The Mini-30 was a fantastic camp rifle I used when the wife and I brought our babies on tent camping trips in the sierras, decades ago. The rifle was awesome protection for us when a mountain lion wanted to mess with us in a remote camp spot and we were the only folks around for miles. The security of that rifle sure felt good and has been a proven to be great defender.
The story that I got was that the soviet ammo has hard (military) primers & the AK & SKS were designed with a hard firing pin strike to deal with it. Supposedly commercial (USA) ammo primers require a lighter strike to fire. So a “standard” USA rifle firing pin will tend to strike lighter than those on a soviet military one. Another “supposedly” is that the heavier soviet pin strike “may” pierce the softer USA primed ammo causing a dangerous situation. Also in the SKS the firing pin (no return spring) can hang up extending through the bolt face & with the softer USA primers the rifle will empty the magazine with one trigger pull. Allegedly, the hard primers are somewhat resistant to this. Old wives tale? You be the judge.
@@bwiesen2154 Was thinking the same but now I'm reading the Russian steel case doesn't run in these due to hard primers. Grab an AK if you can or maybe an SKS.
Bought a mini 30 in 1987 when they first came out, and I still love it!! if I remember correctly it cost me $304 and $60 for three 20 round mags.....steel cased ammo has always been an issue. Brass cased ammo has never been a problem. Have at least 15 deer kills and several black bears and a couple elk with it. One round will take down any animal within 250 yds most deer go less than 20 yds and go down, have never lost an animal to it. Great weapon, short, light and hits hard. Save your steel cased rounds for your sks/or ak.
When he says his catch phrase “Life is good” he means it every single time, every breath, every letter, Hickok45 is an example of a man who lives life to the max every single second he is awake. When I grow up I wanna be him!
I have a Mini 30 from the mid '80s. Wood stock and all steel construction. It's a great gun, and fires very accurately for a 7.62 x 39. One of my favorite guns ever.
I have a new model mini thirty (2021) and I’m happy to say I’ve had no issues with ammo. I’ve run Tula fmj and soft points, Red Army Standard fmj, and Winchester Power Points with zero miss fires. I think Ruger has fixed the light primer strike problem. In fact, I’ve found the cheap Tula 154 grain soft points are more accurate than the expensive Winchester Power Points. I love the gun and can’t wait to hunt with it this year.
I have one that I haven't had a chance to shoot yet. I think it's a newer model, but it supposedly has an upgraded pin (slightly longer). I really hope I'm lucky and got a good one. I mostly have Russian steel case.
583 Tactical. Named it "Faith" after Lt. Col. Don C. Faith. Walnut stock and handguard. Accu-strut Socom, Cogburn Arsenal mag release, 3.5 lb. trigger job by Brimstone. Wolff springs, bolt buffers, pic rail and a Choate handguard. Tech Sights on the back, tritium tube up front. Burris FF3 on top and it's my go-to rifle in the woods. Light, handy, and packs a punch in .30 cal. Plus when DC's masters land on our shores, ammo will be plentiful.
@Walter That's actually a really deep comment. Not so funny when I really think about it, plus it's funny u ca the other simple when u show lack of deep thought. Now that's pretty simple.
I loved my Mini-30. Picked it up new around '98 for about $600. I never understood what people complained about with these. It was accurate enough to hunt hogs or whitetail with open sights. My friend's Romanian AK couldn't hold a candle. His SKS was closer, but the Mini was more comfortable and fun to shoot. In many years of shooting it, I think it might've had this issue with steel-cases ammo just once or twice. They really are magnificent little shooters!
Your buddy probably didn't zero his AK, you need a special sight tool to push the front sight to where it needs to be. I hit 3 bulls eye's with my 74 after zeroing it with irons at a makeshift 30 meter distance and the zero holds all the way out to 400m
I have a Mini 30 stationed in my den with a 20 round mag. I have fired brass cased bullets over 800 times-no issues. It is small and nimble which it means it works for my needs-taking care of the thug who decides to shop in my living room. God Bless Ruger.
My mini thirty used to misfire on 50% of the cheap stuff & I experimented with firing pin lengths & found the perfect set-up so that I get no light primer strikes & the gun will digest anything I run thru it, without any danger of going full auto. I have shot hundreds of Tula & Wolf without mishap since then.
Shorter thicker barrel plus a relocation of the gas system to reduce harmonics with the barrel has resulted in a much more accurate rifle. Also the trigger system has been improved. Very short take up with no creep. My mini 30 has a serial number starting 582-. These are the most recent rifles with all of the improvements. My rifle is much better than prior variants.
I've owned several Mini-14's over the years, I really like the design. I have a Mini-30, there's a Hammer Spring made by Wolff for the light primer strike issue. Mine will cycle any ammo I throw at it now.
I just wanted tomshare some gratitude for all our videos, your talent and humor! Being new to shoothing, again, you have no idea how much value and quality you give shooters of all skill levels! If you ever in Georgia, lunch is on is!
Hickok. My uncle was competing in a bowling pin shoot when he had a light strike. He had his hand on the slide to rack in the next round when it fired. Thankfully he had it pointed down range and thankfully he hadnt got the slide back. Its uncommon, but it does happen. Glad to see you wait after a click.
I'm glad you did that. I cringe every time I see someone fail to fire, immediately eject the round, and hold it next to their face to examine the primer. Like you, I've never had a delayed ignition... but I understand the chemistry / physics and I know that it can possibly happen. My eyeballs are waaaay too precious to take that chance.
My Mini 30 was bad about light primer strikes on berdan primers too. I pulled the bolt out, removed the firing pin, and filed the back of the bolt just a LITTLE bit so that the hammer would make more contact with the firing pin and push it forward just a micrometer further. It worked, 3k rounds or so later and not one malfunction. Took all of 15 minutes.
Awesome review of the mini 30 Mr. Hickcok45. I purchase my mini 30 three years ago in a stainless version. I love it. I have probably shot 20 boxes of steel case ammo through mine and it has yet to misfire once. I keep hearing on RUclips that accuracy is an issue. I have been hitting 250 yard groups with iron sights on a rest that are tight. I have yet to have a negative comment about it. All around solid design pattern of the M14 and rounds only stray a bit after 30 rounds and the barrel gets hot. Thanks for your review here. I really enjoyed your insight and experience. PS..... LOVE THE "MAG ILLUSION"
Another great video. I love my Mini-30. I've killed several whitetails with it . I reload 123gr. Barnes TSX , with 27.5gr of BLC-2. Scoped with a fixed 7 power Springfield. Black collapsible stock from Ram-Line. Longest kill was 172 yds. I trust it out to 300.
