Is Mini 30 reliable with minor upgrades?

[Starslinger]

So, I have heard that the Mini 30 is...almost...a good rifle but has a lot of failures to fire with steel cased ammo. I also heard that it can shoot steel cased ammo reliably and rival an AK in accuracy if you change out the firing pin or maybe the bolt or spring? Is this true? Can you really make a few minor changes and have a featureless gun that is on par with an AK? Thanks for any information on this.

[BradleyAbrams]

So, I have heard that the Mini 30 is...almost...a good rifle but has a lot of failures to fire with steel cased ammo. I also heard that it can shoot steel cased ammo reliably and rival an AK in accuracy if you change out the firing pin or maybe the bolt or spring? Is this true? Can you really make a few minor changes and have a featureless gun that is on par with an AK? Thanks for any information on this.

Get a SKS.

It's featureless, has a fixed 10Rd Magazine and is chambered in 7.62 X 39, same as AKMs.

.

[splithoof]

I use a Mini-30 Tactical Stainless, with a Mini-Scout Mount made by Omega. I have a low profile 4X scout optic on it, a LED light, and a good sling.
It easily digests steel cased Russian ball ammunition all day. I have been able to get 2-3” groups out of it with some of the Russian ball, from a bench.
It has been exceptionally reliable, and is kept as a defensive weapon loaded with good soft-point deer loads.
I personally prefer it to any of my AR-type rifles. If SHTF, it’s the one I’m reaching for.

[Jarhead]

Oooh No, not another Mini “ almost a good rifle “ marathon “

[jyo]

You really don't need to do much to a Mini 14 or 30---this idea you have to "upgrade" before they're worth anything is pure sewage! I've been shooting Mini 14s and my friends Mini 30s for decades now---always seem to hit what I'm aiming at! Use Ruger factory magazines always---don't even think of 3rd party mags! Buy and enjoy...

[amtz.zero]

Mine's been very reliable

[theduracellbigd]

Get a .223 and shoot brass like a pro. US made rifle, based on US battle rifle action, shooting US caliber with brass ammo. Brass is superior due to lubricity, and corrosion resistance. You ask anyone who has been around the block, you wanna shot steel or brass cased ammo, especially if your life depended on it, all will say brass. Good luck finding any ammo period right now haha

[Garand Hunter]

Not mecessary, mine, a 186 series works just fine ! Lots of hoopla, just that hoopla about it needs this it needs that. And yes, Ruger mags !

Psalm 1

[saudadeii]

[bohoki]

my original one works pretty good i can bumpfire with my usa mags till the barrel melts maybe one misfire in 60 or so ;it leaves a good dimple on the primers

[Dean]

Depends your your planned usage IMHO

My Mini 30 has been modified as I was trying to find it's maximum accuracy out of it. I do NOT run any Russian or other questionable steel cased ammo through it. I only use quality ammo made in the USA or from firms like S&B or the likes. As the saying goes "garbage in garbage out".... I've also replaced the barrel with a thicker SS one that does not have the "barrel whip" that both the factory Mini 30 and Mini 14 are noted for. I have been able to get 4x scope mounted 3/4" 100 yard groups this way. And have never had a failure to feed or fire from it....

Good luck with yours!

[BajaJames83]

While I really like my mini 30 it would not run steel cased ammo in its factory form. I got one of the enhanced firing pins and its been 100% since. I prefer it over my AK all day long but would still take an AR over both

[dfletcher]

So, I have heard that the Mini 30 is...almost...a good rifle but has a lot of failures to fire with steel cased ammo. I also heard that it can shoot steel cased ammo reliably and rival an AK in accuracy if you change out the firing pin or maybe the bolt or spring? Is this true? Can you really make a few minor changes and have a featureless gun that is on par with an AK? Thanks for any information on this.

I haven't made any changes to my Mini 30 other than putting it into the new release factory folder and using a smaller diameter gas port. Granted, I don't use a ton of steel cased but when I do (Wolf, Herters) it runs fine. My magazines are all factory, don't know if anyone makes aftermarket for the Mini 30

[Devilock04]

[Angrysnarf]

Apparently there's an extended firing pin but that's about it