Would anyone know off hand what year a mini 30 was if it's prefix of the serial # is 196?

Just wondering.


Thanks,

I believe Ruger started using that prefix around 2000. There is a spot on their website that could tell you for sure.

Thanks. I did find it on their site, around 2002-2003 is when mine was made. They started with the 581's recently...

I have read 2 posts (so far) that there are M-14 in 581 series... shouldn't be too much a surprise considering my M-14 produced in 4/2009 has a serial # 580-98xxx.

I bet for a $1 on the day the stamping reached 580-99998, some do-dat Supervisor (probably a new hired, or a temp, or actually a subcon) made a "brilliant" decision on-the-spot to solve the "problem" at hand by moving to the next number in series: 581-000001

Some of those do-dats might even pop a bubbly (no doubt - apple juice) to celebrate the "new page" of Mini-14 production... some might even hit the bar after work to have some REAL celebration, too..

Ruger just like to have some fun with us customers.

(My #100 post!!!! what do I do???? oh well, may be a reset to #1.)