7.62x39mm Semi-Auto Rifle - Ruger Mini 30?

[il.bill]

An older friend recently sold his guns and household goods in a downsizing estate auction. He held on to about 2,000 rounds of brass cased 7.62x39mm ammo he has had for years and now wants to get a 'nice rifle' to keep around 'just in case' (?) that will shoot that ammo. I suggested a reliable bolt action, but he definitely wants a semi-automatic rifle.

I was concerned that an AK47 type rifle would have a bit too much recoil for him, and my SKS suggestion was not liked because he wants something 'new'. I know nothing about them first hand, but the only real option I see is a Ruger Mini Thirty. Any input or suggestions from those who know more than me (probably everyone on this forum) will be appreciated.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Semi auto x39 - the only options I know of are the AK, SKS, Mini-30 and some ARs.

AKs don't kick that hard - the recoil on them is fine. But they are awkward to shoot. I would take an SKS over an AK 9 times out of 10.

An SKS would be my choice out of all four, but if this guy doesn't want one, then he doesn't want one.

I'm not a fan of the Minis. They're a little too big and heavy for what they are IMO, and they're awfully expensive. Tell the guy to set aside $800 if he wants to go down that road.

It looks like your options are down to the Mini and the AR though. I've never shot a 7.62x39 AR, but I'm sure there's a lot of people on this board who have.

 

[armoredman]

Get quality - get a CzechpointUSA vz-58. Light, dead bang reliable, accurate and simple - they are everything the AK wishes it was.

 

[LoonWulf]

Personally i prefer the mini, but thats me. If possible have him try both and pick the one he likes best.

The AR will likely be cheaper.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

Mini-14, AK, SKS, vz58. It is nice to have access to a range that allows you to rent and try out different guns.
I am partial to my Yugo M70AB2 because it was a gift from my son. I added a grenade launcher tube which I think improves the balance and steadiness of the gun which I shoot in the local modern military matches.

 

[ClemY]

I tend to think about the results of a melt down and the requirement to protect the family. There are just a few possible choices in weapons and ammo that fit my requirements: .223, 7.62x39, and .308 with also rans like the .30-06 and .30 carbine.

The issues are logistic: ammo, rifle and mags: .223 cartridge, AR-15, AR mags; 7.62x39 cartridge, AK-47, AK mags; .308 cartridge, M-14 or AR-10, M-14 or AR-10 mags. The .30-06 and the M-1 Garand, no mags, but 8 rd. clips; the .30 carbine, .30 M-1 carbine rifle with a proprietary, but ex-military cartridge and proprietary ex-military mags.

The Ruger Mini-30 requires proprietary parts support (bad) but uses the 7.62x39 cartridge (good) but proprietary mags (bad). If you like it fine, just stock up on mags; they may not be available when you really need them.

SKS also requires proprietary parts support (bad) but uses the 7.62x39 cartridge (good) and no replaceable mags (good), but does require stripper clips to load quickly. If you want to live with that, have at it.

For myself, I am coming around to the AR-15; previously I was against it, but I am warming to it. For my oddball weapons, I would like to have two of the three main logistic elements: ammo and mags. My SIG 556 (proprietary parts support and out of production, bad) but uses the .223 cartridge and AR mags (good); my SIG 556R (more proprietary parts support, bad) but uses the 7.62x39 cartridge and AK mags (good). I personally think the 556R is much better than the AK, but that is just me.

I think if I had a couple of thousand rounds of 7.62x39 and was looking for something to use it in I would be perfectly happy to use my 556R, but it is out of production, so I might consider something like a good AK-47 or the Galil ACE. The VZ-58 is also supposed to be good, but again, proprietary mags.

Isn’t choice wonderful?

Of course, your mile may vary.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

There's not to many options when it comes to good semiautomatic rifles in 7.62x39 . The Mini 30s are nice, but cost a good bit for a gun that shoots minute of man at 100 yds.
The trouble with 7.62x39 in the AR platform is the magazines. If I were to go this route I would go with this type of lower so I could stay with AK mags.
http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ks47-base-lower-receiver-7790319.html
The CzechpointUSA vz-58 are good but will cost.

