Change barrel

[bearpower]

Can you put a barrel from 580 series on 183 model ruger mini 14 have anyone every did this before?

[boogeyman]

I would contact Ruger directly. A new tube can sometimes be found @ numrich gun parts for around 70$ when htey have them. But then your going to have a smith install it, I'm not sure if the barrels come w/ the gas port drilled or if it has to be custom drilled to match your mini. Good luck

[gundoc]

Here's a little secret - Ruger will install a new barrel for under $100. What you will get is a brand new barrel, properly indexed and headspaced. Any used barrel, or a new one with the gas port and extractor slot already cut will most likely need to be indexed to your receiver and that gets pretty expensive.

[scarecrow]

Is the new 580 series barrel enough of an improvement over the 181 to be worth the change?

[gundoc]

Going back to the 181 series, a new barrel will be, well...new, and the twist rate will be different from the barrel you currently have. I think you have a 1:12 right now and the 580 is a 1:9. Only you can decide if the change is worthwile.

[nellybell]

Here's a little secret - Ruger will install a new barrel for under $100. What you will get is a brand new barrel, properly indexed and headspaced. Any used barrel, or a new one with the gas port and extractor slot already cut will most likely need to be indexed to your receiver and that gets pretty expensive.
Boy, I'll say. I went to have a Shilen barrel installed
on my pop gun and to do it right was around 165.00 +.
Here was the fellow that did it. I had a brake installed,
pinned and soldered as well per Ca's new AWB back in
2000. John isn't cheap, but gunsmithing I feel is not
only a trade, but an art for only a few with the talent,
and for that talent one should pay the price for work
that not only looks good and preforms well, but is
first and foremost safe.

http://www.danforthgunsmithing.com/index.html

That 100.00 deal from Ruger is a smart move. Thanks
for the heads up GunDoc.