The design was updated about 10 years ago, the barrel was made with a thicker tube, stiffer, and reported as somewhat better in the overall accuracy.
The wood stock was largely replaced with the synthetic design, the front sight was smaller, and moved to the end of the barrel.
The older model were hit or miss on accuracy, I've had both. Haven't shot a newer version, so can't comment.
The Ranch model is designed to wear a scope, the rifle handles scopes very easy in my experience, standard Ruger rings, same size, usually 1 inch. The standard Mini receiver does not have the Ruger bases.
I like the looks of the older design, as stated above, if it meets your needs - run with it.
The Mini-14 made after 2005 with a 580-prefix serial number or higher are more consistant/generally more accurate than the earlier ones. Ruger made a few mods and retooled the production line.
Mine is about a 2MOA rifle with pretty much any ammo I've tried. Haven't done any special load development or mods so don't know how much better it could be.
Ranch rifles come with Ruger rings so very easy to scope.
