Ultimate Mini-14 Upgrade: Hannibal Rail

I’m a big fan of the Ruger Mini-14 rifle. The old-school Garand-style action throws you around a bit when you shoot it. This gives it a ton of character. As a result, it's currently my favorite gun to shoot at the range. But I like it for a lot more than just the pure fun factor at the firing line. The Mini-14 has a lot of other things going for it, including a nice boost from some new accessory options.

[@whiteyshark5826]

I love it when a plan comes together.

[@andrewfossatti4937]

I love this. I was late to the Firearms and mini-14 game so I didn’t think I could still get one kitted out like this!

[@Gunscom]

Mini-14's are classics. They're rugged, dependable, and a ton of fun to shoot!

[@garypulliam3740]

Amega an Ultimak have made rails for Mini 14 and Mini 30 for years.

[@justinjones9042]

Love the Ruger AC 556 look with a legal barrel length without a stamp and select fire option. Great rail with that classic look is awesome and functional. I already wanted a mini now really want one. 😊

[@MrRebar15]

*Gunscom* Bravo well done, thank-you sir for taking the time to show us. God Bless.

[@Gunscom]

You're welcome!

[@Capt_Killingfield]

It's nice someone else came out with a Scout Rail for the Mini. When I got my 580 Ranch 20ish years ago, only the Amegaranges rail was available, then came the Ultimak. I have the Amega but nowadays it's the most expensive. I run a Butler Creek folder which isn't even made anymore, it's been that long, lol. I think the Accu-Strut is still available as well. Just last night I wisened up and removed the large, clunky, lense covered Truglo 1.5×42mm red dot tube from my Amega Rail and stuck a Crimson Trace CTS-1250 from my 1911 on it using a Doctor Footprint adapter. Such a lower profile and a tad lighter. I was hesitant because of fragility. Not sure if a pistol dot can hang with the rigors of a rifle. We'll see. For the Minis intended use and range though, that Ghost Ring/Barleycorn site setup isn't too bad actually. I was getting 1.5" 50yrd groups early on before the accessories. Nice rifle you got there 👍

[@williammorris350]

🤘😁 Very cool, will soon be the next addition to my mini. Had mine overhailed by the guys at Accuracy Systems inc. ( they specialize in mini's ) years ago and it was money well spent in my opinion. Accuracy was a Huge issue with mine until overhauled, now I get sub 1/2 inch at 100yds, thanks to ASI...and a Fist Full of Dollars, or maybe two. All in what you're in-to when it comes to shooters. Glad to see Samson still putting in the interest for such an overlooked platform; Long Live the Mini 14, and the " Boomers " who understand it 🤙

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

All the mini sights need is a little piece of fiberoptic or night site paint in the front blade site. Iv used a scope on those wever mounts above action and never had issues.

[@steveww1507]

I was going to say the same thing

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@steveww1507 👍

[@Gunscom]

Thanks for the comment Jimmie.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@Gunscom 👍

[@michaelchen8643]

I wish I could get excited about the mini 14. I owned one decades ago, but there are so many fundamental in flexibilities with the action when it comes to parts

[@lucion511]

Looks good with the side folder and optics mount.

[@Gunscom]

Yes it does!

[@geoffmcnew5863]

UltiMAK in Moscow, ID makes a great rail for Mini-14s too...gotta match the rail with the barrel diameter is all. But, Mini's work WAY better than ARs do and always will = basic design

[@2112theoden]

Put a stainless front sight and a long flash hider and it'll look even more like an A Team mini 14.

[@flatplaneoregon4605]

The mini14 over muzzle flash hider brake comp combo reduces the sound greatly for the shooter and the recoil is like 22mag at most. I loved it, how it looked, how it mitigated muzzle rise and flash, both were negligible. Even though some people thought it seemed kinda wonky, they changed their tune after sending some pills DownRange. I did have to jack a longer roll pin from my highpoint parts kit stash to make it secure. Again..miss my stainless mini14. Maybe some day I'll have another.