Amigo es bueno tener un arma , para defensa , practicar tiro al blanco en el campo , pero utilizar para matar animales no lo haría , hay que dejarlos vivir son seres vivos.
I have the All weather version of the Mini Thirty and have run Silver bear and Wolf ammo without issue. Glad to see the review for the Mini thirty, great job with the channel.
I hear the quality control is bad on these. The lesser well made ones have headspacing issues, which is the cause for a lot of the feeding issues. I might just call ruger and tell em I'll pay extra for them to verify the headspacing 🤣
never shot steel out of my 30, so hadn't realize that was ever an issue I know what brass I've never had a misfire as always love your videos always learn something new about my guns I didn't know, reload most my ammo as well without issue.
ABSOLUTELY love my Mini30!!!!.... and I'm NYS side.... also have me a NYS compliant AK and the two are very different in recoil!!!!.... this is a man's rifle!!.... love it but you are correct, this rifle is only 100% functional with Brass ammo.... I thought about installing a different firing pin but have not pulled the trigger on that yet.... bottom line, this mini 30 is awesome!!!!
My first hunting rifle as a 14 yr old was a Mini 30. I remember site-in day at the range in lane 1 was pretty funny. Sending hot brass three lanes over, my dad had to stand next to me and let it hit him in the chest.
I noticed around 12:55 in the video you hit the ejector with the palm of your hand to make sure it was engaged, my buddy told his wife to do that and when she hit it the gun fired knocking her hand back, fortunately she was not injured and the gun was pointing in a safe direction, never heard of this happening to anyone else but wanted to mention it for possible safety issues. Thanks for your videos very informative.
I'm very glad to hear the light primer strikes mentioned using steel case ammo. Based on numerous reviews, I would be curious to know why Ruger ignored some known issues that would be easily corrected in the manufacturing process.
I have a brand new Ruger Mini-30 583 model and it does not have this issue. The newer Ruger's come with a longer firing pin and larger bore diameter. I haven't had a single malfunction with wolf ammo
The heat shield pushing forward unevenly on the gas block is the source of the problem with th groups walking. Remove the contact point by filing points just enough to clear the gas block and the walking stops.
I purchased cheap. cheap, cheap ammo years ago. It was even advertised to "have 20% duds" or something like that. But it's great for the range and plinking. I love my Mini-30!!!
I love your videos Hickok, been a fan for ages. I'm from Scotland where shooting real steel is close to impossible unless its just a shotgun.... My alternative is airsoft but yeah just here to say keep doing what you're doing!
He instinctively puts it on safety when moving. Also , cicadas only come around every 17 years. Anybody else notice that? Check out his videos from 2003.
don't think i'd be on the same level either lol. i've learned the tighter you hold the weapon in your shoulder, the better and to stop breathing right before you fire. it makes as much of a difference as trigger control. try it if you're not, might help.
+Steve Hamilton that it does. I've had a bb gun since I was around 10 or so. used to hunt rats at my grandparents house a lot. they had a building they stored feed in. I'm in my 30's now.
+Steve Hamilton just wait, if you're like me, you'll soon be ordering parts kits and building rifles. it always shocks people when you say I built that. plus if you custom/customish stuff you can do it. my amd65 has a buffer tube/colaspable stock and my boss paid me to build me to put together his Anderson AR with a hbar barrel. that one turned out nice. the AMD I like but it's a purist's nightmare lol. I like to tinker though. those ars are simple to assemble with the right tools. highly recommend doing one.
Don't forget that Ruger has an important safety feature built into the bolt to avoid accidental firing before the cartridge is properly chambered and if not -click. If Bullet + Cartridge Neck Together Are Larger In Diameter Than Factory Chamber No "Bang" . That means: the new Ruger Mini-30 has a .30 "caliber chamber. Russian and S&B have .309 to .311" therfor some cartridges will never be slammed into a chamber intended for .308 "bullets. Pay particular attention to dangerously high pressure. You can actually pull out the .309" and .311 "bullets and resize down to .308" . I use the Lee Bullet Sizing Kit for 308 and never since had problems with cycling cartridges into the chamber
I owned a mini 14 and was very happy with the shootability of it. Obviously not an AR but I loved the weapon. I sold it some time ago and I miss it dearly. I've always been an M14, or M1A, fan. I just love the action/bolt setup. Price of an M1A and it's ammo play a big part in my decision. I live in central Florida and there aren't too many ranges where you can fire battle rifle rounds at. The mini 30 is a tad more refined than an AK but not uo there with M1A and i like that. Thanks Hickok! You've helped me want to spend more money on a rifle lol. I was looking at the exact model you are using and will most likely own it soon enough.
My mini 30 shoots everything I put in it but I did notice that the primers on the tula had lighter strikes. Red army is the cheapest right now where I live and my mini shot it just fine so I buy that. It's a great rifle and will do just fine for everything you need. The heavier barrel does make a difference in the new rifles.
I was issued a Mini-14 when I was stationed at Whitefish, Mt. I immediately noticed that the front sight faded badly due to it being a ramp. Also, when I focused on the front sight and then dripped my head down to look through the receiver (peep) sight the front sight fadd from black to grey. I had the front sight milled to where it was a vertical post which stopped the front sight fading while I was looking over the rear sight, but when I looked through the receiver sight it was still fading. I had the gun smith progressively drill the front sight open until the front sight-no longer faded when I focused on the front sight while looking through the rear aperture. It started at .125” and when the front aight stopped fading it had been opened to .160”.
What dept. or organization was that? Just curious. My understanding was that the Mini-14 was used by a few police departments in the USA, some prisons and a few South American governments but was never adopted as a service weapon.
I bought a Ruger Mini 30 and it was flaky on the steel case ammo. I fixed that by switching out the factory hammer spring with a wolf heavy hammer spring. No more light strike misfires anymore. It was a cheap simple fix.
A lot of complaints regarding the Mini 30 derive from the so called "light strike" issue by the firing pin. In truth, there is no 'light strike' problem, there is a tough primer issue. Much of the Russian ammunition was manufactured with thicker Berdan primers and deep primer pockets to avoid slam fires with their weapons. Use any modern commercial 7.62X39 ammo and you'll be fine.
You see? That is why proper range discipline is essential. Always, always, ALWAYS keep the barrel pointed down range. Your safety on the range is exemplary sir!
I've owned 2 government models and the same model your reviewing here. I love the Mini 30. Like a lot of people it reminds me of the M14 scaled down. It would've been a great military issue rifle back in the late 60s. Even in 7.62X39mm. The .30 cal bullet is great in the brush. Not much can deflect it down range in heavy brush and it hits hard and makes large wound channels. Blood loss and organ damage are key and the 7.62X39mm has a great track record. Great rifle.
