FAQ
Specific performance enhancement will vary from rifle to rifle, and depends on multiple factors. These include other modifications that have been made to the rifle, ammunition selection, frequency and thoroughness of cleaning methods, and shooter skill.
The Accu-strut addresses the principal weakness of the Mini-14 platform, namely a thin barrel very prone to complex vibrational modes. This modification will usually result in the best improvements in accuracy. For example, one of our bone-stock test rifles went from an average 4 MOA shooter to 1.5 MOA. We have another more modified rifle, but still with a factory barrel, that does in fact shoot sub-moa with premium ammo.
Most rifles with the earlier, thinner barrel show a 50-75% reduction in group size. With the new thicker tapered barrel, we've seen up to 33% reduction, but sometimes it is much less, or there is no noticeable improvement at all. At the very least, a strut also assists with cooling.
Note that the above comments apply only to the standard (non-Socom) 2-clamp models.
The single-clamp Socom was developed in response to sustained customer request for a shorter, more compact strut. It is already known that the double-clamp configuration is greatly superior for stabilizing a rifle barrel. As such, there is less certainty that the Socom model will provide any measure of accurization at all, although it does happen. In the frequent instances that no improvement is seen, the benefit is mainly ornamental. In any case, our Socom model continues to sell very well.
Since only individual rifles can be said to perform at a certain level, and due to the many factors affecting accuracy as mentioned above, we cannot guarantee specific results for your particular firearm. We do guarantee you will be satisfied with the positive improvement on your rifle's accuracy; if you are not satisfied, we will refund your money.
It may or may not. If a rifle is already shooting at an optimal level, then by definition nothing can be done to improve it. If it is close to optimal then the Accu-strut may eke out a bit more accuracy.
As an example, careful selection of ammo or careful handloading may bring a Mini to the smallest groups that particular rifle will ever produce. Strutting the barrel will not really have much of an effect in that particular situation. However, it might also be found that this rifle with a strut can achieve similar levels of performance with a wide range of different types if ammunition, rather than one particular load. So the improvement in this case is one of greater flexibility.
Couldn't be simpler! The Accu-strut secures to the front of the gas block with set-screws and is attached to the barrel with special clamps. Contrast that with having a gunsmith install a heavy barrel or barrel sleeve.
An "Optional Security Procedure" requires two shallow "dimples" to be drilled into the gasblock to seat the rear set-screws. Although a simple modification, drilling the hardened steel of the gasblock may take effort. See the Installation page for more info.
The Accu-strut works very well with Mini-30s as well, in fact the test results are nearly identical. We currently do not have a product for the Ruger 10-22. We may perform testing with non-Ruger firearms at some point.
Not with our proprietary design. Free-floating a ported carbine barrel means that anything attached to the barrel (which by design must include the gasblock and gas bushing) must be secured as evenly as possible, so as not to contribute mechanical stresses that would further destabilize the barrel.
To accomplish that end, we use a proprietary "flex-clamp" that provides firm linear support to the barrel without introducing lateral stresses that machined block clamps might. Further, the attachment to the gasblock via a rear tang is accomplished with only a pair of set-screws, which sole purpose is to prevent slippage of the strut assembly; any more firm attachment tends to add internal stress, working against the free-float principle.
Yes, we've considered that idea, but for the time being have decided to keep the strut a dedicated accurizing device. A large part of this consideration has to do with increased slippage risk from extraneous inertial mass (see question below also).
This is a bad idea. Adding any amount of inertial mass to the strut virtually guarantees clamp slippage. Even the tiniest amount of slippage can completely negate the accurizing effect of the strut. It would be risky even after performing the Optional Security Procedure (countersink dimples for the rear set-screws).
The double-clamp models (LT, XDrill) set the standard for barrel stabilization. The performance for either is identical. The LT is our most popular model. The XDrill saves about a half ounce of weight, and also gives a different look.
The single-clamp Socom is more compact, and often appeals to the owner wishing to emulate the venerable M-14.
See also our 
Application Guide
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