Mini-14 "good" and "bad" serial numbers/years?

Doug

Doug

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OK, so a fellow I know wants to trade me his Ruger Mini-14 "Ranch" rifle. I have been told that there are some serial number ranges that a person might wish to avoid.

This one bears serial number 188-38###. According to the Ruger website, it would have been made in 1991.

So please fill me in about good, bad or ugly? Thanks for any advice.

Doug

EDIT to add: I do NOT want this rifle for myself, it would be trade bait. I have owned Mini-14s and have been thoroughly underwhelmed by their accuracy, or lack thereof - including two "Target" models. I do not want to allow six hundred dollars trade value on the rifle if it is only worth four hundred, or whatever.
 
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Any of the newer ones start at 580 and go up from there. these are the newest "model" since they changed the manufacturing process and they are supposed to be more accurate then the earlier models.
Anything older then the 580's i don't much about and will leave to people who know the mini better.
 
I just puchased a older mini-14 (not the ranch model so no scope mounts) and have been doing a bit of research. As far as avoiding models with certain serial numbers, all I can say is that ruger changed barrel twist rates over the years which may have contributed to some of the accuracy or lack there of comments. I read that ruger started making minis with a 1-10" twist from '75 to '89, then switched to a 1-7" from '89 to mid '94 and the finally to the current 1-9" twist. Some say the the 1-7" twist gave the minis the bad rap as it is a bit fast for most of the surplus 55gr bullets. Sticking to bullet weights of 62 grains and heavier is said to improve group size.
 
I had one of the original stainless models, would have been late 70's, maybe 1980. The first batch of stainless had a recall due to the heat treating of the receiver , too hard/brittle. Don't have it anymore , not sure of the serial numbers involved.
 
I did a lot of research on the subject prior to purchasing my Target model (sold it though - I felt it did not live up to the hype) and then my 580 in 2011. I found it likes the 62 grainers the best. The most significant differences I understand are better machining tolerances and a thicker barrel. Cosmetically that big front blade is replaced with a smaller "winged" sight and the noticably thicker barrel by the gas block. I am very happy with mine.
 
I had an older mini (182 series) paid $450 for it, it came with a scope, sling and a few hundred rounds. Shot the hell out of it for years, and always hit what I was aiming at. I now have a 582 series. If you want a precision rifle, then get a bolt rifle. If all you want is to be able to hit a coyote at 200 yards.. go with the mini.
 
TheTooner said:
If you can test fire it and discover it is accurate enough for you, the serial number won't really matter will it?
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Perhaps I was not clear enough in my initial post. I have utterly zero desire to own a Mini-14, EXCEPT as trade bait. If a given serial number is "poison" for the Mini-14 enthusiasts, I do not want to own it. I have owned several, including two "Target" models, and none of them shot worth a hoot. I would not buy another one for myself.

Doug
 
hoochie said:
I had an older mini (182 series) paid $450 for it, it came with a scope, sling and a few hundred rounds. Shot the hell out of it for years, and always hit what I was aiming at. I now have a 582 series. If you want a precision rifle, then get a bolt rifle. If all you want is to be able to hit a coyote at 200 yards.. go with the mini.
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Yes I know this, thanks, and have a number of very good, accurate bolt action varmint rifles. Right now in the rack there is a .17 Fireball, a .204 Ruger, a .219 Zipper, a .219 Zipper Epps Improved, a .220 Swift, a .221 Fireball, a .222 Remington, a .222 Remington Magnum, and a .22-250. My question is about specific serial numbers in the Mini-14 production history. Thanks.

Doug
 
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