HELP REQUESTED: How To Tell A Mini-14 RANCH RIFLE?

[Specialized]

What can I ask of a person through a phone conversation that would lead me to whether or not the Mini-14 they're looking at is the regular model or a Ranch Rifle? What are the obvious differences, and should it say "Ranch Rifle" somewhere on it? Please pardon the dumb question, but I don't know much about them myself, either.

What are the differences between the two, and will after-market stocks like those by Butler Creek and Hogue fit both? Many thanks for sharing your expertise, as usual --

 

[50 Shooter]

Here's the link to Ruger.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/P-CategoryRiflesCA.html

 

[Jim Watson]

Ranch rifle has integral scope bases for Ruger rings and a folding rear sight, regular has a fairly well adjustable rear sight.
I don't know about the stock fit. Do you reckon Butler and Hogue might?

 

[Rebar]

I don't know about the stock fit. Do you reckon Butler and Hogue might?

Both make stocks that will fit. I have the Butler one, I like it quite a bit.

 

[wardog]

BTW, if you're looking for a folding stock, get a Choate. I've had both Butler Creek (on a 10/22) and a Choate on a Mini 30. The Choate was built much better. Their fixed ones rate very well too.

http://www.riflestock.com/

 

[Rebar]

I'm sorry, I don't have the butler, I have the choat fixed stock.

 

[Bigfoot]

Yes it should say "Ranch Rifle" on the heel of the reciever, close to the shooters nose.

 

[benEzra]

If the rear sight is hinged to fold down flat when not in use, it's a Ranch Rifle (and as has been mentioned, the name is at the rear of the receiver).

Stocks and magazines are of course interchangeable between the Ranch Rifle and standard mini-14. I have a stainless Ranch Rifle with a Butler Creek folding stock. The fit and finish on mine is awesome, so that may reflect individual manufacturing differences? I also have a Choate E2 style fixed stock, and can highly recommend both companies.

Ranch rifle comes with scope rings in the box, which pretty much retain zero when the scope is removed and replaced. A low-powered fixed scope (or red dot) is probably the best choice for a mini, IMHO.

 

[GunGoBoom]

First, shoot it. If the accuracy really blows, then it's a....errm, wait a sec, it still could be either; that doesn't help. JK.