@@AlanHigh-x4i , I didn't state it was a problem, I stated it sucked. It simply isn't practical. I can most certainly tear down an M4 and an AK at the same time before you ever get one of those things tore down. 🤣 It's not like I don't own one... and they're inaccurate as hell compared to nearly every rifle out there in this class, even worse than AK's.
@@outdoorsman7324Well, I don't what to say. I've owned the SKS, the AK, the M1A, the Garand, multiple ARs and the Mini 14/30. I've never had issues field stripping any of them. Insofar as accuracy is concerned, the Mini did suffer from accuracy issues until Ruger retooled the production line, tightened the tolerances and began using a much heavier, tapered barrel.
@@AlanHigh-x4i , again, the mini is impractical as all hell to field strip... this isn't rocket science. 🙄 On a side note, the mini certainly isn't very accurate, as you've stated, but let's not pretend the SKS or AK models are any better... they're trash for accuracy too. 🤷
I purchased a mini30 over 20 years ago for my wife and daughters to use deer hunting. It has worked great. It is fussy with ammo, not with miss fires but with groupings.
The nitty gritty. Thank you and John for another (damn I almost said kickass!) Kickass video. Also a fan of the 7.62 family. Man you can hit. Hope to see many more of your videos.
I had misfires with my Mini 30 due to Russian manufactured ammo "Wolf" having primers with thicker metal. I replaced the hammer spring with a stronger hammer spring from Accuracy Systems and this worked, no more misfired.
@@eclairvoyance2927 I had 500 rounds. A new spring allows me to use any ammo instead of buying multiple brands to find one that works. The Wolf ammo was accurate in this rifle when it fired. Now Wolf ammo fires every time.
That is a Mini 30 Tactical. One of the best semi autos made. Right now it is back ordered with Ruger a full year and they are stop taking orders until they get caught up.
I bought my mini 30 last year in 2019 and mine shoots Tula ammo just fine never had a malfunction with it and I haven’t done anything to it. I love this thing!
Hickock45 fan here! 1. Wow, can this man shoot! See his Glock 10mm video. 2. I have two mini 30s. His review is accurate about the pros and cons. Just don’t use steel case. Most ranges prohibit it anyway. I love my mini 30s. That’s why I have two. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. Flawless performance with brass case ammo, thousands of rounds. Plus, I live in CA, so the Minis aren’t subject to the featureless and maglock rules of AR’s. (Of course, base stock Mini 30s are mostly “featureless.”)One, maybe not often mentioned reason I love these videos, is the acoustics of his range. I love the glorious blasting sounds that I can’t hear when I am shooting my own guns, because I wear double hearing protection. Also, I am a retired English teacher, just like Hickock.
I bought my Mini-30 back in the 80's. Great gun, but the accuracy left something to be desired. I heard that it was not an uncommon problem. After reading numerous articles about things to improve accuracy, I decided to try something called the Accu-strut. I went from an average 4 to 6" group at 100 yds. to a 2" group at 100 yds. I am not saying that will be the case for every rifle, but it sure worked well for mine.
A 20 round 10 round mag. It surprised me too. I was scratching my head after he was done shooting the first mag. I went back and counted. Made me chuckle a little. Same thing happened to me with my new 25 round ruger 10/22 mag. I could've sworn I loaded 20 rounds. My friend told me I shot 30 rounds. Which makes no sense to me. I counted the brass dropped on my range, sure enough. 30 casings in the sand.
I wish you would do a side-by-side comparison of the Mini-14 & Mini-30 showing the difference in the size of the ammo, cost of the ammo, availability of the ammo, and performance of the rifles.
There are so many 5.56x45 vs 7.62x39 comparisons online to count. There would be no reason to compare a mini 14 to a mini 30 for that reason. The only difference between the two other than ammo is the bolt, barrel, and magazines.
I really like mine, at the range, the ARs are always jamming , always. Mine has never failed, ever. At guys say they are more accurate, well maybe a bit but I hit the the same targets, , the same clang, and never have failures. I also like the size, very handy, easy to grab . Really well made, strong. The way it throws brass is kind if funny to me. AR s are a better gun , I love my Rock river, but the mini is also a great gun ,. Lots if great guns out there and I like them all. One last thing, my Sig 226 is the best handgun ever.
I was browsing. Skidded past your site. Came back in a hurry. Love it. Was a armour and loved the sound. Got to see some thing I wished was used all along . Past the matell rigs. Sgt williams retired
I knew the trick but not from mags. I’m a pipefitter and we always trick green helpers by lining up 45• fittings and asking them to get the smallest one
Replace hammer spring with the wolf heavy spring & problem solved. It will cycle any ammo after the swap. As reliable as an ak, with the new heavy hammer spring & upgraded firing pin will help too. Nice lil rifle. Love mine with a vortex 4x12 scope, it's more accurate than one wld expect. It holds 1" groups so I'm impressed every time I shoot it. Killed a few deer with it & works great. Awesome lil gun... God bless you all.
awesome video with great sound. Fist thought was that doesn't sound like my Mini 14! Sound is Hollywood perfect.Thanks for uploading this demonstration of the Mini 30.
The comments at 16.00 the Ruger forum has a thread that the fix is a firing pin that extends a specific amount to reach the primers CONSISTENTLY on the surplus ammo along with the company to buy the pin from. BE AWARE THAT THE PIN PROTRUSION MEASUREMENT AND FITTING OF THE PIN MAY REQUIRE A GUNSMITH
The newer Mini's are very accurate. My Mini 30 is very accurate. I also have a Mini 6.5 Grendel with an 18" heavy fluted barrel. It is moa accurate out to 250 yards. I just buy brass case 7.62x39 because I reload. Also my gas blocks are adjustable so the brass drops at my feet and not 10 ft. away.
Boy that's a nice firearm, I love shooting 7.62x39, and out of my SKS I haven't had much trouble with steel case ammo (The tula, and wolf), but that could be a difference in the guns, I have heard in the past that the sks tends to deal with steel case ammo a little better than some other guns, but I am by no means an expert. Great video, always love these!
I bought a min 14 in .223 a few years ago and the ejected case would hit the reciever which put a dent in it. The empty case was not reloadable. Major fail. The reciever was not milled correctly and the scope could not be zeroed. brought it back because i reload so it was useless to me. Did you notice if the case on the mini 30 gets a dent in it?
After owning a mini thirty for about three years now, I can't say that I have not had any issues with steel case ammo. But I use mostly brass cases for reloading.I think the mini thirty has better ergonomics and is more enjoyable to shoot compared with the AK 47.
You shouldn't have to do it, but 2 minutes spent removing the "volcano" from around the firing pin hole on the bolt face with a fine stone solves the ftf problem. Ruger really needs to address the issue..
