[stinger 327]

Other than caliber are these two rifles identical in features? The Mini 30 is better caliber for distance and putting down game?

[jimmyraythomason]

There is no appreciable difference between the two other than caliber. Which one for game would depend upon the game. While I would use either one on game up to deer (whitetail) sized,I would prefer the Mini-30s larger round for deer.

[ArmedBear]

I wouldn't consider either one to be a good gun for distance.

They're great point-and-shoot carbines, hence the marketing of the "Ranch Rifle".

The rifle notwithstanding, the 7.62x39mm is not a flat-shooting round, and the .223 isn't a powerful one -- neither is good for distance, but for different reasons.

[jimmyraythomason]

I wouldn't consider either one to be a good gun for distance.
agreed.

[kanook]

Get it in 6.8spc, the best of both worlds (for me)

[ArmedBear]

I bought my Mini-14 as a toy (and to an extent as an HD carbine) back when you could buy Federal 5.56 ammo for 3 bucks a box. Just saw the same stuff at the store yesterday for $10.99 a box.

I don't think I have shot the thing since the ammo went up in price. It points well, it's reliable, but it's not the most accurate thing in the world. I don't really have any use for it in a hunting scenario -- I'd either want a much bigger cartridge, or something like a long-range bolt-action coyote rifle if I went with .223. It also isn't worth blasting away money at targets, due to its limited accuracy and the fact that the barrel heats up to literally skin-frying temperatures after a few shots. You don't forget the sound of your finger sizzling when you touched a hot Mini-14 barrel... Still makes me cringe to think about it.

In truth, I prefer the handling of the Mini to that of an AR. I've even shot clays with the Mini. It just isn't the end-all of rifles, especially for hunting.

[stinger 327]

Armed Bear your Mini-14 shoots 5.56 also?

[ArmedBear]

Mini-14s are 5.56-rated -- well, except perhaps for the Target model or something.

The stuff is loud and creates a big muzzle flash.

What exact purpose do you envision for your Mini-14, though?

[stinger 327]

In the Vietnam war wasn't the 7.62 X 39 a superior round to the .223 in the jungle as it didn't get deflected as easily as the .223:

[ArmedBear]

Maybe so, but if so, that was for close-range jungle fighting, not hunting at any distance.

Again, what do you want the gun for?

[stinger 327]

Mini-14s are 5.56-rated -- well, except perhaps for the Target model or something.

The stuff is loud and creates a big muzzle flash.

What exact purpose do you envision for your Mini-14, though?
Armed Bear I have the ranch model not the target model yet the guys in the gun store said for me not to use 5.56 in my ranch .223 because they said the 5.56 would destroy the m-14. Strangely enough in my manual it says it uses both calibers but on the rifle the stamp says ....223.
As far as the blast goes it does have a high flash blast that lights up the day. Perhaps a muzzle brake and flash suppressor would help.

[lloveless]

I had a mini-30. It is heavy, has an obnoxious recoil(I didn't expect that much recoil from a 39 mm long round), and it is hard to change out magazines. Save your money for something else. Maybe an M1A.
ll

[REOIV]

Mini-14 for the same price get a decent AR15
Mini-30 for the same price get a decent AK47

There is absolutely no reason (other than aesthetics or state gun laws) to go with a Mini-14/30 rifle as the alternatives have more after market parts, replacement parts, cheaper magazines, more gun smiths etc for them.

[jimmyraythomason]

I've got an Ar but like the Mini-14 better. The AK is a good weapon but between it and a Mini-30,I will choose the Mini-30 every time. The Minis are great little rifles and will do anything the fancy rifles can(with-in it's limitations). Since the OP asked about the Mini's SPECIFICALLY and did not ask for other options maybe we can keep it on subject. OP,as ArmedBear asked what is the intended use of the rifle?

[The Tennessean]

There is absolutely no reason... ...to go with a Mini-14/30 rifle

Maybe for you, but other people might not see it that way.