[@doughesson]

Shut up, Murdoch!

[@electraglide2818]

That is a great option. Here is another. If you don't like the size of the rear peep sight, go to X.S. sight systems. You can get different size rear peeps for your rifle. I did it for mine and a friends mini, we love them. Super simple.

[@M4jeff]

The folding stock is nice, but they need to make it so that it excepts AR15/M 16 hand grips. That upper rail looks fantastic and is a welcome addition to the Ruger mini 14 line

[@kevmoful]

Mine is just like that one . I want to put an ultimak rail on it and an eo tech. I’m tired of dealing with astigmatism . Might be ugly but imma go with it . Considered scout scope but the stock tube wouldn’t likely give a nice cheek weld . That rail that comes with rifle does cause issues with red dots and such unless mounted all the way to the rear . And even then jamming up is likely .

[@fredmyers485]

Funny nobody talks about the fact that this rail exposes the op rod which can pinch your fingers if you hold the rifle incorrectly. Still, a very cool accessory.

[@samevans1535]

A nice rail but I notice how close your fingers were to the slide assembly, almost touching it, when you fired it. They could extend the rail down to cover the last couple of inches of the slide. It wouldn't need to be a huge bulge like the factory unit. They could put a section of rail, maybe 45 degree, to mount a light or laser, very convenient for the support hand. I also notice that you are firing the tactical version which has a thicker and shorter barrel section for greater accuracy.

[@dlittle9556]

That's actually not a tactical version. that's an LE only model 5811 those came with a standard 18" barrel but threaded, and also a drilled and tapped receiver in a black synthetic stock.

[@mrharris7910]

Just got my mini 14 can’t wait to add these upgrades

[@q-man762]

The rail is good for having red dot and tactical lights. The folding stock I don't like the check weld is a skinny steel tube @ $324 too. As for the guy saying the sights are not useful past 50 yards tells me that he doesn't know how to use iron sights, no matter how wide the front sight is you just center the target ON TOP like dotting an I.

[@ScottAT]

I have the Ultimak rail. It’s great, except it really increases the weight. It looks near identical to that one.

[@doughesson]

I didn't notice much difference in the weight after putting an ultimak rail on mine. The Eotech sight made it feel top-heavy to me, though.

[@garypulliam3740]

Also check out Amega.

[@b_doc6142]

Why didn’t he get the silver hand guard rail instead of black to match?

[@juancervantes313]

why people hate it so much? it looks awesome

[@daveeydee87]

It has IRENN sights???? Sweet!!!!!

[@doughesson]

Are those anything like the I Ron sights we use here in the South?

[@mrmann44]

🤣😂

[@josephconway6058]

Got them aaron sights

[@blackops8996]

Love it when a plan come together

[@AnimeFan_2013]

4:38 - Fuck the law (I have an A-TM stock, but no longer have money nor space to buy a Mini-14)

[@christophereger1053]

Nice rail. Sweet stock!

[@Gunscom]

Samson Manu make some good quality stuff.

[@Brad-ic4bp]

I'm going to order a Mini-14 (stainless with standard wood stock) and I'm definitely gonna get the Hannibal rail - mainly because the plastic cover it comes with just looks and feels so cheap, but also because I like having the red dot option. I like the pistol-grip folding stock too, even though I never watched the A-Team:).

[@flatplaneoregon4605]

Miss my mini14

[@Gunscom]

Awesome guns!

[@1guncrazy1]

Love my Mini-14. Would love to kit mine out like this one. Only wish Bill Ruger hadn't made the mags proprietary

[@scottwilliams4051]

Just wanted to mention that in 1973 when this rifle was made. There was no such thing as an AR-15 on the civilian market. Therefore when the AR-15 was released it was the one with the proprietary magazines and it wasn't until the early '90s when AR-15s were reliable enough that people started buying them in the civilian market.

