Preban Mini-14

[Broadbill]

I just picked up a mint mini-14 Ranch from a private person sale. I'm not real familiar with these rifles. It is supposed to be preban. I tried to look up the serial# but Ruger said basically, here are the numbers but they may not be right. Is there some way I can verify what year?
Are there mechanical or physical differences I can look for?

Thanks,

Broadbill

 

[HOWARD J]

Did you look up in Ruger's site--customer service ( product history)

If u don't trust that---call Ruger...///////////////

 

[MAKster]

The Ruger Mini 14 was not included in the 1994 Assault Weapon Ban because it doesn't have a pistol grip.

 

[InkEd]

No "banned" Mini-14s. The newer 580 prefix are made with a heavier barrel. Unlike most guns the new Minis are better than the old ones. Sorry.

 

[Art Eatman]

The older Minis, with the skinny barrels, don't give tight groups from a benchrest. They're plenty good for hunting, as the first shot typically goes to the intended point of aim and the next couple of shots aren't far off from that. Beyond three or four shots, the groups open up, although not at all beyond adequacy for home-defense.

Plenty reliable.

 

[benEzra]

You can tell the approximate year of manufacture from the first three numbers of the serial number. The very first mini's were 180 series (I *think*), my 1989-1990ish Ranch Rifle was 188-xxxxx, and the new production are 580- and up.

FWIW, a good mini-14 resource is the Mini-14 Forums: http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-talk/

 

[Broadbill]

Thanks guys. I haven't gotten a chance to fire it yet. I hope I'm not dissapointed.

BB

 

[Maverick223]

I agree with Art, despite the claims that older Minis can't group this has not been my experience, you just have to keep the bbl cool.

 

[jeepguy]

if you don't get the accuracy you want, don't get discouraged just go to that perfect union mini 14 forum. you can get a barrel strut to help with that skinny barrel. trigger job and bedding will take you along way. you will find that some of these older rifles may not need anything done to them and are gtg as is. so make sure you shoot it first, and see what she will do. also alot of people have had problems with aftermarket mags, so i stick to ruger, and they run great.

 

[mudbrik]

Just as Jeepguy says, avoid aftermarket mags. I have two mini's and aftermarket mags tend to cause jamming issues. Most commonly a double feed. The Ruger mags will cost more but save alot of headaches and wasted ammo. Also in my experience the lighter barrel does not affect accuracy if you are shooting within reason, meaning pick your shots and be realistic with it(it's not meant to be a machinegun or combat gun)and you should not have trouble. The gun was not designed for rapid fire, obviously. However the Mini 14 has alot of tactical options that can make it fun to own, great for personal defense and fun on the range. And dead reliable.

 

[Ignition Override]

Ruger first allowed Ruger (factory) 20-rd. mags for the Mini 14 on the civilian market right after the presidential election. Strange timing?
Last spring they also began producing 20-rd. mags for the Mini 30's civilian market.

The baffling magazine issue caused despondency or anger among many Ruger customers, who gave up on Minis years ago and never returned.

 

[jeepguy]

after bill ruger died and they got new leadership things slowly started to change. which is why we have been seeing more flashiders and tacticle stocks now. as well as a gas piston ar15.

 

[kaferhaus]

The old mini's are good "fun guns" and perfectly capable of taking deer sized game at short range.

Accurate, they are not. Most are pie plate guns at 100yds unless you go to considerable expense and trouble.

The new one's are MUCH better. But you can buy a AR for the price they want for them... The AR is gonna win that match every time.

I've had half a dozen of the 180 series guns and swore I'd never buy another, but if I find one of the newer ones at a good price used I'm gonna give it another chance.

 

[KMO]

Accurate, they are not. Most are pie plate guns at 100yds unless you go to considerable expense and trouble.

Beg to differ...My 196-series (traditional barrel) blew out this bulls eye with a 20-round mag last weekend...