[threetango]

Here's a list of the different series of the Mini 14 by year.

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).


_Twist Rates for Mini 14.

Mini14 rate of twist
1. 1974- 1986 is 1 in 10
2. 1986- 1997 is 1 in 7
3. 1997- present is 1 in 9

 

[Railbuggy]

My younger brother bought one in 77 but then found out Ky wasen't allowing deer hunters to use .223/5.56 ammo.The law changed a few years later.The TV show A-Team made the mini 14 sales take off I bet.

 

[SHOOTER13]

Thanks for that comprehensive list 3T... !!

 

[Popeye]

3T that listing I'm sure will help some folks out.

 

[threetango]

Added twist rates to OP.

 

[LT2108]

Thanks 3T

 

[SHOOTER13]

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