Value of MINI14 with factory folder...?

frichtie

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
Québec
Hi all,
I've been searching all over the net, but can't find a Ruger mini14 with factory folder that's for sale....

What would be the value of such a rifle? (Series 184)

Eric
 
Huh at that price point its almost asking for a replica to be made. Is there like a patent or trademark on the ruger factory folding stock?

There was an almost exact clone built in the late 80's called a Falcon Folder.
Pistol grip was different but other than that it was almost the same. Some had Falcon embossed into the wood.
 
Most don't know, but the folders had a different gas / barrel block then the regular production line.....

You can always spot a mismatched mini by the location of the sling loop..... side vs bottom......

I'd agree that the price is sitting at 1200, if it's not abused....

Be watchful though....

Factory folders have a few 'hitches' mileage is easy to spot... 2 ways to tell....

1- when the rear shoulder stock folds along side the gun it clips onto a metal nipple. It is very tight to the wood & it can put a classic dent in the wood. This dent in the wood gets bad on folders that have seen a lot of use....

2- the main hinge / folding mechanism should be tight with VERY little play. If the stock is secured as extended there can be up/down & side to side wiggle @ the hinge.... neither is good. The side to side indicates that the locking button is loose. The up/down indicates wear in the channel or a bad/worn pivot pin...

Problem is that you'll never find any replacement parts for it......

IMHO a folder that shows it's age / wear isn't worth nearly as much as one in good shape....
 
Last edited:
Back in the early/mid 80's the Mini-14 was a great entry level rifle into the .223 world until you saved up a little money for an HK93/Galil AR/Steyr AUG/etc.

As a result there were a LOT of accessories available for the Mini-14, and if a 18.5" semi-auto .223 rifle was cool to shoot.....a 18.5" semi-auto .223 with a folding stock was even cooler! That led to a few different aftermarket companies producing folding stocks for the Mini-14 because the Factory Folding Mini-14 was the same price as an AR-15 and the GB model with the Factory Folding stock AND bayonet lug was almost impossible to find as they were sold as soon as the dealer (if they could even get them) put them on the wall.

Fast forward 30 years; the firearms world in Canada has changed dramatically and the Mini-14 has been eclipsed by the AR-15 for various reasons, but if you can find one in the $1200-$1500 range, an original Factory Folder Mini-14 is still a great rifle.
 
Back
Top Bottom