Originally Posted By DakotaFAL:


Yeah, sorry.  Ruger made *a lot* of changes between the 180 and 181 series, in an apparent attempt to maximize parts commonality with the AC556.  That was counter productive as the AC556 was ultimately a very low production rifle compared to the Mini 14.  

Worse, the 180 series is an incredibly sweet handling rifle, lighter and slimmer than the 181 and later series, and was much more accurate than the 181-pre 580 series.

Jeff Cooper really liked the 180 series Mini 14, but went silent on it with the 181 and later Mini 14s.

There are still plenty out there, although they have gotten pricey.  A decade ago you could pick one up for $300 or so in excellent condition as buyers avoided them out of concerns that parts are scarce.  Which is a non issue as they don't break, in large part because they are not over gassed like the later series.

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Originally Posted By blfuller:


I would suggest that you don't do that because everything is a balance in the cycling of the weapon.  You remove mass from the op-rod and you will likely have to compensate with a stronger recoil spring if you can find one or using an adjustable gas block. Removing weight could beat the weapon into an early death.  The op-rod hits the front of the receiver during cycling and it would hit harder and probably increase recoil and may induce other issues.