Ruger Mini Thirty. On the fence.

If the reduced loads still hit the scope turret. Im going to change the scope. To a UTG. It has hold over marks up and down and right and left. And set it on. With the elevation on top and the wind age turret on the left side.
 
Show Me said:
Your missing out if you don't have both. My favorites right now. Handloading on my turret press mostly.
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Meh when the minis were 2-300 and the ARs were 1000 minis had a draw for the economy. Likewise the X39 doesn't have the economic advantage it once did.
I have moved on from both. Not that either is a poor choice, but there's a plethora of good choices today.
I had a mini 30 when they first came out and have played with a couple Mini 14s trying to get some resemblance of accuracy out of them, the harsh reality is for the most part at their best the mini is barely on level footing with a bargain AR for accuracy, if someone is happy with that level of accuracy that's fine, I'm not.
 
I didn't buy a Mini-30 in 1989 because I couldn't afford an AR. I wouldn't have kept my Mini-30 all these years (35 years) if it was a poor performer. It doesn't sit in my gun safe. It's one of my favorite guns to shoot.

Here's a helpful tip to help make these discussions potentially more productive. I say potentially because it depends on the participants. You may have graduated at the bottom of your class (like Joe Biden did) or not graduated at all. I can't help people like that. I can try to tell people that there's an entire cult of Mini-30 owners who have been getting excellent results with the Mini-30 for decades. But it can be like trying to talk to Joe Biden. There's nothing there except an old broken down brain that's shrinking by the hour.

But anyway, try to remember that a Mini-30 is not a Mini-14 in caliber 5.56. Experience with the Mini-14 doesn't inform us about the performance of the Mini-30 beyond it's basic platform and operation. It's kind of like how an AK-47 is not an AK-74, and yet it looks a lot like one.

I'm not adding anything else until the OP let's us know he's still alive. Funny how, especially on THR, Mini-30 threads are among the most contentious of all. It's gotten to the point where I'm suspect of anyone who starts one. I've observed too many people start the conversation and then sit back and quietly watch the fireworks for entertainment. They can count on their fellow forum members having the same conversations over and over for years, seeing the thread locked, and watching everyone walk away with their misconceptions fully intact. Well, at least they can count on something. We all need something we can count on. In some ways maybe threads like these are like emotional support animals.
 
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Beck said:
I didn't buy a Mini-30 in 1989 because I couldn't afford an AR. I wouldn't have kept my Mini-30 all these years (35 years) if it was a poor performer. It doesn't sit in my gun safe. It's one of my favorite guns to shoot.

Here's a helpful tip to help make these discussions potentially more productive. I say potentially because it depends on the participants. You may have graduated at the bottom of your class (like Joe Biden did) or not graduated at all. I can't help people like that. I can try to tell people that there's an entire cult of Mini-30 owners who have been getting excellent results with the Mini-30 for decades. But it can be like trying to talk to Joe Biden. There's nothing there except an old broken down brain that's shrinking by the hour.

But anyway, try to remember that a Mini-30 is not a Mini-14 in caliber 5.56. Experience with the Mini-14 doesn't inform us about the performance of the Mini-30 beyond it's basic platform and operation. It's kind of like how an AK-47 is not an AK-74, and yet it looks a lot like one.

I'm not adding anything else until the OP let's us know he's still alive. Funny how, especially on THR, Mini-30 threads are among the most contentious of all. It's gotten to the point where I'm suspect of anyone who starts one. I've observed too many people start the conversation and then sit back and quietly watch the fireworks for entertainment. They can count on their fellow forum members having the same conversations over and over for years, seeing the thread locked, and watching everyone walk away with their misconceptions fully intact. Well, at least they can count on something. We all need something we can count on. In some ways maybe threads like these are like emotional support animals.
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What good reading
 
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I was just kidding about not weighing in again unless the OP returns. Just wanted to get your hopes up... you know, send a shock through the thread and try to reset it.

On a serious note, if you come across a Mini-30 that shoots that bad, send it back to Ruger for service... if you're sure it's not your shooting skills. But yeah, give it a while, let it break in. Mine was not a 2 MOA shooter right out of the box. It got there over time, then below that, and just keeps getting better.

Ruger has a minimum accuracy standard for new Mini-30s, which is 4" groups before they'll send it out the door. But they'll only honor it if you call them on it.
 
Beck said:
I didn't buy a Mini-30 in 1989 because I couldn't afford an AR. I wouldn't have kept my Mini-30 all these years (35 years) if it was a poor performer. It doesn't sit in my gun safe. It's one of my favorite guns to shoot.

Here's a helpful tip to help make these discussions potentially more productive. I say potentially because it depends on the participants. You may have graduated at the bottom of your class (like Joe Biden did) or not graduated at all. I can't help people like that. I can try to tell people that there's an entire cult of Mini-30 owners who have been getting excellent results with the Mini-30 for decades. But it can be like trying to talk to Joe Biden. There's nothing there except an old broken down brain that's shrinking by the hour.

