This is a guide to help you choose the correct parts for the rifle you own.
For the 582, 583, and 584 rifles with the drilled and taped receiver, the choice is an obvious one. Get the part that mounts with the factory supplied screws and don’t worry about it. The side mount parts will work, but if you need to access the ejector/bolt hold open, you will need to disassemble the clip guide first. Found here.
For rifles with serial numbers 581 and below with integral Ruger scope mounts; I have a clip guide that attaches to the side plate (bolt hold open/ejector cover) and it contours to the integral Ruger scope mounts. Found here
(It would be possible to use a 582+ part on these rifles but you would need to drill and tap the receiver with #5-40 holes in the correct locations. The hard steel of the receiver makes this a difficult process and should be left to people with the necessary skills to do this)
If you do not have the integral Ruger scope mounts, you can use our “Pre-Ranch” model of clip guide found here. Mini-30’s were never made in this variety. These models didn’t have the pesky ejector getting in the way, so you can load these perfectly vertical.
If you have a 180 series rifle, I have no practical way to add a clip guide. This shouldn’t really come as shock, but I have no plans for developing one. There isn’t a good way to do it and the relatively small number of rifles makes this not very feasible.
If you are still confused, contact us and we will help you sort it out. cogburn.arsenal@gmail.com