Ruger Mini Thirty

[enfield303t]

I am thinking of purchasing a Ruger Mini Thirty due to the availability of very cheap ammo here in Canada. Would like to hear from anyone who has one and what they think of it?

Thanks

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[jmoore]

How about- Aside from looks there's less to commend it than any other 7.62x39. Less accurate than your average AK. Mags are generally poo, except the factory 5 rd. Iron sights not so good.

Even w/ proper sized .308 bullets (which defeats the cheap ammo concept), the long throat incorporated to accomodate the 0.310" bullets safely keeps things from working towards good groups.

On the good side- Garand type safety, "sporty" looks.

I keep wanting another "mini-something", but they always disappoint at the range. Too bad really.

Oh, and the gas block gets really, really hot. Ask me how I know....

[bearhunter]

X2 JM that's exactly why I got rid of the one I had very soon after buying it. I didn't much care for the 223 model either.

[enfield303t]

Thanks to both for the comments, there goes that thought and glad I asked before I bought. Bearhunter I should have known I could have asked you the question before posting. You have owned almost everything else, why wouldn't you have owned a 30........DUH.

[mack]

I have a question as Mini-30 owner, if I may.....

What exactly is the bullet size issue? I remember buying some good South African 7.62X39 some while back and being told it was good for the Mini-30 where some of the others weren't.

Thanks in advance to someone who can clarify this problem. I just needed some clarification for use of other types of ammo or if there are certain types that work better or worse. I don't want to damage the rifle or myself in the process of shooting it.

[Stevo]

I have a question as Mini-30 owner, if I may.....

What exactly is the bullet size issue? I remember buying some good South African 7.62X39 some while back and being told it was good for the Mini-30 where some of the others weren't.

Apparently, Ruger made the Mini 30 with a .308 bore until 1992. Any guns made after that will be .311 bore.

To the OP, don't waste your money on the Mini 30. Buy a CZ 858. They're just as accurate, cheaper, come with 4 mags, and easier to clean.

[Kirk]

Thanks to both for the comments, there goes that thought and glad I asked before I bought. Bearhunter I should have known I could have asked you the question before posting. You have owned almost everything else, why wouldn't you have owned a 30........DUH.

Thanks for asking the question. There are many times I've been tempted to buy a Mini-14 or Mini-30. Now I'm glad I didn't!

[bearhunter]

The bore size wasn't the real issue. The main issue was the gas port. That thing would give me a lot of grief. It would plug up frequently. It was also one of the most inaccurate firearms I have ever owned. The 223 was OK but 2-3 moa was the best I could get out of it. The 30, was lucky to get 4-5 on a good day.

[jmoore]

Your accuracy results are fairly good, actually!

[mack]

I wonder if anyone has had better luck with the newer, composite stocks than with the older wooden ones? The people at Ruger seem to have revamped the entire line in composite and I thought the new stocks may have been an attempt to produce better accuracy.