Mini 14 580+series factory folder build.....maybe

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wallyturcotte

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Hi all
Looking for advise on a project.
Recently added a factory 185 series folder to my collection, it's in the safe sitting beside an unfired 582 series stainless mini (fat barrel), I was thinking about putting the new mini into the folding stock and having it all nitron finished in black.
A few concerns I am having
The gas block swivels are in different locations, bottom and side. Can I tig weld a new swivel on the side of the stainless gas block without comprising the structural integrity?
Am I crazy for wanting to do this? Will I potentially wreck 2 rifles? Or completely devalue them?
Any input will help!
 
Are you talking about the 185 series "A-Team" famous factory folder?

Those are among the more collectible of the 18 series mini-14's. Last time I saw one pop up in an online auction in Canada, it went for $1600.00... There was a bit of a bidding war and auction mania took over, so I wouldn't really call that the "going" price. But a normal 18 series Mini-14 will fetch typically $700-$750. The folders will sell for $900-$1100 typically.

Personally, I wouldn't mess with a factory folder 18 series. I'd be worried about killing the long term value of it.
 
I'm going to have to agree with grelmar on this subject. Although, it would be nice to have a factory folder with a heavier barrel, a genuine Mini-14 factory folder with the side mounted sling swivel just shouldn't be messed with.They are far and few between. I have only seen 2 genuine ones on the EE and I bought one of them. Lol On the other hand, if you're not worried about holding the value of authenticity and it's a piece you would hang on to, I think it would be a very cool project and I would be very interested to see the end result. On a side note, I think I read somewhere in order to fit a factory folder on a 580 series, you have to notch out some of the wood where the reciever meets the stock. Don't quote me on that but I think I heard that.
 
I was just thinking, and in my opinion the resale value is potentially there if you ever so chose to sell it. I have read on a lot of forums that people love the look of the factory folding stock (who doesn't though? They look and feel awesome!), but they don't want to sacrifice the accuracy by having to buy a 180-197 series. But retrofitting a 580 with a factory folder is satisfying both worlds. Maybe even thread the muzzle and find a factory Ruger flash hider, you'd be good to go.
 
There was a 580-series on the EE maybe a year ago that was fit into a modified factory folder, and given a custom repro bayonet lug/sight and flash suppressor to create a modern-series GB. So it can be done.

I would leave the factory folder gun as-is and search for an extra folding stock. They're out there, especially on Gunbroker down south where even factory folder GBs are not hard to find.
 
I was big into mini's a few years ago. Had two mint s/s folders and built two shooter folders. One was a 6.8 other .223. One in a factory folding stock other was a 80's copy by federal I think. Did a cool blued GB in a under folder. Anyways, find a stock in S/S, they are out there. Leave your org alone and build a toy with the other. I would not play with the gas block myself but I can easily be done. My two cents. Cool rifles, hope I don't get that bug again!��
 
I picked up a stainless factory folder that has a series 581 in it. I didn't put it together, but the owner told me it didn't take much to get them together, I just think he had to sand down a bit of the stock on the inside to get it to fit. The rifle has the sling swivel on the bottom of the gas block, and I'm leaving it that way. Not worth the hassle.
 
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