The Ruger Mini-14 Side Folding Stock by Samson Mfg. is almost exactly the same as the original dating back to the seventies and eighties. (Photo: Samson Mfg.)
Accessory maker Samson Mfg. is releasing an almost exact replica of the original Ruger Mini-14 Side Folding Stock from the seventies and eighties.
The author’s Ruger Mini-14 with an original Side Folding Stock that he bought for $200. (Photo: Ben Philippi / Guns.com)
I was lucky enough to buy an original Side Folding Stock last year from a guy for $200. I don’t think he knew what it was worth. People are buying them for upwards of $850, which is crazy considering they were a $40 upgrade when the rifle first launched in 1973.
After buying my stock, I promptly put it on a 580 series stainless steel Ruger Mini-14. It fit perfectly, and I think it is one of the best looking retro-rifles you can own.
Samson Mfg. has been working on the stock for the last year. They expect it to hit the markets in early 2020. I spoke to Dave Biggers, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Samson. He told me that they’ve been working in close conjunction with Ruger, using all the original molds and materials including walnut wood. Judging from the photos, it looks legit.
The Ruger Mini-14 Side Folding Stock by Samson Mfg. is almost exactly the same as the original dating back to the seventies and eighties. (Photo: Samson Mfg.)
The only difference will be the handle. The original grips were made out of bakelite. According to Biggers, bakelite is hard to find these days. “So, we’re using very durable plastic instead. It will be stronger than bakelite. The grip will be the same shape, size, and texture. The only difference is that it will be a little less shiny than the original,” he said.
Currently, Samson Mfg. is only going to manufacture the stainless steel model of the stock. Ruger made a blued-steel model back in the day. Samson may make that in the future. They’re also considering making a similar side folding stock for the Ruger 10/22.
The Ruger Mini-14 Side Folding Stock by Samson Mfg. is almost exactly the same as the original dating back to the seventies and eighties. (Photo: Samson Mfg.)
By now you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost. Don’t forget, original folding stocks are going for upwards of $850. Biggers told me they will retail for less than $300!!
What makes this even more exciting is that Ruger released a bunch of new Tactical Mini-14s. They will look stunning with the old school stocks. I can’t wait to get one.
Very exciting stuff. As always, Guns.com will keep you updated.
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Check out the video below that I made last year about my friend’s Ruger AC-556 machine gun with a Side Folding Stock.
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