Ruger Mini-14 or Mini-30? Which one is a better choice?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ruger Mini-14 or Mini-30? Which one is a better choice?

Posted: 12/27/2002 2:27:16 PM EDT

I'm getting ready for my next gun purchase and have decided on a Ruger for my truck gun. For those of you that have experience with the Mini-14 or 30, which do you think would be the best all around choice for a truck gun? Considering ammo., magazines, accuracy, range and function.

Posted: 12/27/2002 2:42:54 PM EDT

[#1]

I'd say the .223 is the best just because it's easier to get functional mags for them.
Here's a tip: Do a search on Mini-14s before you buy one and decide whether or not you really want one.

Posted: 12/27/2002 2:46:59 PM EDT

[#2]

Well, I've got enough AR's and decided that the Mini-14 would not raise as many eyebrows if it is seen in public (more hunter friendly). Is there something I should know about the Mini-14 that your not telling me? Please share..... that's why I posted this!

Posted: 12/27/2002 2:55:58 PM EDT

[#3]

The Minis, in stock form, have a pretty awful reputation for inaccuracy, varying from "OK" to "Terrifyingly Bad." Mini defenders will point out that they were intended as moderately accurate plinker guns so large groups are to be expected.

Hi cap magazines are a pain in the ass to find.

Someone here (Troy?) says that they can be made substantially more accurate by putting a different stock on them.

Are you looking for a knock around gun or a more "PC" appearing rifle? I could take a swing at others I would prefer in either category.

Posted: 12/27/2002 2:58:56 PM EDT

[#4]

I'm sure 'tactical_man' is refering to the accuracy problem and the magazine problem.

The accuracy problem is that the minis are not tack drivers by a long shot. However, for a truck gun it would be fine for a super reliable(see also next comment) handy weapon.
The mag problem is a reliability problem. The cheap mags don't always work, and the good mags cost way too much. This of course refers to the high-capacity mags. The Ruger 5 rounders that come with the gun work just fine.

Do a search. Many folks on this board diss the minis. But for what it is and knowing it's limitations it is a fine gun.

S-I

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:01:59 PM EDT

[#5]

I guess what I'm looking for is a rifle to fill the role of "pc looking assault rifle", if there is such a beast. Something that is accurate, reliable, semi-auto, magazine fed.... well you get the picture. I am ruling out pistol caliber carbines due to the lack of velocity and range. I just thought that the Ruger looked somewhat non-offensive yet could be quite handy. I do want accuracy though.

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:14:55 PM EDT

[#6]

Since you are looking at rifle/carbine cartridges I'd guess you might not be interested in an M1 Carbine as that might not have the power you want. I'd guess cost would rule out an M1 Garand, M1A and the new HK 30-06 rifle (which looks like a hunting rifle but can take 10 round magazines but costs around $ 1100, I think).

What about a VEPR? I think there used to be woodstocked ones you could get. They are available in 5.56, 7.62x39 and .308. I have been interested in the .308; which takes 8 rounders, as a knock around rifle, but I have not had a chance to shoot one.

www.impactguns.com/store/veprII_762x39.html

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:21:52 PM EDT

[#7]

I just bought a VEPR in 7.62 and have not yet had a chance to shoot it. It looks to be a great/quality gun though but kind of heavy. Still, it has that EVIL GUN look to it. Perhaps that hunting VEPR with the thumbhole stock would be a canidate?

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:25:04 PM EDT

[#8]

I beleive EAA is offering a low cost .308 mag fed rifle sans pistol grip. Can't remember the actual name but I think I saw it in a recent American Rifleman. Seems to be getting good reviews.

S-I

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:35:05 PM EDT

[#9]

I haven't seen a thumbhole woodstocked VEPR for sale recently, but I'd bet Campy and those guys on the AK board where know where to find one if they are readily available.

Unfortunately the Browning BAR has that stupid PC magazine with the hinged floorplate. I'm not sure if the Remington hunting semi has that also. A buddy told me about some Remington hunting Semi that took regular mags and there were hi-caps around, but I'd guess that's just a rumor and the mags would be impossible to find.

