How to Tune Up a Ruger Mini-14 Trigger ~ M1A National Match Style!

[@geico1975]

Isn't it always fun watching someone that knows what they're doing. You make it look so easy and effective. Nice job.

[@markbennett5923]

followed your directions to the letter and now I have a crisp 4 pound trigger. Between this and following your step-by-step bedding job, I hope to have a sub MOA grouping rifle but even if I don’t, I bet I’ll still be competitive with most novice shooters regardless of what rifle they have. Thank you so much for these videos. I think I’m going to send you a little bit of money (one of these days).😅

[@davidwhite5858]

You’re doing a great job. Nice and slow but very informative. Thank you sir.

[@richardevans3084]

Love listening to this man before i go to bed .He has ASMR voice like Bob Ross is to painting. His instructions fall into my Sub Conscious Mind late at night ; and because of this i remember what has been taught when i work on my guns a day or even a week or more later. God Bless this Gentle Man

[@MrMetalhead0124]

Great video, I found the ceramic stone at Midway and ordered a sear spring from M-Carbo. Followed your instruction and carefully polished all the surfaces that are part of the trigger group, lubed with PTFE and reassembled. What a difference it makes. Now instead of a scratchy first pull, it is smooth as butter to the wall, and the wall is smooth with no creep and a crisp snap at the end. I did not go crazy with the ceramic stone and used magnifying glasses to watch the progress of the polishing. Very happy with my work on my first Ruger Mini-14 trigger job!

[@GunBlue490]

Good work!

[@cuttheknot4781]

I am amazed at our friends dexterity to manipulate small parts with such grace while looking through a camera. This, of course, is in addition to his "Renaissance Man" level knowledge of other subjects and command of the english language. I hope I sufficiently described the stellar qualities of this Fine American Christian Man. In fact, I have serious sleep issues and often try to sleep to his playlists...very relaxing. As always, much appreciated. God Bless.

[@cd0130]

very relaxing

[@WiffDedrick]

Most excellent and detailed video. On my Mini 14 I started at 7.5 lb, polished trigger catch and went to 6.5 lb, after the spring mod (1 1/2 coils) it went to 5.3. An additional 1/2 coil went to 4.3. The trigger no longer has that gritty feel. Perfect! Also, I happened to notice the "finished" end of the "barrel pin" is concave, it make it easier to insert the final pin from that side.

[@kelvindodd5577]

Talk about timing. I was fitting a sling to my Mini-30 and ran across your video on the Mini-14 vs M1, then to this. Excellent, safety coverage and understanding of the implications. Your explanation of the spring location and re-assembly process was excellent. Looking forward to following more of your videos.

[@seanoneil277]

Thank you for walking us through this process, Mr GB. Great to hear Benny come in the room and start talking to you. He really wanted your attention! God bless you, Mrs GB and Benny.

[@Jeff_Seely]

Thank you Captain for producing content out of your own pocket. People don't realize the financial and technical aspects putting videos together that is the quality of gun blue 490. And shooting gear is at an all-time astronomical high! Thank you so much for the years of the gun blue 490 program! I cannot donate a heck of a lot. I have a family of seven running on one income but what I can do, I will do.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you so much. God bless!

[@clasvirhodes4969]

@@GunBlue490 How can we send you $10.00 ?

[@Jeff_Seely]

Thank you sir. May God bless you and your family. Please consider putting your patreon link in the 'about' section of your KZbin channel. Thank you again!

[@captainnemo6222]

@@GunBlue490 Are you by any chance a K of C, sir? If so, then allow me to say Thank you, Worthy Brother, for a series of such excellent videos. I do not yet have my Mini-14, but I intend obtaining one ASAP. Because of your efforts, I feel as if I am far more capable of doing whatever small changes or enhancements may be helpful. I'd be very interested in hearing your ideas vis-s-vis the kind of sights that would work best for old Astigmatic eyes, whether red dot, homographic, low power scope or peep/aperture type. God bless.

[@sgtstedanko7186]

I'm an apprentice gunsmith who works at a small shop. I will be getting a Mini 14 soon and your instruction on the trigger job will help immensely. 👍🏻 As you know a gunsmith always has to tinker to improve things 😏

[@bruceinoz8002]

Also: A thrifty tradesman always has parts left over............

[@Paladin1873]

I was living in Nashua, NH in 1987 and running a small FFL business on the side. I was also active in GO-NH. I imagine we knew some of the same folks.

[@PhoebeNix666]

You make fantastic videos! My mini 14 has never been such a joy to handle since I came across your channel. Thank you for the massive wealth of information and great spirit you are sharing!

