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

Sar Gotw Web
Sar Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Sarsilmaz SAR9 SC Gen3

As part of a new family of guns, SAR USA offers its SAR9 SC Gen3, a small, subcompact, striker-fired design made for daily carry. Watch our video to see this concealable pistol in use on the range.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 7, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

SIG Sauer, GrabAGun Partner On Freedom Series Pistols

SIG Sauer has partnered with GrabAGun to offer three specially finished Freedom Series handguns that pay homage to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA.

Review: Taurus Model 58

Announced publicly in April 2025 at the NRA Annual Meetings and Events convention in Atlanta, Ga., Taurus USA has filled the traditional double-action void of full-size .380-ACP-chambered handguns within its American catalog by launching the Model 58.

Smith & Wesson Announces $150 American Guardians Rebate

Smith & Wesson's American Guardians Rebate program allows military veterans and first responders to get a break on the cost of Smith & Wesson firearms or Gemtech suppressors.

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

Smith & Wesson went back to the drawing board with its Bodyguard .380, and in 2024, the company rolled out the Bodyguard 2.0, which is one of the smallest and lightest defensive pistols in the S&W lineup.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.