Ruger Mini 30 (7.62 x 39mm)

[Joester41]

Looking at possibly buying a Ruger Mini 30, the stainless steel version with a 30 round magazine. Anybody have any experience/input on them?

[LifeInPa]

I have done a lot of reading on the Mini-14 because it's likely to be my first .223 gun and I really wanted at least one .223 gun with a wood finish. Anyway while reading/asking questions on one of the Mini forums I came across a wealth of info the on the Mini 30. I read a lot of good stuff on the rifle and I was seriously considering buying one for myself eventually but it has one major flaw that turns me off, you cannot feed the rifle Berdan primed ammo. The problem here is most 7.62x39 ammo (At least the cheap, bulk stuff) is Berdan primed. If you feed the rifle Berdan primed ammo it will have FTF's and eventually break the firing pin. I think they have aftermarket firing pins that are stronger if you really want to go that route.

I would advise checking out: http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/

A member here turned me onto this website and they will give you a lot of unbiased information on the Mini family of rifles. Good luck.