Guess what arrived in the mail on Monday 3/18! Two .308 Mini-Gs!
One was built as a gift for my dad, who is left handed. I gave it to him on Friday, and we had two sunny days on the range before the snowstorm hit.
The one with the Dupage "nutmeg" laminated stock is definitely the "looker" of the two (set up with the left-handed stock pouch). I still have some work to do to pretty up the walnut stock on mine.
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/...wo_Mini-Gs.jpg
With the flash hider, Ultimak mount, and Leupold 2.5x scout scope, they each weigh in at 10.5 lbs.
The flash hider is a cast T-37 reproduction cut down and reparkerized. It didn't take the finish very well, so we'll see how it holds up over time. The flash hiders look neat (or "scary" if you live in new york), and they don't blast out the eardrums of other folks on the line the way some muzzle brakes do. (I can't speak for the Smith brake, since I've never been around one.) As with most .308 semi-autos, recoil isn't an issue. 300 rounds of shooting off sand bags and with a loop sling, and my shoulder is none the worse for wear.
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/...tened_T-37.jpg
Off sand bags from prone, the rifle with the laminated stock grouped six shots under 1.5" at 100 yards.
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/...ated_Group.jpg
The rifle with the walnut stock put six shots under 1" at 100 yards.
http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/...lnut_Group.jpg
In both cases, I was shooting reloads - 168 gr Sierra MatchKing with 44 gr Varget. In my experience, that's incredible for a rifle with a 16" barrel.
Using the marks inside the reticle (where the reticle starts to thicken), was able to make boringly consistent hits at 300 and 400 yards on 12" x 12" steel plates. These rifles are fantastic!
I had some 175 grain Prvi that wouldn't group worth a hoot in my M14 (non-NFA, but no Springfield Armory Inc. parts). The Prvi shot just fine in the Mini-G and would consistently ring the 12" x 12" plate at 400 yards. (So I guess that is less than 3 MOA accuracy.)
Early on, I had a few short cycles. Maybe one in sixteen wouldn't chamber the next round. After increasing the gas (reducing the gas cylinder plug hole size), those issues seem to be resolved.
I can definitely say that the Mini-Gs have exceeded all of my expectations, and my dad is enamored with his new rifle.
THANK YOU Tim for putting together such wonderful products. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you must work at the North Pole. You bring joy to so many!