Tula and other similar are not reliable, in the desert you always find ammo that have the primer striked but didnt fire from hand gun cal to rifle cal.
I own a Mini Thirty and have shot all types of steel cased ammo with few problems, although I typically use brass case ammo such Geco 124 grain Target ammo and reloads with Hornady bullets. I am going to pick up the Ruger Ranch in 7.62 x 39 next week, I like that I can use the Mini Thirty magazines.
I saw RUclips video that said if you stone around the fireing pin hole because the mold leaves a slight bump that pushes on cheap primers and makes a divot around the fireing pin it effects the primer fireing. Using a stone to file the bump down will fix most of the fireing problems with cheap ammo.
I've always wanted a Mini 30. With a few modifications I believe it would be the perfect multipurpose carbine. An Accu-scrut would solve the problem of the barrel overheating and a few modifications to the bolt and firing pin and hammer spring could improve the reliability to rival that of the AK. I'm a huge fan of the classic Garand action though. Thanks for finally doing a video.
Yeah I hear the spring replacement is something almost always done on these. I have also hear some folks say they installed a very slightly longer firing pin. So it seems the upgrades for reliability is the wolf spring and a longer firing pin. Also it should be noted that the firing pin in these guns are not for novice at home gunsmiths to replace and some folks send it back to Ruger to get them replaced. I just got one of these rifles and there are some people out there that hate these things. I almost instantly liked it due to it resembling the M14 and I have always wanted an M14 but they are hard to find around here. I got mine for 729 on sale. Now what I will say that for some reason almost every Ruger firearm I have ever touched has always had a problem with cheap ammo even the 10/22 don't like cheap Winchester rounds they fire but they don't eject great but Federal runs great in the gun. So in the end it is just a fact Ruger guns don't like cheap ammo.
There's a firing pin, that protrudes further past the bolt face helps with light primer strikes. Also, polishing bolt face to remove the crater/volcano effect from the firing pin drill hole also helps.
🇨🇦💂The primer cup on the "cheap" ammo is made of thicker steel - it's actually safer because it tolerates rougher handling while soldiering in the military. The mini's were designed to fire commercial ammo with thinner primer cups of domestic manufacture. Solutions include installing a more powerful hammer spring or saving the import ammo for sks / ak rifles - simple🇨🇦💂👍
The Mini-30 Rifle is a fantastic rifle. I had one 20yrs ago. Had to sell it in order to Pay costs on a House I was Purchasing. Oh well, it helped me obtain a Home ❤
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EzyGl_w-IXg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Why Won't the Ruger Mini-14 Just Die? [Part 1]](/img/tr.png)
The Mini-30 was a fantastic camp rifle I used when the wife and I brought our babies on tent camping trips in the sierras, decades ago. The rifle was awesome protection for us when a mountain lion wanted to mess with us in a remote camp spot and we were the only folks around for miles. The security of that rifle sure felt good and has been a proven to be great defender.
You used it to scare off the mountain lion or took him out?! 😮
@@gtrfreak Yes. 😜
Right on. Love a 10 rd mag That shoots 20 rds, when we live out here in Kalifornia.
I wish ruger made the mini 30 in the A team folding stock
@@TheAnnoyingBoss You could do it.
Only hickock45 could make a 10 round mag shoot 20 rounds
You forgot about Hollywood...they can make a 10 rd mag shoot 30-40 times...lol
HorsepowerDr good point! Haha
Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life there.
@@chadsavick7324 woo
The story that I got was that the soviet ammo has hard (military) primers & the AK & SKS were designed with a hard firing pin strike to deal with it. Supposedly commercial (USA) ammo primers require a lighter strike to fire. So a “standard” USA rifle firing pin will tend to strike lighter than those on a soviet military one. Another “supposedly” is that the heavier soviet pin strike “may” pierce the softer USA primed ammo causing a dangerous situation. Also in the SKS the firing pin (no return spring) can hang up extending through the bolt face & with the softer USA primers the rifle will empty the magazine with one trigger pull. Allegedly, the hard primers are somewhat resistant to this. Old wives tale? You be the judge.
"Is any ammo cheap anymore" I'm watching this in 2021 and I have to say that line aged very well🤣🤣🤣
7.62 x 39 is so common and cheaper, I'm sold on buying one because of that!
Indeed.
@@bwiesen2154 Was thinking the same but now I'm reading the Russian steel case doesn't run in these due to hard primers. Grab an AK if you can or maybe an SKS.
Learn to reload
@@bwiesen2154 your comment also didn't age very well *:|
Bought a mini 30 in 1987 when they first came out, and I still love it!! if I remember correctly it cost me $304 and $60 for three 20 round mags.....steel cased ammo has always been an issue. Brass cased ammo has never been a problem. Have at least 15 deer kills and several black bears and a couple elk with it. One round will take down any animal within 250 yds most deer go less than 20 yds and go down, have never lost an animal to it. Great weapon, short, light and hits hard. Save your steel cased rounds for your sks/or ak.
When he says his catch phrase “Life is good” he means it every single time, every breath, every letter, Hickok45 is an example of a man who lives life to the max every single second he is awake. When I grow up I wanna be him!
I'm 20 years old now. Been watching your videos since I was 15. Thanks for providing an informative background to all types of guns!
happy 25th
Now your 25!
Ey, hope life has been good and your ammo has been plentiful
Hows 25 looking man
I'm 15 years old now. Been watching your videos since I was 3. Thanks for providing an informative background to all types of buns!
I've got a bad case of shooting range envy. That is one cool set up you have.
Charles Inglin How far out to the red plate?
@@butchclay8126 Gong is at 80 yards. Probably around 75 or so to red plate.
I agree. One nice shooting range.
@@sidneyvalmain9997 guys this is just a stock gun though i seen one at the store for 880$ earlier today
It's simple start a RUclips channel make 3 million and build what you want.
I have a Mini 30 from the mid '80s. Wood stock and all steel construction. It's a great gun, and fires very accurately for a 7.62 x 39. One of my favorite guns ever.
I wonder if he gets 12 beers in a six-pack.
IF he does, I'll pay for the secret!!!!! 😁😂🤣
That s***'s funny good comment
Maybe only if he tried the 5 finger discount lol
If he can I'm his bud for life ah excuse me his PBR for life lol
🤣🤣🤣
I have a new model mini thirty (2021) and I’m happy to say I’ve had no issues with ammo. I’ve run Tula fmj and soft points, Red Army Standard fmj, and Winchester Power Points with zero miss fires. I think Ruger has fixed the light primer strike problem. In fact, I’ve found the cheap Tula 154 grain soft points are more accurate than the expensive Winchester Power Points. I love the gun and can’t wait to hunt with it this year.
wish they modded it to take AK mags and had front rail by default, it would make a great little alternative to ak
As long as I use oem mags my 2020 version drives em home every time.. one cheap mag and it's every 5th rnd or so
Lucky my mini does have issues with steel ammo ,light primer strikes . 😞 no worries steel for plinking and brass for defense!!
