7.62x39mm Semi-Auto Rifle - Ruger Mini 30?

[Captain33036]

Apologies if this is all wrong but....if the goal is an inexpensive carbine that is reliable, accurate and low recoil....for occasional and just in case....then.... might it be easier to sell/trade the ammo for .223 and get an AR, than to compromise on the carbine?

What is the goal? Why the caliber? What is more important, the round or the platform?

Best

 

[hq]

Solutions were found, fixes were made, and time marched on. Awhile ago.

Considering that well over decade of 580-series Ruger Minis doesn't seem to have dispelled the dated inaccuracy myth either, so it might just be a case of once bitten twice shy. Providing that one has first hand experience of the problems in the first place, of course. At four figure pricetags the AK-mag AR:s sell amazingly well if identical functionality can really be had for one third of the price, and I'm not even talking about the option of popping in a snail drum here...

 

[hdwhit]

Back when the Mini-30 came out and you could get one for under $300, I would have gone Mini-30 every time without blinking. I own Mini-14s and ARs, but in an emergency, I will still reach first for the Mini-14 with Choate pistol grip stock every time because I know I can hit what I am at with it. But talking about a new gun, in the neighborhood of $800, I just can't see the Mini-30 as a viable alternative where ARs or AKs are available for less - sometimes much less.

 

[Decoy80]

For cheap reliable placing them on a paper plate at 100 yards AK all the way.
Gotta have the premium tool with the same reliable group at the same range. Mini 30 and youre going first class in the caliber.
Drag the AK and Mini 30 thru the same mudhole,pour the muddy water out of the barrels,wipe them both off with your shirt tail and both will wear a paper plate out.
Drag the AR thru the same mudhole just for kicks,wipe it off on your shirt tail and get a different result lol

 

[Ignition Override]

Am about to look at VZ-58s, but only if Czechpoint, CSA, at the huge W's Tulsa gun show next month. A Century VZ can have issues with the trigger reset mechanism.

If your friend somehow decides on an AK variant, ask him to spend time on AKfiles, AK-47 forum.
The lowest-cost brand is the US-made I.O., often reported (by actual owners) to have serious functional issues, and these issues are seen on Youtube. This helps explain why they have a lifetime warranty, and many need it.
The Century, US-made RAS has cheap, commercial-grade steel components.

A much more durable & better value is any Imported AK variant, only Imported by Century, which will have a military-grade steel receiver, mil-grade bolt, bolt carrier, and military-grade barrel.

If he doesn't have time for, or interest in gun websites, the best of luck to him.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

I love shooting my AKs! I'd seriously reconsider them. 7.62 is going to kick a bit more than .223.

I have a PTR 32 SBR, it shots nice but is heavy. I also have a CZ, the AKs are much more pleasant to shoot.

Take a look at the Yugo PAP pistols with a brace. They are incredibly handy short "pistols," that are easy to shoot. Also since they are "pistols," 922r does not apply so they are all factory made and imported. The guys are not cobbled to get her from parts kits. At $600 plus change, they are the best ram going on an AK now.

 

[mokin]

To me, it sounds like your friend wants to be talked into a Mini-30. I've always thought one would be nice but I've got other things higher on my list of priorities. As far as accuracy goes, there is a guy who regularly uses one in a local three gun match and does fine (better than most of the rest of us). I would go with an SKS but as your friend doesn't like them there will be more for us who do.

If he doesn't go with the Mini-30, right or wrong, he'll wish he had.