Ruger Mini Rifles...
- Thread starter skoro
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uvausmc
Member
I got a Mini-6.8 last year and really like it. I am still breaking it in but it functions well and is more than accurate enough for what i'll be using it for. A few weeks ago I went shooting and was able to hit a realistic sized steel prairie dog target with it every time offhand at 50yds with the factory ghost ring sights and the 110gr Hornady V-Max load. I changed out the stock for one of Hogue's overmold models. It is very comfortable and seems much more sturdy than the factory stock. Several reviews talk about a 60 round +/- break in period for these rifles to really settle in. I've just reached that and next time i take it out I'm going to be shooting to see what kind of groups I can get. When I first shot it I was looking about about 2.5 MOA but that wasn't off a solid rest, so I'm optimistic.
The Hornady V-Max's work great but I'm going to try SSA Accubond load for deer this year. I've tried Remington's offerings but they are not as accurate, though just as reliable.
I just got ProMag's new 20 round mags for it. If you plan on using them i'll tell you this, you will need to grind off just a tiny bit of the lug that locks it into the gun. Both of mine were too long and wouldnt lock into the rifle. Once I did that they went in fine. The other issue i had was 100% reliability until I got to the last 2 rounds. Each time i tried there was a failure to feed. The Hornady V-Max's kept getting rammed into the front of the magazine instead of up into the chamber. I haven't tried to fix this yet but think a stronger spring would push the round up more and make the chamber properly.
The Hornady V-Max's work great but I'm going to try SSA Accubond load for deer this year. I've tried Remington's offerings but they are not as accurate, though just as reliable.
I just got ProMag's new 20 round mags for it. If you plan on using them i'll tell you this, you will need to grind off just a tiny bit of the lug that locks it into the gun. Both of mine were too long and wouldnt lock into the rifle. Once I did that they went in fine. The other issue i had was 100% reliability until I got to the last 2 rounds. Each time i tried there was a failure to feed. The Hornady V-Max's kept getting rammed into the front of the magazine instead of up into the chamber. I haven't tried to fix this yet but think a stronger spring would push the round up more and make the chamber properly.
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jimmyraythomason
Member
The Mini-30 is not new. It's been around (since 1987)almost as long as it's smaller brother,the Mini-14(since 1974). I have one and it has never failed, is accurate for what it is:2" or less @100yds from a cold barrel. It does need a pretty rugged scope as it will shake a fragile scope apart.
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alemonkey
Member
The Mini's are a rifle I want to like but can't get excited about for some reason. I do wish the -14 took standard AR-15 mags. I don't own a .223 autoloader, but when I get around to buying one that will be one of the requirements.
Hammerhead6814
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The reason I can never get excited about the Ruger Mini-14, Mini-30, and Mini-6.8:
Magazines.
Sure you can order factory five and ten rounders straight from Ruger. But they cost over twenty dollars each! New AR-15 magazines cost $15 and they carry thirty rounds! Used AR-15 mags go for as little as $5!
If you want magazines with a higher capacity for your Ruger Mini, you can throw the dice on Pro-Mag's or Thermolds junk. More discussion on Perfectunion.org has been made about how to make those two manufacturer's magazines reliable or to NOT use them altogether than has been directed at Ruger itself! Ruger does make thirty round magazines. I've seen them for sale, in fact there is exactly eleven left at Great Guns in Liberty, MO. But they each cost $69.98! For one magazine!
Ruger's sheer lack of appreciation for their customers over the years has been staggering. If there has been a nail on the coffin for my willingness to buy their product, it's the horrid state of one of it's most necessary parts, the magazine.
Magazines.
Sure you can order factory five and ten rounders straight from Ruger. But they cost over twenty dollars each! New AR-15 magazines cost $15 and they carry thirty rounds! Used AR-15 mags go for as little as $5!
If you want magazines with a higher capacity for your Ruger Mini, you can throw the dice on Pro-Mag's or Thermolds junk. More discussion on Perfectunion.org has been made about how to make those two manufacturer's magazines reliable or to NOT use them altogether than has been directed at Ruger itself! Ruger does make thirty round magazines. I've seen them for sale, in fact there is exactly eleven left at Great Guns in Liberty, MO. But they each cost $69.98! For one magazine!
Ruger's sheer lack of appreciation for their customers over the years has been staggering. If there has been a nail on the coffin for my willingness to buy their product, it's the horrid state of one of it's most necessary parts, the magazine.
jimmyraythomason
Member
Aftermarket magazines that have problems are usually very easy to fix. I've adjusted 20 and 30 round mag followers on mags ($14.95 @ CTD)that were jamming to give flawless service.
Hesenwine
Member
I've owned a 30 for 8 - 10 years. Very sturdy, dependable well made rifle. Accuracy is not it's strong suit but it's fun to shoot and ammo used to be dirt cheap.
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
the new M30 shoots better than the early .308 bores.
there are 100% 10 round mags for 15-18$$ available.
the USA 20's can be cleaned up to do fine but they aren't being made any longer - I have no experience with current made 20's and 30's some have had trouble others say no trouble.
there are 100% 10 round mags for 15-18$$ available.
the USA 20's can be cleaned up to do fine but they aren't being made any longer - I have no experience with current made 20's and 30's some have had trouble others say no trouble.
Redneck with a 40
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- Jul 26, 2006
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- 2,273
I really like my 580 series mini-14, I'm getting 2-2.5" groups at 100 yards, with my handload's. Its a fun, reliable, easy to shoot rifle. I bought 4 extra Ruger 20 round mag's for mine, $30 a piece, which isn't outrageous.
Fun guns.. dont care for the accuracy though..if you got the money..
http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/
http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/
jimmyraythomason
Member
Mini-30 accuracy
My daughter Sarah's Mini-30 target. This was the first time she had ever shot it. The three wide fliers were the first three shots and she was a little apprehensive but settled down for the other 27 shots. Shot from a rest @80yards. She was 15 at the time.
My daughter Sarah's Mini-30 target. This was the first time she had ever shot it. The three wide fliers were the first three shots and she was a little apprehensive but settled down for the other 27 shots. Shot from a rest @80yards. She was 15 at the time.
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