NRA Gun of the Week: Ruger Mini Thirty Rifle

by
posted on March 31, 2018

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

Soviet version of the SKS
Soviet version of the SKS

Will The Real Russian SKS Please Stand Up?

During the Vietnam War, many SKS carbines were recorded as being “Russian” in origin, but recent research by archivists and collectors has proven that licensed copies of the SKS from other countries were also brought into North Vietnam.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 30, 2024

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

Where Sears Got Its Guns

The history of what was later to become the Meriden Fire Arms Co. is actually the story of Andrew Fyrberg & Co. of Worcester, Mass. The association of this firm with Sears, Roebuck & Co. formed the basis of what became a giant in the American sporting firearms industry.

Preview: Real Avid Blades Rav-5

From the firearm toolmaker Real Avid comes a sharp new subset within the company portfolio, the Rav series of liner-lock knives.

Review: Walther Arms PD380

Chambered for the easy-to-shoot .380 ACP cartridge, Walther's compact PD380 comes as a redesigned PK380 of which has been optimized for performance and duty use.

Preview: Nebo Bat Light 1500

The baton-shaped Bat Light 1500 from Nebo is a tactical flashlight that, in a pinch, can serve as a self-defense tool in and of itself.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.