Got this for Xmas. From the serial number I deducted it was made in 1998. (195-49359)
The wood in the stock is very figured and was wondering if this was some sort of special model or what?
So.......... What have I got?

It looks like nicer wood than is typical on those. I'm not familiar with what models Ruger has run over the years though. Could even be an aftermarket one that someone put on. Either way, it looks good.
-Jake

Any "special model" Ruger will have a coin or emblem somewhere on it to identify why it's special. My guess is 1) you got really lucky and found a diamond in the rough in a factory stock, 2) it's an aftermarket stock , or 3) someone built a stock of their own. No bets from me on which is the truth of it, but I'll say it's not a "commemorative model" or anything special otherwise it would be marked as such.

How does it shoot? It has a scope on it and it's in the truck, so I know you've put some rounds through it! I'm always interested to hear how well Mini's perform.

Actually . . . time has not allowed me to send any down range. (*>^`;!!) But I will get back to you.
I read this is a series made when the Mini's were not especially accurate (3" MOA's) and the like.
It's a plinker though. Hopefully some yotes. I'll do what I can to make it more of a tack driver. . . . trigger job, home rolled ammo, etc.
I've had it apart and there is no other brand name in it. If it were aftermarket, I'd guess they'd put their name on it somewhere.

It appears to be a factory stock, as RR stated. I have 2 Mini's (both ranch's) and one is a 195 series and they are not said to be the most accurate of the Mini's...that being said, mine shoots just fine and with handloads (and me doing my part) can shoot 1.5" groups @ 100...it's slightly more accurate than my series 196.

Looks factory to me. I have one just like it.

Hey 6 . . . what's your favorite load for your mini?

And Rob . . . I guess I just got lucky on the figured stock. It's 14 years old, but I don't think the guy shot it much.

I did go out and put 130 rounds through it yesterday. Performed splendidly. No jams, cycled every time, but does shoot the casings a long way! Too cold to sit at a bench and dial her in . . . . 9 degrees with wind!

Also . . . I noticed a lot of the casings had substantial dents in the side. Is this normal? And can I still reload them or should I chuck them?
I polished and re-sized the one on the left and there were still dents in it. Smaller, but still there.

My current load for my Mini's is 25.5g of W748, pushing a 50g Nosler Ballistic Tip, fired by a Remington 7 1/2 primer.

Mine also dent the cases...clean em, resize and reload, they will shoot fine as long as they cycle through the chamber (some of the more dented ones may not cycle well or load in the mag...)

i have only seen one mini 14 that shot less than 1 moa and it liked a 62gn FMJ. the gun also had a bi-pod on the barrel.
i had a mini 14 it was a P.O.S.
i contemplated sending the gun out to have a better barrel put on but i realsised that i would have more in to it than what a AR15 would cost .