The mini 30 is a fun weapon to shoot. A wood stock makes it look much better and feel like an M1 or M14. You should get am M1 even if you don't shoot it, besides, it looks like you already have the "M1 thumb"... 😯
The reason I prefer the Mini14/30 to the AR platform is that ARs typically come with no battle sights and you have to start mouting shit to the top rail. The AR with the recoil tube extending 7 or 8 inches behind the bolt makes it difficult if not impossible for me to get my cheekcomfortable and eyes low enough to get a good sight picture with a scope unless it has really high mounts which to me makes it practically unusable. With the Mini 14/30 my cheeck fits comfortably against the stock (not possible with an out of the box AR platform) and I can comfortably line up my eyes behind the battle sights no problem. One operational note of preference; while in the military I fired several thousand rounds with the M16A1 and spent many hours on the range with other soldiers doing the same. Occasional jams were a fact of life. No matter how clean and well oiled your weapon, it would simply just jam sometimes. I have been firing Mini 14s for over 25 years and have yet to see a jam in a Mini 14, mine or anyone elses. Now granted I had no control of what ammo the Army provided for the M16 and I don't fire reloads or cheap ammo in the Mini 14 but that has been my experience. Love teh Ruger Mini 14 it fires either .223 or 5.56 if I were going to get a rifle as a gift for someone getting their first rifle I would choose the Mini 14 exclusively over any version of an AR or even an AK platform.
The Mini-30 is fabulous. I have used one as a camp rifle in bear country when I wanted a semi auto and not a lever gun. It’s superior than an AR-15 chambered in 5.56 when remote backpack camping in Alaska.
Thing is now a days you could buy two pretty decent AR 15’s for the price of that one mini 30. I’ll take the two AR 15’s mainly because of interchangeability when things get tough.
@@superfamilyallosauridae6505 lmao must not have had a 580 series. Sorry to rain on your uneducated comment but trust me you need to do some studying on the mini.
i know more about guns than you have known about anything since you were born. I do not care about the Mini14 because even a perfectly functioning one is massively inferior to every modern rifle, EVEN THE SA80.@@daveanddanniejacobs9432
I shave shot nothing but steels case for years. Either do the hammer spring,or swap out the firing pin like I did. I’ve got about 2500 of rounds of steel case through it with zero issues.
I bought my 30 tactical used. I have a lot of 7.62x39 and my main goal was to scope it and hit small targets using the ruger rings. Never had a light primer strike and ruger even replaced the bolt cause of some minor feeding issues which never really went away. I ended up selling it for way more than I paid, mainly cause my arsenal was more accurate and trouble free. Still have a 584 mini 14 that I wont be selling
Your commentary is precise, direct and honest. Great analysis! I acquired a new Mini 30 Ranch Rifle about 4 months ago and have run a good 2000 rounds though it, no misfires. I guess my question for you is if you have 5 AR’s in your safe, why are you trying to make this carbine into something it is not, starting with why are you reviewing the tactical version? By the way, I have a nice leather military sling on mine. Fits through the loops if you do it right. Wish I could share a photo. Anyway, the most important reason I appreciate your analysis, even though it lacked two important steps, loading and shooting, is you didn’t derail this gun with an obsession with steel case. Keep them coming!👍
Unfortunately with the shit going on with Russia. 7.62X39 prices have skyrocketed in the last year. Last year $7.50 for 20 rounds. This year $15 for 20.🥴
Personally I like the position of the safeties on mini14/30s. When I had one I never negligently knocked it off. I found it easy to engage/disengage. By the way really really enjoyed your presentation.
Ive never put a single round of steel cased ammo through anything i own and never will. So the mini is a great tool for my uses. Not the most accurate but also wasnt meant to be. Incredibly strong and reliable firearm. And those who say differently you will notice are only those that shoot dumpster fire ammo
You have great trigger control. It drives me nuts when I see people that make a living with gun videos and they slap and jerk the trigger and then release the trigger like it's on fire. When you get the gun broken in it would be good to see an accuracy check.