[stinger 327]

I've got an Ar but like the Mini-14 better. The AK is a good weapon but between it and a Mini-30,I will choose the Mini-30 every time. The Minis are great little rifles and will do anything the fancy rifles can(with-in it's limitations). Since the OP asked about the Mini's SPECIFICALLY and did not ask for other options maybe we can keep it on subject. OP,as ArmedBear asked what is the intended use of the rifle?
Definitely go with an AK over both of them as it is proven itself all over the world

[stinger 327]

Mini-14 for the same price get a decent AR15
Mini-30 for the same price get a decent AK47

There is absolutely no reason (other than aesthetics or state gun laws) to go with a Mini-14/30 rifle as the alternatives have more after market parts, replacement parts, cheaper magazines, more gun smiths etc for them.
this is also true gun laws prohibit AK depending on area but at least with AK you don't have to worry about the heat build up like the Mini-14. I don't know if the Mini-30 has the same problem that the Mini-14 has with the heated barrel and inaccuracy. The 7.62 is a much larger harder hitting than the super 22 (.223). :)

[jimmyraythomason]

at least with AK you don't have to worry about the heat build up like the Mini-14. I The solution to that is very simple,don't try to see how fast you can empty a magazine. I do not like the looks or feel of an AK so it is a simple choice for me. But we are not talking about me. Again,lets try to help out the OP without interjecting TOO much personal preferrence for weapons he did not ask about.

[stinger 327]

I've got an Ar but like the Mini-14 better. The AK is a good weapon but between it and a Mini-30,I will choose the Mini-30 every time. The Minis are great little rifles and will do anything the fancy rifles can(with-in it's limitations). Since the OP asked about the Mini's SPECIFICALLY and did not ask for other options maybe we can keep it on subject. OP,as ArmedBear asked what is the intended use of the rifle?
The Mini-14 is alot less in cost than the .223/5.56 AR-15 which costs over $1,500

[dom1104]

Stinger, dont spread misinfo. ARs can be had under 900 very easily. Mine cost me 600 bucks.

But the original question is related to minis.

The question is, is the mini-30 a better choice for distance and putting down game.

My answer would be absolutly yes it is. Neither gun is accurate enough for long distance, and within the effective range of the mini <short> the 7.62x39 is definatly capable of taking larger game than the .223.

So the answer is the mini-30.

[jimmyraythomason]

If you are paying $1500 for an AR,I have one I will gladly sell you.

[jimmyraythomason]

I owned the Mini-14 Ranch rifle in stainless steel and the Mini-30 in blue.I had a Butler Creek folding stock and a Hogue sporter stock. Of the two the Mini-30 was more pleasant to shoot. Both were hunting level accurate. Both are gone now but I miss the Mini-30 most.

[ArmedBear]

If you are paying $1500 for an AR,I have one I will gladly sell you.

For $1500 I will sell you one today, and as many more as you want, as soon as I can get them.:D

[schlockinz]

How far down range are you looking at?

I don't think I'd shoot anything larger than a deer past 100-150yds with the 7.62x39. I don't really believe the accuracy to be there in either gun when it comes to longer range performance. But, if I had to choose between the two for a truck gun, I'd take the 30

[stinger 327]

Stinger, dont spread misinfo. ARs can be had under 900 very easily. Mine cost me 600 bucks.

But the original question is related to minis.

The question is, is the mini-30 a better choice for distance and putting down game.

My answer would be absolutly yes it is. Neither gun is accurate enough for long distance, and within the effective range of the mini <short> the 7.62x39 is definatly capable of taking larger game than the .223.

So the answer is the mini-30.
You kidding me :eek:$600 :what:that must have been a special price or through a friend. The ones I see are already fully assembled for sale at a store/federal license person. Ready to go.

[kanook]

NIB here in SWFL are $800 and up

[jimmyraythomason]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=156406003 Not exactly $600 but certainly not $1500 either.

