[all4gss]

Hello all,

I recently got ahold of a mini-14. I dont know anything about these guns other than they're fun to shoot. From looking at the posts to this board i understand there are different series. I believe mine is a 180 series as the first three digits in the serial number are 180. How does the break down go. Which are most valuable, what are the differences etc. What would you value this mini at?

Also i'm looking for a place to find some good instructions and maybe a little insight as to cleaning/disassembly steps to be taken. can anyone point me in the right direction? I appreciate your help.

Keith

 

[Camera man]

The 180 mini's are some of the older ones. Do not know much about them. I did have one for a short time, but I found that Ruger and other companies did not support 180's any more. I wanted to put a pistol grip stock on it and the one I wanted was not made for the 180's. Only for the 181's and above. The best place to find out about cleaning and take down is from Ruger. Here is there web site. All you do is call them and ask for a manual for the mini 14 and they will mail it out to ya free. Good luck and good shooting.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/

 

[all4gss]

Camera Man,

Thanks for the reply. So apparently there are some differences if aftermarket stocks aren't available. This particular rifle was issued to my grandfather when he worked for the local high way patrol. It has priceless sentimental value, the last three digits of the serial are his DSN, and it's also etc on the bottom of the stock. I dont foresee ever wanting to change these things about the gun. Came with two 30 round rugar clips and seems to be particular about the rounds you fire through it. Had some old Highway Patrol reloads that went through fine. some .223 winchester varmit rounds had a few problems here and there. Anyway thanks for the link..

Keith

 

[Camera man]

Sounds like a keeper. I know, from your cold dead hands. I would not change a thing on it. And keep your eye on those mags. There worth some $. If you just want to play, maybe pick up a 5 round Ruger and save your 30's.

 

[BigMike]

all4gss,

The "180-" series of SN's were manufactured from 1974 through 1977. Yes, there were some significant changes made to the Mini-14 between the "180-" and 181-" series of SN's: one of the most significant was the bolt and extractor, as the early guns has some problems. "Ruger" no longer supports the "180-" series for parts or repairs, as there are no "180-" parts left......

Ruger Rifle SN's By Year

Contact "Ruger" for a FREE Owners Manual for your Mini-14; they maybe reached at: 1-603-865-2442.

 

[cajungeo]

Welcome to the forum all4gss, How about them miners? Do they still paint Pine st green on saint pats day along with any cop cars on the street? Went to the university there in the early 70's class of 73. Had a good time, but 4000 guys, and 400 girls, not good!
If I remember right, the 180 series had a different gas block, thats why you cant find aftermarket stocks that fit now days. Those Ruger mags are worth an easy $100 each. The mini's are picky on the ammo they like, but if you try several weights, and brands, you will find ammo it likes. We have delt with accuracy very well in this forum, depending on how much you are willing to do to them. Being a keep sake you probably won't want to change if much. Here is instructions for dissambly, till ya get your manual. http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/7719/rug...isassembly.html

 

[all4gss]

Sorry for the slow reply, i've gotten pretty busy with school. Yeah, they still paint pine st. From what i've heard it's pretty lame now compared to the daze you spent here durring St. Pats, but atleast we have a few more women

I have a question about the mini-14. I went out to try and sight it in a 100 yards the other day, it seemed to be about 4-5 inchs high, and i adjusted the rear site as far to the right as I could. It has a flash supressor and what looks like a bipod or bayonet mount on the barrel.

Basically i'm looking for a good scope/mount i can use that i can undo and return the rifle to it's original position if i get the urge. I realize that there are some scopes that only work on the range model due to side shell extraction, but are there any out there for normal mini-14's and that will mount to a 180 model?

thanks,

 

[cajungeo]

Hey all4gss, Here is another thread that may help ya. You can also use the search button in the upper right of your control panel, and enter "scope mount". Many posts will come up on this subject. http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/showthr...ght=scope+mount

Didn't quite understand about your elevation/windage adjustment, your were shooting 5" high so you adjusted to the right?

 

[all4gss]

sorry about that, should have been more clear,

i meant i turned the elevation dial (is that what you call it) all the way to the right until there was so much resistance that it wouldnt make another quarter turn. still shooting high. I purchased an S&K scope mount and am currently in the market for a scope to put on it. I had seen that thread that you sent me, that's more or less how i settled on the S&K mount.

thanks again,

Keith