[@ScottyBennitone]

I put in an Mcarbo spring a couple weeks back . Made a nice two stage , 4.5 , crisp trigger . Thanks for the video Mr Blue.

[@paliacho9]

Boy that new camera is amazing. Terrific. Thanks for the vids.

[@sturisa]

I was lucky to find your channel a few years ago. No fluff, just the facts. Thanks!

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Thank You for passing on your lifetime of knowledge. I wish someone valued my skills enough to want to learn them. I'm a Harley-Davidson expert. Old, new, doesn't matter, but when I visit my local dealer I see kids with a patch on their service shirt that proclaims them as a " Master Technician". Most wouldn't last until coffee time in my shop. I watched this great video twice, then decided to give it a go. I didn't have a ceramic stone that fit very well,but I have a machined meehanite plate that I load with Clover Lapping compound and use to smooth various components. I used it with some very fine Clover and it came out beautifully. I just now tested it. Getting rid of the silly rear sight in favor of the Tech sight made my rifle more accurate.But after these minor trigger mods and some test shots to learn the new feel,, I shot a 2 inch 5 shot group at 100 yards with the sun setting. That's about as good as I can expect with peep sight and 58 year old eyes. I bought the rifle to protect my Spaniels from various wild animals on our daily hike on the Black Hills National Forest. It's going to be great for that! In fact, Lion season opens Jan 1. I've got one on camera looking in my chicken coop. She's not lactating and has no kittens. I'm going to cut her track, follow her to her cave and light her up with the Mini. Lion hunting here is physically brutal as dogs are, for the most part, not allowed. It's really hard on my antique Model 70s, etc so the stainless all-weather Mini 14 with simple M14 canvas sling is going to work beautifully. Thanks, again.

[@ralphharris6955]

I did the trigger job today on my mimi 14 tactical with a upgraded beach wood stock. Also installed the Tech Sights, the trigger is perfect!! This is a very nice rifle, thank you so much for your guidance. I really appreciate the knowledge that you share, always looking forward to the next video!!

[@GunBlue490]

Happy shooting!

[@tamminicholson5060]

I appreciate the video, thank you. I like the disclaimer in the intro as well. Great job!

[@sierrabravo9228]

another great video sir! especially when you reverently educate us about the mini 14. I did the trigger polishing like you demonstrated a few years ago, and that dramatically improved the trigger feel on mine! what I love about the mini 14 is that when you look at it, it makes you think America!

[@InGratitudeIam]

Excellent! This is the best explanation and execution I've seen anywhere. Thank you.

[@johnmollet2637]

Hi GunBlue, Excellent video, I even learned a thing or two. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@philchristmas6818]

You sir are a true Jewl! Thx for holding our hands & sharing your expertise on the mini-14 trigger with us. I'm not sure about cutting the secondary sear spring but I'm willing to give it a go once I aquire the glass stones for polishing. Carry-on sir & we all miss Benny very much😢!

[@boomdawg56]

Great video. Looks like my project for next Saturday afternoon will be with my old mini.

[@charlesfinely8144]

Excellent work! Replaced some springs, did a little polishing. Thank you.

[@DOW114]

Thank You for the video . I just might give it a try. always great to watch a pro like you.

[@bolriconyc3795]

Great video sir!!!.... I cut the spring as instructed but couldn't find the polishing stone you used. I ended up using FLITZ and polished the instructed areas and it worked out beautifully!!!..... got the trigger pull down to a smidge over 3.5 lbs..... thanks for the instructions sir, much appreciated.

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Thank you sir, so much. I love my Rugers, and especially my Minis... 14 &30. I appreciate that you advise caution in these tuneups.

[@megatrends]

I used an aftermarket secondary sear spring made for this same purpose to reduce trigger pull tension instead of cutting the factory one. I kept the factory one in my parts box should it ever be needed. My trigger pull is super perfect after replacing it, Very happy with the results.

[@johnfernandez3166]

God-bless you Brother

[@DreamwalkerFilms]

Absolutely love the way you present your information and the time you take on laying out careful steps in the proper order. Your style is a breath of fresh air and so much easier to follow than so many of the quick-cut, quick-talking speedsters on KZbin...thanks for this great video! Just ordered a ceramic file and punch...can't wait to try this on my own weapon. Much obliged.

[@Thwarptide]

I actually bought a sear spring from MCARBO rather than risk mucking it up by hand. My original trigger was extremely gritty and there was a rotten bur on the sear. That bur was causing a silly rotten hang up before release. I had to take that down with a fine Kentucky stone, then finish it up the rest of the way with the ceramic polishing. After reinstalling everything, this is an entirely different trigger! At first it was dern close to 6lbs, now it’s right close to 4.5lbs as expected! Thanks for the patience and detailed instructions!