[tango2echo]

I had a mini-30. It is heavy, has an obnoxious recoil(I didn't expect that much recoil from a 39 mm long round), and it is hard to change out magazines. Save your money for something else. Maybe an M1A.
ll


:scrutiny:What? A 6.75lb rifle is heavy? 8ftlbs of recoil (about the same as a .243) is "obnoxious"? The magazines are hard to change when they drop free by pushing an 1.5" lever? You're full of it.

The Mini-30 makes a great deer rifle out to about 150 yards with factory ammo, like the 123gr Federal loading. You can push that to 200 with handloads. My Mini-30 is sighted in at 100 and is 3.7" low at 200 yards. Very similar to a .30-30 with similar weight bullets.

t2e

[MachIVshooter]

There is absolutely no reason (other than aesthetics or state gun laws) to go with a Mini-14/30 rifle as the alternatives have more after market parts, replacement parts, cheaper magazines, more gun smiths etc for them.

I would take my chopped mini over my Polish sidefolder 5.45 any day. And I sold my other AK's. Much better ergo's, and the aftermarket support for mini's is fine.

[ArmedBear]

BTW about 5.56...

I personally would take what the owner's manual says, over what some guy at a gun shop says, unless he's the gunsmith and gives you reason to believe what he tells you.

If you don't have your Ruger owner's manual, don't worry, it's also written out, in full, on the barrel.:D

Or you can go to their website and get a PDF...

[dom1104]

I agree with ArmedBear.

"Guys in Gunshops" are some of the worst ... really the least reliable people I can think of.

I mean seriously. They are trying to prove something, while acting macho about stuff they know nothing about.

Does it get any less reliable than that?

I think I would trust my 9 year old cousin more.

[Rexster]

.223 is FAR better at distance than the 7.62x39. The short 7.62 bullet is not the picture of ballistic efficiency.

I have no Mini-30, but have faith in John Farnam's assessment of Mini-14s and Mini-30s in his carbine classes. The Mini-30 is far more likely to be problematic than the Mini-14. I do own a couple of Mini-14s.

The Mini chambered for 6.8 SPC has my attention; I am waiting for some long-term reviews.

[jimmyraythomason]

The Mini-30 is far more likely to be problematic than the Mini-14. In what way?

[Maverick223]

If you don't have your Ruger owner's manual, don't worry, it's also written out, in full, on the barrel.No kidding...I think the barrels have warnings, cautioning you about the warnings.

In what way?They are harder to find, and are only available in SS (new anyway). I like the Mini-30 better than the Mini-14, especially if close range deer is on the menu. The Mini-30 is a great rifle and an outstanding alternative to the AK/SKS IMO, I would take one over either (or both). It also makes a good, cheap plinker. Accuracy isn't great, but grossly exaggerated, and better than the best of AKs in my experience.

:)

[jimmyraythomason]

My Mini-30 was blued. I too like the Mini-30 better than the Mini-14. As far as accuracy goes they weren't that bad. Mine would group 2"-3" at 80 yards with a hot barrel. Check here post #15 <http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6254584#post6254584>

[Maverick223]

My Mini-30 was blued.Unfortunately they don't make that model anymore, SS only. Stupid decision IMO.

:)

[jimmyraythomason]

I'm hoping to recover mine but if not I want to find another in blue. I'm not really interested in a stainless model(but would take one).

[Maverick223]

I'm not really interested in a stainless model(but would take one).Same here, I generally like blue better, but even more so on a rifle that is poorly finished like the Mini.

:)

[W.E.G.]

My nephew owned a Mini-30.

He and I took it to the range a number of times.

We equipped it with a scope, as it was to be used as a hunting rifle.
Even when we could get the proprietary-design scope mount to stay secure (which was not often), group sizes were disappointing.

Because of the lack of "evil features" like "the thing that goes up," the "Mini" still has a niche in states that have state-law "Assault Weapon Bans." Otherwise, it is simply a design that fell short of its objective, and is further overshadowed by firearms developments of the last 20 years.

