Ruger Mini 30...

[dispatch55126]

6" group when firing multiple shots sounds right. Realistically though, when I'm hunting its the first shot that matters and with a cold barrel its dead on.

 

[sidney777]

Loud mini14

My ex-mini 14 was loud as heck, so got a mini 30

 

[oldgoat46]

mini 30? I give up

I am not new to Rugers. I have several from #1s to SA everything including 22,357, 45LC etc. My Mini 30 is driving me nuts. Never mind the Wolf Ammo, I've tried the good stuff. did you know that Norma makes 7.62X39? Never mind the ridiculous 5 round mag, the gun does not feed, it misfires, and worst of all after the third round it will not hit a bull in the ... at 50 yards. I sail in the islands and I bought the SS and poly stock to be my last ditch go to gun. As one writer aptly put it my SHTF weapon. This gun is not dependable, is not accurate, I have written Ruger and asked for my money back. I don't expect it to be an AR or an AK or even an SKS. I fired my first SKS in Feb 1968. I picked it up out of the mud at Khe Sanh and it shot perfectly. I threw away the mouse gun that the Govt issued me and carried the SKS for the duration. Thats another story. Bottom line if you can buy an SKS at a gun Shop for $130.00 that works flawlessly, What the .... is the matter with Ruger? They will either take it back or it's going to the scrap yard with as much publicity as I can generate. Maybe I'll melt it down and make a boat anchor. Sorry guys, this rifle is worthless. OG46

 

[gezzer]

Send it back to Ruger they will fix it.

My sons and my mini-30 work fine. With US commercial they stay in 3 " at 100 and with foreign surplus at about 4 inches.

They are not bench rest rifles never were and were not designed for that.

50 years ago 3 inch groups were the normal for factory Bolt Actions. The 1 inch group was very uncommon for custom rifles. Hell it took the seventies for bench rest to break the 1/2 inch mark let alone it to become common.

Mags are a trial beyond 5 rnd factory but we have 6 each in 30 round that function fine. It took trial and era to find them from about 20 magazines but at 5 bucks each who cared.

 

[MyRoad]

My left/right is not effected but my up down is. If I fire a three round bench rest series, my first shot is dead on, the second is about 1.5" up and the third is about 1" up from that. Each time I reaim so that isn't an issue. Once the barrel cools for about 2-3 minutes, I again hit center.

My Mini-14 did exactly the same thing, except for some reason as it got hotter they would start to go up and to the left (IIRC), and since I often shoot 5 round groups, by the last shot it was frustrating and a bit embarrassing to watch it climb 5+ inches from the first shot.

Not that you want to throw any money at it, but for $250 I had that fixed: barrel shortened and threaded and a muzzle break added (the extra weight at the end of the barrel helps), stock glass bedded, gas block adjusted, and a trigger job. Since I had my Mini for years and was bored with it, throwing some money at it to make it into a completely superior gun was money well spent in my opinion.

The groups will still open up some as the barrel heats, but the first three rounds will stay tight and after that we're talking maybe 3" -- not 6" like before.

 

[MISFIRE]

Mini 30

OK, now you've done it, I was settled on a Mini 14 and now you have me interested in a Mini 30. How does the ammo cost compare to .223 ?
Bill

 

[geronimotwo]

ditto on misfire's comment, but if the "shtf" what is the weight difference between .223, and 7.62 rounds. ie how many can i stash in my backpack and still manuever?

 

[dwschoon]

Perfectunion has a forum dedicated to the mini. They have lots of tips for accurizing them. Im getting ready to purchase an ss gb(government barrel) mini 14 from my dad. They sure are fun to shoot.

 

[ndh87]

My mini 14 is one of the most tempermental guns i've ever shot. I had a scope on it untill the recoil caused the crosshairs to break, it hates non factory mags, and i lost the rear sight because it came loose and fell off because of the recoil. As far as accuray, when its good, its great, before the scope broke i could cut 16 penny nails in half at 50 yards. But when its bad, it doesnt shoot groups, it shoots patterns, the barrel temp, and ammo choice doesnt seem to affect the accuracy at all though. This is the first and last ruger rifle i'll buy, but i have to say, their customer service is pretty good, they gave me a new rear sight for free when i called em up and explained why i needed a new one.

