PMCI - September 2021

SECOND CHANCES
Recently, Samson Manufacturing teamed up with Ruger to start
producing the folding paratrooper style stock again under their
tooling and licensing as the Samson A-TM Folding Stock. Although
the company made critical upgrades to the design such as ditching
the fragile Bakelite for much more durable polymer construction,
this is NOT considered a reproduction. It is THE stock that dressed
the Mini-14 rifles used by our favorite rogue commandos.
Not to be one to let opportunities pass by twice, I decided
to reach out to Ruger and Samson to make this bucket list item
a reality. The easy part was securing a Ruger Mini 14 Tactical
model in a stainless-steel finish chambered in .223 / 5.56 NATO.
Direct from the factory, this model came in a genuinely nice black
synthetic stock. On the range, the stock felt great as the rifle shot
well but it was not THE look I have always wanted. The next step
was not as easy but would prove to be very worth it.
I contacted Samson Manufacturing in reference to ordering
one of the A-TM stocks within a week of ordering the rifle
from Ruger. Unfortunately, due to high demand, this personal
project venture with Ruger and Samson took about 5 months
for the plan to come together. Once the stock finally arrived, I
was immediately impressed upon opening the box. Having held
original samples of both the Ruger semi-auto GB-F and select-fire
AC-556 variants, the new A-TM stock looked like a dead ringer
visually except for a slightly lighter wood stain.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The A-TM stock was constructed of Stainless-Steel hardware set
into beautiful walnut furniture. The top-quality walnut material
was a welcome upgrade from Ruger’s original Birch furniture
which was softer and more prone to scratching. Installation of
the rifle’s barreled action and trigger group was quick and simple.
The action dropped in from the top seamlessly into the new stock
with a firm push. The project was completed once the trigger
group was snapped into place from the bottom in under a minute
of total installation time.
With the A-TM Folding Stock at full extension, the Mini-14
including the factory 18-inch barrel measured 38”in overall
length. When folded, the rifle measured 28.5” overall making
it the perfect size for discreet storage in a mid-size rifle case.
I was impressed how cleanly the lines of the rifle and seams
all matched up without any annoying gaps, slop or unwanted
movement in the action mating to the stock. Best of all, the A-TM
Stock is proudly made in the USA to a quality level that would
have made Bill Ruger himself proud.
Specifications (Folding Stock Only)
Collapsed Length: 19.5”
Extended Length: 29.0”
Height: 5.5”
Width: 3.5”
Weight:
4.2 lbs.
Length of Pull: 13.5”
RANGE TIME
While I was pleased with the rifle’s new look, I don’t believe in
owning a firearm that I have to just look at sitting in the gun
safe and not enjoy on the range with as well. Normally I prefer
shooting rifles almost exclusively on outdoor ranges.
Unfortunately, the project came about during the beginning
of hurricane season here in Florida, so my favorite indoor range
SAMSON / RUGER ATM MINI 14 STOCK
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