[jimmyraythomason]

it is simply a design that fell short of its objective Actually it accomplished it's objective quite well. That is,be a light fast handling carbine in a military caliber with battlefield accuracy. Where it failed is in not becoming what people tried to turn it into. It is not a precision rifle but people WANTED it to be so when it wasn't people stuck it with the "INACCURATE" label. It is still a great rifle for what it was intended. It comes in calibers that wont break the bank and is a hoot to shoot. It is awesomely RELIABLE as well.

[THE MACHINIST]

ive harvested a 200 lb muledeer with the mini 30 with russian ammo at about 50 yds. it took 2 shots but they hit in the same place rapid fire. just the same as a 30-30.

[benzy2]

I have mixed feelings about the mini line. Between the two specifically I think it really comes down to what you are shooting at. Certainly if deer are on the target list, the 30 is a better option at any distance. Being in a state that does not allow centerfire rifle deer hunting, I have a bit of hesitation to pick up a 30, just because I honestly don't have a use for it that my AK and SKS don't already fill well. Not that anything is wrong with the 30, just that for my potential uses the SKS and AK both do the same things as well for a bit less money.

The mini-14 is a rifle I am torn with. I feel it has its place, just that it currently is overpriced. I would love to trade my AK for a newer mini 14. For me at least, I could take the rifle hunting. It would make a fine groundhog gun. The minis have seemed to have decent cold bore accuracy, just plagued by stringing when heat was introduced. For a hunting rifle outside of a prairie dog rifle this means little. While it could be argued an AR could hunt as well as a mini 14 something about the mini makes it feel a bit more appropriate in the field hunting small game.

They aren't the best blaster in the world. They won't win many/any accuracy contests, and they don't have a huge aftermarket like others chambered in .223/5.56. Still They do have a place and if anyone is interested in trading for a WASR10 I would be glad to add a mini14 to my stable.

[ccsniper]

There is absolutely no reason (other than aesthetics or state gun laws) to go with a Mini-14/30 rifle as the alternatives have more after market parts, replacement parts, cheaper magazines, more gun smiths etc for them.
__________________

Maybe he can't own an AK and doesn't like the feel of an AR? Or maybe he just wants a rifle that looks more like a hunting rifle rather than a battle carbine?

I would recommend against the mini 30, unless you use standard 5 round mags from the factory. My friend had one and we couldn't get it to fire more than 3 rounds without the mag falling out (after market mags) the factory original 5 rounder worked perfectly.

[kanook]

And now the factory is making more than 5 rounds capacity mags so it looks even better to some.

[kiwihunta]

I Think comparing the mini 14 with the AK is comparing apples with oranges,the AK is an eastern block design made for the people by the people, they were designed as a cheap mass produced rifle where accuracy was never really that much of a consideration,made for arming armys who mostly cant shoot anyway, who's philosiphy was to throw enough people at a problem and it will go away.....a cheap gun to arm the masses,the only exceptions to this rule i can see are the Finnish made Valmets and some of the high grade Russian models but as a rule IMHO especially the Chinese made type 56's are inaccurate squirt guns that are only good for a bit of fun at the range,two of the 56's that i have owned were hopelessy inaccurate pieces of s**t in short spray and pray rifles, although i did own a .243 Valmet AK that could shoot.......on the other hand Bill Ruger designed the mini 14 not as a target rifle but as a handy well made reliable tool to be used as a Ranch rifle ,to sit in the truck,or on the bars of a quad,great fun for plinking, handy for around the farm with accuracy thats not really going to set the world on fire but enough for most hunting situations and it is certainly up to knocking over a deer at 100yds as i have done with mine on more than several occasions,if you want MOA then buy a bolt action....when i want MOA i grab my Savage or my Remington,i would also choose .223 all day over 7.62x39 IMHO 39 just doesnt have the legs if you want a 30 cal then shoot .308 win or 30-06 cheers.

[jimmyraythomason]

My friend had one and we couldn't get it to fire more than 3 rounds without the mag falling out (after market mags) I never had that problem. I had 10,20 and 30 round aftermarket magazines.

