Removing Mini 14 handguard?

[Mike215]

Can anyone tell me if the handguards on the mini just come right off, or am i missing something... Do i need to unscrew anything? :confused:

[hodaka]

Pops right off. To take the mini apart, just unhook the back of the trigger guard, pull the trigger mechanism downward. After that, the mini just falls apart (pretty much).

[Swampghost]

With the wood stock there is a spring clip that needs to be removed. I use a 90* seal removal tool (small one from Snap-On tools). You need to re-form it by hand for re-assembly and it's a PITA both ways.

If somebody has a better way I'd like to hear it. With the rain down here mine gets knocked apart a lot.

[hodaka]

SG -Why do you need to remove the spring clip? The spring tension holds the handguard to the barrel. Like I said, the handguard pops right off if you lift it at the rear. It is a spring.

[hoytinak]

Like stated just pop off the back off first and lift the handguard off....this is how mine's done, even with the wood stock.

[csmsss]

Pops right off. No big deal at all. I've seen folks replace these with Picatinny/weaver mounts.

[Mike215]

Thank you guys for the fast feedback. My handguard just popped right off with no issues. A second of a struggle but no issues. I ordered a choate handguard. I think it looks cooler :D. And i have a 181 series mini. Made in 1980, if that means anything :p. Again, thank you guys for the fast responses. Theres a reason why i come here for all my questions ;). Thanks again.

-mike

[Swampghost]

The one that I was referring to is a 180 prefix made in '76. THAT handguard definitly does not 'just pop off' or pop back on.

[Logs]

Whatever you do DON"T take out the screws holding the front gas assembly. Pain in the A$$ getting that back together.

[Mike215]

I'll keep that in mind:p. Thanks for the input guys!:)