Ruger Mini-30 Stainless Ranch Rifle

[Jes]

I have owned the mini-30 for about a year now and I have to say I am disappointed. The rifle was a really good idea that wasn't properly executed. For full disclosure the newer NRA mini models are supposed to address most of the shortcomings I will detail.

-First the barrel is overly thin and prone to stringing as it heats up.
- Second it had a hard time digesting wolf 7.62x39 until I installed the Wolff upgrade recoil spring and smoothed the sharp edges around the breach face. The spring was only $30 at Midway.
- Third and most annoying is the lack of quality hi-cap magazines. Ruger never manufactured any. It is rumored they will fix this issue with the NRA model minis now coming out. There are some functional magazines out there, but none that lock up like the factory low-cap.

I am a Ruger fan and own several others, but in my opinion for the money I spent on the mini I could have purchased 2 Saiga or Yugo AKs.

[NDS]

Originally Posted by Jes

I... for the money I spent on the mini I could have purchased 2 Saiga or Yugo AKs.

I completely agree. When Ruger first came out with the Mini-14 oh so many moons ago I bought a couple. They are a great idea that Ruger didn't carry off well.

In fairness, I have been told that currently the quality and performance are better than my past experience though magazines were a problem for me (long before the Biden gun ban) and I hear they are still a problem.

As for the Saiga--I recommend them. I currently have a .308-16" and it is a very cool little carbine. Hi capacity magazines work ok. The (all 4 of mine are Surefires, I hear the FBMG are better) 20s work with no problems, but the 25s only work with 24 but I've been told that's easy to fix.

(Just for S&G http://influencepeddler.blogspot.com...apons-ban.html )