 

[M1key]

The NEW Mini-30s will shoot 2-3 MOA with most all brass-cased ammo, which is all I ever shot out of mine. I would recommend the Tactical version with 16 inch barrel for right at or under your $800 mark. They come with two 20-round mags and spares are quite available. Target is 50 yards

The AR-15 is also a reasonable option in that caliber with brass-only ammo. Easier to mount scopes or red dots and gentler felt recoil, IMO. ASC 20 round magazines are even cheaper than M-30s and are reliable.


M

 

[bannockburn]

il.bill

There is the PTR32 KFR Gen.2 in 7.62x39 that now accepts most AK mags (though PTR recommends Magpul's polymer mags).

armored man

Does the VZ58 require proprietary mags or will any AK mags work in it?

 

[Speedo66]

Lots of new Chinese SKS's came into the country, I got mine for $89. New ones are still out there, but it's going to cost him. But probably still less than a new Mini-30.

 

[navajo]

il.bill

There is the PTR32 KFR Gen.2 in 7.62x39 that now accepts most AK mags (though PTR recommends Magpul's polymer mags).

armored man

Does the VZ58 require proprietary mags or will any AK mags work in it?

The VZ 58 is not an AK. Only thing they have in common is the cartridge. AK mags wont work.
Mags are plentiful and reasonable.
Much better weapon imho.

 

[FL-NC]

I've had all 3, and been shot at by the AK and the SKS. Don't care for any of them. The mini 30, for the price, is way too expensive for the performance (or lack of performance). I would just get a SKS and call it done.

 

[Prijador]

Another vote to at least look at the PTR-32. Basically an HK in 7.62x39 - uses standard AK magazines, and uses standard HK parts (HK parts are easy to find, but can get pricey).
Love the HK sights for close range.

At the price point of a Mini, there are options. An AR in 7.62x39 is certainly an option. I use ASC mags, and I have NOT had an issue yet (in a Robinson XCR, which certainly is out of the price range).

 

[hq]

In reality Mini 30:s are far better than their partly deserved (older ones can be hit & miss) reputation. Urban legends and stubborn prejudice seem to die hard, though. Prijador's suggestion of PTR-32 is worth considering, HK design is solid and ability to use cheap and plentiful AK mags is definitely a plus. Same applies to current AR:s, the AK-compatible magwell is a huge improvement over attempts at using straight .223 magazines with a more tapered round - I still have a few NIB Colt 7.62x39 mags from the 80's as a reminder of how bad idea that was.

Then again, a good AK with a Galil/Ace style stock doesn't have much felt recoil and there's massive aftermarket to modernize the look, functionality and ergonomics if need be. My "trunk gun" project is based on a FEG85 with Ace stock and TechSights and once I got rid of the East German wire-type folding stock, it's been a sweet shooter. Otherwise I'd say get a Sako M92S and be done with it, but they're extremely rare in the US, discontinued, expensive everywhere and on just about every US import ban list.

Providing that the choice is made between current offerings, it's hard to go wrong with any of these.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

If he wants accuracy, reliability, and budget friendly just get a standard AR-15 lower from any online or brick and mortar store. Wait until the AR Stoner 7.62x39 complete upper goes on sale for $279 at MidwayUSA. Then enjoy

I have this setup and it's been GREAT

 

[hq]

If he wants accuracy, reliability, and budget friendly just get a standard AR-15 lower

The likelihood of getting consistent accuracy and especially reliability with a standard magwell lower, low budget 7.62x39 AR isn't unfortunately very high. CMMG Mutant, RRA LAR47 and the likes are a different story, of course.

 

[M1key]

Greetings hq! How are the Finns getting along with them Swedes and Norsk-speaking types?

Just wondering how many of y'all own ARs in any caliber? Can you guys get cheap AR kits?


skål!

M

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

Well I guess my AR Stoner budget upper and standard lower didn't get the memo on not being a CMMG or RRA...mine has been 2MOA or better with 4 different types of ammo I've tried. I am using ASC 10 round 7.62x39 mags.Steel case Wolf 125 SP and Golden Tiger FMJBT have both been 2MOA on average.

The brass case Federal Fusion 123 SP is sub MOA and so is my handloads with a 135gr FTX.

After more than 1500 rounds it has not had one single malfunction of any kind.

OP didn't strike me as a high volume shooter or a doomsday prepped so a budget friendly accurate and reliable offering is what I suggested.

