Two years after launching their popular stainless-steel side-folding stock for the Ruger Mini-14 and Mini-30 rifles, Samson Manufacturing is now offering a black version as well as a rail to mount optics, lights, and lasers.
A-TM FOLDING STOCK
In 2020, New Hampshire-based Samson Manufacturing launched a stainless-steel side-folding stock called the A-TM. The name pays homage to the hit 1980s TV show "The A-Team," which featured the Mini-14. The A-TM was a near duplicate of the original Ruger stainless-steel side-folding stock that was discontinued in the late 1980s.
Prior to the A-TM, it wasn't uncommon for a used Ruger side-folding stock to sell online for upwards of $1,000. They were both rare and sought after. I was lucky enough to pick one up for $200 a few years ago. The biggest difference between the original and the Samson version is the grip on the original was bakelite. The A-TM features a more durable polymer.
The A-TM was so popular that Samson announced a black version at this year's SHOT Show. "The stock was back-ordered three and five months for the first two years in stainless," said Chris Sullivan, a representative at the Samson booth. "We're down to about a month on the stainless, and we make no promises on the black because it is going to be in high demand," he said.
HANNIBAL RAIL
Also launched by Samson at this year's SHOT was their Hannibal Rail. Those of you who own or have fired a Ruger Mini-14 or 30, know that the iron sights are fairly basic. Newer 580 series rifles allow the mounting of a scope with rings but nothing else. The Hannibal Rail changes that.
It allows the mounting of a micro red dot forward of the action without the need for a Picatinny rail clamp adapter. Currently, it is only footprinted for the Vortex Optics Venom red dot, but Samson plans to expand its compatibility in the future.
The Picatinny rail will also allow the mounting of lights and lasers, and the included 2-inch Picatinny rail and QD swivel mount can be attached to the side of the Hannibal Rail for even more accessory mounting options.
The A-TM side-folding stock and Hannibal Rail can be ordered directly from the Samson Manufacturing website. To pick up Mini-14 or Mini-30, check out Guns.com.
'UN-BANNABLE'
As the proud owner of a Mini-14, not only do I think that it is an accurate and good-looking rifle, I think the Hannibal Rail will make it even more capable. Mini-14s and Mini-30s are also legal in many states where AR-style rifles are banned.
"It is a 50-state legal firearm. So, we almost call it un-bannable," said Sullivan.
