NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger Mini Thirty Rifle

by
posted on March 31, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

In a world full of AKs and ARs, Ruger’s Mini Thirty stands out as just a little different, harking to two of the most familiar, and respected, U.S. service rifle designs of all time: the Garand and the M14. Chambered for the ubiquitous 7.62x39 mm cartridge, the Mini Thirty takes full advantage of Ruger’s renowned investment-casting expertise with stout construction of either blued or stainless steels and features integral optics mounts. More durability comes in the form of a hammer-forged 18.5” barrel, and near-flawless operation is by way of a fixed-piston and long-stroke gas operation. With sturdy, fully adjustable iron sights and detachable, five- or 20-round steel box magazines, the Mini, like its smaller-caliber cousins, is a great all-around carbine for target shooting, hunting, predator control and personal defense. To learn more, check out this week's NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by Brian Sheetz.

Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Chambering: 7.62x39 mm
Action Type: gas-piston-operated, semi-automatic center-fire rifle
Receiver: stainless steel
Barrel: 18.5” stainless steel; cold hammer-forged
Rifling: six-groove, 1:10” RH twist
Magazine: five- or 20-round detachable box
Sights: fully-adjustable rear; protected, post front
Stock: hardwood
Weight: 7 lbs.
MSRP: $1,069 (current production)

Additional Reading:
Keefe Report: The Ruger Ranch Thirty

Five Reasons to Reconsider the Mini 14
Ruger Reinvents the Mini 14
NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger Mini 14 

M1A: The M14's Successful Sibling 












  







  





 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest

Federal Premium 7Mm Backcountry Artv 1
Federal Premium 7Mm Backcountry Artv 1

Behind Federal's 7 mm Backcountry Cartridge

In 2025, Federal Ammunition introduced its new 7 mm Backcountry cartridge, which operates at higher pressures than any previous commercial ammunition offering.

New for 2026: Beretta 94X Performance

The latest step in the evolution of Beretta's 90 series of handguns is the 94X Performance, a handgun that the company calls “the ultimate evolution of the Beretta competition pistol for IPSC and USPSA.”

Review: Spandau Arms RL

The Remington Model 700 lives on in the form of this RL bolt-action rifle produced in Turkey by Huglu and imported into the U.S. by Spandau Arms.

NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Applications Open

The NRA is accepting applications for the 2027 NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award from junior shooting sports participants who demonstrate active involvement in their communities and in shooting sports.

The (Not So) Gray Man: Tips to Avoid Tacti-Cool & Blend into the Background

Being a true "gray man" is not flashy. It won’t get you followers or likes or nods from across the room. What it will get you is something far more valuable in the real world: freedom of movement. Reduced attention. Lower probability of being selected, targeted or remembered.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.