Hey, I have a question. Here's what I have. Two Ruger Mini-14. 1st is a 186-78XXX, with the side mount for a scope, all black with ''Ruger'', Mini-14, Cal .223. The 2nd is the Stainless Steel version, in the 188-84XXX series, with ''Ruger'', ''Ranch Rifle'', ''Cal .223'' stamped on the receiver. Isn't the 186 still considered to be the ''Ranch''. I mean it's just not stamped on the receiver. I'm guessing that the one in question, Ruger just didn't stamp Ranch on it. Whenever you buy a rifle used, unless you got a copy of the original receipt, you can expect things like this to get by. See I can't remember all that was talked about way-back-when.
At first I wasn't sure if I'd like having the ''Side Mount'' for the scope but I certainly love the rifle. If you're aware of the information I'm wondering about, it was by cool.
Also, I have my eye of some magazines for sale ''New'' but they say for the 580 series. So they won't work right with my two series Mini's? I wanna say that they will but whose to say. Ruger may have changed something with the Mag-Well, or hot they click into place... With everyone out of Mag's or the asking pric seems to more match the cost of ammo, I'd certainly like to take advantage of the Mag's I found... Thanks, Dan