[@Quality_Guru]

Nicely done - thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@Mrelindio42]

When I was in the Army, 1961 - 1964, I was on a rifle team. The first year we fired the M-1 Garand and the second year the M-14. We tuned both with this procedure. If we had screwed up this procedure, we probably would have been court- marshaled. It sure helped the triggers on both. It didn't do anything to help the recoil of either though.

[@kevinlawrence9629]

Another fabulous video, your knowledge is priceless. Thank You

[@ronbos12]

I performed this exactly as you suggested. What a difference! Thanks.

[@GunBlue490]

You're welcome.

[@patrickflynn8984]

Where can I find those ceramic pieces.?

[@ronbos12]

Amazon!

[@wmdayman]

Very good info. It is great to see how things operate.

[@stevemullinax5941]

New subscriber here really enjoy your content thank you sir for sharing this wonderful educational video hello from North Carolina and God bless

[@waywardronin8755]

Love Benny and always appreciate your outstanding videos. Keep up the great work!

[@jonnporter6081]

When I'm working on stuff with small parts, springs, etc., I use a Hefty 2.5 gallon bag. You can find them at almost any grocery store. A box of 12 is about five bucks. The bags are big enough that I can get my hands and most parts into. This cuts down on lost springs and small parts. It also cuts down on un-Christian like language. If you have really big hands, you can probably find clear storage bags that are used for storing pillows, linens, and such.

[@rhuck37]

Thank You for the heads up on this matter!!!

[@RonnieStanley-tc6vi]

I'm putting this on my list of things to do. I may not lighten the trigger spring, but smoothing that sear up will improve mine greatly.

[@Prosecute-fauci]

I just did this on my mini 14 tactical. I got it to an incredibly smooth and consistent 5.5lbs. I am leaving it right there.

[@utubetommy]

I ordered 2 extra OEM Secondary Sear Springs (just in case i took too much off the original spring) to do the job and a Norton Hard Arkansas Sharpening Stone, Triangular 3" x 1/4" Ultra Fine from MidwayUSA. Stone arrived broken in two pieces (due to poor packing) so called Midway and they had no more Triangular stones in stock. So had to order a square stone of the same description instead. Will have to wait till it arrives to do the job. Very disappointed but hopefully the square stone will work just as well. That said, the lady at Midway was very courteous and helpful.

[@roberthendricks1453]

Another excellent video. I learn so much just watching. Thank you, sir.

[@nickcirillo6191]

Excellent 😎 And please tell Benny that I say hello 🐶

[@philchristmas6818]

(FYI) Benny had past away a while back😢. It so nice to hear you speak of him, we love our dogs (& pets too), they're all part of our families 😊.

[@Nostrildomus]

Nice camera work . . . Thanks

[@johnqpublic2718]

Heck yeah - I just got lucky with this upload as I lay down to rest, finally.

[@boogerdog5247]

Nice work. "The secret's in the coil spring sauce!" That ceramic stone is a must have also. I haven't handled an M1 Garand since service days, long ago. Don't have a mini either, but those NiB teflon infused AR triggers aren't as smooth as they sell them to be.

[@sgtstedanko7186]

What's smooth to one is gritty to another. Personally I don't like to change the trigger on a field rifle for obvious reasons, but for bench shooting cleaning up the pull is necessary. I've had guys who made bench triggers for their ARs and then were shooting doubles and triples hunting in the field. It's all preference.

[@boogerdog5247]

@@sgtstedanko7186 In those instances, people most likely "removed material." Polishing however is a different matter. I hunt, I'm not a range groupie or bench rest shooter. I've watched utube well followed get multiple shots from bench rests, in AR10's, by having after market triggers installed that are light poundage from the factory, unaltered. They don't respond well to coaching on too much weight on an elbow, and the rifle's recoil, virtually creates a "bump stock" effect. So, any combinations of multiple firings can result from many things, not just someone who gets a file out and starts "polishing." Removing material in trigger polishing is the culprit. I don't believe, one can create a Timney or Geislie (sp) $250.00 trigger from a mil-spec $25.00 trigger no matter how gun smith'ed they are, but some grit can be minimized.