[schlockinz]

Is the mini really that much more accurate than say an SKS? All accounts that I've read put them in a similar boat, and it seems at that point its a matter of
1) external mags
2) aesthetics
3) hating any rifle that was made in com countries

For half the price, or even less, the SKS seems like a good alternative. I think that I'd be more a fan of the mini if they weren't so damned expensive, or at least more accurate if they are going to stay that expensive.

[rockit]

The mini is either too little for too much $, or too much money for a rifle that is no better in any way than an SKS. Not more fun to shoot than an SKS, nor as smooth as an SKS, nor more accurate than an SKS, nor as reliable as an SKS.
Of course my SKS's and AK are Chinese models, which generally are more accurate than most of the others.
I owned a mini until I bought my first SKS.

[LeontheProfessional]

I would go with the Mini 14. You get a lot more ammo options and more magazine availability. The mini 30's firing pin does not due well with the Russian steel case ammo due to hard primers. That is a problem because the brass ammo is a lot more expensive than a subsequent amount of .223.

[kiwihunta]

Is the mini really that much more accurate than say an SKS? All accounts that I've read put them in a similar boat, and it seems at that point its a matter of
1) external mags
2) aesthetics
3) hating any rifle that was made in com countries

For half the price, or even less, the SKS seems like a good alternative. I think that I'd be more a fan of the mini if they weren't so damned expensive, or at least more accurate if they are going to stay that expensive.
From my experience ,and i have owned and shot both extensively i think a mini 14 in .223 would outshoot an sks all day long,set it up at your local range,for starters the mini 14 ranch rifle has a very nice integral mount system taking ruger rings ensuring that scope will never move in a million years as opposed to a rickety receiver mount(if you can get one) that is definitly prone to movement,the calibres are in themselves so different .223 vs 7.62x39 its a no brainer to which one is more accurate and ballistically efficient read some ballistic charts .223 wins everytime for accuracy.As far as hating rifles from com countries.... not so IMHO the sks /ak etc are just plain inferior to a mini or an AR.CHEERS.

[kiwihunta]

The mini is either too little for too much $, or too much money for a rifle that is no better in any way than an SKS. Not more fun to shoot than an SKS, nor as smooth as an SKS, nor more accurate than an SKS, nor as reliable as an SKS.
Of course my SKS's and AK are Chinese models, which generally are more accurate than most of the others.
I owned a mini until I bought my first SKS.
More accurate than the Valmets or the russians,well everyone to there own i guess but i respectfully beg to differ ?????????.......i would need to see it to believe it.cheers.

[rockit]

The 7.62x39 round does drop lots more in trajectory than the 223, that is a fact, but the 223 never has more energy than the 7.62 at any range with factory ammo.... except with the 75 grain loads, at least with the charts I have seen.
Accuracy is not determined by a ballistics chart.
My mini was a 14 and it wasn't any more accurate than my SKS. Of course my SKS does have an 18 year old receiver cover scope mount that is screwed into the receiver itself (not available for many years).
I still own an AR, two SKS's, and an AK and the most reliable ones have K in the name. My R rifle is more accurate though. My mini was the least of anything of the bunch.

[LeontheProfessional]

It very important to realize that when it comes to accuracy there is a world of difference between the new and old mini 14s. The older mini 14s were known to get as bad as 6-8MOA with 3-4MOA being the norm. The new minis are more like a 1-2.5MOA rifle. With the target model getting sub MOA accuracy and even some of the standard models just by using hand loads or finding that lucky factory laod.

