MINI 30

[chefrk]

I know everyone has opinions so I would like to here some. I am considering trading for a MINI 30. I own other Rugers, I don't have an AK or AR and I like the fact ammo is cheaper for the mini 30 and it is semi auto. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

RK

[cannoncocker]

My mini 30 does not like the hard primers used in military 7.62 x 39 (10-15% FTF). Ruger's solution is to shoot only commercial ammo with softer primers. There goes your price advantage. If you like the cartridge so much, I would recommend an AK or SKS.

Other than the above the rifle is a fun shooter, especially for an older feller who had to qualify with and carry both a M1 and a M14 (fortunately not at the same time).

[Guest BEARMAN]

Like cannoncocker said, expect a few FTF's with every batch of mil-surp ammo.

However, my grandkids have used it for deer hunting and have taken a couple of does with the cheap Russian ammo.

Brass cased, soft primered ammo is a better choice for the Mini-30 indeed. They are fun to shoot and plenty of accessories abound for the little Ruger.

I'd say go for it, and get some of both kinds of ammo, and let 'em fly!

[wareagle]

My mini-30 has been 100% reliable with factory and pro mags. Accuracy is pretty good. Better than and SKS or AK with factory sights. A scope gets it down to about 3-4" at 100 yards. Never had any issues with russian or chinese ammo. There is a lot of talk about mini-30s. Years ago, they were said to be barrell'd on a US spec 7.62 (.308 vs .311) instead of chinese (that was the main import then). Later came a talk about bent firing pins. I've fired a lot of chinese ammo (1k rounds) through mine, but never had any issues at all. I'm about out of chinese ammo, so we'll see how the russian stuff works out.

[chefrk]

Thanks for the insight all!

[RWF]

had one fews years ago, with the idea of shooting lots of wolf like ammo, i was very unhappy sold it.

not the guns fault i am sure.

[Jasongar8]

I would rather have an AK. You can pick one up cheaper and they are not as picky on ammo.