mini 30 for SHTF

[TexasPatriot.308]

I have owned and still several mini 14s, know all about accuracy issues, recently got me a series 189 mini 30. only shot it a few times, a little imput, should I keep it or selland get another AK. soon Texas will attempt to pass an Arizona type immigration law and the illegals will go berserk (some left Arizona and Oklahomacause of same laws). my new 581 Tactical 14 I am confident in, my mini 30 is questionable. I love minis cause of the M14 styling and I guess when it comes to this, as long as they spray lead at close range, but just looking for input.

 

[Ignition Override]

For this caliber (both guns are unmodified), my Norinco SKS is better, and without a doubt better value. If the SKS' ten rounds
(with extra loaded stripper clips) are not enough, would it really matter?

Both have used only Wolf or Monarch ammo.
The magazines for the Mini 30 are two 10-rd. Promags, and only seldom misfeed. This newer Russian ammo in the Mini 30 does have some FTFs, but only now and then. Have never used expensive US-made ammo.

The Mini 30 is a much more attractive, classic-styled rifle, but the SKS (and AK) reportedly have really improved accuracy with an aperture Tech Sight attached.
My old ('90) Mini 14 was the most reliable, dependable gun I've ever owned, and this includes my bolt-action Lee-Enfield #4 and #5, and a Yugo Mauser, due to fairly weak magazine springs in these old Enfields (the last round often needs help). I only sold the Mini 14 to pay for the LE #5, and prefer the power of 30 caliber bullets over .223 ( 20-50 yards).

 

[wideym]

The Mini 30 is a good reliable rifle with better accuracy over the AK and pretty much about even with the SKS. I had my Mini-30's barrel turned down about an inch to install a Choate SS M-14 style flash hider and installed an M1 carbine style rear sight sold by Accuracy Systems. Now all I need are the new Ruger factory 20 rounders to make it compleate.

Even though I had all the work put into the Mini, I'm still not going to get rid of my AKs.

 

[Quiet]

I rather have a Saiga-762 than a Ruger Mini-30.
Better reliability and accuracy.

 

[RX-178]

If your heart is set on a 7.62x39mm rifle as your go-to (as opposed to your Mini-14 that you say you like), and you already have a Mini-30, I'd say your priorities are in this order:

Shoot the hell out of the Mini-30. Compare it to the Mini-14s. See how you like it in practical shooting sessions. Are you comfortable with the accuracy? Reliability? I can't answer that for you.

You said 'ANOTHER' AK. You have one or more AK styled rifles now? Compare hat one to the Minis as well.

You obviously have multiple options available to you now without having to spend more money on a new rifle, or go through the potential seller's remorse of getting rid of one of them. You've implied you have an AK, you have multiple Mini-14s, and a Mini-30. If there's any of them you're comfortable using as your go-to rifle, use it.

 

[KMO]

The Mini-30 will serve you well, and it is as reliable as your Mini-14. Even if you buy a used one, a barrel stabilizing rod is an inexpensive upgrade for it, and your accuracy will be improved.

 

[goon]

You said "another AK".
So if you have an AK already, and you like the mini, keep the mini. Why not?

 

[Art Eatman]

As near as I can tell, when folks go to worrying about SHTF, they're concerned with hostile people more than any other factor.

I don't see why a Mini-14 or Mini-30 wouldn't be as good as anything else, AR or AK-type, in such a situation. Reliable, adequately accurate for minute-of-torso...

In such a situation, the best rifle is the one with which you can best hit the target(s). Only the shooter can answer that question...

 

[M1key]

The .223 cartridge is effective to at least 100 yards with most any load.

Mini-30 owners report unreliable ignition with Russian ammo due to hard primers, even with heavier hammer springs. So, you must shoot only expensive US made or other 100% reliable ammo.

Also Mini-30s have a .308 bored barrel, so not always the optimum accuracy with import ammo.

If you think you might need or prefer 30 caliber, get a Saiga which will shoot ANY 7.62x39 and alot more accurately. That would be my choice.

 

[nathan]

Even a .22 LR or magnum in the hands of a good marksman, is quite deadly.

 

[Maverick223]

Test for reliability, but I don't see why not. I would prefer a Mini-30 over a Mini-14 in a defense scenario, all else being equal. Realize that good quality ammunition is a must with 7.62x39mm; Wolf Mil. Classic seems to perform fairly well. Personally I would take a lighter, handier, easier to point, dead reliable, M1 Carbine (with the similar styling that you like) over either, and have no doubts that it will get the job done equally well.

 

[aka108]

Sold my Mini 30. POS it was. My Arsenal AK, Saigas and SKS all shot better. Even had a Ruger 77 in 7.62X39. It was pretty but accuracy was lacking. Sold it to along with every other Ruger I had.

 

[winchester '97]

The saiga rifles in x39 are a whole lot better, and a lot cheaper. And they are also in an action that was designed around the x39 round.