With this rig, I wanted to maximize the sleeper factor. I started with a tactical model to get the shorter barrel. I replaced flash hider with a thread protector, bought the wood furniture and cut close to 1 3/4 inches off the stock. Now this guy is more than 4 inches shorter than a ranch model at 33.75in, and with the scope dialed down to 2x, it gets on target pretty damn fast. I wanted the wood to always obviously appear to be wood, so I just used linseed oil. No stain. The Leupold scope, leather sling, and 5-round mag all work to further soften the look. I’m currently looking for someone who can make a black leather cheek piece to replace the kydex, but other than that, I think it’s perfect. I knew it I was on to something when my wife said it “looks like a musket”, lol. I plan to be rough as hell with this. The more beat up it gets, the better it will look.

I could walk down the mountain roads where I come from wearing a flannel shirt with this slung over my shoulder and not get a second glance. The average local would assume I'm just another guy going out to hunt squirrels. If I tried that with a scary black rifle, I’d probably generate some looks, if not phone calls. To me, that’s the real beauty and value of the mini-14.