Solved. Found a spent primer in a weird place.

[NotTheRealHickok45]

I was using the RugerFirearms youtube video for Mini-14 disassembly. When I took off the plate, this little brass 'button' looking piece fell out with the bolt catch. The piece is not a perfect circle, more like an oval or a rounded rectangle. I do not see it in any disassembly video. I'm not sure where it came from or where I need to put it back to. If anybody knows the solution that'd be much appreciated, thanks!
serial number 195-83783

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Last edited by NotTheRealHickok45 on Wed May 03, 2023 7:10 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Wacarry]

That sure looks like a primer and not a part of the gun.

[NotTheRealHickok45]

yep, that's it, thanks haha!