Mini-30 Questions

[redlevel]

The recent tragic shootings in Orlando and Dallas and subsequent knee-jerk calls for draconian gun legislation made me think that I might need to acquire another semi-auto rifle (knee jerk reaction on my part).

I thought about an AR style gun, but I have never really liked them. Also, I already own a Ruger Mini-30 and a couple of SKS carbines. I already have a pretty good stock of 7.62x39 ammo.

While conferring with Evan Williams Friday night, and perusing a local/state gun trade/sell forum, I came across a Mini-30 stainless Ranch Rifle for sale, with "300 rounds of Wolf ammo."

"You should make an offer," Evan told me.

I did, and went to bed before I got a reply. I actually woke up Saturday morning kinda sorta hoping the guy would say "no thanks," but had a message saying he would take my offer. Oh well.

I needed to go to a Tractor Supply store just a few miles from the seller, and he agreed to meet me there. Forty minute drive for me.

I bought an almost like new rifle, plus what turned out to be more than 600 rounds of ammo for $550 OTD. Not a smoking hot deal, but I thought it was pretty darn good.

I brought it home, loaded a 20 round mag, and shot it. Functioned very well with the Ruger mags. I didn't shoot at paper, but it bounced cans and sticks around at 30 yards.

Now for the questions.

1. I have pretty bad arthritis in my right wrist, and I feel like a pistol grip stock would make it much easier for me to shoot the gun. Does anyone have a recommendation? I don't want to have the gun all "Bubba-ed up," but I would like to be able to shoot it without all the pain involved when I twist my wrist down to hold the stock grip.

2. My old eyes have trouble with the stock sights. My other Mini has a good Leupold scope. I would like to put some kind of red-dot optic on this one. Recommendations?

Final thought: I'm not going to let Old Evan advise me on any more gun purchases.

 

[Arik]

So basically you want an AR

Lol sorry. But seriously though that's kinda what your doing.



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[redlevel]

So basically you want an AR

Lol sorry. But seriously though that's kinda what your doing.



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Basically, no.

I don't like the 5.56/.223 round. Personally, I wouldn't hunt deer with it.

Now, if you had said, "Basically, you want an AK-47," you would have been more nearly correct. Fact is, had I found an AK with the ammo and proximity of the gun I bought, I would have bought it.

 

[Alpo]

You want fixed or foldable?

I put a Butler Creek folder on my Mini 14, to make it more compact for road trips. Cost less than a hundred and a half, but that's been about seven years. Price probably gone up. Locks tight in the open position - no wiggle. But 223 has less recoil than the 30. Don't know if that would make a difference.

As for a solid, I think Choate is supposed to be the best.


And Arik's right. The ONLY DIFFERENCE between a Mini 30 and an AR 15 is the plastic pistol grip. Otherwise they are EXACTLY the same gun.

 

[Faulkner]

And Arik's right. The ONLY DIFFERENCE between a Mini 30 and an AR 15 is the plastic pistol grip. Otherwise they are EXACTLY the same gun.

I don't think I'd agree with that statement. Like the rifles that inspired them, the Ruger Minis have Garand-style actions that use fixed-piston gas systems. The Minis have the operating rod on the side, although it is mostly covered by the hand guard. But that is the design of the Ruger Minis’ actions, scaled-down Garands.

Stoner's AR design is COMPLETELY different.

 

[redlevel]

Otherwise they are EXACTLY the same gun.

Wow!
You do realize EXACTLY takes in a whole lot of territory.
As Faulkner pointed out, the actions are totally different.
How many off-the-the shelf AR-15s have you seen chambered
For 7.62x39? As I understand it, even the "builds" using
7.62x39 AR-15 uppers are problematic.

Thanks, though, for the stock suggestions.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Wow!
You do realize EXACTLY takes in a whole lot of territory.
As Faulkner pointed out, the actions are totally different.
How many off-the-the shelf AR-15s have you seen chambered
For 7.62x39? As I understand it, even the "builds" using
7.62x39 AR-15 uppers are problematic.

Thanks, though, for the stock suggestions.

Rock River Arms LAR-47 takes AK47 mags and the upper and lower are specifically designed for the 7.62x39 round.

However, it costs over double what you paid for your used Mini-Blaster. But it does come in a wide variety of configurations.

As for the stock, before committing to a pistol grip stock, take a look at the non-pistol grip target stocks at this link, which has a near vertical Anschutz style grip. This should provide the comfort you want AND the comb is optimized for use with optics. And is a lot more comfortable on your cheek than a folding stock.
Ruger Mini 14 30 Rifle Stocks Free Float Bedding System

 

[35Rem]

I like my ARs in 7.62x39. I avoided the AR because of the 556 round not fitting a need for me.
Windham and Bear Creek are 3 making "off the shelf" ARs. There are others. Also, a complete upper and caliber specific mag is all one needs to convert a "regular" AR. There are so many options with the AR platform it's endless.

 

[rags]

I would just like to say that $550 otd IS a screamin' deal!

 

[Alpo]

That was sarcasm, guys.

We obviously need a SARCASM smilie.

 

[redlevel]

That was sarcasm, guys.

We obviously need a SARCASM smilie.

Sorry. Should have realized that.
Maybe the "rolling eyes" smilie would be better.

 

[Faulkner]

That was sarcasm, guys.

We obviously need a SARCASM smilie.

I missed it.

 

[Arik]

Basically, no.

I don't like the 5.56/.223 round. Personally, I wouldn't hunt deer with it.

Now, if you had said, "Basically, you want an AK-47," you would have been more nearly correct. Fact is, had I found an AK with the ammo and proximity of the gun I bought, I would have bought it.

Buy whatever floats your boat but don't underestimate the 556/223 just cause the vast majority are 55gr range ammo.

I'll see if I can get you some pics but on another forum a guy hunts hogs with them quite successfully. 77gr SMK dropping 200 - 400 lbs hogs out to 200 yards. Another guy hunts deer with a 5.45. One shot and the deer makes it maybe 25 yards or so before dropping dead. Small bullet but big energy dump

Right bullet for the right job.


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[Rangerpat]

Redlevel, you got a excellent deal!

I have owned a Ruger Mini-30 for over twenty years and use it primarily for "walking up" wild hogs; I use CorBon 123 gr. DPX ammo in my 7.62x39mm rifle. I replaced the factory wooden stock with a Choate plastic stock just to make the stainless-steel rifle more weatherproof.

 

[Arik]

Borrowed this from a forum member

125 yards Barnes 70 gr. One shot

200 yards. Same ammo. One shot

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