 

[dwschoon]

A recoil buffer will help with those issues.

 

[Blade20]

Mini-30 as a patrole rifle

I work security inf a high profile area. I carry a min-30 and have fould it to be ligh handy and very accurate.

It consistently pronts 2.5cm groups at 100m. That is with federal ammo. If I use el-Cheepo Wolf ammo this spreads out to 9-12cm. Youcan get decent 20, 25, and 30 rd mags for it if you know where to look. Be preparesd to do a little hand fitting on the mag lips and everything will be fine

 

[jeepmor]

Accuracy and heatup

They shoot high due to the barrel warming up and the gas tube being attached to the top. As the barrel heats, it expands a bit, but the gas tube does not experience the same temps, therefore does not expand as much. This relatively hot bareel expands more than the cooler gas tube. The gastube acts as a rubber band if you will and pulls the sight picture up. This is why the hot barrel shoots higher. If the gas tube and the barrel expanded at exactly the same rate, the POI would not change as much and you would operate in the standard deviation range of your ammo with no influence from the rifle itself.

The thinner barrel than most other semi autos is to blame for this. Less mass/volume of metal means more heat dumps in faster and gets hotter than say a bull barrel or even a typical sporter.

Think of it kind of like a bi metal strip in a thermostat if you will. Not a 100% accurate statement, but the idea is the same. Different heat fluxes means different coefficient of expansion rates, therefore, it raises the point of impact.

Hope this helps because without drawing a picture and knowing a bit about physics and material properties, it's hard for me to describe. As an engineering type, I find it hard to explain concept without a drawing for clarity.

 

[rugerdude]

Here's my mini-30



Let's see: Fully adjustable aperature sights, reliable 10 round detachable magazine, heat shield, Monte Carlo stock, barrel doesn't heat up excessively.

I got a super deal 'cause it only cost me 285 dollars. What are mini-30's going for now?

Seems like a lot of money to spend on something that has a worse reputation than the humble (yet excellent!) SKS.

 

[Doggieman]

oh about $650

 

[glockman19]

Mini-14-30 Accuracy

Ruger stopped production for 18 months in 2005 and re-tooled the entire productionline for the manufacture of Mini-14's and mini-30's. The reason, to retool was to create rifles with heavier barrels and better accuracy. I will agree, older mini's were not the most accurate. The new ones comming out of the re-tooled shop are as accurate as any AR or AK.

Look for mini-14's that begin with serial # 580, and mini-30's beginning with serial #581.

 

[gezzer]

I had a scope on it untill the recoil caused the crosshairs to break

Try buying better scopes. You get what you pay for.

 

[Glockfan.45]

not to hijack this thread, but why is a hot barrel inaccurate? Science behind it?

Metal like all things expands as it gets hot. As it expands the diameter of the barrel grows slightly larger. This causes the bullet to not grip the rifling properly thus losing accuracy.

 

[Doggieman]

glockman

Ruger stopped production for 18 months in 2005 and re-tooled the entire productionline for the manufacture of Mini-14's and mini-30's. The reason, to retool was to create rifles with heavier barrels and better accuracy. I will agree, older mini's were not the most accurate. The new ones comming out of the re-tooled shop are as accurate as any AR or AK.

really? I've been wanting a mini 30 but have never purchased one because I heard about the atrocious accuracy. Where did you find out about this?

Thx!

D

 

[glockman19]

Ask any gun dealer, or call Ruger.

Newport, NH Telephone: 603-865-2442
Prescott, AZ Telephone: 928-778-6555

I hope this helps;

Sturm, Ruger's New Target Model Ranch Rifle is a "Minute-of-Angle Mini!"
November 7, 2006
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR), is proud to introduce a new target rifle for today's rapid-fire action shooting competition events, such as the Shooting Industry Masters Tournament. The Ruger® Mini-14® series of rifles has been extremely popular since first introduced in 1974. Simple, rugged, and reliable, these rifles have proven so popular around the woods, farm, and ranch that they earned the nickname "Ranch Rifle," which is the name Sturm, Ruger now uses to describe all Mini-14 rifles that come from the factory with scope mounting features.

