Southport Mini-14

[supergreg]

Hi, I'm brand new to the forum, and I am trying to get an idea of the collector value of a Southport Min-14, s/n 180-009XX (1974) in today's crazy market. I've had it since new, and it's unfired, although regrettably the box is long gone (don't ask...). Beautiful shape - 99% blue and 98% wood (only 98% because of a chip on the bottom of the grip...). With (3) original Ruger 30-rd mags, and a 20.

I've got a bunch of other Ruger's I'd love to have, and this might be my ticket, as my "gun money" has recently been going toward old Winchesters, and so gets depleted rather quickly. When I was young and foolish, I got rid of a 200th-Year #1 in 22-250, with amazing presentation wood, all because I didn't like the scope. That one's on my short list...

Any help would be appreciated, and thanks for maintaining such a nice site.

Thanks!

 

[SteelShooter]

Think it has more "value" in todays market as a Mini, and nothing special-as to history. Check Gunbroker for prices.

 

[GBFDave]

Not sure that the current crazy market adds much to the value of a Southport. It would be difficult to justify using a Southport as a modern sporting rifle for many reasons. It is a 180 series rifle, thus the current stocks will not fit and it would be difficult to find any kind of tactical stock for it. Also, Ruger refuses to service any of the 180 series minis, including the Southports. If you compare the parts of your Southport to subsequent versions of the mini, you will note that many aspects of the gun are smaller in dimension and weight and not as stout as the later models. Ruger instituted these upgrades because the original design (ie the 180 series) was not strong enough for the .223/5.56 rounds it was supposed to handle. So, to use a Southport for anything more than a safe queen is risking failure of one of the parts, and Ruger will absolutely not fix it or supply any 180 series parts to fix it. Thus, I think the Southports continue to hold value to a few mini collectors however not to the masses who are interested in acquiring a practical zombie killing modern sporting rifle. Over the past few years Southports have typically sold for between $900 - $1200, the highest I recall seeing was $1500 (this one had the original box). This is still a premium over other 180 series rifles except the Liberty model.

 

[farmall1456]

If the Liberty model Mini 14 has more value than other 180 series, what is the range of value for a NIB Liberty model Mini 14?

 

[GBFDave]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=331411105

 

[SAJohn]

FWIW, I have been shooting my old Southport (062xx) for a lot of years now with nary a hiccup. Maybe because I have never used 5.56 ammo.

I am disappointed that Ruger will not support this firearm. I have been told that they will do a trade-in but at the 1974 price with no inflation factored in.

 

[chet15]

Think it has more "value" in todays market as a Mini, and nothing special-as to history. Check Gunbroker for prices.

I would agree with you to some point, but there was a time in a couple collector generations ago where the Southport Mini was bringing a pretty good premium to collectors. While retail of a Mini was around the $400 area, the Southport Mini was trading for $800-$1,000.
There are other good collectible Rugers that have also fallen by the wayside over the last 40 years (by the way, this is the 40th Anniversary of the New Model SA), unfortunately, as the older generation passes on, the new generation hasn't found the interest in such stuff.
Chet15

 

[mohavesam]

Many thousands of rounds thru mine, not a problem at all. I also have an unfired in-box Liberty gun. The 180-series fire control is just one external interrupter pc. away from the AC-556 y'know...coupe of books talk about that

The diffs are over-rated IMO. Sometimes there is value in the "originals". Just look at all the museum curators here!

 

[golferboy426]

The 180-series fire control is just one external interrupter pc. away from the AC-556 y'know...coupe of books talk about that

gotta get me some of those books I got a few 180's :wink: :wink:

 

[KAC-556F]

The 180 series Mini-14 trigger group is essentially identical to the 181+ series Mini-14's, the 190 series AC trigger group is as well essentially identical to the 191 and 192 series AC's.
There has never been any similarities between the two trigger groups save for one or two springs.

 

[contender]

One more little thing to consider about the OP's Mini. It's a 3-Digit gun. To a Mini collector,,, that can have some bearing.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

South Port Mini SER# known are from ser #: 180-0017 thru 180-1100

thats it......scott

 

[rugerguy]

I'm with GBFDave, as we have had to deal?? try and recoup customers guns, that the bolts "broke" and they do not, will not, service them so whats the point ,yes, there are many that "work" we know guys that have them, shoot them, use them ALL the time, but we've seen the ones that the bolts broke (lugs sheared off) our guess bad heat treat?? whatever, they redesigned them, improved them changed them (updated 181 and later) so the old ones (round bolts) are a NO NO far as we are concerned,keep it in the safe if thats where its been sitting all of its life,cause last one we had gotten in( yes a "200th year Gun) bolt broke on its FIRST magazine!!!.......guy was offered "trade in " and give them ( the factory) $325 for a "new version".........he refused, so we put in one of them .22 caliber conversions, and he has a 22 long rifle, 200th year Mini-14,,,,,,end of story 8)
perfect testament to the name "safe queen" :roll:

 

[GBFDave]

To add to Scott's serial # comment... the lowest Southport number I have seen is 180-00212. This was a prototype model. The highest number Southport I have seen is 180-01426, and I have seen several in the 1200s. I am interested if any lower or higher numbers have been confirmed by other members of the forum.

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8923190

http://www.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8590440

 

[golferboy426]

I sold recently ish 180-00016 That was one of the 4 remaining prototypes . Why do you think 212 is a prototype.

I have 180-00237 which is also one of the 4 I believe

 

[GBFDave]

I sold recently ish 180-00016 That was one of the 4 remaining prototypes . Why do you think 212 is a prototype.

I have 180-00237 which is also one of the 4 I believe

Thanks for your reply. 180-00016 - wow, I wonder if that is the lowest # in existence...
Great question about 212 - the more I look at it the less I am convinced. I was just going by it's odd features (Parkerized finish, unusual magazine release, etc) and the seller's statement that it came from Stan Terhune's estate sale. I suppose a lot of those changes could be aftermarket, and it is an "S" stamped model (which the seller states means a factory second). Do the prototypes have any distinguishing features compared to the other Southport guns? Maybe 212 was sent back in to Ruger and updated with a new barrel etc. before Ruger decided to not work on the 180 series.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

Last records i have list 180-0017 throw 180-1100

if you have 108-00016, let Chet15 know

scott

 

[golferboy426]

Pretty sure I already told him

 

[chet15]

Yeah...180-00016 had been known for a while. I knew about it before the Murtha's did. Was part of the Rex King collection, guns sold intact to Ron Murtha.
That was Rex's info with the gun, that 180-00016 was one of four early guns that were not scrapped. They the earliest ones had a smaller than regular production gas port.
This is why nobody in Ruger's "Low Serial Number Program" got a Southport Mini.
Chet15