STEINER brought up a key point. The 580-series Mini-14 was introduced with the same straight "pencil" barrel that Ruger produced for decades. Then, the newer tapered barrel was introduced with the latter 580-series Mini's. If you're buying this rifle new, I'm sure it will be of the latter production. The tapered barrel has a very distinctly different look, as the barrel funnels down in outside diameter immediately in front of the gas block. Good luck with your purchase...I'm sure you'll enjoy your Mini-14.
Side note...Has it become a tradition for every FL thread about the Mini-14 to include a post admonishing everyone to sell their Mini's and buy an AR-15? Some of these AR guys are downright cultish about this...weird...
