Ruger mini 14 or 30???
I have never owned either and have deceided i want one.Is one more accurate than the other??Are the earlier pre bans better quality or more accurate?Opinions please.Thanks.
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The mini 14/30 platform has always been known for it's utility, not it's pin point accuracy. For snapping off a couple of quich shots at a fleeing varmint, it may be the best out there. Neither the .223 or the 7.62x39 are inherently more or less inaccurate then the other, it's more along the lines of how big are the varmints you want to point it at. The .223 will take cyotes, the 7.62x39 can take you deer hunting if you keep the ranges in close. Personally I'd take the mini-14 in .223 and get some sort of AK or SKS in the 7.62x39. 0 -
I've owned a couple of the Mini-14s, none of the Mini-30s. Good reliable rifles, don't shoot tight groups, best I got was 2", but real fine for the larger varments up to 300 yards. If you don't need pin=point accrocy, get either one, you'll like em.
SEMPER FI MAC, SEMPER FI0 -
You'll be lucky to hit a 9" paper plate at 100 yards with a Mini-14 and there won't be any consistancy. Save your money and buy a AR-15 type rifle that is worth something. I thought Ruger meant quality AND accuracy; I was rudely surprised in the latter. 0 -
I have a stainless Mini-30 with a 4x scope and folding stock. I can keep it under 4 " all day shooting a 30 round magazine at about a round/second with Russian surplus ammo. I trust it completely. I keep it in a hard case under the bed, just in case.
"Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away." Thoreau0 -
Tlen,
You must have gotten a dud or need more trigger time because I am able to shoot 3 to 4 inch groups all day long with my Mini-14 and that is with bulk commercial reloads.
Old Single, I can only speak for the Mini-14 or Ranch rifle in 223 because this is the only caliber I own but it is a VERY reliable gun, throws brass about 25 feet or more. I had a buddy take a tactical rifle course with his Mini-14 and he was able keep up with the guys that had the high end ARs out to 200 yards with his stock iron sights. Can't beat that for a rifle that runs under 500 bucks.
Also if you want to upgrade the rifle's sighting system, check out the XS Sights for the Mini.0 -
I had a 14 some time ago. I was able to keep it inside 6" at 100 yards, most of the time, using iron sights, a bullput stock, and 52 grain Sellier-Belloit ammo. It may not be on-the-dime accurate, but it's still a rocking gun! Very easy to clean.
Shoot, Shovel, and Shut-Up0 -
You can learn more than you ever wanted to know about the Mini platform here http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/ This is very informative site.
TD0 -
As almost everyone else has said, the mini's are'nt the most accurate rifles but they arent that bad. Mine has a 16-1/2" barrel that I crowned myself and I relieved the gas block and it shoots 1-2" groups with 20 rnds at 50yds. Thats all I need from a tactical rifle.(It's a paratrooper model)
You could spend twice as much on an AR type rifle. But if you want something you can drag through the mud and keep on shooting, I recommend getting the Mini-14. CAUTION!!! Do not buy no-name mags for it, use reliable manufacturers only. Ruger,U.S.A.,Precision etc... Too many times people buy crap mags and blame the rifle when it jams. Good luck with your choice![8D]
"There are those who make things happen, those that watch things happen and those that say, what happend?"
AC Tactical0 -
I have always considered the Mini-14 a real bargain. I own several and all have been great performers.
BTW... there is no such thing as a Pre-Ban Mini-14...
Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob0 -
My mini-14 seems to shoot tighter groups than my mini-30. Both are stainless. However, the advantage seems to disappear once the mini-14 warms up a bit. I will confess, and don't ask how much, that I saved my tax refund money and bought a mini-14 from Accuracy Rifle systems in Texas. It has a 20" stainless Walther Lothar barrel, Choate stock, and shoots between half an inch and three quarters of an inch at 100 yards and that is with a 40 dollar TASCO scope. It depends on what you want. I try to think of it this way. I paid around $450 for my mini-30 and less than that for the mini-14. Its kind of tough to find an AR for those prices and hard to find accuracy at those prices. Like the others said, if you want something with fair accuracy at best (but also inconsistent accuracy) for plinking and such, its okay. If you want more accuracy, you'll have to think about modifications (some for around $200 bucks) that really help, or go with an AR, pay more, and have that accuracy. I still love mini's even though they aren't the most accurate shooters. 0 -
I prefer the 7.62 Mini 30 over the 223 Minit 14. I just like a .30 caliber bullet better, and you can get ammo for the Mini 30 a little cheaper if that matters. And it would give a bit more knock down power for larger animals. Remember this is a tactical rifle and in the situations for which it was designed for doesnt require much accuracy past 150 yards, it just had to hit center mass. Of course an Ar 15 will be more accurate but it requires more cleaning and is more fussy a design than a Mini14/30 or an AK. The latters are more rugged and will work in the harshist of climates. FOr plinking the Mini is a great gun and the 7.62 version is more economical and a bit more pwerful at close ranges. Ultimately the choice is yours. Just take a look at teh balistics of the 2 rounds and decide what would work best for you. 0 -
Have had a couple 14's and currently own a 30. All pretty good shooters even with cheaper ammo. The 7.62x39mm has a bit more punch then the 223. Mine sports a 3-9x40 and I can hit coyotes out to 200 yards if I have chance to find a rest. Its not a very complicated gun to field strip and clean and built to last forever!! 0 -
I'd go with the 14. The 30 isn't as popular because you can buy an AK clone for less and shoot the same ammo. 
"The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long..."0
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