Mini 14's are notorious for stringing their shots, usually vertically, as the barrel heats up. This is supposed to be because of stresses induced in the steel by the manufacture of the barrel.
My Mini 14 had that problem. I had the barrel treated by 300 Below: Firearms (Cryo-Barrel)
These are the results:
First, before treatment, 5 shots from a cold barrel, 50 yards, iron sights. 1st shot, ~4 inches low, 2nd, ~2inches low, 3rd, 4th, and 5th at point of aim.
Next, after treatment, 5 shots, as before, same shooter, same distance. All shots clustered around point of aim.
The target is a 4 inch circle. Here is the same target with a quarter for size comparison.
Based on this limited test, I have come to the following conclusions:
1. Cryogenic treatment, at least that by 300 Below, works to reduce stringing. Due to time constraints and the fact that I forgot my muffs and had only earplugs, I was unable to fire more rounds (my ears are still recovering). If I find that the stringing returns when the barrel heats up, I will report that.
2. This gun will shoot 1 inch at 50 yards; maybe better (if I remember my earmuffs), but I believe that any outside that group are my fault and a smaller group will indicate I am improving as a shooter.
It cost me about $90; I believe the money I paid 300 Below was well spent. If your gun shifts point of impact as it heats up, I recommend you consider this treatment.
.
My Mini 14 had that problem. I had the barrel treated by 300 Below: Firearms (Cryo-Barrel)
These are the results:
First, before treatment, 5 shots from a cold barrel, 50 yards, iron sights. 1st shot, ~4 inches low, 2nd, ~2inches low, 3rd, 4th, and 5th at point of aim.
Next, after treatment, 5 shots, as before, same shooter, same distance. All shots clustered around point of aim.
The target is a 4 inch circle. Here is the same target with a quarter for size comparison.
Based on this limited test, I have come to the following conclusions:
1. Cryogenic treatment, at least that by 300 Below, works to reduce stringing. Due to time constraints and the fact that I forgot my muffs and had only earplugs, I was unable to fire more rounds (my ears are still recovering). If I find that the stringing returns when the barrel heats up, I will report that.
2. This gun will shoot 1 inch at 50 yards; maybe better (if I remember my earmuffs), but I believe that any outside that group are my fault and a smaller group will indicate I am improving as a shooter.
It cost me about $90; I believe the money I paid 300 Below was well spent. If your gun shifts point of impact as it heats up, I recommend you consider this treatment.
.
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I could not get mine to string after the cryotreat.
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