I have one that I haven't had a chance to shoot yet. I think it's a newer model, but it supposedly has an upgraded pin (slightly longer). I really hope I'm lucky and got a good one. I mostly have Russian steel case.
583 Tactical. Named it "Faith" after Lt. Col. Don C. Faith. Walnut stock and handguard. Accu-strut Socom, Cogburn Arsenal mag release, 3.5 lb. trigger job by Brimstone. Wolff springs, bolt buffers, pic rail and a Choate handguard. Tech Sights on the back, tritium tube up front. Burris FF3 on top and it's my go-to rifle in the woods. Light, handy, and packs a punch in .30 cal. Plus when DC's masters land on our shores, ammo will be plentiful.
My god, I laughed so hard with the way he said "Like me, an optical illusion... I don't really exist." so casually; it really cracked me up.
Are you sure he said that? Or are you dreaming again...
at 8:09
Only consciousness exist everything else is a fabric of our own imagination and belief ... Damn hickock goes deep
Damn dude knows were in the matrix
@Walter
That's actually a really deep comment. Not so funny when I really think about it, plus it's funny u ca the other simple when u show lack of deep thought. Now that's pretty simple.
I loved my Mini-30. Picked it up new around '98 for about $600. I never understood what people complained about with these. It was accurate enough to hunt hogs or whitetail with open sights. My friend's Romanian AK couldn't hold a candle. His SKS was closer, but the Mini was more comfortable and fun to shoot. In many years of shooting it, I think it might've had this issue with steel-cases ammo just once or twice. They really are magnificent little shooters!
I a mini 30 chambered in AK7.52x39, and I love this gun.
Your buddy probably didn't zero his AK, you need a special sight tool to push the front sight to where it needs to be. I hit 3 bulls eye's with my 74 after zeroing it with irons at a makeshift 30 meter distance and the zero holds all the way out to 400m
I have a Mini 30 stationed in my den with a 20 round mag. I have fired brass cased bullets over 800 times-no issues. It is small and nimble which it means it works for my needs-taking care of the thug who decides to shop in my living room. God Bless Ruger.
The gun is finally fixed from everything I'm reading.
That settles the debate between which gun the mini-14 or mini-30 is for me.
God Bless Bill Ruger ? Mmm, in my opinion he was the biggest FUDD gun designer who ever created a gun. To each his own.
@@JohnnyThund3ractually get both!
Mini 30 is in my top 3 of all time favorites. Glad to hear you are using tula ammo. Always great to watch you
My mini thirty used to misfire on 50% of the cheap stuff & I experimented with firing pin lengths & found the perfect set-up so that I get no light primer strikes & the gun will digest anything I run thru it, without any danger of going full auto. I have shot hundreds of Tula & Wolf without mishap since then.
The shooter usually well new shooters are sometimes unaware of primer strikes everything helps
What did you do?
Hickok really needs to warn us all that "accuracy may vary depending on who is doing the shooting".
woodkern Haha indeed. That dude is one hell of an instinctive shooter. Especially with pistols!
the best gun channel the guys havin fun , not trying to act like hes a sf navyseal delta operator
Shorter thicker barrel plus a relocation of the gas system to reduce harmonics with the barrel has resulted in a much more accurate rifle. Also the trigger system has been improved. Very short take up with no creep. My mini 30 has a serial number starting 582-. These are the most recent rifles with all of the improvements. My rifle is much better than prior variants.
"He don't always shoot brass ammo but when he does he shoots Federal" then he drinks a Dos Equis. He's the man ! 👍
Stay thirsty my friends
😂
Excellent reference Mr. Rogers!
@@dustinmorrison147 l
🤣💯
All his videos are amazing. I came for the guns, but I stayed for the accuracy.
He's the Bob Ross of Guns.
I've owned several Mini-14's over the years, I really like the design. I have a Mini-30, there's a Hammer Spring made by Wolff for the light primer strike issue. Mine will cycle any ammo I throw at it now.
I just wanted tomshare some gratitude for all our videos, your talent and humor! Being new to shoothing, again, you have no idea how much value and quality you give shooters of all skill levels! If you ever in Georgia, lunch is on is!
Hickok. My uncle was competing in a bowling pin shoot when he had a light strike. He had his hand on the slide to rack in the next round when it fired. Thankfully he had it pointed down range and thankfully he hadnt got the slide back. Its uncommon, but it does happen. Glad to see you wait after a click.
Love the style of these weapons, was always a fan of the ww2 M1 carbine & then the M14.
I'm glad you did that. I cringe every time I see someone fail to fire, immediately eject the round, and hold it next to their face to examine the primer. Like you, I've never had a delayed ignition... but I understand the chemistry / physics and I know that it can possibly happen. My eyeballs are waaaay too precious to take that chance.
My Mini 30 was bad about light primer strikes on berdan primers too. I pulled the bolt out, removed the firing pin, and filed the back of the bolt just a LITTLE bit so that the hammer would make more contact with the firing pin and push it forward just a micrometer further. It worked, 3k rounds or so later and not one malfunction. Took all of 15 minutes.
always impressed with your safe gun handling and info on your weapons
Man, what an awesome setup this guy has. Just incredible.
Awesome review of the mini 30 Mr. Hickcok45. I purchase my mini 30 three years ago in a stainless version. I love it. I have probably shot 20 boxes of steel case ammo through mine and it has yet to misfire once. I keep hearing on RUclips that accuracy is an issue. I have been hitting 250 yard groups with iron sights on a rest that are tight. I have yet to have a negative comment about it. All around solid design pattern of the M14 and rounds only stray a bit after 30 rounds and the barrel gets hot. Thanks for your review here. I really enjoyed your insight and experience. PS..... LOVE THE "MAG ILLUSION"
Another great video. I love my Mini-30. I've killed several whitetails with it . I reload 123gr. Barnes TSX , with 27.5gr of BLC-2. Scoped with a fixed 7 power Springfield. Black collapsible stock from Ram-Line. Longest kill was 172 yds. I trust it out to 300.
Amigo es bueno tener un arma , para defensa , practicar tiro al blanco en el campo , pero utilizar para matar animales no lo haría , hay que dejarlos vivir son seres vivos.
Hickok45 is the best youtuber out there. Keep up the great work sir!