[kiwihunta]

The 7.62x39 round does drop lots more in trajectory than the 223, that is a fact, but the 223 never has more energy than the 7.62 at any range with factory ammo.... except with the 75 grain loads, at least with the charts I have seen.
Accuracy is not determined by a ballistics chart.
My mini was a 14 and it wasn't any more accurate than my SKS. Of course my SKS does have an 18 year old receiver cover scope mount that is screwed into the receiver itself (not available for many years).
I still own an AR, two SKS's, and an AK and the most reliable ones have K in the name. My R rifle is more accurate though. My mini was the least of anything of the bunch.
Hey Rockit,i would never argue ak reliability they always go......They just dont hit much IMHO LOL.......A good day at the range with a couple of after match beers is whats called for MINI 14 VS AK.......SOUNDS LIKE FUN.

[rockit]

Hey Rockit,i would never argue ak reliability they always go......They just dont hit much IMHO LOL.......A good day at the range with a couple of after match beers is whats called for MINI 14 VS AK.......SOUNDS LIKE FUN

Sounds like a winner to me no matter who wins.

[tango2echo]

The mini 30's firing pin does not due well with the Russian steel case ammo due to hard primers.

It has been covered on this forum atleast a dozen times that you can replace the Mini's hammer spring with a 13# Wolff spring for less than $10. That solves any problem with hard primers. All new Mini's, and all Mini's made in the past few years (480 series and up) have the heavy spring from the factory.

This is more internet BS and gun bashing from people who have little if any first hand knowledge about a particular rifle, in this case the Mini.

It very important to realize that when it comes to accuracy there is a world of difference between the new and old mini 14s. The older mini 14s were known to get as bad as 6-8MOA with 3-4MOA being the norm. The new minis are more like a 1-2.5MOA rifle.

True. The 580 series Mini 30's being produced now will do less than 1.5MOA I have sighted in three in the last month and all did better than or right at 1.5" at 100 yards with Federal 123gr factory loads. The older guns were a crap shoot as far as accuracy. However, the biggest reason was the trigger. Creapy, tons of take-up, and way too heavy. This is easily fixed for about $65.

Not more fun to shoot than an SKS, nor as smooth as an SKS, nor more accurate than an SKS, nor as reliable as an SKS.

Wrong on all counts...:scrutiny:

t2e

[LeontheProfessional]

There are quite a lot of people over at PerfectUnion.com that have broken their firing pins using Wolf ammo or the like. However, they may all own older mini 30's, IDK.

[tango2echo]

...And I've replaced dozens of SKS, AK, and Sagia firing pins. I would wager the ratio of broken Ruger parts to Com-Block parts is 2 to 1 in favor of the Ruger.

[TexasPatriot.308]

I have had several of both and still have a brand new 581 series tactical mini 14 that is a real shooter and I love it, still got an older mini 30, got lots of gimmes including a thumbhole stock, still dont make it a shooter, but I love it anyway, I own Aks, Ars but got a fondness for the minis, reminds me of the M-14 I carried in the 70's before Uncle Sam sold out us GIs for the M16.:mad:

[rockit]

...And I've replaced dozens of SKS, AK, and Sagia firing pins. I would wager the ratio of broken Ruger parts to Com-Block parts is 2 to 1 in favor of the Ruger.
Is that is a plus for the mini considering there are at least hundred times more SKS, AK, and Saiga rifles out there than there are mini's?

Quote:
Not more fun to shoot than an SKS, nor as smooth as an SKS, nor more accurate than an SKS, nor as reliable as an SKS.

Wrong on all counts...
I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.

[NG VI]

He said ratio, I think he means number of broken parts compared to number of rifles out there, IOW, a straightforward comparison.

[801sureshot]

Does the mini do better with a heavier load? My cousin is shooting 50gr hp federals and can't get a group under 3-4 moa. I shoot 55gr fmj lake city and get 1.5 moa or better with my RRA. Now I know he can't expect ar accuracy, but I gotta think that with a different round he might get better groups. It is a new 581 model so its not the barrel. I feel bad he wanted a semi auto .223 for prairie dogs and didn't want to spend the money for an ar, so I pointed him towards a mini, now hes wishing he had gone another route.