 

[hq]

Well I guess my AR Stoner budget upper and standard lower didn't get the memo on not being a CMMG or RRA...mine has been 2MOA or better with 4 different types of ammo I've tried.

Exactly. 2MOA isn't really anything to write home about, even my $300 beater Mini could do it out of the box. Not that different from the Colt 7.62x39 upper I had some 25+ years ago, except that once you filled the mags near to capacity it FTF'd all the time. Fortunately I managed to get rid of it before the word on failing bolt heads and extractors spread, a few magazines were left behind as a grim reminder from that experience. Other guys from the same upper group buy weren't quite as fortunate.
Current offerings may or may not be better, but I'd still be hard pressed to even touch any std magwell variation with a ten foot pole. Once was plenty.

Greetings hq! How are the Finns getting along with them Swedes and Norsk-speaking types?
Just wondering how many of y'all own ARs in any caliber? Can you guys get cheap AR kits?
skål!

Hejsan M1key, hur står det till? We're getting along with neighbors great as usual.
AR:s of every kind have pretty much taken over the market in a bunch of calibers since the late 90's. Not unlike what's happened on the US market. Complete kits aren't that common but rifles and parts are a dime a dozen nowadays. Unlike .223/5.56, 7.62x39 can meet the legal minimum for whitetail so unsurprisingly that has had an impact on which calibers I've personally been concentrating in lately. And that's why this thread has been so interesting from my point of view.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

Show me a mini 30 that shoots 2MOA consistently with cheap surplus ammo...convenient you didn't quote the part about 1500 rounds and no malfunctions and about 2 different ammo types being sub MOA...weird huh

 

[hq]

Show me a mini 30 that shoots 2MOA consistently with cheap surplus ammo...

This is getting a bit off topic now, but here you go, as requested. On top of that, consistent 2½" with Lapua 123gr FMJ factory ammo and 1.7" with 150gr handloads, both at 200yd. That's mostly academic, however, as it's most commonly shot offhand or from shooting sticks at living, often moving targets like carbines are intended to, not from a bench at paper. The Zeiss scope is aftermarket, everything else is OEM-based. Personally I very much prefer old-fashioned gunsmithing over anything that can be bought, assembled or accessorized.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

I said cheap surplus @ 2MOA...Lapua ammo isn't that. You obviously know how to shoot though. The Mini is a very fine rifle, however it does not have a reputation as being accurate.

AR Stoner $280 add ~$150 for a lower and your much less than a Mini with the same accuracy.

OP said as a "just in case" so i don't think it will be a high volume shooter. I just don't think a +$700 rifle is the answer

 

[AndyP]

I vote AR too. I've built several for friends, and have a couple myself. Two inch groups are the norm shooting inexpensive russian, and that is counting the fliers. Never had a problem with mine, and they feed perfectly. C- Products Defense mags are bulletproof, I use the 20 rounders mostly.
Use a H-2 buffer or an adjustable gas block and recoil nearly disappears.
I have a SKS and a AK, hardly shoot them anymore. The ergonomics and weight of the AR are hard to beat, especially when you add a good trigger and figure in the ease of adding optics or good sights.

 

[hq]

I said cheap surplus

And I said "on top of that", "that" being KOPP $.16/rd TPZ headstamped Czech-packed Russian surplus bulk at 4-ish-inches @200yd. Splitting hairs a bit and even though it doesn't meet the criteria of being cheap, Lapua FMJ IS surplus ammo in my neck of the woods. Finnish military issue ammo, the exact same stuff I've filled countless LMG belts with.

Back to the subject of rifles, as much as older Minis have a reputation of lackluster accuracy, 7.62x39 AR:s have it in spades in feeding and bolt head durability issues. There are exceptions just like there are proven fixes to these known problems (2005 and newer Minis, AK-magwell AR:s), so deliberately choosing a rifle that has an elevated probability of being a lemon may not fit the "just in case" -bill that well either. More often than not, buying cheap and good means buying two rifles.

 

[AndyP]

Early ARs in this caliber had their teething problems, no doubt. (Hogged out 5.56 bolts, short firing pins, wrong gas port size, wrong feed ramps, and junk mags.)
Solutions were found, fixes were made, and time marched on. Awhile ago.