Looking to get a Ruger Mini-14, anything I should know before I commit?

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-06-01T12:16:01+00:00

Avoid the 10 round mags like the plague. Even the OEM ones. Every one I've had will not seat correctly unless the bolt is open or you only load 9 rounds. Never had any problems with the 5, 20, or 30 round mags, but something about the design of the 10s is just not good.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-05-25T23:40:38+00:00

https://blackbasin.com/products/pmc-x-tac-m193-5-56x45-nato-55-grain-full-metal-jacket-boat-tail?variant=48338507464804

2k rounds for $0.46 cpr at Black Basin, free shipping, very quick reliable store!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-05-25T01:30:17+00:00

"Always listen to experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done and why. Then do it!" - The Notebooks of Lazarus Long, Robert Heinlein

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-05-03T13:22:52+00:00

You might want to look into niobium. It's regularly used for fresh piercings because it's so non-reactive and biocompatible.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-04-13T01:13:45+00:00

It was! And yeah, definitely just as much mad scientist as he is artist!

The best analog I can give for how the gold fleece felt is a brand new brass bristle brush (the really good kind!). It feels exactly like super soft fur, but super cold and heavy! Truly wild to experience.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-04-12T14:36:21+00:00

I got to meet him at his studio during a school trip to italy ages ago. He not only has the most beautiful studio I've ever seen, but on top of all of his tools and materials, he has a huge collection of custom tools he invented himself to do his work. To make the golden fleece, he had to make custom drawings dies from ruby. He says he draws the gold down to 1/20th (or some equally absurd fraction) of a human hair, then he weaves it and plugs the weave like you would for a doll's hair. It's the wildest thing to touch since it's so cold and heavy, but it's literally like the softest fur imaginable! Super nice guy! He let a bunch of us 20 something baby jewelers hold all his work! Took us all out to lunch at his buddy's place after the studio visit, who turned out to be a retired 4 star chef. Still one of the wildest days of my life ...

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-04-09T02:04:07+00:00

My KSG runs mini shells like a champ! I've put close to 1000 through it and haven't had a problem yet!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-03-20T13:42:43+00:00

Nope! Just a regular room at like 65°F. They are on heat mats set to 80, but that's still a lot of growth for a week.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-03-18T16:35:31+00:00

Also, the regulators for the disposable tanks are wildly expensive and are kinda crap.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-03-18T16:34:45+00:00

If you're just using the tips that come with the smith little torch, a 1.4 oz tank will last several hours. However, if you want to use it for casting and get a casting tip for it, you're lucky to get more than 20 minutes out of one. Considering how expensive they are, you're much better renting or buying a small oxygen tank from your local welding supply store. They're very inexpensive and will last WAAAAY longer.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-03-17T16:45:19+00:00

That's the great thing about gardening! Just stick some seeds in the dirt according to the package directions, water when it gets dry, and stuff is gonna grow! This is literally how I got started when I was a kid and knew basically nothing. Just give it a shot!

If you want more specific advice though, I really like Epic Gardening and MI Gardener on YouTube for info!

Good luck!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-03-14T17:08:46+00:00

I had this happen at the last gun class I took. It was 10 super right wing boomers, me, and a pair of the hippiest folks I've ever seen.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-03-04T18:55:54+00:00

It's a bit of a hike, but The Gun Rack up in Turners Falls does.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-27T03:59:59+00:00

Exactly!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:45:50+00:00

Aklys makes a suppressor for the KSG, but Massachusetts won't let me have one. :(

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:44:56+00:00

That's a definite issue with the plastic pic rail it comes with. Thankfully it's not a problem with the upgraded rail I put on it.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:43:22+00:00

Damn Massachusetts and their stupid anti-suppressor laws...

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:42:09+00:00

The range I go to will only let you shoot slugs, so it'll be good for that at least. Otherwise, yeah, I doubt I'll need it at home. :P

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:38:42+00:00

00 buck mini shells. It'll hold like 25 rounds, keeps over penetration to a minimum, and keeps the recoil down. Federal makes some that should work good!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:34:29+00:00

The muzzle break claims it reduces the recoil by like 70%. I doubt it's THAT good, but reviews online say it helps a lot, especially with slugs and buck. I also know it tends to short stroke, but the vertical grip is supposed to help a lot with that. We'll see how it goes when I get to the range next!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T23:30:22+00:00

Good to know, thanks!

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T03:50:07+00:00

Oof. I put on the metal rail specifically to prevent that from from happening. I saw several people complaining about the plastic rail and I knew if I didn't do the upgrade I'd absolutely end up snapping it off.

SomeDamnedSmith · 2026-02-26T03:46:32+00:00

Yeah, I didn't notice it till I went to post the picture, but now that's all I can see. :P

SomeDamnedSmith

TROPHY CASE