[kiwihunta]

Does the mini do better with a heavier load? My cousin is shooting 50gr hp federals and can't get a group under 3-4 moa. I shoot 55gr fmj lake city and get 1.5 moa or better with my RRA. Now I know he can't expect ar accuracy, but I gotta think that with a different round he might get better groups. It is a new 581 model so its not the barrel. I feel bad he wanted a semi auto .223 for prairie dogs and didn't want to spend the money for an ar, so I pointed him towards a mini, now hes wishing he had gone another route.
Hey Sureshot tell your cousin to definitly use 55grn and try for hunting the Hornady 55grn vmax sst, the other thing is just maybe your a better shot than your cousin,remember its a 50/50 thing and a gun can only shoot as well as the guy behid the trigger.cheers.

[kenno]

801sureshot
1st Did he buy the rifle used?
2nd What series is the Mini, 181, 187, 197 or 500 series? This will tell you the twist rate on the barrel and which weight bullet it might preffer.
3rd How often does he clean his barrel? I mean really clean it?
4th Does he shoot cheap ammo through it?
So he should first CLEAN that barrel!
Depending on the series some Minis, with simple mods, can shoot MOA or less and that's squirrel shootin good. Also try shooting the rifle without a magazine, that seems to help some people and of course some trigger work never hurts and usually helps.

[kiwihunta]

Hey Sureshot tell your cousin to definitly use 55grn and try for hunting the Hornady 55grn vmax sst, the other thing is just maybe your a better shot than your cousin,remember its a 50/50 thing and a gun can only shoot as well as the guy behid the trigger.cheers.
Next time at the range maybe swap guns with your cousin ,and see how his rig goes for you,cheers.

[LeontheProfessional]

Your cousin definitely needs to be shooting some heavier ammo. 55gr should do him a bit better. I really have not heard anyone having that bad of accuracy out of a 581 mini.

[801sureshot]

Thanks for the tips. We did switch guns last trip to the range, and I didn't do much better with it. He did do worse with my ar than i typically do so maybe it is the shooter! We will try a heavier round next time. See if that helps. As far as cleanliness of the rifle I know he only cleans every third or fourth trip, and we tend to shoot 300-400 rounds each everytime out. I clean every trip , at least the ar. Pistols every other. Oh and the mini was bought new...

[LeontheProfessional]

He really needs to clean the barrel more than that if he wants to expect better accuracy.

[DBR]

If God forbid you had to use one of these guns in defense of your family: which would look better in court to the jury when the prosecutor holds it up to show the jury: a military weapon or a sporting weapon?

[Maverick223]

...which would look better in court to the jury when the prosecutor holds it up to show the jury: a military weapon or a sporting weapon?So your saying that the Mini isn't a military weapon?...but what about the A-Team? :D

Speaking of which it is so wrong that they filmed the new A-Team movie using M-16s, that goes against the "unholy trinity" of the A-Team...Gold chains, the child-molester van, and Mini 14s. It just isn't right. http://forums.nitroexpress.com/images/graemlins/smilies/general/nilly.gif

[kiwihunta]

Thanks for the tips. We did switch guns last trip to the range, and I didn't do much better with it. He did do worse with my ar than i typically do so maybe it is the shooter! We will try a heavier round next time. See if that helps. As far as cleanliness of the rifle I know he only cleans every third or fourth trip, and we tend to shoot 300-400 rounds each everytime out. I clean every trip , at least the ar. Pistols every other. Oh and the mini was bought new...
I clean any of my guns every time out ...doesnt matter if i fire one round or 500 its all the same they get a scrub...hey most of them repay me by doing what i want them to do and hey were all happy ....LOL.

[kiwihunta]

He really needs to clean the barrel more than that if he wants to expect better accuracy.
I Agree 100%, a clean barrel is certainly a factor with accuracy,cheers.

[ccsniper]

Quote:
My friend had one and we couldn't get it to fire more than 3 rounds without the mag falling out (after market mags)
I never had that problem. I had 10,20 and 30 round aftermarket magazines.

Promag?