I have the All weather version of the Mini Thirty and have run Silver bear and Wolf ammo without issue. Glad to see the review for the Mini thirty, great job with the channel.
I hear the quality control is bad on these. The lesser well made ones have headspacing issues, which is the cause for a lot of the feeding issues. I might just call ruger and tell em I'll pay extra for them to verify the headspacing 🤣
Your love for firearms really comes through on your vids. I really enjoy watching them. Thanks.
never shot steel out of my 30, so hadn't realize that was ever an issue I know what brass I've never had a misfire as always love your videos always learn something new about my guns I didn't know, reload most my ammo as well without issue.
ABSOLUTELY love my Mini30!!!!.... and I'm NYS side.... also have me a NYS compliant AK and the two are very different in recoil!!!!.... this is a man's rifle!!.... love it but you are correct, this rifle is only 100% functional with Brass ammo.... I thought about installing a different firing pin but have not pulled the trigger on that yet.... bottom line, this mini 30 is awesome!!!!
LOL...you actually got me with that optical illusion with the magazines on the table. That was pretty funny.
My first hunting rifle as a 14 yr old was a Mini 30. I remember site-in day at the range in lane 1 was pretty funny. Sending hot brass three lanes over, my dad had to stand next to me and let it hit him in the chest.
I noticed around 12:55 in the video you hit the ejector with the palm of your hand to make sure it was engaged,
my buddy told his wife to do that and when she hit it the gun fired knocking her hand back, fortunately she was not injured and the gun was pointing in a safe direction,
never heard of this happening to anyone else but wanted to mention it for possible safety issues. Thanks for your videos very informative.
I'm very glad to hear the light primer strikes mentioned using steel case ammo. Based on numerous reviews, I would be curious to know why Ruger ignored some known issues that would be easily corrected in the manufacturing process.
I love your videos. Can't believe it took me so many years to find them. I think I'll be binge-watching today! lol.
Thanks for stopping to help the UPS man!
These are surprisingly accurate for long range shooting in my experience, even with just the iron sights.
I have a brand new Ruger Mini-30 583 model and it does not have this issue. The newer Ruger's come with a longer firing pin and larger bore diameter. I haven't had a single malfunction with wolf ammo
What is"newer" mine is maybe 6 years old
The heat shield pushing forward unevenly on the gas block is the source of the problem with th groups walking. Remove the contact point by filing points just enough to clear the gas block and the walking stops.
I purchased cheap. cheap, cheap ammo years ago. It was even advertised to "have 20% duds" or something like that. But it's great for the range and plinking.
I love my Mini-30!!!
I love your videos Hickok, been a fan for ages. I'm from Scotland where shooting real steel is close to impossible unless its just a shotgun.... My alternative is airsoft but yeah just here to say keep doing what you're doing!
He instinctively puts it on safety when moving. Also , cicadas only come around every 17 years. Anybody else notice that? Check out his videos from 2003.
Not all cicadas have that 17 year cycle. They’re around every few years here in Texas
If I could learn to shoot half as well as hickok 45.....I'd be a happy camper! Great video!
don't think i'd be on the same level either lol. i've learned the tighter you hold the weapon in your shoulder, the better and to stop breathing right before you fire. it makes as much of a difference as trigger control. try it if you're not, might help.
***** i'm sure you will. how long have you been shooting?
+Steve Hamilton that it does. I've had a bb gun since I was around 10 or so. used to hunt rats at my grandparents house a lot. they had a building they stored feed in. I'm in my 30's now.
+Steve Hamilton just wait, if you're like me, you'll soon be ordering parts kits and building rifles. it always shocks people when you say I built that. plus if you custom/customish stuff you can do it. my amd65 has a buffer tube/colaspable stock and my boss paid me to build me to put together his Anderson AR with a hbar barrel. that one turned out nice. the AMD I like but it's a purist's nightmare lol. I like to tinker though. those ars are simple to assemble with the right tools. highly recommend doing one.
***** lol you should see my amd65
Ive had a ranch model for years!!.. with 20rd mags cant be beat,very reliable multi duty weapon!!👍👍
Don't forget that Ruger has an important safety feature built into the bolt to avoid accidental firing before the cartridge is properly chambered and if not -click. If Bullet + Cartridge Neck Together Are Larger In Diameter Than Factory Chamber No "Bang" . That means: the new Ruger Mini-30 has a .30 "caliber chamber. Russian and S&B have .309 to .311" therfor some cartridges will never be slammed into a chamber intended for .308 "bullets. Pay particular attention to dangerously high pressure. You can actually pull out the .309" and .311 "bullets and resize down to .308" . I use the Lee Bullet Sizing Kit for 308 and never since had problems with cycling cartridges into the chamber
I owned a mini 14 and was very happy with the shootability of it. Obviously not an AR but I loved the weapon. I sold it some time ago and I miss it dearly. I've always been an M14, or M1A, fan. I just love the action/bolt setup. Price of an M1A and it's ammo play a big part in my decision. I live in central Florida and there aren't too many ranges where you can fire battle rifle rounds at. The mini 30 is a tad more refined than an AK but not uo there with M1A and i like that. Thanks Hickok! You've helped me want to spend more money on a rifle lol. I was looking at the exact model you are using and will most likely own it soon enough.
I don't go to stinkin ranges.
My mini 30 shoots everything I put in it but I did notice that the primers on the tula had lighter strikes. Red army is the cheapest right now where I live and my mini shot it just fine so I buy that. It's a great rifle and will do just fine for everything you need. The heavier barrel does make a difference in the new rifles.
I was issued a Mini-14 when I was stationed at Whitefish, Mt. I immediately noticed that the front sight faded badly due to it being a ramp. Also, when I focused on the front sight and then dripped my head down to look through the receiver (peep) sight the front sight fadd from black to grey. I had the front sight milled to where it was a vertical post which stopped the front sight fading while I was looking over the rear sight, but when I looked through the receiver sight it was still fading. I had the gun smith progressively drill the front sight open until the front sight-no longer faded when I focused on the front sight while looking through the rear aperture. It started at .125” and when the front aight stopped fading it had been opened to .160”.
What dept. or organization was that? Just curious. My understanding was that the Mini-14 was used by a few police departments in the USA, some prisons and a few South American governments but was never adopted as a service weapon.
Fone Star That was the US Border Patrol sir.
I have a mini-30 that’s stainless amd at least 27 years old or so. It shoots everything. No jams what so ever.
I bought a Ruger Mini 30 and it was flaky on the steel case ammo. I fixed that by switching out the factory hammer spring with a wolf heavy hammer spring. No more light strike misfires anymore. It was a cheap simple fix.
