[Camera man]

A friend of mine found this and I thought I should pass it along.

http://www.firearmsid.com/Recalls/FA_Recalls%204.htm

RUGER, MODEL STAINLESS STEEL MINI-14 RIFLES

Ruger is recalling all stainless steel Mini-14 rifles with serial numbers below 182-51929 with only one proofmark on the receiver.

We have examined a total of three stainless steel Mini-14 rifles that have been returned from users with cracked receivers. In every instance, this situation was traced to a combination of two factors:
The receivers exhibited excessive hardness; and
The rifles were fired either with an obstruction in the bore or with faulty ammunition creating extremely excessive pressures.

Not all stainless steel Mini-14 rifles have an excessively hard receiver. Every
Mini-14 ever shipped, like other Ruger firearms, has been proof tested. We cannot tell which ones are too hard by serial number alone. Therefore, we are recalling all of our stainless steel Mini-14 rifles below serial number 182-51929 bearing only one proofmark on the receiver for inspection, testing, and re-heat treatment, if necessary. Most rifles will require only a Rockwell test and will be returned after testing. Rifles tested will be given an additional proofmark. Only some rifles will require re-heat treatment.
Remove the buttstock from your rifle, and remove all custom accessories. The remainder of the rifle is all that we need. Securely package and insure your barreled action, bolt, trigger housing group, and handguard (a shipping carton is
available upon request), and ship it UPS AOD to:

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Guild Road - Dept. 14
Newport, New Hampshire 03773
(603) 863-3300 ext. Mini-14

Source:
Company Notice 1981
AFTE Journal, July 1981; Volume 13, Number 3:6
American Rifleman, November 1981; page 66

 

[Tady45]

Hey Camera Man,

Well, If I read this correctly, this recall was conducted in 1981? Another give away was the 182 serial number. Is just an FYI?


Larry

 

[Camera man]

Yeah, I saw that too. But ya never know. I put it out there just in case.

 

[BigMike]

Camera man,

You should consider revising the Subject of your Post to:

Mini 14 recall [old]

 

[Camera man]

To many big words for me.

 

[Camera man]

One more thought B.M. Its not old if you just picked one of these up or missed it the 1st time around. I would want to know about it. I went and checked mine. And I bet if you have one, Ruger will still do the test. All they need is to have PR problems or to be sued about a gun blowing up on some kid. So the date may be old but its still worth reading and I think up to date. Most recalls do not have exp. dates. Call Ruger and ask if you like.

 

[LgAnimalVet]

Ok, so I have a Mini-14 with serial # 182-41XXX--is it really neccesary to send this in to them?

 

[Camera man]

Call there CUSTOMER SERVICE Dept at (603) 865-2442

 

[cajungeo]

I agree with you Camera man, Its only old to people it doesn't apply to, but new to someone who just pruchased their 182 mini. Thanks for posting the NEW (OLD) MINI 14 RECALL

 

[bugdrvr]

How does a Rockwell test work? As in how do you do one.

 

[Kalifornia Citizen]

I've only seen one Rockwell tester and it was 60's vintage. So, maybe they're smaller and electronic now?

It looked somthing like a hydraulic press. Anyhow, it worked by putting a tiny dimple in the steel. The press was set up to make the dimple and then automatically release its' pressure. The gauge was calibrated to show how much pressure it took to make the dimple. You read Rockwell hardness right off the gauge.

Happy hunting!

KC
:usa:

 

[bushwack]

KC---Sounds exactly like the one I seen. A high dollar instrument for sure. I wouldn't expect to see one in your average machine shop.

Good shooting
Bushwack

 

[Camera man]

Thanx cajungeo. I think BM or BigMike put the (old) on it. I think its still good reading....

 

[cajungeo]

I've used a Rockwell Tester many times over the years, They haven't changed a lot. The annalog type has a guage, and operates as Kali described. I have not used an electornic one, but I suppose they exist. I've used them on steel, alum, plastic, and seal.