Update, sort of Now I have Both!
As I said earlier, I had traded a 186 Series Mini-14 (made in 1996 with a rare 1/7 twist barrel) to get the Quality Hardware. M1 Carbine. I had just gotten a new 584 Series Mini-30, so I did not think I needed an Mini-14, when I had an AR15 in 5.56. well I was wrong. The Mini-30 was not nearly the rifle the 186 was.I have been missing the 186 Mini-14. Besides the 1/7 twist barrel, I threaded the muzzle 1/2x28 and added a Cav Arms Break, and also installed a 580 series post and wing front sight (like M1 Carbine sight).
Last month at the Sportsman's range when I was shooting my 584 series Mini-30, another member (an older gentleman than me and I am 67!) had the opportunity to shoot my Mini-30. He was smitten, and said it was more accurate than the last Mini-30 he had shot! He wanted to buy it on the spot, but I declined. Fast forward to a couple days ago. I was in the gunshop, as was the that older gentleman that badly wanted my Mini-30. He again asked if I wanted to sell the Mini-30. He REALLY wanted it.
To give the Readers Digest version, he wanted the Mini-30 so bad that I got my original 186 Mini-14 (which surprisingly was still on the rack for sale taunting me every time I went in), 1,000 rounds of Lake City M193 5.56mm in a 50 cal ammo can, and my accessories I had originally traded in with the Mini-14. All I ended up giving was the Mini-30 with two 5 round mags! It was too good to pass up! The 186 always functioned 100%, gave me 1.5 MOA with MK262 MOD1 77 grainers. Of all the Minis I have owned since 1982, the 186 is the best! In several thousand rounds when I first had it, I never had a single malfunction, even with non-factory mags (USA Magazine and Western brand 20s and 30s with Ruger followers.).
Yeah, I know, I am as fickle as a junior high girl! LOL: but now I have both the M1 carbine and the Mini.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../aicZXiH-1.jpg
Perfect mate for the Quality Hardware:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../hwUVGmX-1.jpg