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

@@scottwilliams4051 AR 15 rifles were sold to civilians back in 1973, but were very expensive (about $1600 in today's money) and thus not very common yet. The mini 14 was less expensive in 1973 and if it had caught on instead of the AR, the mini 14 mags might have become a standard for civilians instead of ar mags. Tldr, the standard of which mag was going to be used had not yet been established. Each rifle had its own proprietary mag.

[@to3ta64]

I have decided to forgive you for your “Standard Iron Sight” Comment. Having said that, I will 100% give you that the Factory “Ghost Ring” rear sight is absolute GARBAGE, and I highly recommend Accuracy Systems drop in Rear Replacement sight that is fully adjustable with knobs like all the other service weapons. I need to get that rail though… Hannibal Rail is DOPE!!

[@chas9567]

I have this rail. Gets way too hot very quickly. Took it off and put Tech Sight on it.

[@glennlewis835]

Will that rail fit on a Mini-30?

[@richardalletag1129]

Loved that rifle! Same stock and yes the sights sucked change em

[@lro001]

What kind of flash hider is that?

[@montoyacrawford1446]

Where can I buy the mini at

[@Gunscom]

We have them new and used on our site. Just type mini 14 in the search bar up top. Good luck. Thanks

[@J.Huff76]

@@Gunscom lmao, nice one crook, but he got the message in his notification box... if he has it on. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for selling mini 14's higher than Ruger's MSRP. Anyone with a brain in their head can go look at different prices, and compare, and clearly see you guys are the highest rated outfit in the nation. Hell everything you guys price is higher than gunbroker... and that's sayin something. I guess you can delete this message to, thief.

[@mrmann44]

@@J.Huff76 OMG you're right! Their prices are ABSURD! 🤣

[@gdmofo]

I own a Ruger Mini-14 Tactical the iron sights are horrendous

[@russelllowry1061]

I am reading some bad reviews on the Vortex venom red dot. Samson is offering it as a package with the rail. Any feedback?

[@geoffmcnew5863]

Perfect for bedside storage...if you had a light on it...why no light?

[@Isaiah-ip4xj]

Not a factory folder obviously, easy to fool masses with the new Samson stock, glad they haven’t bootlegged the gas block or we’d all be fooled

[@МатвейМалинин-щ4ф]

Деревяшку бы тоже заменить.

[@coreymerrill3257]

What are these I-run sights you speak of ? Are they new?

[@gilbertcastro5279]

Do they have one for Mini 30?

[@zacharywatson363]

Will the rail fit on the 6.8spc model?

[@ChanupaBellGrande]

What's the overall length of a folded mini14?

[@jorgestanleyperezhernandez5178]

the rail it's compatible with Tapco Stock?

[@johndonnellan8894]

I have a "current" 14 and want to see if I can get an optic sight to co-exist with the iron sights. I have a Ruger 9mm carbine which I have a Sig red dot mounted but able to see beneath the scope mount and use the iron sights. Will the hannibal rail accomplish that?

[@kevmoful]

With an ultimak rail and micro dot you can get a lower 1/5th . Haven’t seen the rifle in person but my gunsmith has talked about it.

[@okolona1]

Too bad there is no M1A version of this set-up

[@danemahar3355]

Will a red dot co witness with this rail?

[@DrunkenPirate83]

No they don't unfortunately. Samson mentions it in their videos about it

[@giovannillerena5640]

Standard Eye-Run Sights...

[@cainpaul08]

Hannibals rail was not black...

[@mammatonys7598]

It’s sexy stop complaining

[@ShortArmOfGod]

Neither was he, racist.

[@tt1746]

SUPER !!!

[@marktweet7395]

Very heavy for a trail gun

[@yalcınbulut-x5i]

çok iyi

[@harrisonbuck2749]

You say iron really weird

[@pootytang2872]

whats that tune at the end what is that song?

[@dylan-uy3pb]

Bubba?

[@alexmcgregor2854]

He doesn’t even know why it’s called the Hannibal rail… 🙄

[@mrj3711]

Hahahahahaha

[@marktweet7395]

Like Mini 30 better

[@sergioolimpio5141]

Essa plataforma e linda, gostaria de ver no cal 7.62x51.

