New Ruger Mini 14/30

Have you checked "Perfectunion"? This is the Mini 14/30 website.
Be aware that quite often posters don't state whether their comments regard the 14 or the 30 (7.62x39).
Many posters assume that people only have the 14.

One problem with Mini 30s is that using Russian ammo results in some ftfs on the first strike. With my 30 (built in '03), it is only now and then. My old ('90) Mini 14 never had any ftf, and both my 30 and 14 only use Wolf ammo. Russian ammo has harder primers than the far over-priced US ammo.

The problem with the old (some reliable, many useless) aftermarket mags has been mostly solved, as Ruger now sells Ruger 20-rd. mags for both the 14 and 30.

On Perfectunion, the number 30 can mean 30-rounds, or the Mini 30, which confuses many topics even more. You might need to read quite a bit in order to sort things out, and make an informed decision.
One thing seems to stand out consistently at gun shows and in gun shops: a used Mini 14 is much easier to sell than a used Mini 30.

Have you noted that the Mini is also made in 6.8mm? That might be an interesting option which could give you more accuracy than the 7.62, yet deer-suitable power.

Also (don't quote me on this), I'm under the vague impression that not only are the newer Ruger Minis more accurate than the old ones, but that the 30s were more accurate than the .223 (less whippy barrel). Might it be the case that the 6.8s are also more accurate than the .223?

My advise would be to get the newer mini-14 if plinking and shooting coyotes is going to be its main role. This rifle can be bought in several fashions , its a reliable carbine while not a tack driver the 580 series are fair right out of the box.

i want a 44 mag deerfield carbine lol

as said by Overide PerfectUnion has a Mini page, just about anything you need to know there. since you're planning on buying a new Mini my advice get the 30 (the X39 chambering) for you never know when you might get an invite for a deer/hog hunt. not that the 5.56 won't do the job with good placement but the X39 slug is 2X the weight of the .223.
if for 'yotes only then the .223 may be what you need. a little longer range. but they are both mainly 'bush' rifles.

I have the 14 & the 30.
I like the 30 better b/cause it puts the deer down faster.
I never had any trouble with FTF Wolf ammo on my 30...........

I have both, but shoot the 14 a lot more...no particular reason. It is reliable, even with Wolf and cheap mags. You can put a lot of rounds through it before it needs a proper cleaning.

On the rare occasion you get a FTF or some kind of jam, clearing is very easy.

Accuracy is okay. It's not a tack-driver but you'll most likely hit your target: I've used it to shoot coyotes from 100 yds or so.

I like the open sights and have not had good luck with putting an optic on it. I tried but the way the gun is designed makes it tough. Things may have changed with the newer models.

If I could only have one of them I'd keep the 14, but would be almost as happy if I *had* to keep the 30 instead. Just personal preference.

I think they're great and probably one of the most overlooked SA rifles, especially since this AR craze came about.

Hope this helps,
DFW1911

get the mini 14 in 5.56, you can always go find a cheap SKS to shoot the 7.62 in...

Mini-14 in .223. The Mini-30 doesn't make a lot of sense, IMHO, given the price and availability of like-new SKS carbines and Saiga rifles. Mini-14 has a lot more magazine availability than the -30, including an inexpensive TAPCO polymer 30-round mag coming out in the near future.

Get the 14...Be sure to check out the Tactical Ranch Rifle...16.25" bbl with a birdcage on it. The shorter bbl helps out the accuracy and makes it a real nice accurate carbine. 20rd mags are going for $24.99 at CDNN. I would stay with 1)Ruger factory mags then back up with Tapco. And go to perfectunion.com for Mini-14 information from some folks who shoot Mini's as a rule instead of an exception.