[@sgtstedanko7186]

@@boogerdog5247 if it feels gritty to begin with then yes. But what feels smooth to one may feel gritty to another. I'm just really conservative on messing with anything too much. You can always take more off but can't always put more back on. So when a customer wants a smooth and tune I do as little as possible to make them happy without creating an unsafe weapon. Gunsmithing has a ton of liability. I've had guys try to sue my head gunsmith because he did everything they asked and they did not know how to operate the weapon after the work was done. Much like what you mentioned with doubling up. Something to that affect. Either way it is fun to clean up factory guns and turn them into cadillacs.

[@boogerdog5247]

@@sgtstedanko7186 Agreed, I have a smith/ffl, who flat out will not touch a trigger by policy, for the very reason you mention. LIABILITY. I used to be able to get from a military components contractor, armorer hand tuned AR triggers to the ounce pull. He would only go to four pounds approx. on an AR10 trigger. We seem to be agreeing on all points. You can only do so much with a mil-spec trigger before it belongs in the garbage can or scrap metal bin, before it gets someone in trouble. I like teflon infused and NiB 40 dollar triggers. They can be improved in grittiness, if you are carefull, but like I was saying, they will never become a $250.00 trigger. I have some hard primer ammo, so all my AR's have enhanced firing pins, some have heavier hammer springs as well. Bottom line, all my triggers are safe pound weight pull rated. Most of these 3, 3.5 pound drop in's have ftf issues with harder primers. Sometimes that enhanced firing pin will help, but sometimes it won't. Like I said, mine are set up for field use not a precision bench rest long distance dialer. Good convo here...salute!

[@sgtstedanko7186]

@@boogerdog5247 it's my wheelhouse I gunsmith in SW Minnesota. A small two man shop mostly we handle hunting and farm guns but we get the fun stuff in here too a lot. I installed a couple binaries not long ago. Testing those made my day. Either way no matter what you do in this business you'll never get rich and you'll sometimes get sued for shit that isn't your fault. It all comes with the territory. We do it for the love of the trade and nothing else. Cheers 🍻

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Rugers definitely have rough triggers, thank you.

[@louhess6355]

Where did you get your polishing tools? Could you please start putting a list I have tools you use and brands. Even were to purchase would be nice.

[@thesaint1517]

Great explanation on how to improve the trigger mechanism. I would love to do mine but I feel that I am not really qualified to take a risk. Thanks for sharing your great knowledge on this gun.

[@Carnyx_1]

You're my boy, Blue!

[@clasvirhodes4969]

I would pay to see a video on adjusting your mod 70 win. trigger. I have a 1983-84 mod 70 257 Roberts that I would love to bring down to 3.0 lbs for benchrest shooting.

[@oldschoolprepper2273]

Thank you very much watched your video a couple of times it was very easy after that used a super fine ceramic on the sheer still leaving a little bit of the motor cross basically just taken off the discolor bought a aftermarket reduced spring took a couple of coils off I’m down at 3 1/2 pounds just what I wanted thank you By the way I take all responsibility for my workmanship And modifications

[@GunBlue490]

Glad it helped

[@cjsima]

Speaking of high power can you do a video focused on the sport of high power

[@rick-kx7gy]

9:10 quality control manager Benny staying right on top of things . That's about as good as it gets .

[@RINNTY]

Thank You Captain for this great Video. I have a mini 30 that I would like to have the trigger worked on. I live in Mass. South of Boston, but I don't know where I can go to have it Done. I'm a retired LEO myself. This looks easy enough, but I don't think I would try it myself. Great Video and keep up the great Work.

[@jconradh]

Thank you!!

[@michaeledlin9995]

I now have a 4 1/2lb consistent smooth trigger pull. Working on loads for it. 55 gr ttsx is 1moa so far

[@doughertel5637]

Thank you for such a well presented demonstration - will be checking out Patreon for more of your information.

[@GunBlue490]

Awesome, thank you!

[@M4jeff]

Great very video. Thank you so much for posting.

[@jester7653]

Loved the video. Very instructive.

[@MadDog_Barks]

Yes I can appreciate skills. I'm terrible in taking stuff apart. I always have extra parts left over.

[@michaeledlin9995]

Mcarbo makes a replacement spring that work great.

[@charlesrock7770]

Great video sir I thank you and willing yo on pateron

[@Tonyblaine73]

Informative and well worth watching. Thank you

[@stevenlefebvre2991]

Fantastic video you are definitely a craftsman. You give great advice for everyone.

[@larrrs3]

Did you use the 3,000 grit or 6,000 grit ceramic stone?

[@patrickflynn8984]

Hey thank you. Great video. Where do I find those ceramic bits

[@chillywilly3397]

I was wondering if you could make a drawing of the trigger (maybe from different angles) to show exactly where the polish point is. I am just a little confused. Thank you.

