NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger Mini Thirty

Published on March 30, 2018
Duration: 5:22

This expert review from NRA Publications details the Ruger Mini Thirty, a 7.62x39mm variant of the classic Mini-14. It covers the rifle's history, design, technical specifications, and modern accuracy improvements, presented by Brian Sheetz of American Rifleman.

Quick Summary

The Ruger Mini Thirty is a 7.62x39mm variant of the classic Mini-14, featuring a gas-piston-operated action and an 18.5-inch stainless steel barrel. Developed in 1987, modern versions (580 series+) offer improved accuracy. It's suitable for deer hunting and uses curved 5- or 20-round magazines. MSRP is $1,069.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Ruger Mini Thirty
  2. 00:37Design and History
  3. 01:12Magazines and Hunting Suitability
  4. 01:38Physical Specifications
  5. 03:00Accuracy and the 580 Series
  6. 03:48Design Legacy and Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Ruger Mini Thirty chambered in?

The Ruger Mini Thirty is chambered in the 7.62x39mm Russian cartridge, which is also used by firearms like the SKS and AK-47. This allows for a good balance of power and manageable recoil.

What are the key design features of the Ruger Mini Thirty?

The Ruger Mini Thirty features a robust gas-piston-operated, semi-automatic action, an 18.5-inch stainless steel barrel, and integrated scope mounts characteristic of its 'Ranch Rifle' designation. It uses curved detachable box magazines.

Has the accuracy of the Ruger Mini Thirty improved over time?

Yes, modern versions of the Ruger Mini Thirty, specifically the 580 series and later, have seen significant accuracy improvements due to revamped tooling and engineering efforts.

What is the typical magazine capacity for the Ruger Mini Thirty?

The Ruger Mini Thirty is available with detachable box magazines typically in 5-round (flush fit) or 20-round capacities, designed with a curve to accommodate the 7.62x39mm cartridge taper.

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