Ruger uses investment casting, a superior casting technique to standard injection molding or castings. Many hipowers and m1a1s are also cast parts. 5.56 can be shot from a mini 14. You have to check the manual. The guns were politically labeled .223. I don't know about the mini 30, but the min 14s are pretty reliable. Mine eats everything and throws brass as far as the bullets. I would trust mine in self-defense because I put enough rounds through it. Good video
I have same model and perplexed about how to retain iron sites and install a scope but not use the old style tall see thru mounts u have any suggestions? The bolt on side mount model I heard they are junk and come loose ?? Thanks
Surprised you didn't have a light strike on that steel case ammo. The yummy brass case ammo puts things in the expensive ammo category. But with the good stuff...very fun indeed. If you buy brass and reload, you're all set.
As far as surplus ammo my mini 30 likes Tula ammo.. it doesn't really like Red army or Wolf ammo.... After 200 to 300 rounds you may experience some sticking of the rounds going into the chamber...THIS IS NOT . Because of lacquer on the steel ammo. That's an urban myth.. Lucky Gunner Labs did a whole test on this and what it is is steel casings don't expand as much leaving a ring of fouling in the chamber... After 200 or 300 rounds if you find your bullet sticking going in the chamber.. to spray a little break free in the chamber and hit it with a brass brush.. you will then be able to fire another 2-300 rounds before the fouling builds up again... And of course brass American eagle ammo functions flawlessly but is much more expensive...
Garbage guns. Back in the 80's The Good ole days. I bought one, wood stock. They didn't have plastic stocks in those days. The gun owner {Melvin} just ranted and raved on it. He must have noticed how """far apart my eyes were""". I bought it. First time I took it out shooting I used the cheap Russian ammo. Every round started walking. As into the right a half inch another round a half inch and so on and so on. Never had I seen a rifle do this. I told the gun store owner He was like no way. So, I bought some high dollar rounds. Guess what? YUPPERS. Same thing. Melvin came out to the farm, and he shot it. And low and behold he was flabbergasted. He immediately said no refunds or exchanges. Others were coming back to him now too. We found out Ruger was trying out new alloys and metals on the Ruger minis. I sold mine to a Buck toothed crossed W. Va. feller. And was looking over my shoulder all the way back home to Va. Even years after this people were complaining about the same issue, they must have made a Millon of them. For what you pay you could buy a Zastava or an Arsenal for what they cost. And they are #3 times the gun the Ruger's are. Century arms has upped their game too. I'd buy a Century before I'd buy another one of those. There are a lot of Melvins out there. Listen to people before you buy. That is one of the great things about you tube. You learn stuff. Wish they had it back then. My brother and his son both have century's, and they love theirs. Peace brother.
Sounds like someone isnt up on Mini 14 info. The barrels have been redesigned are cold hammer forged now. So they are as accurate as ARs now at 100- 200 yards, and only off by about an inch at 300 yrds. The new 580 minis are FAR more reliable and durable than 90% of ARs out there.
@@forgottenhistory2562 Once you get stuck with a dud. There is no going back. I have several Ruger pistols. But 0% rifles. And it'll stay that way. Glad you like yours.
@@thebigfellar7178Well, that stance would mean that you don't have any AR type weapons, either. They had quite a few problems when they were introduced. The problems were so bad that US soldiers were actually killed when their rifles jammed and they were left defenseless. "Once you get stuck with a dud"...
What a weird review. Mini 14s/30s are far more durable and reliable than 95% or ARs out there. Need to be cleaned/maintained FAR less than ARs also. Accuracy is equal to an AR at 100 yards, off by maybe a haf inch at 200 and 1.5 - 2 inches at 300.... meaning either will stop any threat just as efficiently.
The mini 30 is a fun weapon to shoot. A wood stock makes it look much better and feel like an M1 or M14. You should get am M1 even if you don't shoot it, besides, it looks like you already have the "M1 thumb"... 😯
I've had mine for 31 years, never had a problem.
I've had mine a bit longer, probably my favorite rifle!
The reason I prefer the Mini14/30 to the AR platform is that ARs typically come with no battle sights and you have to start mouting shit to the top rail. The AR with the recoil tube extending 7 or 8 inches behind the bolt makes it difficult if not impossible for me to get my cheekcomfortable and eyes low enough to get a good sight picture with a scope unless it has really high mounts which to me makes it practically unusable. With the Mini 14/30 my cheeck fits comfortably against the stock (not possible with an out of the box AR platform) and I can comfortably line up my eyes behind the battle sights no problem. One operational note of preference; while in the military I fired several thousand rounds with the M16A1 and spent many hours on the range with other soldiers doing the same. Occasional jams were a fact of life. No matter how clean and well oiled your weapon, it would simply just jam sometimes. I have been firing Mini 14s for over 25 years and have yet to see a jam in a Mini 14, mine or anyone elses. Now granted I had no control of what ammo the Army provided for the M16 and I don't fire reloads or cheap ammo in the Mini 14 but that has been my experience. Love teh Ruger Mini 14 it fires either .223 or 5.56 if I were going to get a rifle as a gift for someone getting their first rifle I would choose the Mini 14 exclusively over any version of an AR or even an AK platform.