[@andrewfossatti4937]

Omg! I need a mini-14 for exactly like this one!

[@Gunscom]

We have them new and used on our site. Just type mini 14 in the search bar up top. Thanks Andrew.

[@bad41137]

Sites have been good since the 70s learn how to use them

[@StrictlyPlinking]

Nice rail! I have an Ultimak on mine and definitely takes these Minis next level.

[@Gunscom]

Yes Sir.

[@garypulliam3740]

I have Amega on mine.

[@Jonj57]

Can you see the irons thru the dot? I hear they don't co-witness but I'd be alright if I could just use the irons for backup only.

[@permanenceaesthetic6545]

Literally the exact setup I want. The perfect rifle for me. Trying to trade a MAADI for one, but they’re pretty much unobtainium in my locale. 😪

[@blkft]

4:23 my favorite part of the video. 😄💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@richwalter3107]

Just got my Hannibal rail after searching for a long time for a way to bring my Mini into the current age of firearms. Had an illuminated ATN 3-9 variable on it and , yeah ejection was a problem. Now with optics moved forward , and target illumination no longer an issue, am much happier with my rifle.

[@FinalLugiaGuardian]

Can you still use the iron sights with this rail and a red dot (lower 1/3rds Co witness) on there?

[@_NotmyShadow_]

No. The dot sits just a little too high.

[@stephenkowalski2448]

Does the rail work on a regular non folding stock?

[@Shep01]

i don't think i couldn't hum A team theme while firing it.

[@WatchDanReviews]

Cali here, and regarding AR’s, that’s exactly right! This is such a rad looking rifle and so functionally simple…just fits the bill if you live in a state like this.

[@JamesMichael333]

4:25 LOL

[@jwate]

If I wasn’t stuck in Cali I’d get that same set up. No folding stocks on semi auto rifles.

[@michaeldavis3228]

I have the same setup and I like it but.... the rail gets smoking hot and as a result I have cooked 2 red dots. First one (Swamp Fox) would cut off and on once it got hot and eventually quit working altogether. Second one (Vortex Venom) is still working but will not let me change brightness, even cold, at all. Only off and on. Be careful!

[@googlesucks2296]

Do they make one for the Springfield Socom 16 M1A?

[@advil000]

I don't care about co-witness what I want to know is if the reflex pistol optic dies, can you still see and shoot the irons through the bottom 1/3 or 1/5 or something? My requirement is that the irons need to still be usable without getting out a wrench. So I need to decide if I can use the (very awesome) provided spot for a pistol size reflex sight AND still at least use the irons in a pinch, or if I need to just mount a dot sight on the picatinny and have quick release. Anyone have this setup and know for sure? I can't find a straight answer to this anywhere.

[@shawndrag1009]

Is there a plate to cover the red dot mounting holes if not using a red dot? Maybe want the red dot mount option but running a true scout scope off the pic rail at the moment.

[@michaelcornettcornett914]

They mount the rail to the barrel. Completely opposite of free-floating. Bad idea unless short range.

[@JimmitheV]

Did the gun come with the flash suppressor..?

[@derekroberts3788]

With the red dot set can the iron sights still be used through the red dot?

[@Rancherinaz]

Can you co witness with the irons using that rail and red dot ?

[@JimmitheV]

What is the light and laser combo?

[@robertkroberjr.157]

That looks pretty sweet! 😎👍

[@Gunscom]

Looks good and shoots great!

[@jessevillages1180]

Is the rail legal in California?

[@wubaru]

Minute of barn accuracy.

[@JGunit]

I Ron

[@Easy_Victor]

Why would they design this with an uncovered slide assembly? Shooter beware your support hand grip.

[@phantomstrike3310]

That's the way the M1 Garand and M14 battle rifles were. Troops never had an issue with it. My Mini has the Choate heat shield on it. Never had an issue, and it looks more like an M1 or M14

[@ericmcfarlin4272]

Early Minis didn't have covers for the slide either. That didn't come out until the 1980s yet people survived without the cover.