But anyway, try to remember that a Mini-30 is not a Mini-14 in caliber 5.56. Experience with the Mini-14 doesn't inform us about the performance of the Mini-30 beyond it's basic platform and operation. It's kind of like how an AK-47 is not an AK-74, and yet it looks a lot like one.

I'm not adding anything else until the OP let's us know he's still alive. Funny how, especially on THR, Mini-30 threads are among the most contentious of all. It's gotten to the point where I'm suspect of anyone who starts one. I've observed too many people start the conversation and then sit back and quietly watch the fireworks for entertainment. They can count on their fellow forum members having the same conversations over and over for years, seeing the thread locked, and watching everyone walk away with their misconceptions fully intact. Well, at least they can count on something. We all need something we can count on. In some ways maybe threads like these are like emotional support animals.
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I am alive and well.
 
I purchased a Mini 30 some time ago. I purchased it because of the "unsafe" act in NY and it falls under the radar. I use it with five rounders. I don't know it's real potential for accuracy except that I can hit a six inch plate at 100 yards all day long and a foot square plate at 200. I mounted a CMR1-4 scope on top. The scope showed that the cheek weld with the existing stock was too low. Replaced the stack. Had problems with steel cased ammo not going off. Replacement firing pin from ASI fixed the issue. I like my Mini30. Its a keeper.

The question of getting one or not getting one is hard to answer. I don't regret my purchase. Some like Mini's while others do not. For me, they are what they are.
 
Given those circumstances, sure I would make that trade. Already have a bunch of ammo, and already have a .308 you actually shoot.

I can appreciate the 7.62x39 ammo for what it is, and not be too hung up on .308 being a better (hunting) cartridge. I think that is what would stick in the craw for most people... and again, doesn't really matter because you have one anyway so you are not really "out" on anything.


As long as you're fine with the proprietary mags, I would say go for it. Don't like it; send it down the road at no great loss.
 
FWIW I've heard of complaints with the Ruger factory scope rings, they'll mount lower than the pic rail & rings but I had brass hitting my scope as well with the Ruger rings. Used Loctite and snugged em down good but never ran em long enough to say they're reliable. Switched to the pic rail & medium rings which cleared the ejected brass but too high for a good check weld without some kind of riser for the stock.
 
Im planing on taking mine out today. I put a rail on mine with a 50 mm UTG scope. The rings are high. I get a Jaw weld i call it lol. I have a riser here i had on Mosin. If i find i need it. I'll put it on.
 
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I had one that I got on the cheap from someone that needed $ more than the rifle. I was very unimpressed with accuracy from a number of different rounds, including better soft points of the US variety. I was mostly happy with the fact that I was in it for very little $ and was able to dump the thing financially unscathed from the whole event. If you already have something that fires that round, I would just stick with whatever that is.
 
I have no practical experience with the Mini30 but I struggle with finding anything more utilitarian in appearance to me in a long gun than a Savage Model 10. If Glock made a rifle it would undoubtedly look and function a lot like it. Practical. Reliable. Cost efficient for the level of performance and accuracy it provides with almost zero aesthetic appeal. Glock could launch it with an advertising campaign along this line….’when you lost the primary the Model 10 is the most accurate floor jack handle in a pinch on the planet’

I find the Mini 14/30’s appearance and action infinitely more interesting. Of course I like Garands, M14’s/M1A’s and M1 Carbines. Some of those have their accuracy detractors…probably not to the extent the Mini’s have. I had an early 80’s Mini 14 and it was plenty accurate for me hunting fox and coyotes in NODAK then. I wasn’t picky with ammo buying what my meager paycheck was most comfortable with.

You won’t win benchrest competitions or even make it anywhere near the podium but you will bring home a furbearer or 3.
 
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I was, at one time, a big fan of the Minis, especially the 30. X39 ammo was around $100 for a case of 1440 rounds and the rifles were dirt cheap compared to an AR. These days, the mini just doesn't make any sense. The rifle is expensive, mags are expensive and the ammo is expensive. If you just want to shoot x39, check out the Ruger American Ranch. Mine shoots right at MOA out to 300 with Wolf HP ammo and I've rang steel with it far past 300.

I think that if you want a short to medium range .30 cal, consider 300 Blackout. Ammo cost is about the same and you have a broader selection of ammo with the BO. Since all of the decent x39 ammo has dried up and what is available has gotten so expensive, I've rebarreled my x39 AR to 300 BO and when I run out of my stock of x39 ammo, I'll be getting a bolt gun in 300 BO as well.

Of course, if you want the Mini 30 just because, go ahead and get it. You only live once and you can't take it with you. It's a fun little rifle.
 