While the lightweight barrel of the original Mini-14 made it easy to carry afield, it did not always produce optimum accuracy. Many shooters have requested a Mini-14 with a heavier barrel, and Sturm, Ruger has responded with its New Target Model Ranch Rifle, which, with the correct ammunition, is truly a "minute-of-angle Mini!"

Its distinctive heavyweight, hammer forged, matte stainless steel target barrel features a recessed target crown and an adjustable barrel weight, so that each owner can "tune" the rifle to obtain the best accuracy from the particular ammunition being used. One-inch groups at 100 yards can be regularly obtained with suitable ammunition for the individual rifle.

Of equally striking appearance is the Target Rifle's new grey laminated target stock, again with details designed by target shooters for target shooters. It features the wide, flat forend for easy holding or resting on sandbags, the butt hook for securing the rifle against the shoulder with the non-shooting hand while benchresting, and the high comb for comfortable use with precision telescopic sights. A ventilated handguard helps to dissipate heat and to prevent accuracy-spoiling heat waves from disturbing your aim. A non-slip grooved rubber buttpad is provided with three spacers to change the length of pull by up to 1-1/2 inches.

Like all Ruger Ranch Rifles, the New Target Model comes from the factory set up for scope use. Patented Ruger scope bases are machined directly into the receiver and never shoot loose. A set of stainless steel Ruger scope rings, a $80.00 value, is included free with each Ruger Ranch Rifle. A patented recoil buffer protects the scope reticle from damage due to rapidly moving parts when firing this autoloading target rifle, and its side ejection of cartridge cases easily clears the lowest-mounted scope.

The New Target Model Ranch Rifle features a satin-finished stainless steel receiver and barrel, pleasingly rounded in contour, and helping to prevent harsh glare from disturbing the shooter's aim. It comes with a 5-round magazine, a California-compliant padlock, and a comprehensive instruction manual. It is chambered for the .223 Remington cartridge, a favorite for practical shooting competition and accurate varmint shooting.

Serial Number History

Mini-14 (manufactured from 1974 to 1977)
Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
180-00001 1974
180-05101 1975
180-28282 1976
180-59251 1977

Mini-14 (manufactured from 1978 to 2004)
Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
181-07488 1978
181-48351 1979
181-84879 1980
182-45601 1981
183-03581 1982
183-40455 1983
184-17175 1984
184-26063 1985
184-95448 1986
185-14140 1987
185-50455 1988
185-56556 1989
185-81009 1990
186-05029 1991
186-18250 1992
186-20065 1993
186-31116 1994
186-42502 1995
186-58133 1996
186-66855 1997
186-81445 1998
186-87432 1999
*196-06325 2000
*196-44553 2001
*196-80982 2002
*196-99207 2003
*197-12180 2004

Mini-14 Ranch (manufactured from 1982 - 2004)
Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
187-00001 1982
187-02611 1983
187-13218 1984
187-27226 1985
187-50919 1986
187-59308 1987
187-70033 1988
187-84127 1989
188-01157 1990
188-30499 1991
188-50902 1992
188-66901 1993
188-71086 1994
188-85981 1995
195-06037 1996
195-27761 1997
195-44221 1998
195-63542 1999
196-06325 2000
196-44553 2001
196-80982 2002
196-99207 2003
197-12180 2004

Mini Thirty (manufactured from 1986 - 2004)
Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
186-00501 1986
189-00001 1987
189-15143 1988
189-17652 1989
189-25005 1990
189-38805 1991
189-51041 1992
189-52528 1993
189-59348 1994
189-65480 1995
189-75697 1996
189-82126 1997
189-84971 1998
189-89313 1999
189-96162 2000
*196-06325 2001
*196-44553 2002
*196-99207 2003
*197-12180 2004

New Mini-14 -Ranch Rifle
Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
580-00001 2005
580-15286 2006

New Mini Thirty
Beginning Serial Number: Years of Production:
581-01002 2006

 

[USMC - Retired]

Has anyone here used a barrel shroud? Any positive or negative effects on accuracy with it?

