Ruger Mini-14 .223 Remington 18 1/2″ Semi-Automatic Rifle, MFD 1975 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,142.00
LSB#: LSB251205MB065
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: Mini-14
Serial Number: 180-27568
Year of Manufacture: 1975
Caliber: .223 Remington
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Detachable Magazine (No magazine included with this rifle).
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, the Ruger logo, and Ruger’s Southport address. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / MINI-14 / CAL. .223”.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black blade on a barrel band, pinned to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable aperture peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth hardwood stock, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, metal crescent buttplate, a smooth forend, a wood handguard, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light handling wear, with only a few minor dings and minor compressions scattered throughout the stock. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. The stock’s finish is intact throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Fine condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This rifle does not come with a magazine.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor corrosion in the bore, just below the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with minor freckling of surface corrosion on the barrel, and inside the receiver towards the chamber. There is some finish loss on the friction surfaces of the action, due to light operation. Otherwise, the bluing is mostly intact throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Mini-14, introduced in the early 1970s, quickly became one of Sturm Ruger & Co.’s most recognizable semi-automatic rifle designs. Styled with traditional sporting lines while drawing mechanical inspiration from the M1 Garand and M14 operating systems, the Mini-14 offered civilian shooters a lightweight, reliable .223 platform at a time when few alternatives were readily available. This 1975 production example is C&R eligible and represents the early years of Mini-14 manufacture in Southport, Connecticut.
Chambered in .223 Remington, this rifle is built around one of the most widely adopted small-caliber centerfire cartridges of the modern era. The .223 Remington is known for its manageable recoil, practical accuracy, and broad ammunition availability, making it well suited for varmint and recreational shooting applications. The 18 1/2 inch barrel maintains the classic Mini-14 profile, while the factory aperture rear sight and blade front sight preserve its traditional iron-sight configuration.
This example presents in good to very good overall condition, retaining most of its original blued finish with light handling wear and minor freckling consistent with age. The bore remains bright with defined rifling, though minor corrosion is noted near the muzzle. The hardwood stock is clean and tightly fitted with only light cosmetic impressions. No magazine is included with this rifle. Overall, this early-production Mini-14 stands as a representative C&R-era example of Ruger’s enduring semi-automatic sporting rifle platform. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.