[timfromohio]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a question that would pertain to either the 14 or 30. I've read that due the design of the action the Mini's are, IN GENERAL, less finicky with ammo. So one could practice with cheap Wolf ammo that is steel cased and be OK.

Do you guys find this to be the case?

[jimmyraythomason]

ccsniper,not Promag. USA from Cheaper Than Dirt $19.95 +shipping.

[jimmyraythomason]

timfromohio, whatever the reason,the Minis are not finicky eaters.

[Maverick223]

Do you guys find this to be the case?Yep, steel case seems to suit them both just fine. Including Wolf and Barnaul (Brown/Silver/Golden Bear). Never tried Tiger, but I am sure it will do just as well.

:)

[kiwihunta]

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have a question that would pertain to either the 14 or 30. I've read that due the design of the action the Mini's are, IN GENERAL, less finicky with ammo. So one could practice with cheap Wolf ammo that is steel cased and be OK.

Do you guys find this to be the case?
Wolf used to go through my mini 14 ok but its really dirty, i also always sight my rifle in on the ammo i use to hunt with mainly Hornady and you will find you will have quite a different point of impact between the two,at 100 yds sometimes you could get up to 6" difference.....depends what you are going to use your mini for ,but if you are going to hunt with it ,it pays to leave your zero on your hunting ammo for obvious reasons...cheers hope that helps.

[Sheepdog1968]

I wouldn't consider either one to be a good gun for distance.

They're great point-and-shoot carbines, hence the marketing of the "Ranch Rifle".

The rifle notwithstanding, the 7.62x39mm is not a flat-shooting round, and the .223 isn't a powerful one -- neither is good for distance, but for different reasons.
The newer mini 14s will shoot 3" groups at 100 yards. This is based on what I can do plus searching a bit to see what reviewers have done with the ones made in the last 5 years or so. Plenty accurate for hunting, home defense, social plinking. For something that is more accurate, I would just go for a bolt action. Yes, I know there are ARs that can shoot sub MOA. The level of accuracy required depends on the role of the rifle.

[Sheepdog1968]

Does the mini do better with a heavier load? My cousin is shooting 50gr hp federals and can't get a group under 3-4 moa. I shoot 55gr fmj lake city and get 1.5 moa or better with my RRA. Now I know he can't expect ar accuracy, but I gotta think that with a different round he might get better groups. It is a new 581 model so its not the barrel. I feel bad he wanted a semi auto .223 for prairie dogs and didn't want to spend the money for an ar, so I pointed him towards a mini, now hes wishing he had gone another route.
I tried this experiment using 50, 55 multiple manufacturers, one somewhere in the 60s, one somewhere in the 70 grains. I shot 10 shot groups at 50 yards with a low end three power scope. For measurements, i took the best 8 out of 10 shots. The groups were roughly the same at about 1.5". With a good bolt action I can often get one ragged hole at this distance. My conclusion was there really wasn't a noticable difference. The one thing I did find very interesting was that there was quite a bit of difference in POA/POI even between the 55 grain bullets.

[Sheepdog1968]

My Mini-30 was blued. I too like the Mini-30 better than the Mini-14. As far as accuracy goes they weren't that bad. Mine would group 2"-3" at 80 yards with a hot barrel. Check here post #15 <http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6254584#post6254584>
I suppose you could Duracoat a stainless steel mini-30. Not quite bluing but might satisfy.

[jimmyraythomason]

I suppose you could Duracoat a stainless steel mini-30.Now there's a thought Sheepdog1968,thanks.

[Maverick223]

I suppose you could Duracoat a stainless steel mini-30.You could probably use Birdsong Black-T coatings, but that would probably be cost prohibitive, especially with the additional cost of the SS.

:)

[jimmyraythomason]

Doing everything myself,it probably would cost that much. All of this Mini talk has made me want another one! Anyone have a good one to trade for a Bushmaster? Only in Alabama though,sorry.

[Ignition Override]

lloveless:

The recoil of my Mini 30 and N. SKS seem really mild compared to a buddy's AK 'clone'.