Collectors and discriminating buyers pay a premium for originality. While the sum of the parts may be correct in the sense that they are factory Ruger original parts, the present configuration of the gun is not original however. But yes, it did look like a beautiful gun and I'm glad you're happy with your purchase. The SS Mini 14 GB-F that I passed on and you bought I turned down for reasons aside from the gun itself which I'm not going to get into especially on a public forum. I agree there is not a conclusive concensus on this, but the general agreement is that bottom swivel on a folding stock Mini 14 indicates aftermarket replacement of the stock.) 'post-shipment folding stock Mini 14 with the Ruger folding stock.' To the non-discerning eye, or even the discerning one, both will look identical if the gasblock is changed to a side mounted swivel (from research the only fixed stock Mini 14 to come from the factory with a side mounted swivel was the GB, although I am open to hearing others opinions. Perhaps a better descriptor would be 'original factory configured folding stock Mini 14' vs. View QuoteI agree with you that using the word 'fake' leaves something to be desired and is not wholly accurate. Some law enforcement agencies placed orders that specified swivels on the bottom and other special order government guns with straight birch stocks were delivered with the sling mount on the side. From the research I've done, it seems not all folders came from the factory with the swivel on the side. You will see 3 different styles of gas blocks on folders and they are all 'correct'. I just saw a GB folder with a bottom mount sling sell on Gunbroker for over $2200.00.

Just because the rifle didn't come from Ruger as a folder doesn't necessarily make it a 'fake'. Marcus, I would say if the gun is in nice shape and the price is right, go for it. No matter what, the AAC 556 owners seemed to have driven the price of the stock alone to over $800.00. Of course, the original box and paperwork will add value. In other words, I am not seeing that folders that are 'certified by Ruger' selling for more money. The point I am trying to make is that seeing these guns sell on gun broker and at the gun shows, there is really a very small amount of collectors that check if the gun shipped from the factory as a folder or even care. The rifle is beautiful and 'correct.' I used to worry about this as well. The stainless GB folder you turned down awhile ago and I bought left Ruger in 1983 with a birch stock and side sling gas block and was later re-stocked in a folder.

View QuoteJust because the rifle didn't come from Ruger as a folder doesn't necessarily make it a 'fake'.

Value blue ruger mini 14 factory folder