Mini 30 vs ar15 or ak47

[balok1701]

What do you guys think of the Ruger Mini 30? They don't seem to be very popular compared to the AR or AK platforms. The Ruger looks to me like a high quality and better value option. Also how do you like the 7.62x39 round compared to 5.56?

[TheTman]

My buddy has a Mini 30 and loves it. I think it is probably much better quality than a lot of the AK's you see. I like the 7.62x39 round a lot more than the 5.56, it seems more versatile to me, Here we have to use at least a 6mm bullet to take deer, so a 7.62x39 would make a decent short range deer rifle. 5.56 and the AR platform are much more accurate than an AK, but the Mini 30 can probably acheive pretty close to the accuracy of the AR. It seems that the 5.56 cartridge is limited to varmints and 2 legged predators in these parts. I know in other states they take deer with it, but it's illegal here. .243/6mm is the smallest we can use for deer. They do make after market stocks and things for the Mini-30, so you can dress it up with a pistol grip and stuff. I do wish the Mini-30 accepted AK mags though. Ruger doesn't make trash, so I'd be comfortable with one.

[jeepster09]

Ammo is also cheap....I bought 1260 rounds of Yugo brass for $239

[Popeye]

Might not be the choice of many but I'd take the Mini 14 or 30 over an AR and AK anyday. I'm a big fan of the M1/M1A style action . Hell I'll take my SKS over and AK as I think it's more accurate.

[les strat]

Just get all 3

I am very fond of the 7.62 round. It's basicall like having a 30-30 on tap. But the accuracy of .223 is formidable.

[Popeye]

Just get all 3

I am very fond of the 7.62 round. It's basicall like having a 30-30 on tap. But the accuracy of .223 is formidable.

+1 ^^^

[ltxi]

Nice gun. Jeepster

I really like 7.62x39. I was indoc'd on .30 cal military weapons and my ambivalence toward 5.56 goes back to early M16 days.

I have a half dozen SKSs ranging from almost stock to restored Russian laminated that will group 3" or better at 100 yards without much effort. Good enough for their purpose. I also have a Mini 30 Ranch. That would be the "quality" gun.

Aside from the fact it's a Ruger with all positive that implies, the Mini 30/14 has the advantage of appearing non-threatening to the anti-assault weapon hysterics. Highly amusing considering the design's origin...but I'm more than happy to let it work for me.

[GROTMAN]

Ammo is also cheap....I bought 1260 rounds of Yugo brass for $239

Is there any gun you don't own ??

[Bawanna]

One thing to consider is the Ruger is 308 where as AK's and SKS's are 310 or 311. I've been told feeding the cheap surplus ammo will work thru the Ruger but I'm not sure if shooting lots of rounds thru it would be a good thing.

By the same token the US 308 762x39 is a little sloppy in the AK's and SKS's.

I like the 7.62x39 much better than the 223.

I think getting all 3 or even 3 of each might be best to cover all the bases.

[ltxi]

One thing to consider is the Ruger is 308 where as AK's and SKS's are 310 or 311. I've been told feeding the cheap surplus ammo will work thru the Ruger but I'm not sure if shooting lots of rounds thru it would be a good thing.

By the same token the US 308 762x39 is a little sloppy in the AK's and SKS's.

I like the 7.62x39 much better than the 223.

I think getting all 3 or even 3 of each might be best to cover all the bases.

True that is.

[DeaconKC]

I love the Mini platform. I saw them take abuse working a maximum security prison that would have made an AR run for Momma.

[Redstate]

Got an Ak and would like to be able to find a good deal on a mini 30. I do like the 7.62 x 39. Jeepster, that is one fine looking gun.