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Old July 17, 2020, 07:54 AM   #1
Txagee
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Mini14 serial number question

Hi guys. I picked up an old mini14 with a very low 181 serial number. Ruger states the first production 181s started with 181-07488 in 1978. Mine is 181-002xx. Anyone know what the early 181 series were?

Thanks a bunch
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Old July 17, 2020, 08:16 PM   #2
JT-AR-MG42
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IIRC, the 181 series was the start of the 'button' hold open.

Don't think Ruger would have waited until January of '78 to start making the 181 series, so it stands to reason
that yours was made sometime in '77.
I have not seen a serial table that shows serial no. for the last of the 180 series either, i.e. how high the numbers went.

JT
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Old July 17, 2020, 09:04 PM   #3
SHR970
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Transition model...1977. Contact Ruger and no doubt they will be able to tell you what you have and when it was made. FWIW, get it documented if you can as Ruger collectors would pay a premium for it.
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Old July 17, 2020, 10:23 PM   #4
Txagee
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Thanks guys. Ruger says the last 180 was 59251 in 77. I will pay the $10 and send the form to Ruger for an official explanation. I thought it was kind of cool when I saw the really low SN
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