what parts are most likely to break on a mini 14 - 196 series? i am stalking up just in case (if i do decide to keep this rifle)
also i was wondering if there are any parts that i can replace that will ensure no damage occurred when using steel cased ammunition? or is it not necessary?
Also curious to see if it is worth spending 200 dollars to ensure to make it shoot at least 2 MOA or should i resell what i have and get a newer series for 750ish ,
what is the production count of the current series?
also is cyro effective? even with bedding and a strut?
is there way to find out what was the production count for each series?
My 196 has NEVER had a problem. I had the barrel frozen, had a trigger job done and glassbed it myself. Shoots 1 1/2---2 inches pretty consistant. I think glassbedding was the best thing for it. No spare parts needed.
I have several Mini-14's and Ranch Rifles that students use at the range.
Each has had 10's of thousands of rounds run through it.
Parts I have had to replace in the group of rifles:
-several recoil springs
-one extractor
-one firing pin
When I buy a new Mini-14/Ranch Rifle, I send it off to Ruger to get a spare firing pin fitted. Then I buy the following spare parts to add to my kit:
-recoil spring
-extractor, spring, plunger
-ejector (Mini-14's and Ranch Rifles use different ejectors)
I also keep one spare oprod and one spare trigger group in my kit. This is probably overkill, though.
If your 196 series is a Ranch Rifle, I would also suggest a spare rear sight as they are kind of fragile. Unless of course you upgrade to TechSights.
I imagine the part that would mist likely break first would be the firing pin.
The firing pin is actually very robust. As you can see from my actual experience, a breakage is very rare. Lots of rumors get spread about the platform and firing pins, probably because it's only available via a factory fitting.
The firing pin is actually very robust. As you can see from my actual experience, a breakage is very rare. Lots of rumors get spread about the platform and firing pins, probably because it's only available via a factory fitting.
Ahh.. I see. Good to know. I just assumed because that seems to be the one part that everyone seems to be frustrated about getting a replacement, but maybe that has more to do with Thirties firing surplus ammo.
i know where to get a firing pin, but will 180 series firing pin work in my 196?
Probably not. I think the only parts in common with the 181+ standard mini is the magazine and the rear sight assembly parts. The Bolt assembly and recoil parts are smaller on the 180 series, and will not fit on the newer minis.
Mini noob, and yeah: what are they charging?
Further, what about the pin needs to be factory fitted? Like, if it's filing it down a bit...aren't there specs they could list?
I suppose that just opens up some liability issues for them, but damn. Didn't realize how finicky parts could be on this thing! D:
Not that I'm really worried; unlikely that a properly functioning rifle is just going to up and snap a firing pin for no reason, but hey, I wouldn't mind having a couple spares.
Mini noob, and yeah: what are they charging?
Further, what about the pin needs to be factory fitted? Like, if it's filing it down a bit...aren't there specs they could list?
I suppose that just opens up some liability issues for them, but damn. Didn't realize how finicky parts could be on this thing! D:
Not that I'm really worried; unlikely that a properly functioning rifle is just going to up and snap a firing pin for no reason, but hey, I wouldn't mind having a couple spares.
It isn't so much fitting, as they have multiple length firing pins, I've been told, and must match the firing pin length to bolt length, which they also have multiple bolt lengths for proper headspace.
It isn't so much fitting, as they have multiple length firing pins, I've been told, and must match the firing pin length to bolt length, which they also have multiple bolt lengths for proper headspace.
is it still possible to modify it? i work at a place where they have CNC people with like 60 years of experience, they said they would help me with all my gun needs
The main issue with firing pin replacement is not the fitting -- a competent 'smith can do that -- it's the material. There are aftermarket pins available, but they seem to last no more than 200 rounds, at best.
Ruger's factory pins are hands-down the best (only, IMO) option, but Ruger will NOT sell them to anyone. You have to send your rifle in to get a Ruger pin, and it will be fitted to the rifle you send them.
The main issue with firing pin replacement is not the fitting -- a competent 'smith can do that -- it's the material. There are aftermarket pins available, but they seem to last no more than 200 rounds, at best.
Ruger's factory pins are hands-down the best (only, IMO) option, but Ruger will NOT sell them to anyone. You have to send your rifle in to get a Ruger pin, and it will be fitted to the rifle you send them.
I bought a extra bolt assembly off greedbay (ebay) for my ac-556 (181 series bolt). This way my 191 series AC will have a spare complete bolt if something happens to it. It head spaced a GO on my Go/No go tool.
I figured for my 580 series mini I can ship it back to them if I needed to.
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I think the firing pin issue gets overblown... Sure, several have had issues, but that's the only real problem they've ever had. Because it's the only issue folks have had, it tends to be exaggerated, causing some who don't know any better to immediately "lose" their firing pin so they can send it to Ruger for a replacement.
That being said, I understand that some just want to have an extra FP to save the hassle of sending the rifle to Ruger later, or they want one in their BOB/Zombie-pocalypse kit () -- I'm not talking about those folks.
I'm talking about the people who come here for Mini advice before buying and are scared (by some of our members) into having a new FP fitted because someone else's broke after 300/1,000/3,000 rounds. There's a sense of urgency about firing pin breakage that I just can't wrap my head around...
I think the firing pin issue gets overblown... Sure, several have had issues, but that's the only real problem they've ever had. Because it's the only issue folks have had, it tends to be exaggerated, causing some who don't know any better to immediately "lose" their firing pin so they can send it to Ruger for a replacement.
That being said, I understand that some just want to have an extra FP to save the hassle of sending the rifle to Ruger later, or they want one in their BOB/Zombie-pocalypse kit () -- I'm not talking about those folks.
I'm talking about the people who come here for Mini advice before buying and are scared (by some of our members) into having a new FP fitted because someone else's broke after 300/1,000/3,000 rounds. There's a sense of urgency about firing pin breakage that I just can't wrap my head around...
You do not have to "loose" your firing pin they will make an extra. Call them and see mine is in right now getting a spare bolt assembly and thats exactly what I asked for. That is another misconception that you have to lie to get one !
I want a spare so I know 40 years from now I'll still have parts encase they stop working on them. Can you wrap your head on that ?
If you say it fast enough over and over, starts sounding a bit like Drache Teufel...
And the French fella sure seemed like a convenient "other" for 'Ruger' to start a mock argument with.
Anybody else seeing this?
wow lololololsosolsls I hated that guy then you guys acted against me. Know I see eye to eye with him you think its me. Oh man this keeps getting better. Wooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooo
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Parts most likely to go on a Mini?
) -- I'm not talking about those folks. 
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