Ruger Forum

baldeagle1 · July 30th, 2012, 02:42 PM

am a new owner of a ranch 14 in 223. serial # 580-59609. can anyone give me a date made for this rifle? also am i to be concerned as to whether or not i can use 5.56 ammo. i have been told aboth ways.

James6591 · July 30th, 2012, 03:13 PM

Welcome from Australia mate.
Glad to have you on board, nice folk here and lots of good info.

gnagegrenade · July 30th, 2012, 03:18 PM

Welcome from NY! Enjoy the good times here!

gwnorth · July 30th, 2012, 03:20 PM

A 580 series is a pretty new version - I think they started in 2005 or 2006 after Ruger retooled the mini production line. I have a 581 series ranch and 582 series tactical, both bought new this year.

The manual actually says quite clearly that .223rem and 5.56mm is fine in a mini ranch or tactical. Only the Target models are chambered specifically and solely for .223.

Enjoy that mini!

laidlerj · July 30th, 2012, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baldeagle1

am a new owner of a ranch 14 in 223. serial # 580-59609. can anyone give me a date made for this rifle? also am i to be concerned as to whether or not i can use 5.56 ammo. i have been told aboth ways.

Your rifle was made in 2009; you can get the manufacture dates of Ruger products from their website ( Ruger New Mini-14 Ranch Serial Number History ).

As for whether or not your Mini14's chamber is cut for .223 or 5.56 NATO, according to the manual, the Mini14 Ranch model (which yours appears to be, from its serial number) will safely fire both .223 and 5.56 NATO, which seems to indicate that it has the longer throat and leade of the NATO chamber.

I use "appears" and "seems" because I've had problems in the past with rifles that were marked "5.56 NATO" but a 5.56 NATO chamber gauge didn't fit. If in doubt, check with a local gunsmith.

Jim