Ruger Mini-30 problem

[Twiki357]

I just purchased a used Mini-30, according to Rugers website, 1990 vintage. Physical inspection indicated it was in excellent condition with no obvious signs of wear. I finally got to the range to try it out. OUCH. I only fired 4 rounds. With each shot (factory rounds, no hot loads), the trigger guard popped open and the whole trigger assembly fell right out the bottom of the gun. On reinserting it, everything seems to fit perfect and the trigger guard has a solid locking snap into place.

I am wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if so, what the fix was. The only things I have been able to think of is one or both of: The operating spring has weakened allowing the bolt assembly to slam back to hard during the cycling of the action. Or that the spring tension of the trigger guard may have lessened over the years and the recoil is sufficient to dislodge the locking of the trigger guard. Or a combination of both.

 

[GCBurner]

Sounds like the trigger guard isn't latching properly. You can try bending it out a bit, to see if that helps. A new one from Brownell's is only about $10, if it needs replacing. I seem to remember reading that this was a known problem with some of the pre-2004 Mini-30s, and that Ruger will fix it for free, so you might give their customer service department a call.

 

[Twiki357]

Thanx. It would be great if Ruger would do the fix. I have an email into their SC Dept and waiting for a response.

 

[NAVY SEABEE 303]

I have had Rugers for decades and they have alway had great customer service.

 

[1KPerDay]

The only things I have been able to think of is one or both of: The operating spring has weakened allowing the bolt assembly to slam back to hard during the cycling of the action. Or that the spring tension of the trigger guard may have lessened over the years and the recoil is sufficient to dislodge the locking of the trigger guard. Or a combination of both.

Those are the two things I'd check first. good luck.

 

[Twiki357]

UPDATE – A very pleasant surprise. I emailed my problem to Ruger Customer Service yesterday and had a telephone response this morning. It is apparently a recurring problem with a simple fix of bending the trigger guard inward to create more tension on the latching recess. I think Ruger may have just acquired a new customer.

 

[1KPerDay]

Cool. let us know how it works out

 

[Twiki357]

Update: Wrapped the trigger guard with a layer of inner tube and bent it in as far as I could with the Channel Locks and still get it to latch. Well I finally got to the range today. It work perfectly. 115 rounds with no problems.

 

[Double Vision]

Great! Good luck with your Mini-Thirty, it's a fun rifle.

 

[Art Eatman]

It's great that the fix was that easy!