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Ruger Mini 14

steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
edited April 2004 in Ask the Experts
I heard and read many pros and cons with the mini 14. I was looking to make mime more practicle with some tactical applications i.e. railings, adjustable stock, optics. What do you experts think?
Should I attempt this or should I sell it and get something else?
What aftermarket mags do you recommend?
thanks
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Comments

  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    What makes a mini 14 a ranch model? Is it the receiver that has a dove tail for scope rings or the drilled and taped for a base that makes it a ranch model? I've heard conflicing stories about this and would like to find out one way or the other. Thanks...[:)]
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    what is the difference between ranch model and mini 14?
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I have a stainless steel Mini 14 that I bought while I was in college back in 1984. The only accessories that I have for it is a sling, and a flash suppressor. I would describe the condition as good to excellent. I have probably only fired 200 rounds through it. The question that I have is, what is this rifle worth?

    Thanks for any responses in advance.
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Hello can someone help me on a value of an ruger mini 14 made in May of 1979. This information was given to me by strum ruger after I gave the them serial number, also it has not been fired and all of the hardware is on it is wood. Thanks
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Just bought my son a used mini 14 SS wood stock. How do you tell if it is a pre ban? He wants to trick it out some, needs hand gaurd, scope, muzzle brk ect. not a ranch model. Thnxs Pro Gun
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I was just at the local gun shop and found a "pre-ban" ruger mini 14. I was told it is an early one. The stock is beautiful, and it's all wood. It does not have the metal vent, rather a solid wood piece on top of the barrel. Asking price is $475. I'm thinking about about getting it. Were there any problems with the early ones that were later worked out in the later models? Also is $475 a good price? Thanks.
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    ve a Ruger Mini 14 stainless steel with Factory folding stock, baynot lug and flash hider, it is not listed in the blue book. does anyone have any info on this particular model and what it would be worth. i was told that it originally came from a police dept.
    Many thanks
    Dave
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Just bought this rifle from a friend and he called it a ranch I know nothing about this rifle so the education is just getting started. What is and how can U tell the difference from the ranch/carbine? Is there a better sight to get this info? Thanks for all your help! I checked the serial #183
    shows that it was manu. in 82' and it is a mini 14 not a ranch, is there a site I can find info. on mounting scope and/or accessories?
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I have an old beater Mini 14 that's been jamming. Took it down to clean it and had a lot of resudue around the gas pipe. I removed the gas pipe to clean and found a groove in the pipe. Should there be an o ring in that groove? None of the schematics show one. Thanks for the help.
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Purchased a Ruger Mini 14 in .222 Ranch Rifle. Condition is 99.9%. I was curious to know about the value. It is blue with wood stock. Thanks
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I have a good trade opprotunity. Its for a ruger mini 14 and on the left side of the receiver it says something like in the 200 year of freedom 1776-1976. Gun is about 85% Any info would help.
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    What is the twist rate of the new miini 14? Thanks.
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I just obtained a never fired , SS mini 14 . It has the original box , factory SS foldind stock and wood hand guard . It also has the factory mag and sling still in the plastic .
    What years were these made , and what is the approx value .
    Thanks In Advance
    Mike
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    what is the date of mfg for a Ruger mini 14 serial number5 184-61054?
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I own a mini 14 and would like to add a few extras,scope mount ,bipod etc...,this I feel comfortable doing. I was considering replacing the front sight with a flash hider/ muzzle break from eagle, how difficult is factory front sight removal and would this be a job for a gunsmith.
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Hi All does any body know of a "barrel brace" or something like that. That helps the accurecy A friend has one and said there is some thing for them and if there is where would I get one Thanks Lee
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Just made a trade for a Mini 14 223 cal. will this thing shoot 5.56 cal. also ? its only marked .223 Thanks for an answer. [;)]
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Is there any "first-hand" info with the newer mini 14 as far as accuracy is concerned? I gave up on the original model, when 4" at a 100 yd. was the best they would do. If they are "greatly improved" please give some details. THX HAWKSHAW
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    I took my basic training with the m 14 and I liked it well. The Ruger mini 14 seems to have at least some similarities.
    Any opinions?
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    What would be a good scope to put on a ruger Mini 14?
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,891 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The term "pre-ban" is irrelevant when talking about the Ruger Mini 14; it was never considered to be a "semi-automatic assault weapon".

