I was wondering what made the early mini-14's (I am looking at a 180 series) different from the newer ones. I see that most of the aftermarket stocks will not fit these. Does anyone know if the stocks can be modified to fit. Also the one I am looking at has an exposed operating rod. Will the newer hand guards with dust covers fit the 180 series??
180 series mini-14 ??
- Thread starter Cypress
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ftierson
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I have a 200th year 180 series Mini-14...
Finding parts/accessories for them sucks...
Ruger changed the bolt hold-open mechanism on 181 and later series guns, moving an external pivoting latch to the current push button one under the sideplate...
Also, the bolt carrier/operating rod is different, with the current ones quite a bit heavier around the part (gas cylinder) slipping over the gas piston. Consequently, the stock was also changed on the newer guns, with the fore-end deeper from top to bottom than on the original 180 series guns...
And there are a few other minor differences as well...
I've never tried a more recent handguard to see if it'll fit but, given everything else, probably not...
Forrest
Finding parts/accessories for them sucks...
Ruger changed the bolt hold-open mechanism on 181 and later series guns, moving an external pivoting latch to the current push button one under the sideplate...
Also, the bolt carrier/operating rod is different, with the current ones quite a bit heavier around the part (gas cylinder) slipping over the gas piston. Consequently, the stock was also changed on the newer guns, with the fore-end deeper from top to bottom than on the original 180 series guns...
And there are a few other minor differences as well...
I've never tried a more recent handguard to see if it'll fit but, given everything else, probably not...
Forrest
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