The Mini-30 is fabulous. I have used one as a camp rifle in bear country when I wanted a semi auto and not a lever gun. It’s superior than an AR-15 chambered in 5.56 when remote backpack camping in Alaska.
Thing is now a days you could buy two pretty decent AR 15’s for the price of that one mini 30. I’ll take the two AR 15’s mainly because of interchangeability when things get tough.
@@kevinrollman3101 The only AR’s worth a darn are Colt, LMT or Daniel Defense. And they cost much more than a Mini-30.
I have never found an AR of any brand as unreliable as a Mini14/30
@@superfamilyallosauridae6505 lmao must not have had a 580 series. Sorry to rain on your uneducated comment but trust me you need to do some studying on the mini.
i know more about guns than you have known about anything since you were born. I do not care about the Mini14 because even a perfectly functioning one is massively inferior to every modern rifle, EVEN THE SA80.@@daveanddanniejacobs9432
Shoot nothing but BRASS and use Ruger factory mags
I shave shot nothing but steels case for years. Either do the hammer spring,or swap out the firing pin like I did. I’ve got about 2500 of rounds of steel case through it with zero issues.
Firing pin swap is the easiest way to get your Mini 30 to shoot steel case. I highly recommend them for all mini 30s.
@@CxS_NicoI second this
This guy ain't gonna waste anymore of my time. Boring. Got em all, m 1 carbine, M1 Grand, M 14 and Ruger mini 30. My 30 is the go to one.
I bought my 30 tactical used. I have a lot of 7.62x39 and my main goal was to scope it and hit small targets using the ruger rings. Never had a light primer strike and ruger even replaced the bolt cause of some minor feeding issues which never really went away. I ended up selling it for way more than I paid, mainly cause my arsenal was more accurate and trouble free. Still have a 584 mini 14 that I wont be selling
Your commentary is precise, direct and honest. Great analysis! I acquired a new Mini 30 Ranch Rifle about 4 months ago and have run a good 2000 rounds though it, no misfires. I guess my question for you is if you have 5 AR’s in your safe, why are you trying to make this carbine into something it is not, starting with why are you reviewing the tactical version? By the way, I have a nice leather military sling on mine. Fits through the loops if you do it right. Wish I could share a photo. Anyway, the most important reason I appreciate your analysis, even though it lacked two important steps, loading and shooting, is you didn’t derail this gun with an obsession with steel case. Keep them coming!👍
Unfortunately with the shit going on with Russia. 7.62X39 prices have skyrocketed in the last year. Last year $7.50 for 20 rounds. This year $15 for 20.🥴
Personally I like the position of the safeties on mini14/30s. When I had one I never negligently knocked it off. I found it easy to engage/disengage. By the way really really enjoyed your presentation.
Ive never put a single round of steel cased ammo through anything i own and never will. So the mini is a great tool for my uses. Not the most accurate but also wasnt meant to be. Incredibly strong and reliable firearm. And those who say differently you will notice are only those that shoot dumpster fire ammo
I've had two older ones and they both were subject to jamming. All four of my Mini 14s never jammed.
You have great trigger control. It drives me nuts when I see people that make a living with gun videos and they slap and jerk the trigger and then release the trigger like it's on fire. When you get the gun broken in it would be good to see an accuracy check.
I have one in stainless steel. Will not cycle steel at all. I've tried Tulammo, Red Army Std, and Monarch. However, perfectly reliable with brass.
That's odd, mine eats Tula like it's nothing. I would call Ruger. Are you meaning light strikes or it actually won't cycle?
Best review i've seen yet.
Those Ruger minis are great
Ruger uses investment casting, a superior casting technique to standard injection molding or castings. Many hipowers and m1a1s are also cast parts.
5.56 can be shot from a mini 14. You have to check the manual. The guns were politically labeled .223.
