[litefoot]

Just-for-the-fun-of-it question. I don't claim to be the expert here, in fact, I'm a Mini novice, but I recently acquired a 183 series Mini and I have to tell you the finish and stamping/roll marking of the older rifle receiver is noticeably better than my Tactical. I sure like the older rear (indexed) sights better.

I know the 580 series have the better barrel, but are there many of you out there that would prefer an accurized older rifle over the newer rifles? Just curious....as I'm thinking I like the older ones better. Of course, I'm making this statement without a lot of trigger time with either.

I know there is the Ruger Support issue, but dangit, which one makes your heart flutter a little faster...Ruger service be hanged.

 

[faawrenchbndr]

I prefer an older Mini vs the newer models.
I just think quality was a bit better with the 190- series.
Seems everything gets cheaper built as it gets older.

The 580-series are great for a range blaster, but for a ranch rifle
a few rounds fired at a time,........the older models rule!

 

[PABin25]

I with you 2, I think the older Mini's (and other Ruger Rifles) looked to be made a bit better. I have a 188 series ranch, NRA and tactical model and I love them all but the older one seems at least have a better finish on it...

 

[nzmini30]

The only mini I have shot is my own which is a 581 series mini 30 (thin barrel)

Although iv never shot any other mini's, im going to have to say I like the thin barrel ones more then the new thicker barrel mini's. (very general i know!)

In the time I have been around this forum I dont recall ever seeing so many posts about problems with new mini's, weather it be that they cant shoot steel reliably, defects from factory, feeding problems etc etc.
With no experience with any mini but my own, im going to say I like the slightly older ones better :lol:

 

[edorfox]

I with you 2, I think the older Mini's (and other Ruger Rifles) looked to be made a bit better.

+1 Although my mini's are newer and are accurate enough, I agree that of the older ones I've seen, they are indeed nicer. Bluing is more polished, machine cuts are finer, and the overall fit and finish better. It's apparent Ruger is trimming the fat wherever they can. The one thing I do prefer on the newer ones IS the fatter barrel. The skinny rod looking barrels sticking out, pretending to be a rifle barrel look almost out of place/disproportionate on the older ones.

Ed

 

[PABin25]

+1 Although my mini's are newer and are accurate enough, I agree that of the older ones I've seen, they are indeed nicer. Bluing is more polished, machine cuts are finer, and the overall fit and finish better. It's apparent Ruger is trimming the fat wherever they can. The one thing I do prefer on the newer ones IS the fatter barrel. The skinny rod looking barrels sticking out, pretending to be a rifle barrel look almost out of place/disproportionate on the older ones.

Ed

My thoughts exactly...

 

[gunman42782]

I much prefer the new ones. I have owned 5 over the years, and my new one will shoot rings around the others. I also much prefer the new full size stocks with rubber butt pads vs. the old curved plastic butt pads.

 

[niteowl]

I have both a 580 series Ranch (blued), and a 186 series GB (stainless).

My 580 has spectacular accuracy (for a Mini), and really likes Remington UMC 55grn. and Black Hills SP 60grn. The only thing I didn't like is the new full length stock with the rubber buttpad. Too long for me. I swapped mine out for an older carbine stock with the curved buttplate. With a Burris Short Mag 4x32 scope, this one is my dedicated coyote rifle... that's also been used on pronghorn and smaller whitetails.

The GB is a fairly new to me, so no accuracy comparisons yet. But it does have the 1 in 7 twist barrel, so I'm anxious to see what it'll do with 62grn. SS109 surplus...as that's what it was designed to shoot. I do like the crisper edges of the receiver, and the fit and finish do seem a bit better than the 580. I also dig the rear standard sights on the older ones. Much more robust than the new ones that are only held on with one allen head screw that WILL come loose unless you locktite it.

 

[Nobody]

I, too, prefer the older models. My rifles have the 1 turn in 7" barrels and group less than 2" at 100 yards with 5.56 green tip. They do have the tight-fitting, Choate flash suppressors installed, so perhaps that's why. As you and others have pointed out, the finish on my stainless steel rifles is superior to the new rifles. I also prefer the old-style rear sight and sturdy blade front sight.

 

[RetailOp]

I would have to say that I prefer the newer 580 series. It is much more accurate than the #188 (?) series that I had several years ago. My newer rifles seem to stay on target better than my older mini (less affected by barrel heat), and I have less problems with after market mags.

RO

 

[qwman68]

I have a 580 series .223 and I think they are more accurate overall than the older ones. I cant speak of the quality of the older ones but the 580 series is a fine rifle IMHO.

 

[Killagan]

I think the newer 581's rule... Why because thats what I have and mine is better than yours because it's mine!!!!!! But honestly I don't have a full range report for my mini but I will. I like the short barrel though

 

[tri70]

I like them both but I have always heard good things about the older 183 models being more accurate than my 196 skinny (worn out tooling maybe). I have done alot to make my skinny a good shooter, but I think it takes less to get my 6.8 to shoot good and the target model shoots good with bedding and trigger job.

 

[gj10]

This thread is helping me I was thinking about trading or selling my 189 Mini but I think I'll upgrade it instead.

 

[donmor53]

My 181 series has been just great since 1979...