196 vs 580 mini 14 stainless ranch all weather

[Bill D]

I purchased a 196 series right after 9/11 and had a trigger job done. It has never been fired.
I have read just about every post on accurizing a mini and the costs.
Will the trigger assemblies swap between the 2 models? Do I sell the 196, buy the 580, do the swap, and just go shoot? Or will the new model need all the upgrades also? I will replace the gas plug with the adjustable one regardless.
First post from a 60 year old former Marine. Be gentle.

[ventilator]

Give your current 196er a chance first. I've got a blued 196 series myself and would not get rid of her for a new one. My only mods are trigger job, recoil buffer, and a tight laminate stock. I have had 2 types of muzzle brakes/flash hiders on in the past but none currently. Your gun may surprise you. I hope it does. I think the gas block mods are for brass control mostly w/ a little affect on accuracy. I don't reload and hunt mostly w/my Mini so I haven't looked into it too much. I should try to gap mine properly at least someday. Good luck !!!!

[stevekaw]

Welcome, Bill_D!

[tri70]

Nothing wrong with 196 series, I have a SS standard model. I bedded myself and handload, great gun! Give it a try and we'll help you out with all the low cost mods that can make a big difference. The muzzle break helps alot and the bushing keeps the brass throwing at a friendly distance, not down the shirt of your buddy next seat over.;)

[texastom]

Thanks for your service.

I have an older 14 and 30 (not sure of the series)and they both are very good shooters. I do not have experience with 580, but I can't imagine it being significantly better than mine.

I also think it's easier to justify the mods on older guns that I did not pay retail for. After all, modding the mini is what this board is all about!

[tri70]

Thanks for your service.

I have an older 14 and 30 (not sure of the series)and they both are very good shooters. I do not have experience with 580, but I can't imagine it being significantly better than mine.

I also think it's easier to justify the mods on older guns that I did not pay retail for. After all, modding the mini is what this board is all about!

I agree! This is the most popular section and most fun!;)

[guncats]

I'd say shoot the 196 a couple of times and see what it can do. While the old mini's usually don't do that well without mods, there is still a chance of getting an accurate 196x right out of the box. You might get lucky. Try a few different type of ammo and see if it will shoot 3" 5-shot at 100yds with the best load. If it does, keep it and perform mods.

Now if it shoots larger than 3.5moa, and you are not a tinkerer in nature (ie don't enjoy modifying guns), then you might want to get the 580. I have heard (don't own one) they are sub 3moa right out of the box. some even claim 2moa is the norm. Even if a 580 doesn't shoot well you can still sell it easier since it's a 580, then get another 580 to try. I will guess the chance of getting an accurate 580 is much better than with the older series.

Mini mods are very time consumming and will cost you lots of ammo money when doing pre/post comparason. And there is no guarantee on how much a certain mod will improve.

when in doubt, go 580.

Have fun

[Hogwild]

61 yr old former Navy, Vietnam.

Thanks for your service Marine!

Don't fix the problem until you find one. Give the ole girl a chance. She may surprise you besides you would end up doing about the same thing to the 580 plus.

Welcome aboard. I have really enjoyed the forum.

[FALCON 1]

To the RVN era Marine-
If you can shoot the M-14 many years ago and Marines before you shot the M-1 Garand then whether its a new or old series Mini 14 will not and should not matter.......they all hit the target.

I have both and one is smoother and the other is more accurate.....either way they do torso shots very well.

Welcome to the Forum.

FALCON 1
RVN era Army NCO