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

Euclidean · May 19th, 2005, 07:44 PM

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.

ebd10 · May 19th, 2005, 07:55 PM

...out of the box. By the time you get done tinkering with it, you could have invested in an AR-15 or a decent Kalashnikov clone and had a better rifle. Strictly a "spraygun".

CombatEffective · May 19th, 2005, 08:51 PM

Love the look and feel of them, but I wish Ruger would put a heavier barrel on them.

ExSoldier · May 19th, 2005, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebd10

...out of the box. By the time you get done tinkering with it, you could have invested in an AR-15 or a decent Kalashnikov clone and had a better rifle. Strictly a "spraygun".

Well, sort of. I have an original factory folding stock Mini-14. It feeds military "ball" ammo, just fine. But it often jams with .223 soft tip or exposed lead ammo. It's "combat accurate." Meaning I can run an IDPA assault course where the ranges are no more than say 50-75 yards and I'm shooting on the move and from strange positions. The little lock (stud) mechanism that secures the folded stock is pretty fragile, but Ruger was real good about repairs.

ExSoldier · May 19th, 2005, 09:25 PM

OTOH I have never liked the 7.62x39 round, so I'd never buy a mini-30. But I'd love to see one in .308. I guess they did make one of those. It's called the M1A SOCOM 16.

Deke45 · May 19th, 2005, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExSoldier762

I guess they did make one of those. It's called the M1A SOCOM 16.

Now that is IMO a fine rifle!

Euclidean · May 19th, 2005, 10:02 PM

At a fine price too!

But worth every penny I have no doubt. I wouldn't hesitate to sink that much into a good long gun.

P95Carry · May 19th, 2005, 10:18 PM

The old Mini-14 I had way back in UK (HAD - operative word!) - was IIRC a 182-xxxxx and was actually quite a good shooting rifle, as they go.

I now have a 185-xxxxx and tho it's ''OK'' it sure ain't anything to write home about. However - I never did and nor do I now expect a lot from these guns. True enough - whippy barrel - crap grouping (always at least one flier in five that ruins a group!) ..... but I like the Garrand action - it is pretty reliable and as a shortish range piece, it does have some acceptable usefullness.

If I put cheapo Russian thru this one it keyholes even at shorter ranges .... feed it tho Americal Eagle or homeloads and it is acceptable. Like others have said - what's the point in throwing big bucks at one of these, when for higher dollar - you can get into AR territory.

rocky · May 19th, 2005, 11:12 PM

I like my AR way better. And you can get AR's in .308 too 7.62X51 Nato that is. Mini's are ok , but not all that accurate and hi cap mags are expensive, compared to AR mags. Maybe consider a SU 16 keltec if .223 is a choice, and ya wanna save some dough.

CLASS3NH · May 19th, 2005, 11:56 PM

The Minis are pretty good for what they are .. I've got the AC556 type weapons, and in Semi auto mode, they're VERY accurate in my opinion. in 3 shot burst, it's a little more difficult to control muzzle rise, due to the light weight barrel. In full auto, it's more like spray and pray. I would say, that if you see one, grab a Ruger GB20 (the semi auto version of the AC556) it has the M16 style flash hider and Bayo lug.. VERY desirable in either blue or stanless..The rifle looks like a minuture M14...The 7.62X39 is a great deer or medium Game rifle. The Garand style bolt and action is battle tested, plust the cartridge is good for hunting and also personal protection when need be.. Just my own opinions though

As for retail sales of Mini 14's....they DO find a home, but mainly when it's a particular shooter that's looking for exactly that type of Ruger. They are a bit pricey for Rugers.

May 19th, 2005, 07:44 PM	#1
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	How do you guys feel about the Ruger Mini 30 and Mini 14? 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. __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

May 19th, 2005, 07:55 PM	#2
ebd10 Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 62	Never saw one that would shoot... ...out of the box. By the time you get done tinkering with it, you could have invested in an AR-15 or a decent Kalashnikov clone and had a better rifle. Strictly a "spraygun".

May 19th, 2005, 09:25 PM	#5
ExSoldier VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Coral Gables, FL Posts: 4,210	OTOH I have never liked the 7.62x39 round, so I'd never buy a mini-30. But I'd love to see one in .308. I guess they did make one of those. It's called the M1A SOCOM 16. __________________ Former Infantry Captain; 20 yrs as an NRA Certified Instructor; Avid practitioner of the martial art: KLIK-PAO.

May 19th, 2005, 10:02 PM	#7
Euclidean VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 3,213	At a fine price too! But worth every penny I have no doubt. I wouldn't hesitate to sink that much into a good long gun. __________________ I am The Armed Educator.

May 19th, 2005, 10:18 PM	#8
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	The old Mini-14 I had way back in UK (HAD - operative word!) - was IIRC a 182-xxxxx and was actually quite a good shooting rifle, as they go. I now have a 185-xxxxx and tho it's ''OK'' it sure ain't anything to write home about. However - I never did and nor do I now expect a lot from these guns. True enough - whippy barrel - crap grouping (always at least one flier in five that ruins a group!) ..... but I like the Garrand action - it is pretty reliable and as a shortish range piece, it does have some acceptable usefullness. If I put cheapo Russian thru this one it keyholes even at shorter ranges .... feed it tho Americal Eagle or homeloads and it is acceptable. Like others have said - what's the point in throwing big bucks at one of these, when for higher dollar - you can get into AR territory. __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

May 19th, 2005, 08:51 PM	#3
CombatEffective Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,000	Love the look and feel of them, but I wish Ruger would put a heavier barrel on them.

May 19th, 2005, 11:12 PM	#9
rocky Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: MI Posts: 11,767	I like my AR way better. And you can get AR's in .308 too 7.62X51 Nato that is. Mini's are ok , but not all that accurate and hi cap mags are expensive, compared to AR mags. Maybe consider a SU 16 keltec if .223 is a choice, and ya wanna save some dough.

May 19th, 2005, 11:56 PM	#10
CLASS3NH VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Southern New Hampshire Posts: 2,565	The Minis are pretty good for what they are .. I've got the AC556 type weapons, and in Semi auto mode, they're VERY accurate in my opinion. in 3 shot burst, it's a little more difficult to control muzzle rise, due to the light weight barrel. In full auto, it's more like spray and pray. I would say, that if you see one, grab a Ruger GB20 (the semi auto version of the AC556) it has the M16 style flash hider and Bayo lug.. VERY desirable in either blue or stanless..The rifle looks like a minuture M14...The 7.62X39 is a great deer or medium Game rifle. The Garand style bolt and action is battle tested, plust the cartridge is good for hunting and also personal protection when need be.. Just my own opinions though As for retail sales of Mini 14's....they DO find a home, but mainly when it's a particular shooter that's looking for exactly that type of Ruger. They are a bit pricey for Rugers.

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