RUGER MINI THIRTY
Posted May 19, 2023
Introduction
The Ruger Mini Thirty is an American-made semi-automatic rifle chambered in the 7.62×39mm caliber. The Mini Thirty is a shortened and lightened version of the Ruger AK-patterned rifles. It was designed for hunters and target shooters who appreciate the performance of the 7.62×39mm round, and who want a more compact rifle option. The Mini Thirty offers several features that stand out in comparison with other rifles of the same caliber, such as its reputation for reliability, affordability, and accuracy. The Mini Thirty is an ideal firearm for hunting deer or other medium sized game, as well as target shooting at the range.
History
The Mini Thirty was first introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc (Ruger) in 1987 as an upgraded version of the Ruger Mini-14. The Mini-14 had been in production since 1974 as a short-barreled variant of the Ruger M14 rifle. Ruger saw an opportunity to upgrade their popular mini-14 with the new caliber ammunition that developed from the AK-47 - the 7.62×39mm cartridge. The 7.62×39mm cartridge was known for its excellent performance and affordability, and the combination created a desirable new option for rifle shooters. The Mini Thirty quickly developed a reputation as an affordable and reliable option for hunters, target shooters, and even those looking for home-defense weapons.
Design
The Ruger Mini Thirty is a gas-operated military-style rifle that uses a rotary bolt system. The rifle’s receiver is made out of aluminum alloy and features a removable bolt cover, a bolt stop, and a cross bolt safety. The Mini Thirty features a 16.12-inch cold-hammer-forged alloy steel barrel with a 1:9.5 twist rate. The barrel features a unique flash suppressor that helps tamp down the sound of each shot. The rifle also features a steel, adjustable folding rear sight with a pinned front sight base. The rifle is equipped with a six-position collapsible stock made of lightweight synthetic polymer. The rifle also has an ambidextrous magazine and a flash suppressor.
Specifications
Overall Length: 35”
Barrel Length: 16.12”
Weight: 7.25 pounds
Barrel Twist: 1:9.5
Stock: Six-position collapsible synthetic polymer stock
Safety: Cross bolt safety
Sights: Fully adjustable folding rear sight and pinned front sight base
Capacity: 5+1 rounds
Caliber: 7.62×39mm
Performance
The Mini Thirty is considered to be one of the most reliable and accurate rifles in its class. The rifle’s accuracy is impressive, and the accuracy varies depending on the ammunition used. Some shooters have reported being able to achieve sub-MOA (minutes of angle) groups at 100 yards with high-grade ammunition. The rifle is also known for being extremely reliable, which is a key factor for those who need a rifle they can count on in the field. The bolt and gas system are also reported to be smooth and dependable.
The Mini Thirty is compatible with aftermarket parts and accessories such as scopes, flash suppressors, and other items. It is also compatible with a variety of Ruger magazines, including the 10-round magazine. The magazine also features a last round lock-open device that assists in unloading rounds from the chamber.
Finally, the Mini Thirty comes equipped with a threaded muzzle, which makes it easy to attach a suppressor or muzzle brake. This feature can be especially useful for those who want to use the Mini Thirty for target shooting or hunting without disturbing their surroundings.
Overall Thoughts
The Ruger Mini Thirty is an excellent choice for those who want an accurate, reliable, and affordable rifle. Due to its military-style design, it can be used for both hunting and target shooting. It can fire a variety of 7.62×39mm cartridges with excellent accuracy. The rifle is also very lightweight and is easy to handle in the field.
The Mini Thirty comes with several features that make it appealing to shooters. It comes with a threaded muzzle that makes it easy to attach a suppressor or muzzle brake. The rifle also comes with an adjustable folding rear sight with a pinned front sight base. The rifle comes with a six-position collapsible stock made of lightweight synthetic polymer, and can also be equipped with a variety of accessories. The rifle is also said to be reliable and accurate.
Overall, the Ruger Mini Thirty is a great choice for anyone looking to purchase a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.62×39mm. It has a proven track record of reliability, accuracy, and affordability. For these reasons, the Ruger Mini Thirty is an excellent rifle choice for target shooting or hunting.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ruger Mini Thirty is an accurate firearm. The Mini-Thirty is capable of reaching a maximum effective firing range of up to 600 meters and from 600 to 800 meters with a scope and properly selected ammunition.
- It is easy to customize and maintain as it contains few components.
- It is an inexpensive option, compared to other semi-automatic rifles.
- The 5.56x45mm NATO rounds are also available for the Mini Thirty.
Cons:
- It is unreliable and difficult to maintain, because of its long chamber and gas port design, which results in multiple cycling failures.
- It is not suitable for large game hunting due to the cartridges size and lack of power.
- It has a limited magazine capacity of only 20 rounds, and the magazine cannot be replaced with a higher capacity one.
- Due to the shorter barrel length, the rifle kick more and is less accurate at range than the AR-15 platform rifles.
Who Should Buy
The RUGER MINI THIRTY is a semi-automatic rifle designed for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and hogs. It is not suitable for home defense or AR-style combat shooting.
Anyone with sufficient knowledge and appropriate training in the use and handling of firearms should be able to safely and responsibly use the RUGER MINI THIRTY, provided they pass a background check and are legally allowed to own a firearm.
Anyone who is inexperienced with firearms, or does not have the necessary training and knowledge to use it safely and responsibly, should not buy a RUGER MINI THIRTY.
Comparisons
| Product | Capacity | Barrel Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUGER MINI THIRTY | 5+1 | 20 in. | 6.5 lbs |
| RUGER MINI THIRTY20CF | 5+1 | 20 in. | 6.5 lbs |
| KEL-TEC SUB-2000 | 15 | 17.3 in. | 4.25 lbs |
| SAVAGE MARK II | 10+1 | 21 in. | 6 lbs |
| SIG SAUER M400 TREAD | 30+1 | 16 in. | 7.25 lbs |
Features / Specs
•7.62x39mm chambering
•18.5” barrel
•Carbine-length gas system
•Flip-up aperture rear sight
•Blade front sight
•Milled angular receiver
•Garand-style action
•10-round box magazine capacity
•Birch stock with molded checkering
•Blued finish on metal components
Popular Accessories
- Magazines
- Scopes and Mounts
- Slings
- Recoil Pads
- Magazine Extensions
- Flash Suppressors
- Picatinny Handguards
- Bipods
- Muzzle Brakes
- Stocks
Accuracy
The Ruger Mini Thirty is an extremely accurate rifle, with an effective range of 150-200 yards for experienced shooters. Its bore axis is offset by almost 1.2” above the center line of the stock, which provides a natural point of aim and a smooth shooting experience. The Mini Thirty has a patented chrome steel barrel shroud which eliminates barrel whip and provides much needed stability for accurate shots. The provided iron sights are of good quality and should provide essential accuracy for distant targets. Although this is nowhere near the same accuracy standard a target rifle offers, it’s more than enough for hunting and recreational activities.
