Ruger Mini-30: The 7.62x39 mm Mini-14

by
posted on September 4, 2021
Ruger Mini 30

When Ruger introduced its Mini-14 in 1973 it didn’t take enthusiasts long to become enamored with the nimble semi-automatic carbine so reminiscent of the M1 and M14. The versatile gas-operated, piston-driven guns were compact, built to the company’s rugged standards and chambered in 5.56 NATO. One of the few complaints, however, was the fact that cartridge limited the gun’s ability to be used during big game season in many regions of the country.

The company has a tradition of responding to customers, so in 1987 a Mini-30 version of the Mini-14 was introduced, chambered in 7.63x39 mm. That .30-cal. bullet delivered more knockdown power downrange, which made it opening-day friendly. Its ability to digest inexpensive imported ammo was also a pocketbook bonus for those whose range sessions traditionally run longer than expected.

Today Ruger’s Mini-14 family has three branches. the entirely 5.56 NATO Ranch line, the Tactical’s (which include one model chambered in .300 Blackout) and the Mini-30s, exclusively in 7.62x39 mm. All are popular, but as American Rifleman highlighted last year in a Gun of the Week episode, the latter models are something special.

There are five models of the Mini-30 currently available from Ruger, and another dealer exclusive. All have hammer-forged barrels that are either 16.12" or 18.5" in length. Rifling is 6 groove, 1:10" right-hand twist.
Two models wear wood stocks, including the one only available from Davidson’s. Magazine capacity in both is five cartridges.

The four other versions wear black synthetic stocks and come with either five-or 20-round capacity magazines. Every model ships with a generous recoil pad, a ghost-ring aperture sight at the rear with blade up front, a receiver tapped for mounting the included Picatinny rail and a pair of magazines. Weight runs between 6.7 and 7 lbs. (including wood-stocked models) and overall length comes in at 36.75" or 37.5". Metalwork is available is stainless or blued, depending on the version selected.

It’s the reliability that leads to word-of-mouth sales, though. All Mini-30s use the Garand-style breech bolt locking system with a fixed piston and self-cleaning piston. It’s a combat proven method of operation, one that thrives through the mild-by-comparison neglect enthusiasts dish out. MSRPs run from $1,279 to $1,399.

Latest

1 MG42 Finn Main
1 MG42 Finn Main

"Hitler's Buzz Saw:" Wartime Assessments Of The German MG42 Machine Gun

The Maschinengewehr 42, more commonly called the MG42, was Germany’s final development in its longstanding “universal machine gun” concept. American GIs and U.S. Intelligence officers were discussing its capabilities even while fighting raged across Europe.

Winchester Goes Racing In 2025

Winchester will be featured on the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon as a part of the Richard Childress Racing team during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Rifleman Review: Taurus 605 T.O.R.O.

Taurus recently updated its popular 605 revolver with the ability to add a red-dot optic, thanks to a modified topstrap that accommodates an optic baseplate.

New For 2025: Mossberg 590 Professional Series

Mossberg expanded its 590 series of shotguns with all new Professional models, which undergo an "enhanced assembly and quality-control process."

C&H Precision’s Red-Dot Retrofits

The micro red-dot (MRD) craze is in full-swing and, several years in, it shows no signs of slowing down—to the point that most new semi-automatic pistol introductions, and even some revolvers, now come from the factory ready to accept such an optic.

Field Notes: Weatherby Mark V Live Wild

As multiple gunmakers hustled to produce 7 mm Backcountry prototypes in the weeks leading up to our hunt, it was lucky happenstance that Weatherby was first to the gate.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.