Ruger mini14/30 questions............

Monofletch

Monofletch

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Jan 14, 2010
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I am interested in the Ruger mini 14 or 30. What is the good, bad, and ugly on these guns? Is there anything to look for when picking one out? Or, should I just buy an AK or AR?
Thanks in advance!!
 
The "old" bad rap on Ruger's Mini-14 was accuracy in comparison to good AR platforms such as Rock River, Colt and Noveske and so forth.

With the disclaimer that I really like the majority of Ruger products and the company and own a few, never a Mini 14.

I'm guessing that the Mini 14 and AK's still shoot patterns instead of groups and while fine for a truck gun you might want something else for woodchucks or prairie dogs.

If you have a chance to shoot a Mini 14, AK and AR you'll be able to chose what meets your needs/expectations.

I currently own 1 AK[trunk rifle] and three AR's - RR Varmint EOP, CAR 15 and M4ergy. I'm just an old trigger puller, paper puncher and occasional prairie dog shooter.

Enjoy what you get.

Best.
 
I don't own one, but always wanted one...one thing or "issue" with the mini's often stated is they are not mil spec or "combat rated" You get the "its a pretty good carbine but not what I'd want in combat" opinion from many of those kinds of fourms.

Its said the new models have better accuracy, (built in the new factory) but unless you are talking about competitive shooting I feel most rifles out shoot the shooter.

I would love to pick one up, leave it as a miniature M-14 and not make it into a "tactical accesory holder" and I think it could serve most uses well.
 
One plus is my Mini will shoot the real cheap Herter's ammo from Cabela's. Can't say the same for my AR's. Also, I've never had a failure to feed in the Mini as well.
 
Post 2006 manufacture ("new model") Mini-14's have tighter rifling (so they can shoot heavier bullets accurately) and a different barrel profile (so they don't change point of impact due to rapid fire as badly).
they are a great plinker, built on an awesome platform, ( basically a scaled down Garand/M1A) and do not look tacticool, so are less likely to make those less familiar with firearms "twitch" upon first seeing them.
personally, I'm a fan of gas piston rifles, and am not huge of tactical "improvements" or dressing out a rifle, so prefer the Mini to the AR.
By the same token, I prefer the SKS to the AK - mainly because it's less of an eyesore. (costing significantly less doesn't hurt, either) ;)
 
If you buy a new or recent production mini it should maintain reasonable accuracy. The shorter tactical models are good or the barrel struts help quite a bit. Check out rugerforums.net, there is a very detailed review of a mini-30 tactical. Not a tack-driver but you'll be able to hit anything you'd want to shoot with it.

As an alternative the saiga rifles are reasonably accurate for less money or you can probably assemble an AR15 for the cost of a mini.
 
I have a mini-14. If I had to list cons vs an AR-15 they would be as follows
Magazines are more expensive, not as many add on accessories.
I do not really have any expirence with the AR platform as far as firiing them but can tell you I shot the cheapest wolf ammo through the mini-14 and have never had any issues.
The action is the same as the one used in the M1 carbibes and other military rifles. ( I guess I am staing this as an pro for the reliabilty)
As far as accuracy ruger has admitted they had issues with the stampings or molds in the past and have replaced all of the tooling on the production line for the mini-14s.
I don not look at the mini-14 as a sniper rifle I look to my sniper rifle for sniper rifle accuracy.

I am sure there are many people here that will state that the ar-15 is more accurate and it probally is as there are a lot more configurations and accessories available. I think it really comes down to preference black tactical vs a traditional look
 
Hey,

Nahh Forget the mini 14,,,,,,my choice,,,,,,,,SKS ! ! For durability and functionality,,,, hands down the winner,,,, funny how a 50 somthing Carbine still outshines the majority of modern firearms for real Field duty.
 
The new 581 series are supposedly more accurate, I have limited experience in regards to Mini 14s. The one I fired though was an older 580 and sported a very thin barrel profile that heated up very quickly causing accuracy to dissipate after buzzing through a 30 shot mag. So my opinion may not be reliable. Considering the prices of newer entry level AR's and the rising cost of the Mini 14, I'd take a hard look at the AR route. I wanna like the Mini, but for most practical purposes the AR 15 suites me a bit better.
 
You would be better off with an AR15 or an AK47; preferably in that order.

The Mini 14 is OK, but for a bit more you could have a quality AR15.
 
From my experience, stay away from the older, "pencil" barrells. The newer ones have tapered and "stepped" barrels that prevent whipping and don't heat up as fast. They won't be very accurate (don't be suprised if the group is >4" @ 100 yds). However, they are very tough and reliable. If you want to accurize one, it would cost more than buying a good AR, AK, or SKS. Kind of different and fun though.
 
While not a long range varmint gun, mine has been as accurate as it needs to be. In a standing position with open sights they'll hit what you aim at. If you're looking for tack driver, not so much but a lot of fun!
 
Thanks for all the info. I have an SKS and a Mosin 9130. I am not looking for tacticool--just a nice gun.
 
I had one of the older models and even after modding it could only get 4" groups- and usually a flier to boot. My AR, even with a gas piston gives me 1"-2". Personally, since I mostly shoot paper to keep my skills up, I couldn't stand that level of accuracy. I certainly couldn't see hunting with it. So, if you can't use on a target, and can't use it to hunt with...
 
Both the Rancher and the stainless with flash hider I looked at today had the new style barrel. It the stainless worth the extra $100?
 
I'm a sucker for a garand action. I say get the mini 30. Personally I would skip the mini, skip the ar and get a M1a if you got the dough...
 
After much thought and looking at my options--I bought a mini 14. I hope it is a gun I keep for a long time!
 
Quick pic...


Mini14.jpg
 
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