[Ed]

I have the chance to pick up a Mini 14 made in 1977, great shape for $350. Is that a fair price? I know some people love them and some hate them, but is it worth the money. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to having one that old? Pre ban but what does that mean to me? Thanks need to know by tomorrow.

[Kaylee]

Sounds fair to me, presuming it's in decent condition and ain't all shot out or loose. I take it this one has the wood upper "watch your fingers please" handguard? Is the bolt holdopen on the left hand side the pushbutton style, or the older M14 latch style?

Preban just means that you could add all sorts of things like a pistol grip stock, flash supressor, and what all else... most of which ain't really necessary or desirable on a Mini to my way of thinking. (and actually, *technically* you could only add such things if it was already an "assault weapon" by virtue of someone having put those goodies on at some point prior to '94.. not that you or anyone else could prove that one way or the other now. )

There's one last thing to remember, if you want to scope it. I've been told that the newer Ranch models eject brass to the side, more or less, while the standard good-iron-sighted versions eject more straight up.. not healthy for scopes. That's something I've never confirmed myself though.

-K

[cheygriz]

I think the price is about $349.99 too high. But then, that;s just my opinion!

[dude]

A bit high by $50 or so for around here, but still a good price is the mini is in resoanble shape.

..a few factory 20 round mags would make it a much better deal!!

[Dave Markowitz]

Depending upon your location and the condition of the gun, that is a fair price. Not great, but fair. However, if it's a 180-series gun (as denoted in the serial number) I would pass it up unless you are a Ruger collector. The 180s are significantly different mechanically than the 181-series and those more recent, and spares are VERY hard to come by. Ruger no longer has spares for them, AAMOF.

[SodaPop]

If its in good condition........ get it!!

Report back.

[P95Carry]

I'd agree ... later than 181xxx ... then probably well OK ....... I had one and loved it ... now have another, a 185xxx .... nearly as good.

There have been variation in twist however ...... my 185xxx is 1:7 .. and I think my 181xxx was 1:9 ....... opionions vary as to merits and demerits but on balance I am happy with the 1:7. If you have cleaning rod handy in the store and a jag with cleaning patch . check it for yourself ...

Price may be a tad high but if a good specimen ..... not too outrageous. Think I paid over $400 for mine, tho it was very little used.

[SodaPop]

I paid $450 for a 182 that came with a decent scope/mount and 2 20rd PMI mags. The 20rd PMI mags are worth about $60 these days,:rolleyes: but I just love these poodle-shooters. :neener:

[jthuang]

If it's got a Ruger factory folding stock, the stock itself is worth $400 ....

Justin