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
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.