DefensiveCarry Concealed Carry Forum - View Single Post - How do you guys feel about the Ruger Mini 30 and Mini 14?

ghost tracker · October 31st, 2006, 03:25 PM

I've had several Mini 14 models (Blued GB, Stainless Ranch, Stainless 580) and no Mini 30s. Agree with most of the previous posts with a few exceptions. Here's a "generalized" thought or two...

A Mini 14 won't win an accuracy match against an AR-15 but will beat most AK variants. An AR will be inoperative from firing-residue, lack of lubrication, grit, grime & gravel well before a Mini. An AK will still be running after both others have gummed-up & stopped. Long-distance varmint hunters seldom use Minis, ARs or AKs. Almost EVERY bush snowmobile in Alaska & Canada has a Stainless Mini strapped on somewhere. I've never seen either an AR or an AK strapped to a snowmobile (EXTRA rough conditions). You can "gunsmith" a Mini to be almost as accurate as a service grade AR but you'll spend enough to buy the AR. Minis "fit" most conventional rifle shooters better than an AK or an AR. Minis attract less attention and are less threatening to the non-gun public than an AK or AR. New ones (580 series) are guaranteed 2 moa from the factory but the sights make it tough to prove.

Most rifles do something well. No rifle does EVERYTHING well. Life is a trade-off of careful compromises. Thankfully, my Porsche won't do what my 4x4 will & vise-versa. Ruger's Mini 14 is great at being what it is...a Mini 14. Enjoy its versatility & accept its limitations, or accept the compromises of ANOTHER rifle selection.

October 31st, 2006, 03:25 PM	#26
ghost tracker Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ky Backwoods Posts: 742	Trade-offs I've had several Mini 14 models (Blued GB, Stainless Ranch, Stainless 580) and no Mini 30s. Agree with most of the previous posts with a few exceptions. Here's a "generalized" thought or two... A Mini 14 won't win an accuracy match against an AR-15 but will beat most AK variants. An AR will be inoperative from firing-residue, lack of lubrication, grit, grime & gravel well before a Mini. An AK will still be running after both others have gummed-up & stopped. Long-distance varmint hunters seldom use Minis, ARs or AKs. Almost EVERY bush snowmobile in Alaska & Canada has a Stainless Mini strapped on somewhere. I've never seen either an AR or an AK strapped to a snowmobile (EXTRA rough conditions). You can "gunsmith" a Mini to be almost as accurate as a service grade AR but you'll spend enough to buy the AR. Minis "fit" most conventional rifle shooters better than an AK or an AR. Minis attract less attention and are less threatening to the non-gun public than an AK or AR. New ones (580 series) are guaranteed 2 moa from the factory but the sights make it tough to prove. Most rifles do something well. No rifle does EVERYTHING well. Life is a trade-off of careful compromises. Thankfully, my Porsche won't do what my 4x4 will & vise-versa. Ruger's Mini 14 is great at being what it is...a Mini 14. Enjoy its versatility & accept its limitations, or accept the compromises of ANOTHER rifle selection.