. I don't think it will make his Mini pretty, but that is what he wants. He has the black synthetic stock the Mini originally came with, without the pistol grip . I'm not sure if it's by Houge or not.

Skans · June 24, 2011, 02:15 PM

I've use a Grip-pod on my AC556 (auto mini-14) and really like it. I got the Israeli one - it's stout with spring loaded aluminum legs.

zinner · June 28, 2011, 08:01 AM

I just put a sling stud into my mini stock (same black synthetic).

If you take the stock off there is a shield for the gas block that fits into the stock. As long as your hardware can fit under that shield it should be ok.

I just fit a "Harris Engineering Weapon Accessories Number Radiused Flange Nut 2r" into the stock with a little grinding of the inside of the stock to remove one of the ribs and a 5/16 drill bit. It just fits, hopefully that gives you are idea of how much clearance you have to work with.

June 24, 2011, 10:57 AM	#1
willjr75 Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2010 Posts: 12	Bottom rail for Ruger mini 14? My father just purchased a Ruger mini 14 ranch rifle with a synthetic stock. He wants to add a bottom rail to the existing stock. He does not want to get another full stock. Is it possible to add a bottom rail to the existing stock? My search on the internet leads me to changing stocks and so forth. Can a rail be purchased and drilled into the existing stock? I'm concerned that if i drill holes and add the screws there might be clearance issues when the original stock is put back together on the rifle.

June 24, 2011, 01:05 PM	#6
AZAK Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: the object towards which the action of the sea is directed Posts: 2,123	Depending on exactly why he wants a lower mount, light possibly, he might consider the Amega forward rail. It essentially replaces the hand guard with a long rail with the option of mounting light/laser/whatever on either side of the main rail; optional kit that attaches to pre-drilled holes. http://www.amegaranges.com/ I have one on a Mini-14 with a 2-6 Bushnell ERR scope; scout style. You can also use the stock irons if you do not have an optic mounted; I have quick detach rings for this very purpose. Very well made, solid as a rock, works great, a little on the spendy side. There are some other products out there; however, I personally, after much research, went this route and highly recommend it. __________________ The lowest paid college major/degree in this country after graduation... Elementary Education. Now, go figure...

June 24, 2011, 12:37 PM	#2
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	There are bottom rails made for the Mini-14. The stock tolerances aren't that tight around the action. Depending on what kind of screws come with the rail, you might need to counter-sink them a little. But, I've seen mini-14's with just bottom rails and I've seen just the bottom rail for the mini-14 advertised on various websites.

June 24, 2011, 12:51 PM	#3
Magog Junior member Join Date: January 7, 2011 Posts: 222	you can get a little rail piece, 2-3 inches, and drill your own holes and screw it to the stock. Nutnfacy does this tot his rifles. He said it is common.

June 24, 2011, 12:55 PM	#4
willjr75 Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2010 Posts: 12	Thank a lot guys. As always, there are quick informative answers on this site.

June 24, 2011, 12:59 PM	#5
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	If it's a factory synthetic, it's a Hogue (assuming it isn't the ATI tactical folder). If the rail is for a bipod, it may be simpler to just add a sling stud instead of a rail...

June 24, 2011, 01:48 PM	#8
willjr75 Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2010 Posts: 12	My father wants to add a grip pod. I have one on my AR and he likes the dual functions of it. I don't think it will make his Mini pretty, but that is what he wants. He has the black synthetic stock the Mini originally came with, without the pistol grip . I'm not sure if it's by Houge or not.

June 24, 2011, 02:15 PM	#9
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	I've use a Grip-pod on my AC556 (auto mini-14) and really like it. I got the Israeli one - it's stout with spring loaded aluminum legs.

June 28, 2011, 08:01 AM	#10
zinner Junior Member Join Date: June 27, 2011 Posts: 1	I just put a sling stud into my mini stock (same black synthetic). If you take the stock off there is a shield for the gas block that fits into the stock. As long as your hardware can fit under that shield it should be ok. I just fit a "Harris Engineering Weapon Accessories Number Radiused Flange Nut 2r" into the stock with a little grinding of the inside of the stock to remove one of the ribs and a 5/16 drill bit. It just fits, hopefully that gives you are idea of how much clearance you have to work with.