I have been thinking about buying a Mini 14. A local guy has a blued 1978 Series 181 Ruger Mini 14 for sale. It looks nice in the pictures and comes with two factory 30 round magazines. He is asking $500. My knowledge on Mini 14s is extremely limited. Is this a good deal? Thanks.

hker71

Mini-14s are kind of iffy in regards to accuracy. I had one ( a Ranch Rifle) that had minute of pie plate groups at 25 yards. I got rid of it.

Others love their -14s.

It seems that the thin barrel is not conducive to accuracy after 3-4 shots.

My opinion is that you should let him take you to the range and shoot it. See if you are happy with the groups.

My brother has a series 181, has very nice wood stock and the heat shield/top cover is wood and not plastic.  The main difference in the 181 series is the bolt catch.  The newer series use a better design.  I read Ruger doesn't support the 181 anymore but that might be hearsay.

I have a 181 from that period.  A trigger job and barrel strut gives me 2 - 3 inch groups at 100 yards.  For a little more you could get a newer model with the thicker barrel.

Do you guys think $500 is too high?? I am starting to think $450. I'm a sucker for the full wood upper forearm cover. Looks sharp.

hker71

You can buy a new one at Walmart for $625.

180 Series Link
Produced from 1974-1977.
Brass ejects upwards.
Shipped from factory with wood handguard installed.
Original Mini-14, no longer supported by Ruger (i.e., no 180-specific parts available)

181 - 186 Series Link
Produced from 1978-1999.
"Standard" Mini-14
No factory scope mounts, single blade front sight, low round rear peep sight.
Brass ejects upwards.
Still supported by Ruger factory parts.

196 - 197 Series Link
Produced from 2000-2004.
Same as 181-186 Series.

187 - 188 Series Link
Produced from 1982-1995.
Mini-14 Ranch Rifle
Factory Scope Mounts, flip-up rear sight, single blade front sight.
Brass ejects to side to avoid contact with scope.
Still supported by Ruger factory parts.

195 - 197 Series Link
Produced from 1996-2004.
Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.
Same as 187-188 Series.

580 - 581 Series Link
Produced from 2005-Present.
Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.
Winged Rear Peep Sight, Winged (3-blade) Front Sight.
Integrated Scope Mounts.
At some point in the 580 Series, Ruger introduced the "heavier," flanged/tapered barrel which improved accuracy and decreased heat sensitivity (stringing).

Dave N

I will have to look. Thanks for the tip. I have to scratch the Mini 14 itch!!

Just for clarification I miss spoke, my Brother has a 180 series which had the different bolt catch and wooden top cover.  Old age I guess, I was thinking 181 was the first model when I read the post.   I really don't see the Mini 14 as having a lot of collector value compared to the Colt SP1 AR-15.   It seems a lot of Mini 14's get cobbled up which ruins them for being a collector.  A like new condition 181 series Mini 14 would probably only bring $400-$450 in my area.  You price it any higher and it would set on the shelf.  A like new Mini 14 181 series might bring more on GB but to me the original 180 series might be of more interest to collectors.

The Mini 14 181 series is basically the fixed sight utility rifle and these are not in demand in my area.  A lot of buyers would prefer the newer heavy barrel models which easily accept a scope.  You get very close to the price of a new Mini 14 and your used Mini 14 will not sell.  If I really wanted to sell a Mini 14 quickly in my area I would price it at $375  - $400 Max.

The 181 series is supported.  The 180 Series is no longer supported.

I had a 181 Mini.  It was as dependable as any rifle I ever had.  But, it shot 4" groups at 50 yards.  You might get better groups with an accuracy strut and I know it will go bang every time.  I'm liking $400 better since that is better than half way to a new 581 series.  But, if you live in a no AR15 State that drives the price up a little.  For $700 you can get a DPMS Sportical and a new 3x9 scope and unless you do a lot of shooting you will never wear it out  and you will never have an issue with accuracy.  kwg

There are many DIY accuracy tune ups for the Mini-14.

Replacing the sights are an easy upgrade. Strut rods and Ultimak rails stiffen the barrel up a bunch. Installing replacement gas bushings, lapping and torquing the gas block and top strap are two more good ones. Trigger jobs and glass bedding are a little more advanced.