DCRuger
Single-Sixer
I wonder if someone can point me to a site or thread that lists all the changes per prefix numbers throughout the years. I have a #183 SS old model but wonder just whats changed before and after?
D.
D.
Mini 14 changes throughout the years
- Thread starter DCRuger
- Start date
kwg020
Bearcat
Go to perfectunion.com for more information. There is the model 180 which is different and is no longer supported by Ruger. Then there is the model 181 to the 197 with little changes. In 2005 Ruger introduced the model 580 and then in 2008 the model 581. kwg
chet15
Hawkeye
The first Mini's that came out had a gold bead front sight, maybe 1,400 or so made..the earliest 180- prefixes.
Then Ruger got rid of the ugly looking rube goldberg type bolt release mechanism on the left side of the receiver. All 180- prefix guns have it, and all 181- and higher guns do not.
Ruger did have issues with the earliest stainless Mini-s as the receivers apparently did not get the right heat treat, so there was a recall on those...guns in the 181-11196 to 182-51928 serial block. Stainless guns that were involved in the recall will have two proofmarks on the receiver indicating they were sent back to the factory.
As far as other internal changes, I'm sure there have been some, but there have really only been 2 or 3 collectors who have ever paid attention to Mini-14's and two of them or no longer with us, so they took the info with them.
I can tell you also though that Ruger changed the rifling in the Mini at least twice.
Other known external variations are discussed in the Reference of Ruger Firearms.
Chet15
Then Ruger got rid of the ugly looking rube goldberg type bolt release mechanism on the left side of the receiver. All 180- prefix guns have it, and all 181- and higher guns do not.
Ruger did have issues with the earliest stainless Mini-s as the receivers apparently did not get the right heat treat, so there was a recall on those...guns in the 181-11196 to 182-51928 serial block. Stainless guns that were involved in the recall will have two proofmarks on the receiver indicating they were sent back to the factory.
As far as other internal changes, I'm sure there have been some, but there have really only been 2 or 3 collectors who have ever paid attention to Mini-14's and two of them or no longer with us, so they took the info with them.
I can tell you also though that Ruger changed the rifling in the Mini at least twice.
Other known external variations are discussed in the Reference of Ruger Firearms.
Chet15
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