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Mini-30 purchase ??

TWalker
I just put a deposit on one (Mini-30}today. I've never handled nor shot a Mini-14 or 30 before so I have some questions. First, the carbine is stainless with a synthetic stock. It has a 5rd. mag and a flash hider. There is a cheap ($50 or so) scope mounted. It comes in a hardcase. Condition appears about excellent overall. Price was $375.

Questions: Is surplus Russian ammo OK to fire?
What is the bore diameter?
Was the price about right?
What high cap. mags will work well?
How well do the stainless barrels resist corrosion?

Thanks for any information. I love the 7.62x39 round in Russian SKS's and in AK's. How will the Mini-30 compare to these ?

"Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau
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Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • heavyiron
    Hi TWalker,

    I can try to answer some of your questions. Russian surplus ammo is fine to shoot from this rifle. You just need to be aware if your ammo is corrosive or not. The rifle will shoot both corrosive and noncorrosive, but it needs to be cleaned differently.

    Bullett diameter run about .311 and some run about .312 inch, slightly larger than the .308.

    If the gun is in good condition, I think you got a real value. The Mini-14s will cost about $450.00 or so similarly equipped.

    The stainless barrel is more resistent to wear and corrosion but it is not rustproof as some people assume. I do think a stainless barrel is easier to keep clean.

    Regards,

    Heavyiron[8D]
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  • competentone
    Personally, I've found that some imported ammo seems to have primers seated deeper than domestic ammo (I believe they are Berdan primers too and are harder) resulting in an occassional mis-fire. I've read here that some people work on the bolt/firing pin to allow a deeper hit on the primer so the imported ammo won't experience mis-fires in the Mini-30.

    It sounds like your price is very good.

    Good high-cap mags are hard to find--that may change in September. I've found that old (pre-"pre-1994 rushed production") USA Brand magazines are the best. The Triple-K and Western brand mags I've seen have all been very poor. If the law expires in Sept. hopefully someone will start producing quality high-caps for the Mini-30.


    "Strength is the outcome of need; security sets a premium on feebleness." -- H.G. Wells (The Time Machine)
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  • Sunray
    "...Is surplus Russian ammo OK to fire?..." No! Russian surplus uses steel core bullets that are .311 diameter. Your Mini-30 has a .308" barrel. It ain't safe.
    The Mini-30 is a bit better than a Mini-14, but not by much. Accurate it isn't.
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  • competentone
    quote:Originally posted by Sunray
    "...Is surplus Russian ammo OK to fire?..." No! Russian surplus uses steel core bullets that are .311 diameter. Your Mini-30 has a .308" barrel. It ain't safe.


    BS!
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  • gunnut505
    Have to agree with Competentone on that!
    Rugers have a longer throat to accomodate the .311-to.308 bore diameter. You will have no problems with that aspect of your rifle, but your accuracy will be different with that extra "smooshing" of the fat rounds. Better or worse depends upon you and your maintenance.

    If you know it all; you must have been listening.<br>WEAR EAR PROTECTION!
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  • vicg1
    mine would'nt fire reliably with russian ammo... primer hits weren't always hard enough...

    vipersig.jpg
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  • shooter500
    I have some 20 & 30 round mags to fit the Mini-30. Email me if interested.
    Bob
    shooter500
    irishbob500@msn.com

    "Only he who votes has earned the right to complain"
    "This will remain the land of the free as long as it's the home of the brave" - Elmer Davis

    The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants - Thomas Jefferson
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  • gap1916
    The Mini 30 is a good rifle. I do nmot believe it wil shoot any better than the SAR-1 and the SAR is less exspensive. My 2 cents [8D]

    Greg
    Former Marine
    A N G L I C O
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  • HKman
    TWalker,
    If this rifle is in decent condition at all you got a great deal.
    Ruger minis are great rifles, I dont care what anybody says. I've been shooting them most of my life, and what few problems you might have are usually easily fixed.

    As far as mags go, the absolute best mags I have ever used besides Ruger factory are precision mags.(not to be confused with PROmags). They use heavy guage steel so the lips will not be easily bent out of shape, and they feed very well.

    Accuracy??? As I have stated before on this subject, these rifles were not designed to be tac drivers, they were designed to be reliable, unlike SOME of the AR type rifles. No offense to the AR fans[:D](There are some good models out there)

    "There are those who make things happen, those that watch things happen and those that say, what happend?"

    AC Tactical
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  • TWalker
    Thanks to all who replied. I will pick up my mini-30 later this week. I'll let you know how it works out. Yesterday I bought a Butler Creek folding stock at a yard sale. It was still in the box. If the assault weapon ban expires next month will it be OK to install it? I haven't checked the serial number or series. I guess that's next, then slug the bore and shoot it, then find some good mags.
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  • deer_sniper
    Twalker what does your name mean???
    Just curious.


    Brian

    "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay off the porch"
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  • competentone
    quote:Originally posted by TWalker
    Yesterday I bought a Butler Creek folding stock at a yard sale. It was still in the box. If the assault weapon ban expires next month will it be OK to install it?


    Yes.


    "Strength is the outcome of need; security sets a premium on feebleness." -- H.G. Wells (The Time Machine)
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  • TWalker
    Deer_sniper, I 'm pretty certain what your username name means, I try to do a little of that myself, mostly with a smokepole. My user name means Trailwalker, TWalker for short. I used to build hiking, bicycle, and horse trails for state parks. Now I spend a good bit of my free time hiking or riding those same trails.
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