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10/26/2002 9:47:46 PM EDT
Has anyone bought a Ruger Mini 30 ?,
Is it worth the $650 or just spend the money
on building a Bull barrel AR15
10/26/2002 10:41:46 PM EDT
[#1]
My brother had one. It jammed lots and wasnt really accurate. BTW, he got his for $450. And an AR is better for any task.
10/26/2002 10:50:00 PM EDT
[#2]
I guess the question is what are you looking for the gun to do?  I've had a mini 30 for about 7 years.  Bought it to go pig hunting with, but never went.  The rifle has been reliable but accuracy isn't all that hot.  Actually I rarely shoot in now because it serves little purpose for me except as an occasional plinker.  I still like it, just no real use for it.

$650 seems awfuly high, you should be able to get one cheaper with some shopping around.

If I was deciding between a mini or an AR, if it is just for plinking/target shooting, I would get the AR or an AK variant if you need the 7.62 round.  Hell, my mak90 is just as accurate for hunting purposes as well.

Yeah, just get the AR.

10/27/2002 4:47:32 AM EDT
[#3]
$650 is way too much for a mini-30.  $450 is the right price.  Also, the mini-30 is extremely relaible, but not capable of less than 3MOA accuracy.  One more caviat, russian primers are very hard and Ruger firing pins are soft.  One day the pin will break. Rger will not sell you a firing pin, rifle must be boxed up adn returned to factory.  all that said, I love my mini-30, but its not an AR!  ZT
10/27/2002 4:52:38 AM EDT
[#4]
i like my shorty 7.63x39 upper more than my buddies mini 30.  more accurate and more reliable.  

3" at 100 yds is about right for the mini 14/30 series or rifles.  650 is to much for a "truck gun" like the mini 30.  
10/27/2002 4:55:03 AM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
$650 is way too much for a mini-30.  $450 is the right price.  Also, the mini-30 is extremely relaible, but not capable of less than 3MOA accuracy.  One more caviat, russian primers are very hard and Ruger firing pins are soft.  One day the pin will break. Rger will not sell you a firing pin, rifle must be boxed up adn returned to factory.  all that said, I love my mini-30, but its not an AR!  ZT

                                          Same here.....i like mine....450 new....replaced a pos sks....that was reliable but no accuracy...the ruger in plastic with a brake isn`t that bad....2-2 1/2 @ 100 yrds...it`s only a blaster or maybe a wild racoon getter...if i had it with me.....but no where close to a armalite.....if cash is an issue....olympic sells a plinker for under 600......or save a bit and get a bushy..dpms..or save a little more and get the best....m15a2.....if you search the web....prices are all over the place.....olympic also sells ar`s in many calibers...including 762-39
10/27/2002 6:53:46 AM EDT
[#6]
I bought one the first week they came out, Paid $325. More accurate than most 7.62X39 rifles I have shot (Still not that accurate)
But for $650 I would pass! For $160 You could buy a Russian Saiga carbine that would do everything as good or better than a mini .30,It even has a chrome lined barrel!
You could also easily convert the Saiga to use Cheap AK hi cap mags, There are no reliable Hi-caps available for the Mini 30.  
10/27/2002 12:29:09 PM EDT
[#7]
An SKS is actually a better rifle for the caliber, and the fixed 10-round mag is better than the Ruger factory 5-round mag.  Reliability with hi-cap mags is about equal with either, as is accuracy.  The SKS will cost less than $200...

-Troy
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