[CaptThomas]

Hi fellas! I am about to come off deployment and will be retiring soon. With some time on my hands, I want to go back and finish a gun that I love.... A MINI 14.

I started tinkering with one in college but never got to finish it and there weren't all that many parts back in the 70's like there are now. So I picked up a 196 stainles Ranch Rifle a few weeks ago while I was home on leave and would like to start ordering a few things now. So question is:

Struts:
1. I have looked at the MO-ROD, ACCU-STRUT, HAR-BAR etc. Am I missing anyone or any product worthy of review? Comments on the ASI Harmonic Stabilizer???
2. Are most of these struts all about the same and it comes down to preference or is their a shining star that is better than the others?

Stocks:
Again I have looked at the PRO- MAG Sparta, Tap-Co, Clyde SCAR, ATI, Choat, Ram Line and Ruger folders. I thnk the ATI is about what I'm looking for and I see the sales hype BUT...
1. Does anyone have comments on long term use / quaility, fit & finish, folding hinge issues and or rigidity of the stocks in general? Like I said, I'm leaning to the ATI but I did see one (only one) comment on another forum, that in his opinion the ATI was flimsy & toy like? Any one have an ATI for while and has used it to comment?
2.Have I missed a mfg's stock that I should look at?
3. Do the ATI (or any of the other brands) need to be bedded or are they pretty good to go?

Many thanks!

Capt. Thomas

[tri70]

All struts will help about the same, Accu-Strut has put the most research into the product and was the original design. The struts are easier to adjust and tune to a load or bullet weight than the balancer.
I have a Bulter Creek folder and it feels well made but I don't have any others to compare it to. You may see if you can feel several different brands at a local store.

[COBrien]

Agree with tri70 on struts -- they all make about the same improvement, it just comes down to aesthetics.

As for stocks, I've stuck with the factory synthetic, so I can't be much help with your folder selection.

[CaptThomas]

Ok, I kinda thought that may be the case with the strut's. I'm leaning to the Accu-Strut and the Har-Bar..... prolly the Accu-Strut.

Wow, on the stocks I figuered there would be a few comments?? No one has any info on the ATI or opinions on the any of the mfg's stock products??

Capt. Thomas

[crewchief58d]

I have used two ATI products and were not very satisfied with either. They were for my shotgun, but the lack of craftsmanship is probably company wide. I would definitely shop around before you make a decision.

[TLuker]

Take a look at the Hogue stock. It's not a folder but it is nice.

The Mo-Rod was very popular on this forum. I have the accu-strut and have been very happy with it. Like most everyone else, I think it's a matter of personal preference.

Congrats on your return home and upcoming retirement!!!