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Older Ruger Mini 14

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/630601935/m/1430003224

March 22, 2018, 11:26 PM
4859
Older Ruger Mini 14
I know the owner very well and have dealt with him a lot. He knows I am not a dummy when it comes to the Gun Shop business. I don't want to insult him with a super low ball offer, but I know he marks his used guns high and will deal. He also likes to trade! Will see if I can talk to him tomorrow.


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Always carry. Never tell.
March 22, 2018, 11:37 PM
bionic218
This parts gun just sold for $435 with over 15 bids on Gunbroker.

mini 14 parts gun

So if you like the dealer, and don't want to insult them, I would not recommend bidding $350.

If you really want it, find something to trade to lessen the burden or save up. I haven't seen one go for less than $500 in quite some time.
March 23, 2018, 12:18 AM
sns3guppy
I have a mini-14. I've had it for quite a while, so not a newer generation. I'm sure it's not a tack driver; I haven't shot it in some time, but I used to shoot it quite a bit. The mini-14 hit everything I aimed at. The shots tend to shift point of aim with changes in barrel temperature; fire a lot of shorts in a short time, and it will shift; a few shots, not so much. Hitting paint cans at a hundred yards, no problem. Mine has only iron sights.
March 23, 2018, 08:06 AM
4859
quote:
Originally posted by bionic218:
This parts gun just sold for $435 with over 15 bids on Gunbroker.

mini 14 parts gun

So if you like the dealer, and don't want to insult them, I would not recommend bidding $350.

If you really want it, find something to trade to lessen the burden or save up. I haven't seen one go for less than $500 in quite some time.


I won't low ball him. I am thinking if I ask him what is the best he can do he will say $500. I have always traded with him so I know we can make a deal.


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Always carry. Never tell.
March 23, 2018, 08:41 AM
blfuller
When you say after market stock, what kind of after market stock, fixed, folding, Hogue, Choate, ATI, Ramline? I would also check what magazines come with it. If any are aftermarket junk like Promag I would definitely offer in the $475 range.
March 23, 2018, 09:07 AM
3/4Flap
quote:
Originally posted by sns3guppy:
I have a mini-14. I've had it for quite a while, so not a newer generation. I'm sure it's not a tack driver; I haven't shot it in some time, but I used to shoot it quite a bit. The mini-14 hit everything I aimed at. The shots tend to shift point of aim with changes in barrel temperature; fire a lot of shorts in a short time, and it will shift; a few shots, not so much. Hitting paint cans at a hundred yards, no problem. Mine has only iron sights.


I was curious about the performance level of Mini's compared to AR carbines so I shot a test of 2 each. The Minis were in NIB condition {new old stock from an estate collection}.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar...ht-Duel-/118-717688/

Also, you can see this placement of the Mini in the scores posted in this shooting Challenge:

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Ge...o-/5-1950750/?page=1

Go to posting "Posted: 12/30/2017 4:36:27 PM PDT"

Because of the rules, it had to be posted as a Rifle, not Carbine which put it in tough competition. It sits at place #17 on the "B} Iron-Sighted Rifle Division {bbls 18” and over} AKA "Without Glass On It" Rifle Division". You can see in the listings how other rifles and carbines placed in that and other divisions.

In a nutshell, that Challenge is 15 shots in 3 minutes from any UN-supported position. NO bench, NO sling, NO sticks, NO bags, NO rest of any kind and NO prone. Standing, kneeling, sitting, elbows on knees or cross-legged OK, etc. It is a test of shooter and equipment, with heavy emphasis on the shooter and what can be expected from the shooter in field conditions unassisted by any aids.

The Mini doesn't do too badly, but you will notice in the accompanied targets a few posts down "Posted: 12/30/2017 5:43:23 PM PDT" that the gun did tend to string shots vertically.

I really like Minis for the ergos. In fact, I have one of the ones tested set up for next year with 65 grain Sierra Game King bullets for my September hike rifle. I'll use it on grouse and if I run into a bear which has happened a couple times before.

quote:
Originally posted by 4859:
I won't low ball him. I am thinking if I ask him what is the best he can do he will say $500. I have always traded with him so I know we can make a deal.


You are being quite generous I think, but either at $450 or $500, I bet he'll sell it.


**********************
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Read Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878) LEO XIII. This Pope warned us about the Socialists before most folks knew what a Socialist was...
March 23, 2018, 09:10 AM
RichardC
Handy Mini 14 link:

"Ruger Mini-14/30 Barrel Twist Rates

Hopefully this data will help you choose the optimum bullet weight for your rifle.


Mini-14 and Ranch Rifle: Series, date of manufacture, twist rates"

http://sunflowerammo.blogspot....rel-twist-rates.html


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March 23, 2018, 09:26 AM
3/4Flap
quote:
Originally posted by RichardC:
Handy Mini 14 link:

"Ruger Mini-14/30 Barrel Twist Rates

Hopefully this data will help you choose the optimum bullet weight for your rifle.


Mini-14 and Ranch Rifle: Series, date of manufacture, twist rates"

http://sunflowerammo.blogspot....rel-twist-rates.html


I'll add that getting the straight line ... about rifling in these guns can be frustrating.
appears some fluctuation occurred and Ruger doesn't seem able to give exact SN's.

OP: The data here is probably correct, but if it isn't, don't get twisted up about it ... Wink

Also, Ruger no longer supports the old models, but parts can be had from a variety of sources.

http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/index.php

Etcetera.

NOTHING handles like an iron-sighted, wood-stocked Ruger Mini-14!!


**********************
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Read Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878) LEO XIII. This Pope warned us about the Socialists before most folks knew what a Socialist was...
March 23, 2018, 09:36 AM
blfuller
quote:
Originally posted by RichardC:

Also, Ruger no longer supports the old models, but parts can be had from a variety of sources.


