Mini-14 Strut.

paknheat · November 17, 2012, 05:47 PM

Ok gang, I got a 581 series Ranch model and I'm thinking of putting a barrel strut on it. It's ok in the accuracy dept, but I am thinking that I want better , & it gives it that M-14 look. So what worked best for y'all who have done this? Mo-rod or the Accu- strut.

Adamantium · November 17, 2012, 06:19 PM

I went with the accu-strut. They are all based on the same principle so I didn't see the point of paying more for the mo-rod.

Post script: Looks like the accu-strut costs more these days. I could of sworn it was cheaper when I bought mine.

barstoolguru · November 17, 2012, 07:06 PM

mine was a barrel whipper and all over the paper until I added a ccu-strut. worth the 85 bucks

scsov509 · November 17, 2012, 07:49 PM

Quote:

I went with the accu-strut. They are all based on the same principle so I didn't see the point of paying more for the mo-rod.

This is exactly right, they'll both have the same impact on accuracy. I actually built my own from a few UTG barrel clamps and a piece of aluminum rod, all of which cost me less that $30 and worked just as well to improve the accuracy. So depends on what you're willing to spend really since any of the barrel struts will give you the same benefit.

rduckwor · November 17, 2012, 09:50 PM

Pin a flashider on it as well if it doesn't have one.

paknheat · November 17, 2012, 10:29 PM

Thanx for the input so far gang , any pics of your handi work on these strutted minis?

scsov509 · November 17, 2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:

any pics of your handi work on these strutted minis?

Sorry, I got rid of my last Mini this past spring. Perfect Union is a great place to go though, lots of info on the Mini platform over there.

Edward429451 · November 18, 2012, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Pin a flashider on it as well if it doesn't have one.

I used a pin on flash hider with H&K style front sight from Eagle, on my Mini and it shot noticeably better. For awhile I just thought that it was a better sight, but now I wonder if it doesn't help the barrel harmonics somewhat also. Do you think that's feasible? I've read about the struts, and add on gadgets to the barrel that helps the barrel harmonics to deliver better accuracy. I think I got lucky.

tobnpr · November 18, 2012, 10:57 AM

Accu-strut:

K1500 · November 18, 2012, 01:53 PM

Reviews on how much the strut helps on the new minis is mixed. People claim the older, skinny barrel minis seem to benefit more than the new ones.

gwnorth · November 18, 2012, 02:56 PM

I put a Mo-Rod on my ranch. With the newer barrel profile on the newer models, I cannot claim to have noticed any real change in accuracy (it shot just fine right out of the box), but the strut makes a big difference in how quickly the barrel cools down. Since I was doing if for that heat sink affect, I went with the Mo-Rod because of those big, complete wrap around aluminum clamps - figured it would be a better heat sink with those.

BTW, the Mo-Rod's newest design clamps fit the tapered barrel profile perfectly.

paknheat · November 18, 2012, 03:03 PM

Nice pics. Really like the way the finish on the Mo-Rod matched the stainless ranch model.

paknheat · November 18, 2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobnpr

Accu-strut:

Did you do the camo finish yourself ? Excellent work.

tobnpr · November 18, 2012, 04:59 PM

Yes, Krylon Camo rattlecan job.

Done several rifles with it, amazing stuff, fun and easy to do.

If you ever decide to remove or change it, wipes right off with mineral spirits.

rickyrick · November 18, 2012, 05:28 PM

Not sure if the strut is necessary on the 581's
But they look ok

stu925 · November 18, 2012, 09:53 PM

I considered building my own for a while but eventually decided I didn't need one on my 581. If I were going to put a strut on though I would definitely build my own. I even considered using an old 12ga recoil reducer (liquid filled) for a strut, I thought that might really help deaden any barrel whip.

Stu

harrydog · November 21, 2012, 05:56 AM

gwnorth - I have the tactical model like the one in your photo. It looks like you have the GGG mount and a Burris Fastfire on it. I've been thinking about getting a Fastfire for mine. How do you like it? Is it decent for accuracy out to 100 yards?

gwnorth · November 21, 2012, 09:07 AM

Yup - I have the Burris Fastfire II on the GG&G flat mount. It works really well and I'm very pleased with it. With my eyes, I tend to use the tactical more at 25-75yds than 100yds, but I can reliable hit a fist-sized group from a standing position with the Fastfire II at 100yds. That was mainly what I wanted it for - tactical accuracy at sub-100yd ranges. My eyesight is bad enough that I struggle with the iron sights, and at the least, I am much slower with them than the Fastfire. I get my enjoyment with iron sights shooting my 1892s as I will not use anything but irons with them - ruins the whole feel of a classic style lever gun for me, while the mini's still feel right at home with optics.

