Mini 30 as a Budget SHTF/Utility Rifle?
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Remington788
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I own one and it is a good rifle, but is less than 100% reliable with any magazine other than the factory 5 rounders.
R.W.Dale
Member
LOL
It's called an SKS twice the accuracy, the same reliablity, at a quarter of the cost.
I'm a SERIOUS 7.62x39 fanatic and a mini30/14 is one rifle I won't even consider buying
It's called an SKS twice the accuracy, the same reliablity, at a quarter of the cost.I'm a SERIOUS 7.62x39 fanatic and a mini30/14 is one rifle I won't even consider buying
KONY
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+1!
orionengnr
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One vote for the Mini
I have a Mini 30 and had a Mini 14. Both were/are great funtioning carbines. I have(had) 5, 20, 30 round mags, factory and aftermarket. Never had a problem with any of them.
Sorry, SKS guys, I know your rifles are cheap and reliable, but they are ungainly and ugly. Yes, I have shot one and no, I have no desire to own one.
My Mini is paid for (years ago).
I do wish I had bought several thousand rounds of el-cheapo 7.62 x 39 when it was cheap, but even when SKSs were $69 a few years ago, I didn't want one. Darn sure won't buy one now for $169-189.
I have a Mini 30 and had a Mini 14. Both were/are great funtioning carbines. I have(had) 5, 20, 30 round mags, factory and aftermarket. Never had a problem with any of them.
Sorry, SKS guys, I know your rifles are cheap and reliable, but they are ungainly and ugly. Yes, I have shot one and no, I have no desire to own one.
My Mini is paid for (years ago).
I do wish I had bought several thousand rounds of el-cheapo 7.62 x 39 when it was cheap, but even when SKSs were $69 a few years ago, I didn't want one. Darn sure won't buy one now for $169-189.
Kaylee
Member
Um.. if the idea is budget.. another vote against I'm afraid. Unless you really really want the Garand-style action, you can get the same utility with a lot less cash in an SKS or AK clone. Personally, I'd be looking at the latter if I wanted a semi (unless you're in CA or other occupied territories).
That said, as a intermediate-range utility carbine goes, I'd be more inclined to look at a .30-30 or a CZ527 in 7.62x39. They might not be fightin' type rifles, but they're wonderfully handy, carry well, and shoot straight.. particularly the CZ.
That said, as a intermediate-range utility carbine goes, I'd be more inclined to look at a .30-30 or a CZ527 in 7.62x39. They might not be fightin' type rifles, but they're wonderfully handy, carry well, and shoot straight.. particularly the CZ.
Another vote for the SKS. ~$100, accurate enough, powerful enough, enough aftermarket. Make mine a stocker with Tech sights and maybe a firesight up front, and I'll be a happy man.
Also, a lever action is a great, very socially acceptable option.
Also, a lever action is a great, very socially acceptable option.
beerslurpy
member
The Mini-30s around here cost more than the cheap AKs and arent any more accurate. Definitely less reliable. Ruger just doesnt deliver the goods.
krochus. if you dont own one, how do you know how reliable or accurate it is? oh. you went to the range with your buddy that owns one right? it takes more than one range session to get to know a rifle buddy.
twice as accurate you say? sks's are notorious for 8moa accuracy. mini-14/30's are known for 4-5moa accuracy. you also fail to mention that your beloved sks weighs 10 pounds and have the ergonomics of a club. mini's weight 4 pounds and point like a european shotgun. if you get QUALIYTY aftermarket mags the mini is as reliable as any other open bolt rifle in its class.
now, a wasr-10/ak-47 is the best choice in my opinion. it costs $100-$200 less than a mini, depending on what the prices are in your area. ak's are also usually more accurate than stock mini's and achieve 3-4 moa, on the plus side, good mags are only $12. on the other hand it isnt a very good hunting rifle.
twice as accurate you say? sks's are notorious for 8moa accuracy. mini-14/30's are known for 4-5moa accuracy. you also fail to mention that your beloved sks weighs 10 pounds and have the ergonomics of a club. mini's weight 4 pounds and point like a european shotgun. if you get QUALIYTY aftermarket mags the mini is as reliable as any other open bolt rifle in its class.
now, a wasr-10/ak-47 is the best choice in my opinion. it costs $100-$200 less than a mini, depending on what the prices are in your area. ak's are also usually more accurate than stock mini's and achieve 3-4 moa, on the plus side, good mags are only $12. on the other hand it isnt a very good hunting rifle.
beerslurpy
member
AK is a great hunting rifle. There are loads from 122 grain HPs to 154 grain SPs available commercially. If you want to handload there are people shooting up to 220 grain RN and down to powderless squirrel loads.
Kaylee
Member
If you want "rifle" style ergos, you can get a Saiga.. they seem pretty well made.. and ironically make the safety easier to deal with (though no, the safety isn't particularly loud, at least not necessarily. It's easy as pie to take off quiet-like. )
Heck, a .308 Saiga might be just perfect:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?item=46441954#PIC
Really though, I think you need to decide what's more important in a utility rifle for you though - do you want something that's mostly a weapon, that can be pressed into service as a hunting tool? Or a hunting rifle that can be used to hunt in a pinch?
(and incidentally, what kind of game are you thinking of hunting? Where will you be?)
