mini 14 .22 rimfire conversion kit - installation issues

[Old Dog]

Well, it took a little work to get it in and I thought I'd share the issues/fixes (I used) to get it together.

I didn't take a picture of the kit (come in a nice plastic box/container) but it contains a bolt, operating rod, chamber adaptor, recoil spring, spring guide, adaptor to fit between the spring guide and gas tube and a small allen screw used to lock the chamber adaptor in position.  I bought a couple of Black Dog magazines rather than a 10 or 30 round Ceiner magazine.

The first fitting issue was the chamber adaptor not sliding into the chamber.  The instructions will tell you it is usually a dirty chamber (not so in this case) but could be a rough spot on the left side receiver rail that can be removed with a file.  This rifle had a small raised patch on the rail that was binding the adaptor.  We couldn't get to it with a file due to the way the scope was mounted (didn't want to remove the scope) so we used sanding drums on a dremel and removed metal from the raised patch in several steps till we got just enough removed to allow the chamber adaptor to slide in/out.  

Sorry about the picture.  I took several and the light (flash or spot) reflected off the raised up spot.  The raised up spot is about 3/8" long at the left end of the rail nearest the chamber.



The chamber adaptor slid right in and the allen screw was used to lock it in place.



Then the bolt was binding up about half way back as it moved rearwards or forwards.  You could pull it towards the right side of the receiver and it would move but then bind up again if it moved even a little towards the left side of the receiver.  We ground a little bit off the bottom of the left side bolt lug (using the sanding drum on the dremel again) and it would freely slide forwards/rearwards.  You can see the shiny spot on the bottom of the bolt lug.



We sprayed/brushed/wiped all the metal and abrasives dust/flakes out of the rifle, lubed all the parts with 3n1 oil and put it all together.  It seemed smooth when worked manually.  We did not get to shoot it because of the snow/ice left on the ground and the freezing rain making it worse (Dad says they've had 80 inches of snow in the month of December and quite a bit of it was still there.  I may have a function and range report after the next visit home.

Picture of bolt/chamber adaptor in the receiver.



The Mini 14 will not replace Dad's Savage Model 29 with the octagonal barrel.

edited - I tried to use the thumbnail links but the one of the bolt (even though it showed the bolt) would go to a different picture when you clicked on it.

[BD]

That's the first I have heard of these conversion kits for Mini's.
I guess I never thought to look.

Does it feed and function well?

[franklinfarmer]

My daughter uses what seems to be the same kit mentioned above.  Feeds and functions well, though there is some inconsistency with variations in ammo.  The bricks of cheap Federal seem to be fine.  Her only caution:  Don't get over excited with the charging handle, or you'll pull it off the bolt.  This is a good feature, when you consider that it helps you remain calm. 

FF