mini 14 old and new model

I have an older mini 14 ranch rifle 188 series that used to group large dinner plate size groups had it rebarrelled a few years ago with a 1 in 9 twist douglas heavy barrel 20 '' in length optics leupold 2-7x33. Now it groups bout 1'' at 100m with 60 grain belmont ammo. Really like the action reliable and simple have had the trigger done 3lb.
Bought a new 582 series tapered barrel model this year mainly because i wanted one with iron sights and have a redfield 2-7 x33 on it and have smoothed the trigger done to 4 lb from 6 1/2 just by polishing the sears getting about 2inch groups with it and its a fun little carbine the newer model has a much nicer stock(wooden) and neat recoil pad. Anyone else have the newer model and whats your opinion of them for the money.