Heck, a .308 Saiga might be just perfect:
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?item=46441954#PIC
Really though, I think you need to decide what's more important in a utility rifle for you though - do you want something that's mostly a weapon, that can be pressed into service as a hunting tool? Or a hunting rifle that can be used to hunt in a pinch?
(and incidentally, what kind of game are you thinking of hunting? Where will you be?)
Just_a_dude_with_a_gun
Member
My brother has both a mini 30 and a mini 14. Both are fine rifles, and well made, and I have fired them often. He has an sks as well, which is a good, fun rifle, but it is just not made as well.
Considering the "budget" part of your statement, in my opinion you should promptly remove the SKS and Mini30 from the equation. 7.62x39 ammo is too darn expensive, if it's available.
Go with a .308 or 5.56, ie: Saiga, AR, Mini14.
Considering the "budget" part of your statement, in my opinion you should promptly remove the SKS and Mini30 from the equation. 7.62x39 ammo is too darn expensive, if it's available.
Go with a .308 or 5.56, ie: Saiga, AR, Mini14.
Zach S
Member
I'd rather have an AK for reasons that colt.45 stated.
R.W.Dale
Member
Strange My tech sighted Yugo is good for about 2.5 MOA My mixmaster Norinco paratrooper does about 4 MOA . If I had a $500 rifle that would only shoot 4-5 MOA I'ed sell it quick cus I would have gotten screwed.
Weight of a Norinco SKS 8 lb 8 oz
Weight of a Mini 30 6.9 lb Quite a bit heavier than 4
European shotgun LOL you're kidding right?
SOUNDS LIKE if you dont own one, how do you know how reliable or accurate it is? oh. you went to the range with your buddy that owns one right? it takes more than one range session to get to know a rifle buddy.
You wan't to know what a $500 7.62x39 should shoot like using wolf ammo see the pic below. CZ527 carbine 154gr Wolf, range 100yds
J. Parker
Member
Another vote for the SKS. IMO, one of the all-time great inexpensive "rural" rifles. I'm rural and I've got one sitting in the corner.
~John
~John
Mannlicher
Member
Krochus says
Its possible that your admiting to being a 'fanatic' blows someof your credibility.
I have not had the same experience with SKS rifles. I don't find mine (both Russian Tula Arsenal rifles) to be all that accurate, or any more reliable than my Ruger Mini. Of course, I don't have one of those mythical online BBS SKS rifles, and therein may lie the problem.
Its possible that your admiting to being a 'fanatic' blows someof your credibility.
I have not had the same experience with SKS rifles. I don't find mine (both Russian Tula Arsenal rifles) to be all that accurate, or any more reliable than my Ruger Mini. Of course, I don't have one of those mythical online BBS SKS rifles, and therein may lie the problem.
J. Parker
Member
The thread starter wanted a SHTF/HD/Back-up hunting rifle. His choice doesn't have to be terribly accurate to accomplish any of that. Originally, the SKS was a combat rifle and it's combat accurate. I've owned several Russian and a whole bunch of Norinco SKS's and I don't recall not one malfunction of anykind. The only SKS that was a problem was a Yugo that had a headspace problem. I can't comment on the Mini-30 but an SKS is inexpensive, rugged, reliable, combat accurate, you can feed it relatively cheap ammo, and if you remove the bayo, cleaning kit, and cleaning rod it's fairly lightweight. Great gun......everyone should own at least one.
cracked butt
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I'd put my yugo SKS up against any out of the box Mini-30 for accuracy.
kentucky_smith
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hmmm, about 7 pounds, 1-2 moa at 50 yards with tech sights, $200. Bunch of stripper clips and I'm a happy camper. 16" barrel.
Red Tornado
Member
I read "paring down" in the original question to mean the Mini-30 is already in the arsenal, and should it be kept and used as described.
If that's correct, it'll do great. Cheap ammo, reliable, powerful and accurate for anything you're ever likely to need. I'd feel comfortable with it as a SHTF etc. rifle.
If I read wrong and you're going to be purchasing, I'm 100% with the SKS crowd, for all the reasons mentioned above.
RT
If that's correct, it'll do great. Cheap ammo, reliable, powerful and accurate for anything you're ever likely to need. I'd feel comfortable with it as a SHTF etc. rifle.
If I read wrong and you're going to be purchasing, I'm 100% with the SKS crowd, for all the reasons mentioned above.
RT
Unfortunately, I have an inherent bias against the sks. I've always considered them cheap "Bubba guns". Sorry. I already have an Ar15, a Winny 30-30, a Marlin .44 mag, and a CZ 527 7.62X39. I'm looking for one rifle which might replace all of these. I thought maybe the Mini 30 would fill the bill. I like the peep sights and the ability of mounting a scope for deer hunting. Ammo can still be had pretty cheaply, especially compared to most other centerfire sporting rounds.
kentucky_smith
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It won't. To replace all those, you need an AR10 or Fal.
R.W.Dale
Member
What's wrong with just keeping the CZ and getting rid of the other rifles.
In the real world the CZ will take care of any situation you are likely or unlikely to ever be in. If you can't win with the CZ then you've already lost reguardless of what other rifle may be in your hands.
In the real world the CZ will take care of any situation you are likely or unlikely to ever be in. If you can't win with the CZ then you've already lost reguardless of what other rifle may be in your hands.
J. Parker
Member
Geeez, somebody looking for the perfect weapon for every situation. Sorry, it doesn't exist.
~John
~John
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