I bought my Mini 30 in the early/mid 90's. From the serial number it's one of the early versions from 1986. I thought it would be a handy deer rifle and I mounted a small Burris 4x scope on it. With that and the reloads that it likes it will shoot 1" groups at 100 yards.
(Well, it did when my eyes and other parts were younger..) 🙄
 
TonyAngel said:
I was, at one time, a big fan of the Minis, especially the 30. X39 ammo was around $100 for a case of 1440 rounds and the rifles were dirt cheap compared to an AR. These days, the mini just doesn't make any sense. The rifle is expensive, mags are expensive and the ammo is expensive. If you just want to shoot x39, check out the Ruger American Ranch. Mine shoots right at MOA out to 300 with Wolf HP ammo and I've rang steel with it far past 300.

I think that if you want a short to medium range .30 cal, consider 300 Blackout. Ammo cost is about the same and you have a broader selection of ammo with the BO. Since all of the decent x39 ammo has dried up and what is available has gotten so expensive, I've rebarreled my x39 AR to 300 BO and when I run out of my stock of x39 ammo, I'll be getting a bolt gun in 300 BO as well.

Of course, if you want the Mini 30 just because, go ahead and get it. You only live once and you can't take it with you. It's a fun little rifle.
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Careful, you're not looking past the end of your nose, and your doing it in front of God and everybody... a permanent record. Well, that is as long as this forum exists, and/or as long as the Internet Archive Wayback Machine exists.

Prices and availability of guns and ammo have gone up and down many times since I've been alive, and just in the 35 years I've owned my Mini-30. History tells us availability comes back up and prices come back down for long periods of time.

There might be some members too young to remember the ammo shortage and high prices of 2012, which turned the ammo overabundance and low prices of 2014 to 2020. But like I always say, sometimes I feel like I'm surrounded by people to young too know and people so old they've forgotten.
 
Beck said:
Careful, you're not looking past the end of your nose, and your doing it in front of God and everybody... a permanent record. Well, that is as long as this forum exists, and/or as long as the Internet Archive Wayback Machine exists.

Prices and availability of guns and ammo have gone up and down many times since I've been alive, and just in the 35 years I've owned my Mini-30. History tells us availability comes back up and prices come back down for long periods of time.

There might be some members too young to remember the ammo shortage and high prices of 2012, which turned the ammo overabundance and low prices of 2014 to 2020. But like I always say, sometimes I feel like I'm surrounded by people to young too know and people so old they've forgotten.
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What? Over the past few decades, the price of the minis has done nothing but go up and you can't just blame the value of the dollar going down. The price of ARs has declined substantially over the past few decades despite the value of the dollar going down.

5.56 ammo is never going back to .30 a round for m193, x39 is never going back to .20 a round. As for 300BO, the price is going to decline and come into line with the cost of similar ammo, as it gains popularity. Just a couple of years ago, 300BO was over $1 a round for ball. Now, you can get stuff like Sabre Blade and VMax for .65 and .80 a round respectively.

If steel case x39 does become available again, I doubt that it will go below .50 a round. I really hope I'm wrong, but it's what the trends have shown.
 
Just to keep things going here is a 25 yard groups using my Mini 30 with Tech Sights, elbows on a picnic table. The black sillouette is 3" tall x 3" wide. That's 3 five shot groups using Wolf steel case ammo. The group next to the V circle was my best effort.



Next was my Saiga Sporter-Again 3 or 4 five shot groups. Same ammo. Crappy AK sights but tighter groups than the Mini. Same type of target used.





Third up was my 1944 Winchester M1 Carbine. again elbows on a picnic table. 110gr Winchester FMJ, Iron sights. Vertical stringing is a breathing issue. Must have been getting tired





 
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TonyAngel said:
What? Over the past few decades, the price of the minis has done nothing but go up and you can't just blame the value of the dollar going down. The price of ARs has declined substantially over the past few decades despite the value of the dollar going down.

5.56 ammo is never going back to .30 a round for m193, x39 is never going back to .20 a round. As for 300BO, the price is going to decline and come into line with the cost of similar ammo, as it gains popularity. Just a couple of years ago, 300BO was over $1 a round for ball. Now, you can get stuff like Sabre Blade and VMax for .65 and .80 a round respectively.

If steel case x39 does become available again, I doubt that it will go below .50 a round. I really hope I'm wrong, but it's what the trends have shown.
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Nope, before the pandemic panicked everyone, the price of a Mini-30 was well within reasonable... perfectly inline with inflation. I can't help you. At this point you'd have to pay me as a private tutor. But let's not. Too much work for a volunteer forum.

Have you considered you might be suffering from Long Covid? I'm not kidding. People have the worst recall and are acting strange in general. I never had Covid vaccines and I never had Covid. But I was always one of those "memory like an elephant" types, so not having Covid may have nothing to do with it.

So let's leave it there... I know what I know, and you think you know what you think you know. I'm perfectly ok with you being mistaken. Live and let live, I always say.

PS: You know all this tongue 'n' cheek banter is all in good fun, right?
;)
 
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