Ruger Mini 30

bmorsh

bmorsh

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I've got my eyes on a Ruger mini-30 and would love to buy it. It is new (never fired) chambered in 7.62×39mm. I was moments from putting in the purchase when I ran into a few articles on its issues when it runs hot. I figure it is a more accurate SKS than SKS, but seems to be far from it. From what I read, it shoots 2 or 3 rounds OK, then starts to go south (due to barrel heat). When it cools down, it is ALL ok again. Of course as a brush gun for deer it is perfect (under 100 yard shots at whitetail, semi auto fast handling sights). But I like to use it for more than just that.

Anyone here as first hand experience to share with me and guide me. Please help.
 
Its not a huge issue with the new ones with the thicker barrels but the 180 series and very early 580 pencil barrels will have have their groups open up the hotter the barrel gets. One solution is to have the barrel cryo treated to relieve stresses in the metal from manufacturing or just put a barrel strut on it. Also torquing the gas block screws to an even 34 in/lbs does wonders for accuracy.
 
Turkinator said:
Its not a huge issue with the new ones with the thicker barrels but the 180 series and very early 580 pencil barrels will have have their groups open up the hotter the barrel gets. One solution is to have the barrel cryo treated to relieve stresses in the metal from manufacturing or just put a barrel strut on it. Also torquing the gas block screws to an even 34 in/lbs does wonders for accuracy.
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Thank you Turkinator. I am still trying to decide between a .30-30 lever and the mini-30 semi auto. Of course, I rather buy them both, but wife will replace me with the dog (again).
 
gunaddict99 said:
You might be interested in the following multi-part review of the mini-thirty from Realguns. I thought it was quite informative.

http://www.realguns.com/articles/630.htm
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Boxing Day Special
Cool the factory ammo Privi Partisan SPRN that I bought today for close range hunting for my Mini 30 (Heavy Barrel With Accustrut Installed) shot 5/8" in this review. I bought 400 rounds of it today along with a crate of 250 Dominon slugs with a Dominion 12G Backpacker included free with free shipping on top from Canada Ammo. $510.00 :)
 
bmorsh said:
Thank you Turkinator. I am still trying to decide between a .30-30 lever and the mini-30 semi auto. Of course, I rather buy them both, but wife will replace me with the dog (again).
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the real hunter would choose the 30-30 and a or an ___________________________ would choose the s/a;)
I'll let someone else fill in the blanks.

Sorry to hear about your hen pecked wounds! Walmart Pharmacy can take care of that for you right smartly:p
 
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mikethebike said:
How much more value can it offer compared to a russian sks?
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The Mini 30 is about 6lb 12 oz or about 3 lbs lighter than the SKS. It you haul it around all day, its a big deal. Also easier to get a solid scope mount.

The stainless all weather version is also nice. I just bought one at the Milarm boxing day sale.

I have several SKS rifles including one with the Magwedge rail and one a BC Tactical scout mount and one with a Choate folding stock and one nice one to just look at. I like them all but they are all heavy.
 
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Ezesport said:
The Mini 30 is about 6lb 12 oz or about 3 lbs lighter than the SKS. It you haul it around all day, its a big deal. Also easier to get a solid scope mount.

The stainless all weather version is also nice. I just bought one at the Milarm boxing day sale.

I have several SKS rifles including one with the Magwedge rail and one a BC Tactical scout mount and one with a Choate folding stock and one nice one to just look at. I like them all but they are all heavy.
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That actually answers a question I hadn't bothered to ask myself... I was trying to think of a reason a Mini 30 might be a better choice than an SKS, just for an excuse to add a mini-30 to the safe. Weight matters.

From what I can tell, a good SKS and a good Mini will shoot about the same, accuracy wise.

Then again, for the price of a Mini, you can get a decent SKS, and a Zastava M85 bolt action in the same caliber. The M85 will be more accurate, and lighter than both of the semis. The SKS will let you have fun ripping through crates of cheap surplus.
 
I have a late model mini 14 with a folding wire type butt stock as a fun gun, and I am thinking about and looking for a late model mini 30 just for the halibut, cuz it sounds interesting and I'd like to have one. I would not be using it for hunting, though! It would be just another fun gun!
 
Mine shoots the same as SKS I can do 3 inch groups. Best selling point for me was ease of optics installation and light wight plus synthetic stock
 
1899 said:
At the Mini 30 price point you are within spitting distance of a VZ58.
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On the VZ58, the cool upgrades from FAB Defense or NEA plus the low profile rail kit from Zahal will put you in the $1500 range which is now spitting distance to a used Robinson Arms XCR-L in 7.62x39. 10 rd pistol mags, multi calibre swaps, real nice gun.

Now if they could sell the XCR-L for the price of an SKS.

Any 7.62x39 rifle gives you the best bang for your buck. Save money on ammo, buy more guns, or just shoot more or do both. I still can't believe I was able to buy 1440 rd cases of surplus 7.62x39 ammo for $112.00 per case on boxing day at Milarm. That works out to 7.8 cents per round. About the same price as CCI 22lr. You can buy another SKS for what I once paid for a case at Cabelas.
 
Re: Hunting with a Mini 30. If I had a close enough shot I would take a shot at a coyote with my Mini 30, if I was going deer hunting there are better options in my safe.
 
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