A lot of complaints regarding the Mini 30 derive from the so called "light strike" issue by the firing pin. In truth, there is no 'light strike' problem, there is a tough primer issue. Much of the Russian ammunition was manufactured with thicker Berdan primers and deep primer pockets to avoid slam fires with their weapons. Use any modern commercial 7.62X39 ammo and you'll be fine.
You see? That is why proper range discipline is essential. Always, always, ALWAYS keep the barrel pointed down range. Your safety on the range is exemplary sir!
I've owned 2 government models and the same model your reviewing here. I love the Mini 30. Like a lot of people it reminds me of the M14 scaled down. It would've been a great military issue rifle back in the late 60s. Even in 7.62X39mm. The .30 cal bullet is great in the brush. Not much can deflect it down range in heavy brush and it hits hard and makes large wound channels. Blood loss and organ damage are key and the 7.62X39mm has a great track record. Great rifle.
It would have been a sh1tty issue rifle, the breakdown for cleaning sucks @$$.
@@outdoorsman7324Hmm, I've never had a problem. 🤔
@@AlanHigh-x4i , I didn't state it was a problem, I stated it sucked.
It simply isn't practical.
I can most certainly tear down an M4 and an AK at the same time before you ever get one of those things tore down. 🤣
It's not like I don't own one... and they're inaccurate as hell compared to nearly every rifle out there in this class, even worse than AK's.
@@outdoorsman7324Well, I don't what to say. I've owned the SKS, the AK, the M1A, the Garand, multiple ARs and the Mini 14/30. I've never had issues field stripping any of them. Insofar as accuracy is concerned, the Mini did suffer from accuracy issues until Ruger retooled the production line, tightened the tolerances and began using a much heavier, tapered barrel.
@@AlanHigh-x4i , again, the mini is impractical as all hell to field strip... this isn't rocket science. 🙄
On a side note, the mini certainly isn't very accurate, as you've stated, but let's not pretend the SKS or AK models are any better... they're trash for accuracy too. 🤷
I love the sound of a nice, heavy action closing. Beautiful.
I purchased a mini30 over 20 years ago for my wife and daughters to use deer hunting. It has worked great. It is fussy with ammo, not with miss fires but with groupings.
Just found hickok45..............Thank you very much
Wow, do YOU have a lot of homework to catch up on: 1300 videos. Better get started! :-)
Yes he does haha. Hell even I haven't seen them all and I've been watching for quite a while. Love your videos Hickok keep up the good stuff.
He is the best, I've watched 20 of his videos so far.
He's a mans man, and a good shot.
Welcome to heaven, aka John's range
The nitty gritty. Thank you and John for another (damn I almost said kickass!) Kickass video. Also a fan of the 7.62 family. Man you can hit. Hope to see many more of your videos.
Always so insightful! Thanks for the review, bought one myself the other day, and forty rounds of tula... That will be the only 40 I buy too.
I agree with you hickock 45 . The Ruger mini 30 is my all the favorite it's just easy to shoot meaning accurate with stock sights
Hickok you’re a great shot. After watching tons of your videos and going to the range myself I realize you’re pretty damn accurate.
I had misfires with my Mini 30 due to Russian manufactured ammo "Wolf" having primers with thicker metal. I replaced the hammer spring with a stronger hammer spring from Accuracy Systems and this worked, no more misfired.
Why not switch to a different ammo?
@@eclairvoyance2927 I had 500 rounds. A new spring allows me to use any ammo instead of buying multiple brands to find one that works. The Wolf ammo was accurate in this rifle when it fired. Now Wolf ammo fires every time.
The real problem is the firing pin. Can be easily modded.
I have fired 1000's of rounds of Tula through my two different AK-47's and an SKS and have never had a misfire ever.
Before I saw your comment, I was thinking the exact same thing. Ruger is probably using the Mini 14s hammer spring.
Got one for my 18th birthday and since I live in NY i got the super high capcity 5 round magazine.
Super hi cap 🤣 l guess in NY 5 rounds is super hi cap.
Despite what I've heard from other reviewers of the Mini 30, the way Hickok45 shoots with this, it looks pretty accurate.
He can make almost everything look accurate, as he said accurate enough.
That is a Mini 30 Tactical. One of the best semi autos made. Right now it is back ordered with Ruger a full year and they are stop taking orders until they get caught up.
I bought my mini 30 last year in 2019 and mine shoots Tula ammo just fine never had a malfunction with it and I haven’t done anything to it. I love this thing!
Is yours the model 5806?
70 Roadrunner just bought one. Price was high but it is what it is
As always this man knows his guns and must have lots of $$ to buy as many that is his now. Awesome to watch. Thrums up
He did a mag swap so fast we didn't see the other 10 rounder go in. love the fore finger bolt release thought I was the only one.
"10 round magazine" *fires 20 rounds....*
Mitch vd Merwe Because aliens.
You didn’t watch the entire video. He pointed it out.
Lmfao
@The Trashman disliked yours also....why not????
@@ShinerBockGirlz please stop
Hickock45 fan here! 1. Wow, can this man shoot! See his Glock 10mm video. 2. I have two mini 30s. His review is accurate about the pros and cons. Just don’t use steel case. Most ranges prohibit it anyway. I love my mini 30s. That’s why I have two. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. Flawless performance with brass case ammo, thousands of rounds. Plus, I live in CA, so the Minis aren’t subject to the featureless and maglock rules of AR’s. (Of course, base stock Mini 30s are mostly “featureless.”)One, maybe not often mentioned reason I love these videos, is the acoustics of his range. I love the glorious blasting sounds that I can’t hear when I am shooting my own guns, because I wear double hearing protection. Also, I am a retired English teacher, just like Hickock.
I have the Mini 14 Ranch Rifle, and I love it, it's a great rifle to carry in the truck when I am out in the desert, offroading!
I bought my Mini-30 back in the 80's. Great gun, but the accuracy left something to be desired. I heard that it was not an uncommon problem. After reading numerous articles about things to improve accuracy, I decided to try something called the Accu-strut. I went from an average 4 to 6" group at 100 yds. to a 2" group at 100 yds. I am not saying that will be the case for every rifle, but it sure worked well for mine.
Michelle Bachman
that soln. worked for many people
A 20 round 10 round mag. It surprised me too. I was scratching my head after he was done shooting the first mag. I went back and counted. Made me chuckle a little. Same thing happened to me with my new 25 round ruger 10/22 mag. I could've sworn I loaded 20 rounds. My friend told me I shot 30 rounds. Which makes no sense to me. I counted the brass dropped on my range, sure enough. 30 casings in the sand.
I wish you would do a side-by-side comparison of the Mini-14 & Mini-30 showing the difference in the size of the ammo, cost of the ammo, availability of the ammo, and performance of the rifles.
