Ruger Mini 30 and scope suggestion
When it comes to semi automatic 7.62 rifles is there a better value than the Ruger SS Mini 30? I am also looking at the Leupold 3-9X33 compact scope for $250. Is there a better scope for the money for that rifle?
Thanks,
Thanks,
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SAR1
Greg
Former Marine
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If you plan on doing any "combat" or self defense training/shooting I'd go with 1.5x6x42mm. That way you get a wider field of view and target view at close range even though it's still not the best for up close work. At the ranges the 7.62x39 is effective the 6x at the top range will still be plenty for anything you'd be shooting at hunting wise. If you just want it for up close work there are all types of red dots, holosights, etc. that are probably better for that. -- just my two cents..............[8D] ---- PS = If you're after accuracy I'd suggest going with another gun. My experience is that the Mini-30s are not very accurate. They are reliable,durable and fun to shoot but they don't shoot small groups. Not what they were designed for...................... 0 -
Mini-30 is not a "tack driver" but has good enough accuracy for defensive and general plinking purposes. Leupold scopes have a life time warranty so any selection in their line is good, but on the pricey side.
While the mini-30 is not a tactical rifle it is also not that great of a hunting rifle either. Under a 100 yards with appropriate ammo and you can handle deer and down.
Given the limiitations of the rifle you should consider lower cost scope alternatives even the use of a red dot as suggested above.
Now with all of that said, mini-30's will go from $500 to as much as $700 depending the area (market) your in. For that kind of money you can buy youself rifles that are much better suited to hunting, with accuracies that better justify the expense of a Leupold or other higher end scope.
+++ Update +++
I'm not saying the "mini" isn't acceptable as a hunting rifle. Again w/ proper ammo it will down deer. Accuracy wise of the "minis" I've fired I could place all rounds fired on a paper plate at a nominal 100 yards, but I couldn't do it consistently at 200 as I would "loose one here and there". I think it is the barrel length and twist rate, as I know the round has the capability and with good ammo I have shot some really nice groups with the caliber in other rifles.
Me, I think of the "mini" like I do a good 30-30 ... 100 yards and under and if you do your job it's freezer fillin time! So I just don't think you need to spend a lot on a top end scope. Heck if your eyesight is good (mine isn't anymore) you can hunt iron sights very effectively.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
I love my mini-30. The guys are right though, they are not a tack driver. I just use the iron sights, they do the trick for me. And for the very first time in my life, I disagree with ContenderMan [spoken softly[;)]]. The mini-30 is an excellent hunting rifle that I'm sure you will be pleased with. It is a medium range shooter for medium size game, and it fills its shoes well. 0 -
Don't Do It!
I just went down that path and was very disappionted in the mini-30 (as well as the -14). I've owned both blued and SS mini's and even spent a litle extra to tweeked one and it was a waste of time and money. You're better off going with a good SKS or AK if you want to stay with 7.62x39. You can get an unissued Yugo (and take the front end crap off)for less than $150, a Russina SKS ~250, or even a Bulgarian SLR-95 for less than a SS mini-30. All my mini's shot great out to 50yds, but were unaccecptable at 100yds and would not group well. Thats on the bench w/bags, not from a deerstand or standing. I ended up trading my SS mini-30 for a new 30/30 and not feeling bad about it. I know the 30/30 will shoot better than the mini-30 did. You did'nt say what the use was for, but I would encourage you to consider a different caliber.0 -
I have a cheapo simmons 3-9 on top of mine. I don't know what these guys are considering tack drivers. IT is not a target gun but mine must be exceptional. It shoot well. 0 -
I have a Mini 30 topped with a "Ultra Dot" red dot scope. The guys are correct the mini 30 is Not a long range shooter and there is little need for a high dollar variable scope. I use my mini for hunting when I know I will be shooting at 75 yards or less, great for walking in thick cover. I have shot many whitetailed deer with my mini and all have been clean fast kills. And of course all under 75 yards. As for accuracy, not the best, but will get the job done. I can get 3 inch groups at 75 yards with factory ammo with an occational flier. I get the same 3 inch group at 75 yards, 0 fliers with handloads. If you are looking for a Autoloader for hunting that will get 1 inch groups at 100 yards then I suggest the Browning BAR. They come in several cal. from 243 up to 338Win Mag. I have a 300 WSM in a BAR and I love it. 0 -
like Select-fire mine and my son's mini 30's must be exceptional we are very happy with ours 1/2" groups with cheap norco ammo at 100 yds all day long every day. i have a old wever k-3 on mine and my son uses iron sights. [youth and good eyesight]. as suggested the mini is not a long range rifle. not much sense in mounting a super high priced scope on a 150 yd max rifle. and i say 150 yds because of knock-down power not because of ability to hit the target. [:)] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Johnyuho
When it comes to semi automatic 7.62 rifles is there a better value than the Ruger SS Mini 30? I am also looking at the Leupold 3-9X33 compact scope for $250. Is there a better scope for the money for that rifle?
Thanks,
The ruger mini-30 is a nice little carbine Very reliable a pleasure
to carry in the woods,Many folks that are disapointed with thier mini-30's dont relize There are limitations with this carbine and expect too much from this breed.They are not tack drivers 3 1/2+ inch groups at 100 yards are the norm for this carbine Some do much better that that its a crap shoot whan you buy one. I love my mini-30 and would never get rid on it. As far as the Leupold compact 3-9 rifles scope
you are getting for $250.00 thats a good price BUT why not just get
a Leupold VX-1 2-7 for $180.00? internaly ITS THE SAME SCOPE just the magnification is differnt. Take that extra money and buy lots of Ammo[:D]0
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