Ruger Mini-30 with 185 serial number

[Jbirdx]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here and I'm hoping to find out some information on my mini-30 that is in MINT unfired condition.

The serial number on my Mini-30 is
185-796xx.

I've heard that this could make this very rare? Does that mean this was made in 1985? And more importantly I am looking to sell and am curious what kind of prices they go for. Thanks for any information.

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the forum.

Made in 1989 I think. Those made from 1986 to 2004 until Ruger made some changes to it.

 

[NH Rugerman]

According to ruger.com serial number look up, shipped in 1989, Ruger started manufacturing the Mini-30 in 1986, nothing rare about that serial number to my knowledge.
Value without the original box, etc. is probably in the $850.00-950.00 range, perhaps more in some states like Maryland.

Good luck

 

[kmoore]

The first several years of production of mini-14s, they had wooden upper handguards not plastic like in the photo. I don't know what year they changed to plastic. I had one and when they came out in a few years later SS, I got one of those the year they came out. Can't remember if the SS had plastic or wood hand guard. The Stainless steel model was recalled. I sent it into Ruger for the fix.

 

[hittman]

Typically, the s/n info is when they were made, not shipped.
Appears to be a 3rd year production, standard Mini30, probably many thousands made.

For $10 Ruger will give you more details,

 

[JBP]

According to ruger.com serial number look up, shipped in 1989, Ruger started manufacturing the Mini-30 in 1986, nothing rare about that serial number to my knowledge.
Value without the original box, etc. is probably in the $850.00-950.00 range, perhaps more in some states like Maryland.

Good luck

 

[JBP]

No problem with a Mini-14 or Ranch Rifle in Maryland just with mags over 10 rounds.

 

[chet15]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here and I'm hoping to find out some information on my mini-30 that is in MINT unfired condition.

The serial number on my Mini-30 is
185-796xx.

I've heard that this could make this very rare? Does that mean this was made in 1985? And more importantly I am looking to sell and am curious what kind of prices they go for. Thanks for any information.

My first thought on your gun is that you have one that was serial numbered "out-of-sequence" with the Mini-30 series. The earliest production Mini-30's were serial numbered 186-00501 to 186-02xxx (I have the exact serial number, but can't get to it on my work computer). These guns had Sporter Buttplates and Mini-14 marked magazines and were made in 1987. Then, also in 1987, Ruger decided to assign the 189- prefix solely for the Mini-30.
So then apparently around two years later in 1989, for whatever reason, your gun and a bunch of others (I am just now learning) were accidentally given a 185- prefix of the regular Mini-14 series, because the regular mini's were still within the 185- prefix. I'm working on quantity right now to see how many there might have been like this.
First I've heard of it!!
Chet15

 

[chet15]

Looks like the out-of-sequence serial numbered Mini-30's run from 185-79176 through 185-80173, so nearly 1,000 guns.
Then Ruger didn't number anything from 185-80174 to 185-80203, and began the regular Mini again at 185-80204.
Chet15

 

[chet15]

Do you think this serial number error makes anymore valuable? I am about to sell it to a friend of mine for $1000 and wanted to see if it is actually worth more before handing it over. If anyone on here is interested in it I would welcome offers. Not sure how much it would go for being a rare serial number. Thanks for any information Chet!

It would get a premium if there were any Mini-14/Mini-30 collectors out there, but there aren't... not beyond the occasional person/shooter who wants a Mini in .222 or a folder, or GB model. There are a couple others also that are desirable, but the serial numbering error probably doesn't trip anybody's trigger.
Chet15

 

[Jbirdx]

Looks like the out-of-sequence serial numbered Mini-30's run from 185-79176 through 185-80173, so nearly 1,000 guns.
Then Ruger didn't number anything from 185-80174 to 185-80203, and began the regular Mini again at 185-80204.
Chet15

So would owning one of these 185 prefix rugers make them more expensive or desirable to a buyer? Or not really since it's just a serial # anomaly?

 

[chet15]

So would owning one of these 185 prefix rugers make them more expensive or desirable to a buyer? Or not really since it's just a serial # anomaly?

It would get a premium if there were any Mini-14/Mini-30 collectors out there, but there aren't... not beyond the occasional person/shooter who wants a Mini in .222 or a folder, or GB model. There are a couple others also that are desirable, but the serial numbering error probably doesn't trip anybody's trigger.
Chet15

 

[Jbirdx]

It would get a premium if there were any Mini-14/Mini-30 collectors out there, but there aren't... not beyond the occasional person/shooter who wants a Mini in .222 or a folder, or GB model. There are a couple others also that are desirable, but the serial numbering error probably doesn't trip anybody's trigger.
Chet15

Thank you for the information you provided me. It is good to know that it really doesn't increase desirability. I have very little knowledge on Rugers so I really appreciate your help Chet!

 

[NH Rugerman]

$1000.00 is more than that rifle would bring in my neck of the woods..sounds like you are getting a very good price for it. I saw a couple of new stainless Mini-30's this weekend for less ($989.00) sitting lonely on the shelf at the LGS. They have become more readily available as have many Ruger models over the last six months and prices seem to be depressed compared to the high prices of last year and earlier.

 

[hittman]

$1000.00 is more than that rifle would bring in my neck of the woods…….

Here too …. By $250 or so.

 

[larry8]

Grab to money and sell the gun before your friend changes his mind.

 

[chet15]

Thank you for the information you provided me. It is good to know that it really doesn't increase desirability. I have very little knowledge on Rugers so I really appreciate your help Chet!

So your gun does have the rounded Carbine butt?
Just verifying.
Chet15

 

[Jbirdx]

Yes it does

 

[mac66]

FYI my Mini 30 has a 189 prefix and was made in 1987