[@bruceorey4994]

Well done sir! My mini pull is a lot tighter. Thank you!!

[@geneotrexler8246]

Very informative video 👍

[@dangerousfreedom4965]

Thank you

[@martinm3474]

Interesting, thanks.

[@CQCMachine]

Great video, but the highlight was Benny visiting ❤️😂

[@tomsimon104]

As an avid enthusiast, I love your info, and love your icon on the wall. After stoning /polishing for only target shooting, it may be best to never use it in a self defense situation as it will be put under a 'microscope', as the saying goes, then you will be the guilty party for modifying a firearm. Just saying.

[@chrisandsteve5238]

I may have missed it, but where would I look to buy a ceramic stone for this? Excellent video!

[@GunBlue490]

Look up triangle Arkansas stones. Sharpening Supplies.com has them.

[@bobvilla5064]

Wonderful Video

[@clasvirhodes4969]

Former Strafford county man here. Now in SC. If I join your patreon page , will I be able to ask you questions and advice directly ?

[@robertheymann5906]

Well done video...thx

[@Mikael5732]

I enjoy your channel very much sir.

[@garys5540]

Where can you get a flat 3 sided ceramic rod? I looked online everything I found was circular or round. I enjoy your vlogs. Very informative. Thanks Much.

[@garys5540]

@@callawayken650 Thanks very much for the info sir! All advise is much appreciated!

[@grantham1149]

I’m also looking. Where did you find one? Thx

[@jodyfree953]

great instruction

[@whiskeykilmer1866]

Would this procedure also improve the Ruger 10/22 trigger? Thank you for all work you put into making your videos.

[@GunBlue490]

They are entirely different systems. No, it won't. I recommend you purchase the enhanced Ruger trigger for the 10/22, which is purpose built to improve the factory trigger.

[@whiskeykilmer1866]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you

[@hawknives]

Very good video! Thank You! Christ Bless!

[@robertedson2374]

Very interesting but why did you use that triangular stone when you specifically said not rto use it in the beginning??

[@GunBlue490]

I said not to use a triangular India stone.

[@robertedson2374]

@@GunBlue490 But then you DID...in the video!!?

[@BigT27295]

Thank you Sir. Great information. You are a treasure.

[@stevemiller7433]

neat!

[@bcroft68bc]

Great video. You wouldn’t happen to live in Montana, would you?

[@GunBlue490]

Lol. No, I'm in New Hampshire. I love Montana though!

[@bcroft68bc]

@@GunBlue490 I only ask because Years ago I met a man in Montana that looked very similar to you and his knowledge of guns was about like yours.

[@lockednloaded2101]

Are those MIM or investment cast parts? I'm suspicious Ruger doesn't use nearly as many investment castings as they used to.

[@GunBlue490]

All Ruger parts are either billeted steel, or investment cast. They have no MIM.

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Thank you. Liked and subbed.

[@ryanwitchey8449]

Do you know what the equivalent “grit” the ceramic sticks are? The only ones I have found are around 1800 compared to the 8000 stones I have.

[@MrMetalhead0124]

Where did you purchase the ceramic stone?

[@Chief28-201]

Would it be possible to use a 3000 grit carbide polishing stone for this because I cannot find triangular ceramic anywhere

[@Goodsnout]

Well done! Are you sure that your slip stone is ceramic? It looks an awful lot like my fine white hard Arkansas slip stone.

[@GunBlue490]

Actually, I had to look back through my records about 12 years to find out. You're correct. It's a Norton 3x1/4" Ultrafine Arkansas. It's the same opaque white appearance as my ceramic sharpening rods.

[@gscotty311]

Will DEFINITELY help if you start a Patreon! Thanks so much!

[@jacklucas7265]

What is the grit of the ceramic polishing stone that you were using. Thank you for your kind response and best regards to you, your family and, of course your beloved Benny.

[@GunBlue490]

It's sold by Brownells. The ceramic is not stated by grit. It's extremely fine, probably on the order of 2,000 paper, or finer. I would NOT use paper, even by mounting it on a rigid backing, or you'll easily contour the flat surface. The trigger is not available as a replacement part, and must be factory installed, at owner's expense, including s&h, insurance, parts and labor. Understandably, they place warranty work and accidental damage ahead of unauthorized work, and their repair guy knows the difference. Thank you and God bless. Benny is enjoying his relaxing day.

[@ericwheat9540]

I used to be very intrested in how to tune a Ruger mini-14 but I had two strokes and I can no longer remember things like I should.

[@imafriend1336]

I bet you know the guy at Byers Colorado don’t you