Need help on a good mini14

[martyj]

Looking to buy a mini 14 and have run into trouble in the past.
Had a real early one that shot very well. Had a mid production one that had different rifling in it and didn't shoot to well,
Looking for the (correct me if Im wrong)580 or 581 series ranch rifle and trying to figure out how to identify them off GB.
thanks martyj

 

[groberts]

I think it was in the mid 581 series serial numbers when the barrel was changed. In photos you can seen the new barrel is tapered for the first 4 to 5 inches after the gas block. These barrels are supposed to be more accurate as they are thicker in the first part. Other than that just get the serial number - 580, 581, etc are the first three numbers.

 

[hickoryhillbill]

In March of 2014 I bought a mini 14 and 30 both 582 series. Both have been flawless and very accurate and not ammo finicky. After a dozen early minis I plan on keeping these 2 forever. Both have already passed the 2000 round count.

 

[Al James]

Early 580 series had the NON tapered barrel so be careful going off of just the 580 prefix if you want the current tapered barrel. Newest guns [582?] are also drilled and tapped for a factory supplied scope base if that interests you. Good luck and let us know what you end up getting!