Im FULLY aware of the problems/issues with the Mini 14. however, in looking for an alternative to AK/SKS style 7.62X39 rifles, I don’t see much on the Mini 30. I did look at some so-called “reviews” on Youtube, shooting 4-5 mags thru a gun does not a “review” make, imho.
Also…Im aware they have issues firing steel cases ammo. Outside of that…anyone here own or has had enough personal experience with one to give an opinion & advice on the gun? What about high round count durability & general accuracy?
Magazines holding more than 5 rounds have been an issue with them in the past. Not sure if that’s still a problem or not.
My guess is the entire gun world has basically hit the delete button on the Mini 14 awhile back. I rarely ever see them in classes and when I do their performance is abysmal. In this day and age no one I know is going to tolerate that for very long. They are borderline worthless for anything more than plinking - basically a 10/22 in a bigger caliber. For any kind of serious use they should be avoided like the plague.
Don’t forget to check out the PTR32, VZ58 and the CMMG MK47.
Ive posted before about my negative experiences regarding the Mini-30. In a nut shell, its unfortunate, but no matter what I did to try make that gun work it never was reliable nor accurate. Remarkably the gun still sells well enough in the ban states and to unsuspecting buyers in free states that Ruger still pumps them out the door. Stay away from it as it will leave poorer and frustrated at its lack of performance. There are other platforms as pointed out above if you don’t want to stick an SKS or AK pattern rifle. Good luck!
I second this. I bought one when it first came out. It was literally minute of pie plate at 100 yards, with a 3X9 scope, benched with quality hunting ammo. It was so abysmal I couldn’t believe it. None of the high cap mags I tried would work properly. They were highly effective ammunition damaging devices. It was also far too heavy for it’s envelope.
I had it less than 6 months and it stands out as one of the worst firearms I’ve ever owned. 
Were these factory Ruger 20rd Mini-30 magazines or aftermarket? I know that the factory Ruger 20rd magazines were only available for law enforcement for a long time, but now they’re available to everyone who lives in a free state. A friend of mine has a Mini-14 and he’s tried a bunch of different magazines that hold over 10rds. Only the factory magazines and one other work reliably. The others don’t. Other than not working with junk aftermarket magazines, his rifle runs like a champ.
Also, I’ve read (on the internet so take that for what it’s worth) that Ruger was using .308" barrels when they first started production of the Mini-30 which led to poor accuracy. Now they use the proper diameter barrels. I’m not saying they’re tack drivers now, just that the initial production doesn’t necessarily represent their performance now.
THANKS to all who have given answers! NO MINI 30 for me!
I’m not aware that Ruger ever produced factory + capacity mags for the 30? Everyone knows that factory mags are the only way to go for the 14.
http://shopruger.com/Mini-Thirty-20-Round-Magazine/productinfo/90338/
The market price is around $30.
http://www.impactguns.com/ruger-mini-30-magazine-20-rd-762x39-factory-90338-736676903382.aspx
Here’s the Tactical model they sell now. It comes with two 30rd magazines and even an evil flash hider. Oh, the horror.:fie: I bet Bill Ruger is turning in his grave.
“No honest man needs more than 10 rounds in any gun”. “I never meant for simple civilians to have my 20 or 30 round magazines or my folding stock.” “I see nothing wrong with waiting periods.”
It’s good to see that those who followed him have more sense.
I always wondered how he squared his FUDD mentality with the fact that he sold military pattern rifles and pistols to the public? 