First Look: Samson Manufacturing Hannibal Mini-14 Rail

Following the launch of its A-TM folding stock for the platform, Samson Manufacturing is enhancing Ruger's Mini-14 and Mini Thirty platform yet again with its Hannibal Rail, which provides an optic-mounting solution that sits forward of the gun's action on top of the handguard.

For the first time, owners of Ruger Mini-14 and Mini Thirty rifles are able to mount red-dot sights or even small riflescopes without the need for a rail-clamp adapter, thanks to this direct-mount solution. The Samson Manufacturing Hannibal Rail is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and treated with a Type 3 anodized finish. The entire assembly measures 9.9" long and features a mounting surface for micro red-dots, specifically designed for the Vortex Venom footprint, located at the rear portion of the handguard. Forward of this position, there's an extended length of Picatinny rail that allows for the addition of magnifiers, scopes and other accessories.

Also included with the Samson Hannibal Rail is a single 2" Evolution Picatinny rail and QD sling-swivel mount that can be attached to the sides of the rail, as well as mounting screws for a red-dot sight. Additionally, all necessary hardware for attaching the Hannibal Rail to a host rifle is included, and the design is intended to mount directly to the barrel of a compatible Mini-14 or Mini Thirty, thereby allowing for the use of aftermarket Mini-14 stocks. The rail weighs in at 5.6 ozs.

Samson notes that, due to the low position of the open sights on Mini 14 and Mini Thirty rifles, co-witnessing with a mounted red-dot is not possible. Additionally, this version is compatible with most Mini-14 or Mini Thirty rifles with a factory flanged barrel manufactured in 2008 or later with serial numbers beginning at 580 and higher. It is not compatible with older rifles featuring the factory pencil barrels. Ruger offers a serial-number lookup tool on its website for owners who are unsure of their gun's manufacture date.

Suggested retail pricing on the Samson Manufacturing Hannibal Rail is $144.99. For more information, visit samson-mfg.com.