There are so many 5.56x45 vs 7.62x39 comparisons online to count. There would be no reason to compare a mini 14 to a mini 30 for that reason. The only difference between the two other than ammo is the bolt, barrel, and magazines.
I really like mine, at the range, the ARs are always jamming , always. Mine has never failed, ever. At guys say they are more accurate, well maybe a bit but I hit the the same targets, , the same clang, and never have failures. I also like the size, very handy, easy to grab . Really well made, strong. The way it throws brass is kind if funny to me. AR s are a better gun , I love my Rock river, but the mini is also a great gun ,. Lots if great guns out there and I like them all. One last thing, my Sig 226 is the best handgun ever.
I was browsing. Skidded past your site. Came back in a hurry. Love it. Was a armour and loved the sound. Got to see some thing I wished was used all along . Past the matell rigs. Sgt williams retired
okay i must admit you got me with the mags
+Scott Bravender Gets ME every time I do it. I think they are haunted or something. :-)
I knew the trick but not from mags. I’m a pipefitter and we always trick green helpers by lining up 45• fittings and asking them to get the smallest one
Replace hammer spring with the wolf heavy spring & problem solved. It will cycle any ammo after the swap. As reliable as an ak, with the new heavy hammer spring & upgraded firing pin will help too. Nice lil rifle. Love mine with a vortex 4x12 scope, it's more accurate than one wld expect. It holds 1" groups so I'm impressed every time I shoot it. Killed a few deer with it & works great. Awesome lil gun... God bless you all.
awesome video with great sound. Fist thought was that doesn't sound like my Mini 14! Sound is Hollywood perfect.Thanks for uploading this demonstration of the Mini 30.
The price of the Mini-14 and Mini-30 has skyrocketed, I remember when you could still buy these for a reasonable price. Thanks Hickok!
The comments at 16.00 the Ruger forum has a thread that the fix is a firing pin that extends a specific amount to reach the primers CONSISTENTLY on the surplus ammo along with the company to buy the pin from. BE AWARE THAT THE PIN PROTRUSION MEASUREMENT AND FITTING OF THE PIN MAY REQUIRE A GUNSMITH
The newer Mini's are very accurate. My Mini 30 is very accurate. I also have a Mini 6.5 Grendel with an 18" heavy fluted barrel. It is moa accurate out to 250 yards. I just buy brass case 7.62x39 because I reload. Also my gas blocks are adjustable so the brass drops at my feet and not 10 ft. away.
Boy that's a nice firearm, I love shooting 7.62x39, and out of my SKS I haven't had much trouble with steel case ammo (The tula, and wolf), but that could be a difference in the guns, I have heard in the past that the sks tends to deal with steel case ammo a little better than some other guns, but I am by no means an expert. Great video, always love these!
I bought a min 14 in .223 a few years ago and the ejected case would hit the reciever which put a dent in it. The empty case was not reloadable. Major fail. The reciever was not milled correctly and the scope could not be zeroed. brought it back because i reload so it was useless to me. Did you notice if the case on the mini 30 gets a dent in it?
I had to make a strong box door for my gun room as a safe was not gonna be big enough.
Long time fan of your channel.
Yeah that first mag was 20! That gun was like"if he keeps pulling the trigger, I'm gonna keep producing bullets! Won't disappoint Mr Hickok. "
After owning a mini thirty for about three years now, I can't say that I have not had any issues with steel case ammo. But I use mostly brass cases for reloading.I think the mini thirty has better ergonomics and is more enjoyable to shoot compared with the AK 47.
great vids always. and now in HD. AWESOME! appreciate ur solid realistic reviews and always a keep POV. keep it up!
You shouldn't have to do it, but 2 minutes spent removing the "volcano" from around the firing pin hole on the bolt face with a fine stone solves the ftf problem. Ruger really needs to address the issue..
Exactly; polish the bolt face.
Tula and other similar are not reliable, in the desert you always find ammo that have the primer striked but didnt fire from hand gun cal to rifle cal.
They did that ,
By telling stiff necks not to shoot steel cased ammo in thu gun.....
I own a Mini Thirty and have shot all types of steel cased ammo with few problems, although I typically use brass case ammo such Geco 124 grain Target ammo and reloads with Hornady bullets. I am going to pick up the Ruger Ranch in 7.62 x 39 next week, I like that I can use the Mini Thirty magazines.
I saw RUclips video that said if you stone around the fireing pin hole because the mold leaves a slight bump that pushes on cheap primers and makes a divot around the fireing pin it effects the primer fireing. Using a stone to file the bump down will fix most of the fireing problems with cheap ammo.
I've always wanted a Mini 30. With a few modifications I believe it would be the perfect multipurpose carbine. An Accu-scrut would solve the problem of the barrel overheating and a few modifications to the bolt and firing pin and hammer spring could improve the reliability to rival that of the AK. I'm a huge fan of the classic Garand action though. Thanks for finally doing a video.
It's a 7.62. That's no carbine, that's a rifle lol
@@sharkfinnigan "Carbine" typically denotes the size of the rifle, not the caliber.
Yeah I hear the spring replacement is something almost always done on these. I have also hear some folks say they installed a very slightly longer firing pin. So it seems the upgrades for reliability is the wolf spring and a longer firing pin. Also it should be noted that the firing pin in these guns are not for novice at home gunsmiths to replace and some folks send it back to Ruger to get them replaced.
I just got one of these rifles and there are some people out there that hate these things. I almost instantly liked it due to it resembling the M14 and I have always wanted an M14 but they are hard to find around here. I got mine for 729 on sale.
Now what I will say that for some reason almost every Ruger firearm I have ever touched has always had a problem with cheap ammo even the 10/22 don't like cheap Winchester rounds they fire but they don't eject great but Federal runs great in the gun. So in the end it is just a fact Ruger guns don't like cheap ammo.
Yup, install a slightly longer firing pin and have no more light strikes or misfires with Berdan primed russian ammo.
@@fredjudson524 thank you
There's a firing pin, that protrudes further past the bolt face helps with light primer strikes. Also, polishing bolt face to remove the crater/volcano effect from the firing pin drill hole also helps.
🇨🇦💂The primer cup on the "cheap" ammo is made of thicker steel - it's actually safer because it tolerates rougher handling while soldiering in the military. The mini's were designed to fire commercial ammo with thinner primer cups of domestic manufacture. Solutions include installing a more powerful hammer spring or saving the import ammo for sks / ak rifles - simple🇨🇦💂👍
The Mini-30 Rifle is a fantastic rifle. I had one 20yrs ago. Had to sell it in order to Pay costs on a House I was Purchasing. Oh well, it helped me obtain a Home ❤