Ruger Mini 30?

Question

I am looking towards purchasing a Ruger Mini 30 from a local gun shop, and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with them. I know Ruger in 2004 revamped their production line for the Ruger Mini series to correct it's poor accuracy. But has anyone had any experience with the new models (post 2004). Thanks in advance!

Casey

Answer 1

Hello Casey...... I purchased another Ruger Mini 30 and am quite satisfied with it... If you want a sub MOA target competition rifle then this gun will disappoint!.... That doesnt mean the rifles a slug either...... Accuracy is relevant. I have been able to hit deer, hog and other medium to larger size critters with the Mini 30 with no problems..... On the other hand if you want to hit praire dogs at 200 yards its not going to happen with the Ruger Mini 30.................   Part of why this gun gets a bad rap is because its ammunition is misunderstood... The 7.62X39MM is fairly flat to 150 yards and drops about 3 inches at 200 and as much as 15 inches at 300 yards.... Its not a long range rifle bullet. It was originaly designed in the old Soviet Union in the middle 1940's for the SKS and the AK47 assualt rifle. Its a medium power cartridge with similar ballistics as the Winchester 30/30..........  The Ruger Mini 30 is light years more accurate than the AK47 and is argueably better than the SKS. I can consistently hit 12 inch metal plates without my glasses on to 125 yards with a Mini 30 but cannot with the SKS. I dont know if its the sights or the actual gun but I personaly have no problems hitting a target with my Mini 30 -------   I should point out I actualy have 2 Mini 30's. One has open iron sights and the other is topped off with a 2-7X40MM Nikon Prostaff scope.... The scoped Mini 30 gives me consistent 2 to 2 1/2 inch shot groups at 100 yards... You wont win a contest with that but you can sure take deer all day with that kind of accuracy......

Answer 2

Actually, I never found them to be inaccurate. Not a target rifle by any means, but more than accurate enough for hunting and plinking. The 7.62x39 caliber is good for white tail deer, even smaller Muley's, and it knocks a hog A$$ over elbows!!

The best part is the surplus ammo is still pretty reasonable for them.

I had the chance to shoot several of the newer models over the last couple of years, and I enjoyed them. Just be certain that you learn how to completely strip and clean the rifle. Especially the gas port. This is located under the front clamp area for the foreend and after you remove the 4 allen head retaining screws the two remaining parts come apart and the gas port insert should be pulled out, cleaned very well and re inserted, make sure you check when you remove it and note which way it goes, one side has the port in it, the other side does not, failure to replace it properly could really present a big big danger to the shooter!!

shoot safe

Answer 3

Yes, I have had a couple of very impressed customers who bought the new Mini-14's and one Mini-30.

Go for it, Ruger will make you proud.

Answer 4

I have a post  Mini 14 and it is a stellar firearm.  I cannot say that it is the most accurate firearm that you can purchase, but for what it is, it is great.  I have heard of a number of people having a gunsmith go through the Mini 14 to accurize it, but for my purposes it has been nothing but a good reliable gun.  I have had it out in the snow in -25F up to over 100F and it has never given me any issues whatsoever.  Good luck!