    I'm unaware of any problems with the early ones, although I have heard from a number of owners who weren't happy with the accuracy of the Mini 14 (regardless of when it was made).

    To determine the current market value of common guns, use the Smart Search on the Gunbroker opening page. Check for the SOLD price of similar guns within the last 90 days; disregard the asking price of guns that haven't sold.

    Neal
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  • reb8600reb8600 Member Posts: 1,110 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I thought the term pre ban did apply to the mini 14. You can not put a folding stock on a newer one but you can have it on the pre ban if it had it before the ban. Some of the earlier ones, the 180 or 181 series are hard to find some parts for.

    Roy.gifGuncontrol-The ability to hit what your aiming at.
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  • fishermanbenfishermanben Member Posts: 15,370
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by reb8600
    I thought the term pre ban did apply to the mini 14. You can not put a folding stock on a newer one but you can have it on the pre ban if it had it before the ban. Some of the earlier ones, the 180 or 181 series are hard to find some parts for.

    You are correct, Sir.
    Ben

    www.RightFieldSucks.com
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  • gap1916gap1916 Member Posts: 4,977
    edited November -1
    The very fist production run of the Mini 14 are not interchangeable with all the rest. If it has a side plate on the left hand side opf the recever it is compatable. If it does not have the side plate I would not go near it. If it is comming with the original factory 20rd mag the price is right. If not it is a little high for me. [8D]

    Greg
    Former Marine
    A N G L I C O
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  • gskyhawkgskyhawk Member Posts: 4,773
    edited November -1
    wasn't the 1st production run the 180 serious ? and arn't these the ones that you can't get parts for?
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  • HangfireHangfire Member Posts: 3,010 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would also stay away from the 180 series. Parts are hard to get, and had ejection problems.

    Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
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  • steeltoe1978steeltoe1978 Member Posts: 3,248
    edited November -1
    Thanks, I found a pic of what I'm talking about....
    http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=17792232
    Notice how it is all wood on top of the barrel. Is this model ok? I assume that by 180 series you mean that the serial number begins with a 180, right??? OR is it the series of 180-189??? Thanks.
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  • Contender ManContender Man Member Posts: 2,110 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rifle shown and as described is not worth $475.00 least ways in my part of the world.


    2470100-M.jpg
    If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!
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  • stalion10stalion10 Member Posts: 336 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    i used to own one and had 3 friends that had one too, they are accurate if you find the right ammo for them, their just pickier than most gunsquote:Originally posted by nmyers

    I'm unaware of any problems with the early ones, although I have heard from a number of owners who weren't happy with the accuracy of the Mini 14 (regardless of when it was made).



    Neal


    it's not the type of gun you have in the heat of a battle that counts, only if you have enough ammo for it, lets face it, a gun without ammo is only as good as a base ball bat!!
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  • gruntledgruntled Member Posts: 8,218 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The problem is only for those that start 180. Parts are not hard to get they are non-existant. Most problems seem to center on the bolt & parts that go with it. My problem was needing a new stock. They cannot be interchanged. Avoid the 180s like the plague.
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  • ameriskinameriskin Member Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    i had a 180 series, sucked! jammed all the time, and it'd almost always kick out a live shell after it ejected the empty shell. it'd slam fire and piss me off all day. but it was real accurate. i guess you have to decide what's more important, accuracy or reliability. lol. mine had a folding stock and i paid 350 for it. put 50 mags though it and sold it for 500. so i made out pretty good. the guy i sold it to did a ton of work to it and claims it shoots really well now. cody

    if you're in my yard tonight, you'll be there in the morning
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  • ern98ern98 Member Posts: 1,725 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If I was interested in the Mini 14 system, I would be looking for one of the "Ranch" rifles. They scope up well as the mounts are cut into the receiver. The regular models want a scope mount in that cut out door and I've never had one which was worth a d....
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