Mini 14 Questions

[GlockFu]

I own one of the older Ruger Mini 14 rifles, I bought it new in around 2003 or so which makes me believe its a 580?

Is there anything different with the 580's or 560's compared to the newest model besides the barrel? I was thinking about selling mine and buying one of the newer ones for the increased accuracy but then though, why don't I just replace the barel if that's the only difference which would probably make it even more accurate than the new models. My only concern is if they changed anything besides the barrel to make the new models better.

Also, anyone have any experience with http://www.ruger-mini-14-firearms.com/index.php? What exactly are these harmonic stabalizers? Do they replace or just go over the barrel? How effective are they? Any info would be great.

And please don't tell me to get an AR instead. I love AR's too but I like the mini for it's non "evil" look.

 

[RUT]

>>I bought it new in around 2003 or so which makes me believe its a 580?<<

A quick check of the serial# will confirm this. (or not)

 

[frankiestoys]

Mini mods

GlockFu
Im not sure if your mini is a 580 series the serial # should suggest that, but i also heard
that Ruger was not allways consistant with that. You can call Ruger and they will tell you.
I believe the 580 series came with the heavy flared barrel and every new mini iv'e seen had it.

(except the target model.)
There are some mods you can do to your mini to help it shoot more accurate with out spending a bundel of $
Here's a pic of mine
TRIGGER JOB, NIKON PRO STAFF,A HOME MADE ACCU-STRUT, its not a tack driver but does very well at the range.

 

[GlockFu]

oh... if the 580 series has the heavier barrel then I dont have the 580. Mine has the skinny barrel. I let my friend borrow it so iIm going to have to ask him to check the serial number for me tonight. So is there any difference besides the barrel between the new heavy barrel model and the older thin barrel models besides the barrel?

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

The first 580's had the skinny barrel----the HB has shown up in the last year or so. Any 580 is easily identified by the PC Carbine type sights.

 

[JESmith]

If you replace the barrel with a larger contour barrel, you will need to mill out or replace the gas block as well. Honestly - by the time you replace the barrel, gas block, and gunsmithing fees - you could trade up cheaper.

 

[GlockFu]

Well the way I figure it is, if I sell my mini I'll get at most $600 for it (its the stainless ranch model). A new one I could probably get for 800 or so after all transfer fees and so on. So I'm lookin at $200 at the very least, if everything is the same except for the barrel, I'd be willing to throw in another $100 or so if it'll make my upgraded mini shoot better than an out of the box newer version. The problem is I don't know if the barrel is the only thing they have improved. Does anyone know? Does what I'm thinking make any sense?

And how about that harmonic stabalizer I linked to in the origional post? Does anyone know anything about it?

 

[browningguy]

http://www.perfectunion.com/ has lots of discussions on Mini accuracy. I have added a barrel strut to my 2008 vintage Mini, a 580 series but without the heavy barrel. I feel that the strut is one of the most cost effective solutions tot he Mini barrel problem. Previously mine would shoot 3-4" groups with 1 or 2 fliers and usually 3-4 shots grouped within 2". Since adding the barrel strut I don't seem to get any fliers so the groups now all stay around 2" or so (at 100 yards).

I don't have anything by Accfuracy Systems but they have a very good reputation for building accurate Mini's.

 

[Rshooter]

Does what I'm thinking make any sense?

Makes a lot of sense GlockFu. As I understand they also made some mods to the gas block, front sight, and tightened tolerances on the receiver of the mini to increase the accuracy. References:

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/rugranch_071807/index.html
http://stoppingpower.info/mini-14-review/

 

[stchman]

The 580 series of Mini-14s first appeared in 2005. Since you bought yours in 2003 is it probably a 196 series.

 

[GlockFu]

Damn it... you're absolutly right, it's a 196 series. Looks like it's time to start shopping for a new mini. Thanks for all your helpful posts and links!

 

[1KPerDay]

frankiestoys, tell me how you made your accu-strut.

 

[black_powder_Rob]

yes I too would like to hear that one frankiestoys. looks interesting.