 

[Doggieman]

Sturm, Ruger's New Target Model Ranch Rifle is a "Minute-of-Angle Mini!"

Oh gotcha.. that's the mini 14. Hope they come out with the mini 30 in that configuration! I'd hate to spend $300 on a new barrel etc. for it.

 

[Beck]

I have a Mini-30 I bought new in 1989. It's fun to shoot and I have no problems with high cap mags. I have a couple 20 and 30-round pre-ban mags made by U.S.A. I also have one 10-round by the same company and two stock Ruger 5-round. For a while I used a couple clear plastic mags made by Eagle, but I had a lot of jams and double feeding with those.

It has a forward-mounted scout scope by Chief AJ of South-Central Illinois. A pistol scope is used in this configuration. The scope has the German style crosshairs… just put the target inside and shoot.

I also have a barrel shroud for cooling and a flash hider. I don't know if I'm just lucky or what, but this thing shoots 3" groups all day at 100 yards. It’s loud and has a good kick, but I am pretty happy with it.

I've used about every kind of ammo I could find over the years. US made rounds from Federal and Winchester are generally most accurate for plinking. The best I've used are lead-tip from Hansen, made in Yugoslavia. Some Russian made hollow points from a gun show weren’t to bad either. Probably the worst of the US made rounds was PMC ball. Absolute worst is Chinese made Norinko ball and similar.

Years ago I used to take it to a local gravel pit and shoot holes through steel wheels from junked cars. That was with the old steel core ammo. It's defiantly a barricade buster.

 

[Nhsport]

I believe that for myself the whole ruger thing is mostly about the frustration of the idea of a interesting firearm that doesn't live up to its posibility.
The design is basicly pretty good . Marginal to horrible accuracy (varies from gun to gun) likely due to wimpy barrel and gas piston mounting and overall barrel quality .Most triggers are no beter than the average 60year old $40 rusty old milsurp. Most guns accuracy winds up no better than the average 60 year old $40 rusty milsurp .
You take all these problems and then compound them by Rugers attitude (you civies don't need any mag bigger than 5 or 10 rounds! ) and a priceing structure that would be reasonable for a gun that worked better and it just doesn't work for me.
I owned a stainless ranch rifle for 15 years that I tried to get to a reasonable level of accuracy and found in the long run the only thing it was ever good for was a trade in towards a Bushmaster.
Yes I now know that several aftermarket folks make barrels and other parts that can improve the Rugers , and I have shot other minis and thurtys that were much beter than the one I owned but my only regret is that I was stubborn and messed with the Ruger for 15+ years when I should have traded for the AR six months after I bought it.
I paid close to $300 for the Ruger way back in the 1980s and I believe that at the time colt AR-15s were under $400 and brand new M-16s were only $50 more!

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I have a M30 purchased in '92. pleased with it. never meant to be a 'bench-rest' accurate rifle but has responded very well to a bedding/shim job. trigger job, re-crown barrel, and small scope and muzzle brake. I use ProMag and American 10 round mags mostly, I have a couple USA 20 rounders that seem OK but have never shot using them. M30's apparently are ammo-sensitive. my good handloads with 150 gr slugs get 1.5" - 2" groups off a rest at 100 yards all day slow-fire. some factory ammo does very well also. PMC and China stuff not good at all. it was never meant to be anything but a carbine for inside 200 yards and that it does well. hogs don't like to see me coming when I carry my M30. a buddy is a lever action affectionado and he admires my M30. course I like his Henry .44 as well. together we have accounted for several upstate SC feral hogs. pig-roast anyone?

 

[Ignition Override]

Marlin 45 Carbine and other seasoned rifle owners:

With a real Ruger high-priced (larger than 5-round) factory magazine, and avoiding Wolf steel ammo (i.e. Yugo instead etc), will a typical Mini 30 be quite reliable, other than accuracy?