I don't know about the mini 30, but the min 14s are pretty reliable. Mine eats everything and throws brass as far as the bullets. I would trust mine in self-defense because I put enough rounds through it.
Good video
I own the 5804 model Mini 30 and hate the fact I cant replace my Front sight with a brake or thread
I have same model and perplexed about how to retain iron sites and install a scope but not use the old style tall see thru mounts u have any suggestions?
The bolt on side mount model I heard they are junk and come loose ??
Thanks
Surprised you didn't have a light strike on that steel case ammo. The yummy brass case ammo puts things in the expensive ammo category. But with the good stuff...very fun indeed. If you buy brass and reload, you're all set.
Install extended reach firing pin and buffer and your safe u can run ANY ammo with zero issues !!!
30, Samson stock, nothing but brass
And a fat cigar
As far as surplus ammo my mini 30 likes Tula ammo.. it doesn't really like Red army or Wolf ammo.... After 200 to 300 rounds you may experience some sticking of the rounds going into the chamber...THIS IS NOT . Because of lacquer on the steel ammo. That's an urban myth.. Lucky Gunner Labs did a whole test on this and what it is is steel casings don't expand as much leaving a ring of fouling in the chamber... After 200 or 300 rounds if you find your bullet sticking going in the chamber.. to spray a little break free in the chamber and hit it with a brass brush.. you will then be able to fire another 2-300 rounds before the fouling builds up again... And of course brass American eagle ammo functions flawlessly but is much more expensive...
Don't seem like you want the gun? Just checking a box?
@@TomWakeman-ul7om yeah I’d agree this was a check the block.
Is the furniture for the mini-14 and the mini-30 interchangeable? Is it the same stock / same size?
Should be interchangable
Yes they are.
Ruger is known for investment casting, not MIM
Garbage guns. Back in the 80's The Good ole days. I bought one, wood stock. They didn't have plastic stocks in those days. The gun owner {Melvin} just ranted and raved on it. He must have noticed how """far apart my eyes were""". I bought it. First time I took it out shooting I used the cheap Russian ammo. Every round started walking. As into the right a half inch another round a half inch and so on and so on. Never had I seen a rifle do this. I told the gun store owner He was like no way. So, I bought some high dollar rounds. Guess what? YUPPERS. Same thing. Melvin came out to the farm, and he shot it. And low and behold he was flabbergasted. He immediately said no refunds or exchanges. Others were coming back to him now too. We found out Ruger was trying out new alloys and metals on the Ruger minis. I sold mine to a Buck toothed crossed W. Va. feller. And was looking over my shoulder all the way back home to Va. Even years after this people were complaining about the same issue, they must have made a Millon of them. For what you pay you could buy a Zastava or an Arsenal for what they cost. And they are #3 times the gun the Ruger's are. Century arms has upped their game too. I'd buy a Century before I'd buy another one of those. There are a lot of Melvins out there. Listen to people before you buy. That is one of the great things about you tube. You learn stuff. Wish they had it back then. My brother and his son both have century's, and they love theirs. Peace brother.
Sounds like someone isnt up on Mini 14 info. The barrels have been redesigned are cold hammer forged now. So they are as accurate as ARs now at 100- 200 yards, and only off by about an inch at 300 yrds. The new 580 minis are FAR more reliable and durable than 90% of ARs out there.
@@forgottenhistory2562 Once you get stuck with a dud. There is no going back. I have several Ruger pistols. But 0% rifles. And it'll stay that way. Glad you like yours.
@@thebigfellar7178Well, that stance would mean that you don't have any AR type weapons, either. They had quite a few problems when they were introduced. The problems were so bad that US soldiers were actually killed when their rifles jammed and they were left defenseless. "Once you get stuck with a dud"...
@@AlanHigh-x4i They were garbage guns back then. Couldn't hit the barn door. Worst gun I've ever owned.
Sooooo…. No SKS comparison?
Nope
Anyone know why Ruger does not make 30 round mags for this gu
"Cool but Meh". Doesn't "Meh" mean not cool ?
What a weird review. Mini 14s/30s are far more durable and reliable than 95% or ARs out there. Need to be cleaned/maintained FAR less than ARs also. Accuracy is equal to an AR at 100 yards, off by maybe a haf inch at 200 and 1.5 - 2 inches at 300.... meaning either will stop any threat just as efficiently.
"MEH" childish text lingo, got more original vocabulary?
Not really