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How do you guys feel about the Ruger Mini 30 and Mini 14?

7K views 38 replies 28 participants last post by  Lawrence Keeney 
#1 ·
I'm just curious how you all feel about these products.

When I first heard about it, I thought the Ruger Mini 30 was the answer to my prayers for a good 7.62x39 chambered semiautomatic rifle, but the more I hear from people about them, the less certain I am.

All Mini 30/14 owners I've known that were happy with them had gunsmithing done, everything from simple adjustments to a lot of expensive work done, usually including a rebarreling.

The lack of factory support in aftermarket accessories kind of stinks too, and I have it on good authority after they get warmed up they are not as accurate as they should be. I personally would be nice and happy with 10 round magazines if they would only make some.

On the bright side, I have heard it is rock solid. Well it is a Ruger after all. When I think Ruger I think of raw unrefined strength and durability. There is a lot of aftermarket stuff out there even if it's not factory, and the Mini 30/14 come in calibers I can appreciate. I know guys who base their entire gun collection around a pair of Mini 14s.

When I considered what it was I would actually do with such a gun, I quickly decided a decent SKS was a better way to go. I think it's actually a comparable product for a lot less money.

I don't think it's a bad gun at all, I just don't see why I should pay so much for such a thing and have to put up with such hassles. I honestly fail to see why a good SKS is not comparable to a Mini 30.

For the record I know lots of people with bolt action Rugers and I've known a couple of people who favored their single shot rifles. I actually really like their rifles overall, I just don't care for these models.

I'd be interested to hear from someone who has had good or bad fortune with either rifle or experience handling, shooting, or selling them.
 
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#27 ·
I have to disagree with the above about ARs, they are very reliable.

Mini's are worthless IMO, crappy groups and for $100-$200 you can get an AR that is 10 times the rifle. (I used to have a mini so I know)
Stay away unless your in Cali and its all you can get.
 
#28 ·
December Guns & Ammo mag. has an article on new Mini 14 called the Target. It has an adjustable Barrel Resonater (weight) that inproves the accuracy. It also has a laminated target stock. Nice looking rifle. Grouped at 100 yds an average of about 1.25". Great improvement over normal.
 
#29 ·
I didn't imply that AR style rifles are unreliable. I said that GENERALLY the Mini will run longer being neglected than will an AR & that an AK will run longer being neglected than either of them. And yes, for $100-200 more you can buy the AR. But for $200 less you can buy the AK. My whole point was the compromise between the most common alternatives. I have nothing against AR's. Personally? I like FN/FAL rifles better than ANY of 'em mentioned above. But that wasn't the question.
 
#35 ·
i have a ss mini-30 that i totally enjoy. as you said, minor improvements to make it work a little better. wollf springs, buffers, flash hider/muzzle brake,(whatever is pc now) & a leupold 3x9x40 vxII that i consider the best addition so far. consistently shoots 2" or less @ 100 yds with quality ammo. hot or cold this thing shoots. i'm sure others may have horror stories on their mini's accuarcy but mine is a proven performer. rock solid dependability & it just plain looks good. i love mine for what it's worth.
 
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