There are guys who build suped up Remington 7400s.

ruger-mini-14-firearms.com/cust_remington_7400.html

This website lists 10 rounders for the 7400. I don't know if you have to modify the rifle. I guess you could e-mail them and ask. They also modify Minis, don't much about them except that I have heard of them.

What about the "Super VEPR" are these real and are they any good? I have seen Garands for less, though.

www.weareguns.com/supervepr.htm

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:41:50 PM EDT

[#10]

I could have swore I saw a Ruger Mini-14 somewhere that was outfitted with a heavy stainless bull-barrel and custom stock. It was claimed to be a real tack driver. Has anyone else seen anything like that? If so, perhaps that would be the way to go for a "PC looking" assault rifle.

Posted: 12/27/2002 3:45:13 PM EDT

[#11]

Bull barrelled and accurized Minis

ruger-mini-14-firearms.com/ruger_mini_prices.html

Chief AJ used to do stuff like that, not sure if he is still in operation.

Posted: 12/27/2002 5:03:33 PM EDT

[#12]

What the others said on accuracy. Lacking.

I would suggest the Mini-30 as you can legally deer hunt with it in any state whereas the .223 is very limited to where it's legal for deer.

Posted: 12/27/2002 6:44:29 PM EDT

[#13]

I am not sure on the name of it, but there is a AK variant, either a saiga or a cemte, that is an AK with a regular montecaro stock not a thumbhole, or pistol grip that take AK mags.. I would suggest looking thru the AK boards.. good luck..Found this lick to a pic on that ak board hope it helps.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/onehalfmvsquared/vwp?.dir=/public&.src=ph&.dnm=Dsc00005.jpg

(edited to add link)

Posted: 12/27/2002 8:12:39 PM EDT

[#14]

The Siaga - they come in .223, 7.62x39, .308, and soon to be out in 30.06.

The go for $199 to $250 at the gunshows.

They also make .410 and 12Ga. shotguns.

Tony

Posted: 12/28/2002 6:09:11 AM EDT

[#15]

There is always of course the SKS. Just take off the Bayo and ya got a PC 10 shot truck gun. Stripper clips are just as fast as mag changes with practice. The current crop of Yugos in shooter grade go for about $110 wholesale at AIM. BTW the trigger on my yugo is far better than the ruger arrangement plus it is a very interesting design.

Posted: 12/28/2002 9:15:37 AM EDT

[#16]

With a little inexpensive tinkering, Minis can be turned into decently accurate rifles. I've done it, so I know what I'm talking about.
If you decide on a new Mini, I strongly suggest the "All Weather" model, which is stainless steel in a composite stock. Spend $40 for a Brownell's Steel-Bed bedding kit, and bed the action much like you would an M1A or M-14. Your accuracy should now be reasonable.
That said, from your statements above, I concur with those suggesting the reliable and much less expensive Yugo SKS.

Posted: 12/28/2002 3:10:55 PM EDT

[#17]

for a cheap truck gun, the SKS would be the best bet in 7.62x39 that is reliable and reasonable accurate for under 200 yds. No real difference in PC-ness vs the mini30.

Posted: 12/29/2002 7:30:01 AM EDT

[#18]

A truck gun should be cheap.
I'd just get an SKS.

Ruger Mini's don't compare to an AR OR
a good AK !

Posted: 12/29/2002 8:24:40 AM EDT

[#19]

I have a mini-30 at it shhots fine. IMO, the mini-30 shoots better than my SKS. Its better finsihed, more reliable, and its open sights are better. Hi-cap mags are a major draw back, b/c reliable ones don't seem to exist. Price wise they're a little steep.Its definitely one of my least accurate firearm, but I can expect 3-4" groups @ 100m w/ a 6x scope. I currently have a T/C 1x32mm on it and get 5-6" groups at 100. I put it in the same category as my SKS & Marlin 44mag lever action. They're great for the truck, but not the bench rest. All that said, I'd recommend on for close range truck rifle. ZT

Posted: 12/29/2002 8:33:18 AM EDT

[#20]

Try this sight if you interested in accurizing you Mini.

http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=55

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Ruger Mini-14 or Mini-30? Which one is a better choice?

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