Ruger supports 181 series Mini-14's and later. Only one not supported is the 180 series. The series is identified by the first 3 digits of the serial number; i.e. 181-XXXXXXX.
March 23, 2018, 10:41 AM
3/4Flap
quote:
Originally posted by blfuller:
quote:
Originally posted by RichardC:

Also, Ruger no longer supports the old models, but parts can be had from a variety of sources.


Ruger supports 181 series Mini-14's and later. Only one not supported is the 180 series. The series is identified by the first 3 digits of the serial number; i.e. 181-XXXXXXX.


According to the last call I made last year; they told me they no longer will change barrels on any of the pre-heavy-barrel models and will only repair if the part interchanges w/ current models, which some do.

Sounds like you saw the listing of "180-series" guns on the website. Maybe the site hasn't been updated or maybe I was given incorrect information, or maybe they mean any 180 {1,4,7...} series guns. I don't know.

A call would clear it up. Or not!! LOL.

{Just to be clear; I know what I was told as I had them look up 4 serial numbers of guns I was interested in and as they were all 18X-series {0, 1, 4, 7} guns was told they serviced NONE of them. Maybe woever I spoke to messed up, but they did do some checking for me and I spoke to two different people so I felt the information was pretty definitive.}


**********************
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Read Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878) LEO XIII. This Pope warned us about the Socialists before most folks knew what a Socialist was...
March 23, 2018, 02:37 PM
RichardC
quote:
Originally posted by blfuller:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by RichardC:
Also, Ruger no longer supports the old models, but parts can be had from a variety of sources.


Nuh-uh. Razz


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March 23, 2018, 03:05 PM
Bisleyblackhawk
quote:
Originally posted by RichardC:
quote:
Originally posted by blfuller:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by RichardC:
Also, Ruger no longer supports the old models, but parts can be had from a variety of sources.


Nuh-uh. Razz


My brother has, IIRC, a series 181 that's missing the whole front sight...he has not been able to find one...anywhere.


********************************************************

"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches
Making the best of what ever comes our way
Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition
Plowing straight ahead come what may
And theres a cowboy in the jungle"
Jimmy Buffet
March 23, 2018, 03:32 PM
3/4Flap
quote:
Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:
quote:
Originally posted by RichardC:
quote:
Originally posted by blfuller:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by RichardC:
Also, Ruger no longer supports the old models, but parts can be had from a variety of sources.


Nuh-uh. Razz


My brother has, IIRC, a series 181 that's missing the whole front sight...he has not been able to find one...anywhere.


Try here and see if they have a take-off:

http://www.ruger-mini-14-firearms.com/Sights.php

Or ask here:

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/

Try this one?

http://www.meprolight.com/defa...9-ABAC-DFED161484BB}

Maybe disregard the "173" as the captions says:

"The ML - 30921 is a front sight only for use on the Mini-14R rifles manufactured prior to 2005."

You might call Ruger and ask for Customer Service. Get a tech on the phone and ask him to see if a gunsmith has one laying around in his junk drawer. Literally, I've done this a number of times and struck gold.


**********************
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Read Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878) LEO XIII. This Pope warned us about the Socialists before most folks knew what a Socialist was...
March 23, 2018, 08:17 PM
4859
Going to do some trading for it tomorrow hopefully.

How are Triple K mags?


-----------------------------
Always carry. Never tell.
March 23, 2018, 08:35 PM
sorenson
As an FYI (for price comparisons), I just purchased one here at my LGS for a shade under 550. It was a series 188-XXXX (1991 mfg.)...and it came with a nearly new 4X Weaver mounted on it. Clean piece with a good bore and apparently very little use. Just a single 5 round magazine however.
S.


_______________________________________________________________________
Don't Ask The Tyrants Why They Commit Tyranny, Ask The Slaves Why They Kneel
March 23, 2018, 08:49 PM
Bisleyblackhawk
I forwarded the links to my brother...he took the rifle in lieu of payment for a debt quite a few years ago and searched the usual suspects for the sight, to no avail...Ruger told him good luck on finding one. Thanks for the info Smile


********************************************************

"we've gotta roll with the punches, learn to play all of our hunches
Making the best of what ever comes our way
Forget that blind ambition and learn to trust your intuition
Plowing straight ahead come what may
And theres a cowboy in the jungle"
Jimmy Buffet
March 23, 2018, 08:54 PM
3/4Flap
quote:
Originally posted by 4859:
Going to do some trading for it tomorrow hopefully.

How are Triple K mags?


For what?

Filling with lead and propping a door, they are great.

Somewhat less effective feeding ammo down the gullet of a Mini.

quote:
Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:
I forwarded the links to my brother...he took the rifle in lieu of payment for a debt quite a few years ago and searched the usual suspects for the sight, to no avail...Ruger told him good luck on finding one. Thanks for the info Smile


I hope he can find one. There are other options. He could scout Numrich and find a band sight that either fits the diameter of the barrel or is close, then split it lengthwise and either fold in or expand out the band and have it soldered on. I had that done to my 16-inch barrelled 9.3x62. Worked.


**********************
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Read Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878) LEO XIII. This Pope warned us about the Socialists before most folks knew what a Socialist was...
March 23, 2018, 09:47 PM
blfuller
I personally think the old style sight on the Mini-14 sucked. I would get one of the newer ones or a XS Systems


March 23, 2018, 10:03 PM
3/4Flap
That's a good looking sight.


**********************
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

Read Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878) LEO XIII. This Pope warned us about the Socialists before most folks knew what a Socialist was...
March 23, 2018, 11:04 PM
4859
You know 3/4 Flap, I am asking questions here because this Form is a great place for good information. Not really appreciating your tone any more.


-----------------------------
Always carry. Never tell.