new model Ruger mini 30

blacksmith

February 08, 2012 05:38

I'm thinking of buying a new model Riger mini 30 in 7.62X39 for feral pig hunting. I'd like to hear some comments pro and con. Thanks

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  fishermanben

  February 08, 2012 07:11

  Old models do not shoot surplus ammo well. Don't know about the new one.

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  gotstolefrom

  February 08, 2012 09:37

  The FMJ round will do the job with a good shot from the side. However, addressing a big boy from the front would require an eye-ball shot with 7.62x39. I use my 30-30 with 170gr FMJ for pigs with the same shot limitations.
  
  If I wanted to shoot pigs with 7.62 x 39 I would probably use an SKS. A decent Yugo would cost less than the RUGER. I swear by RUGER SA revolvers, but I am very unhappy with my Mini-14 and the mini-30, which costs twice what I paid for some Yugo's that shoot better.

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  beantownshootah

  February 08, 2012 10:04

  Stock Ruger sights are better than an SKS, its easier to scope, and trigger pull out of the box is better.
  
  On the other hand, you can put aftermarket peep sights on an SKS, and get a trigger job done for less than the cost of the Ruger. As mentioned, stock Ruger may not "like" hard-primered Russian military style ammo, but that can be overcome with a spring replacement.
  
  Relatively inexpensive Russian steel case soft point 7.62x39 ammo is available, and I think that would be a better choice the the military style FMJ ammo. The "hollowpoint" ammo is really not expanding, and I don't think it offers any advantage for hunting.

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  Riomouse911

  February 08, 2012 14:14

  I would NOT use budget plinking ammo for hunting. If you're going to go to the trouble and expense of buying a gun, getting a tag, setting up a hunt, etc., spend 30 skins on actual hunting ammo, not 4.99 for FMJ Tula ammo. Save that stuff for shooting cans.
  
  The Wolff extra power springs are an option, but mine still has an occasional no-fire with hard-primered plinking ammo. Also, if your state allows for hi-cap mags for hunting (or even for plinking) use Ruger factory mags. Aftermarkets are so-so reliability-wise.
  
  The Ruger Mini 30 will do just about anything a lever .30-30 will do. They have somewhat comparable ballistics (.30-30 has more energy/initial velocity with 150gr over the 7.62 with 125 gr bullets, but they become equal at about 200 yds), but the 7.62 trajectories are a bit flatter. Within 125 yards or so, you'll be just fine using hunting ammo.

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