Ruger Mini 14 DOB and Value?

Retired LTC USAR

Retired LTC USAR

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I have a Ruger Mini 14 in SS that I am considering either tradeing or selling.

The serial number is 184-73208.

Who can provide me with the year of manufacture and approximate value?

BTW, this is an unfired weapon.

Thanks for your help.
 
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Ruger Mini-14 Serial Number History

Looks like your Mini was built around 1985. Value? I have owned eight Mini's (7-14's, 1-30) and none of them were accurate enough to commit suicide with. They did function flawlessly, providing I used factory mags. Some folks like them for their size and weight, and they are popular where rifles built on the AR platform are not allowed. I have seen decent Mini's for $300.00 and up. I have $125.00 in the Mini 30 in this photo, and $309.00 and some change in the CZ #527, purchased new in 2003.

936060rugercz1.jpg
 
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No real collector value on those. If you are looking to sell, you might look at completed sold auctions on current model Minis and start with that price.
 
I had a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle handed down to me from my grandfather when he passed a couple years ago. It is a very fun gun to shoot, and I do agree that it isn't a bulleye competition gun, but it is a very good gun for it's intended purpose as and accurate enough to be a "ranch rifle." After you put several rounds through it the barrel does get heated up and accuracy starts to deminish. When you shoot a Mini-14 it has two projectiles, the bullet, and the brass--do not stand to the immediate right of a Mini-14 being fired. Mine chucks brass about 30 feet to the right.
 
novalty said:
When you shoot a Mini-14 it has two projectiles, the bullet, and the brass--do not stand to the immediate right of a Mini-14 being fired. Mine chucks brass about 30 feet to the right.
Click to expand...



That's from a ranch rifle-emptys are launched to the right to clear the scope.My standard puts the emptys at 1:00 and about 2 or 3 feet out.They shoot MOM[minute of man]. ;) Very dependable.For info on the Mini,go to Perfect Union.Com
 
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I would agree that the Rugers are not in too high a demand, but have to disagree about their poor accuracy. I have 2 from 1984 that have only had the slip on flash hider added.

The target picture below was shot a 200 yards on a day with a wind about 15 mph from the right. The group in the center is 20 rounds from the AR15 carbine, while the group to the lower right is 10 rounds from the stainless Mini 14. Both groups were shot off the bipod with probably 30 seconds between rounds. That is a 24" diameter steel plate. Maybe both rifles can do better and this picture is the result of my shooting capabilities. My 2 Mini's are no slouches, but the AR's have proven to be more fun to shoot and, at 300 and longer, I do think they are more accurate.
 

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Retired LTC said:
Looked on GB and they have the mini 14's selling for $500-600. Is that a realistic price??
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Not really - take a look at CDNN's dealer catalog. They have used minis (probably police tradeins) for $399.99 (blue) and $439.99 (stainless)
They also sell them NIB from $569.99 and up.

You can get the dealer catalog at
CDNN Sports, Inc.
 
Retired LTC said:
Looked on GB and they have the mini 14's selling for $500-600. Is that a realistic price??
Click to expand...

Is anything realistic on GB? Not trying to be a smart arse. What version of the gun is it. Are there any bids?

There is a like new NRA version at our local shop for around $500 and change. If yours is new stainless barrel and synthetic stock I think $500 'ish is fair. Even though it's unfired it's still considered used.
Buds online is selling used Police stainless for $529 shipped. Yours is in better shape being unfired so that will give some guide.
 
I am not trying to be ugly or sarcastic here but you really do not have something special there. Unless it is intended as a gift, there is little difference between a NIB Mini or a VGC used one. Yes, MSRP is around $900.00 or so depending on the version but that amount of money puts a buyer into the lower edge of AR's; which are better choices for several reasons.

A private transaction will likely net you a higher yield than a trade with your local gunshop.

There were Mini's made for export chambered in .222 Remington. These will bring a premium. My last Mini purchase was a .222, bought from an estate sale for a neighbor child. I did not notice the caliber until we took it to the range the following weekend. It will shoot a baseball size group @ 100 yards with hand loads. I suggested to his dad that he have the gun bronzed.
 
OCD1 said:
Is anything realistic on GB?
Click to expand...

Yes, GB is *highly* realistic, if you use the advanced search to show only completed auctions. (you need to have a GB account to use that feature)
 
I have a Mini that I bought around 15 years ago. It shoots minute of pie plate at 100 yards with a Williams peep sight which is about what it is meant for. Would I sell it? Probably not because I probably couldn't get more than $3-400 for it and then I wouldn't have a .223 and would have to spend 7-800 for an AR and I'm just too cheap to do that right now.

It IS a reall good gun for laying down covering fire however as I have 4 20 rd Ruger factory and 5 30 rd factory mags :D

After one has scorched the earth, I advise NOT to grab the gun by the barrel. Don't ask how I know this!!
 
I traded a Mazda RX-7 with a bad engine for the Mini 30 in my photo above. I gave $125.00 for the Mazda, and pulled the alloy wheels/tires off and swapped them for the steel wheels and worn tires of the Mazda 626 a friend had just gotten for his son. He had come to sell me a S&W 625-3 which I still own. The friend passed the guy coming for the Mazda as he exited my street, LOL!

I could probably get my money out of the Mini 30 but my conscience would bother me, and it was my son's first deer rifle.
 
I've got the 195 series Ranch Rifle, and it's used for just that purpose. On paper, it's not very accurate. As for the countless Coyotes it's killed, not a single one complained about the shot being a couple inches off where I aimed. Love my Mini14.
 
Today's Bass Pro Shop Flyer has the Mini 14 Ranch (Blued and Wood stock) on "sale" for $670. BPS even with $30 off their regular price is not known for having the low prices on guns.

I had the all weather version before the new anointed one was elected and traded it in on a AR during the "craze" Mine did not have the factory high cap mags nor the scope mounts. Had to use the L shape bracket thing. I really liked the rifle and it's accuracy was fine for what it is. I wouldn't mind having a new one that I could mount a small scope on. Rugged and simple, fool proof rifle.
 
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I have an older mini 14, anf I'd want at least $500 for mine. I like it, and according to other people, mine must be exceptional, as it is quite accurate. 1.5" 100 yard groups are easy with Winchester White box ammo from Wally World.
 
There is a dealer near me that has about 25 Mini 14 LEO trade ins. Some are wood/blue, some composite/blue and a few were composite/stainless. They all have flashiders, lugs and are marked LEO only.

They have been on sale for $399. I think that's a good deal on the stainless, and an ok deal on the blue.

They are not the ranch rifles, which I think would be worth a little more to me.

Hope that helps.
 
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