In hindsight though, I think I would have gone with the GG&G rail instead of the form-fitted Fastfire mount - just to have more options for the future (although it would have cost a little more). GG&G also now is offering the FastFire III but I have not seen that sight anywhere yet. It does sound like easier adjustments, (the FastFire II is not bad to sight in, but you need a screwdriver to release the locking screws - I have not noticed it drifting much with use though, so I'm not having to adjust it often). I'm thinking of picking a Fastfire III up with the rail mount in the new year to give it a try.

harrydog · November 21, 2012, 08:42 PM

A fist size group at 100 yards is accurate enough for me with this gun and I would be using it mostly for shorter ranges anyway.
I think the rail would be my preference also.

paknheat...sorry. I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

paknheat · November 21, 2012, 11:26 PM

No worries, the more I look at the pics posted, I'm leaning toward a Mo Rod. Like the whole heat sink idea. Makes the Mini look a bit like its big brother. As for the accuracy, I think it may help. My Mini isn't too bad in that dept when it's fed ammo it likes.

November 17, 2012, 05:47 PM	#1
paknheat Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: East Texas Posts: 334	Mini-14 Strut. Ok gang, I got a 581 series Ranch model and I'm thinking of putting a barrel strut on it. It's ok in the accuracy dept, but I am thinking that I want better , & it gives it that M-14 look. So what worked best for y'all who have done this? Mo-rod or the Accu- strut.

November 17, 2012, 06:19 PM	#2
Adamantium Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 1999 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,021	I went with the accu-strut. They are all based on the same principle so I didn't see the point of paying more for the mo-rod. Post script: Looks like the accu-strut costs more these days. I could of sworn it was cheaper when I bought mine. __________________ New gun, same ol' shot. Last edited by Adamantium; November 17, 2012 at 06:24 PM.

November 17, 2012, 09:50 PM	#5
rduckwor Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2008 Location: L.A. - Lower Alabama Posts: 365	Pin a flashider on it as well if it doesn't have one. __________________ RMD

November 17, 2012, 07:06 PM	#3
barstoolguru Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2011 Posts: 180	mine was a barrel whipper and all over the paper until I added a ccu-strut. worth the 85 bucks

November 17, 2012, 10:29 PM	#6
paknheat Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: East Texas Posts: 334	Thanx for the input so far gang , any pics of your handi work on these strutted minis?

November 18, 2012, 10:57 AM	#9
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Accu-strut:

November 18, 2012, 01:53 PM	#10
K1500 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2011 Posts: 163	Reviews on how much the strut helps on the new minis is mixed. People claim the older, skinny barrel minis seem to benefit more than the new ones.

November 18, 2012, 02:56 PM	#11
gwnorth Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	I put a Mo-Rod on my ranch. With the newer barrel profile on the newer models, I cannot claim to have noticed any real change in accuracy (it shot just fine right out of the box), but the strut makes a big difference in how quickly the barrel cools down. Since I was doing if for that heat sink affect, I went with the Mo-Rod because of those big, complete wrap around aluminum clamps - figured it would be a better heat sink with those. BTW, the Mo-Rod's newest design clamps fit the tapered barrel profile perfectly.

November 18, 2012, 03:03 PM	#12
paknheat Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: East Texas Posts: 334	Nice pics. Really like the way the finish on the Mo-Rod matched the stainless ranch model.

November 18, 2012, 04:59 PM	#14
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Yes, Krylon Camo rattlecan job. Done several rifles with it, amazing stuff, fun and easy to do. If you ever decide to remove or change it, wipes right off with mineral spirits.

November 18, 2012, 09:53 PM	#16
stu925 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: New York Posts: 953	I considered building my own for a while but eventually decided I didn't need one on my 581. If I were going to put a strut on though I would definitely build my own. I even considered using an old 12ga recoil reducer (liquid filled) for a strut, I thought that might really help deaden any barrel whip. Stu

November 21, 2012, 05:56 AM	#17
harrydog Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2000 Posts: 283	gwnorth - I have the tactical model like the one in your photo. It looks like you have the GGG mount and a Burris Fastfire on it. I've been thinking about getting a Fastfire for mine. How do you like it? Is it decent for accuracy out to 100 yards?

November 21, 2012, 09:07 AM	#18
gwnorth Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 692	Yup - I have the Burris Fastfire II on the GG&G flat mount. It works really well and I'm very pleased with it. With my eyes, I tend to use the tactical more at 25-75yds than 100yds, but I can reliable hit a fist-sized group from a standing position with the Fastfire II at 100yds. That was mainly what I wanted it for - tactical accuracy at sub-100yd ranges. My eyesight is bad enough that I struggle with the iron sights, and at the least, I am much slower with them than the Fastfire. I get my enjoyment with iron sights shooting my 1892s as I will not use anything but irons with them - ruins the whole feel of a classic style lever gun for me, while the mini's still feel right at home with optics. In hindsight though, I think I would have gone with the GG&G rail instead of the form-fitted Fastfire mount - just to have more options for the future (although it would have cost a little more). GG&G also now is offering the FastFire III but I have not seen that sight anywhere yet. It does sound like easier adjustments, (the FastFire II is not bad to sight in, but you need a screwdriver to release the locking screws - I have not noticed it drifting much with use though, so I'm not having to adjust it often). I'm thinking of picking a Fastfire III up with the rail mount in the new year to give it a try.

November 21, 2012, 08:42 PM	#19
harrydog Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2000 Posts: 283	A fist size group at 100 yards is accurate enough for me with this gun and I would be using it mostly for shorter ranges anyway. I think the rail would be my preference also. paknheat...sorry. I didn't mean to hijack your thread.