Mini-30 Tactical: a few questions...

[ruger9two]

1) since this model has the heavy barrel, would a stabilizer be of any use? I have seen where guys have added them, but also read one of the manuf. making them has said sometimes there is little, if any, improvement.

2) I was all set to go with a forward-mount scout scope (really like the Burris), but have since questioned that, and have been considering a red dot (Lucid) or reflex/holo (Eotech clone)... these do NOT mount forward, correct? These mount over the receiver? So what would I need to mount these over the receiver (guess I'm looking for small picatinny rails?)

3) I've read about the issues with steel ammo; feed failures and broken firing pins... does anyone know if these issues were just on the older models or are they also on the current (last few years) upgraded models?


4) with regards to sights... this is a PD weapon, so anything beyond 50 yds will probably be the exception rather than the rule... with that information, should I even bother with a red dot or reflex/holo or just use irons? (of course assuming I can hit what I aim at :lol: ) I'm just thinking "both eyes open/fast re-acquisition of next target/better situational awareness"...

 

[9x19]

1) I haven't found a need for a stabilizer, as mine will shoot into 2" at 100 yards and it's effective range isn't much further than that, IMO.

2) Several companies offer a pic rail (and mini optic (FastFire, Docter)) rails that will mount to the factory bases. Here's one: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=42104/avs%7CMake~~Model_1=Ruger__Mini-14/Product/RUGER-MINI-14-RANCH-RIFLE-OPTIC-MOUNTS

3) I've not had any issues with the MFS zinc-plate steel soft-point ammo in mine, but I haven't run thousands of rounds thru it yet.

4) I went with a 1x-4x scope on mine which also has an illuminated center dot. In your case one of the mini red-dots like the Buris Fast Fire or Docter sight might make a great setup.

Good luck.

 

[ruger9two]

Do the pic rails you mention that mount to the factory bases require the removal of the rear site?

 

[dano03]

I have the new Mini-30 Tactical and I had the old Mini-30 . The new one really surprised me with the iron sights ! I recomend you build your confidence with the iron sights then choose one of the red dot systems. I chose the EOTECH but it is on a AR-15 for a Patrol Rifle. Others choose the Aimpoint. Choose one and get good with it ! I have still not picked one out for the Mini-30 T yet but will soon. I still have an older GB that I might let go soon to pay for something special.
No problems with any of the ammo yet but I have only fired a little over 100 rounds so far.

Good luck !

 

[9x19]

Do the pic rails you mention that mount to the factory bases require the removal of the rear site?

The rail I linked to above doesn't extend much past the edge of the factory ring mount so it shouldn't hit the rear sight... but if it did, you could mill or file it just a bit to increase the clearance.

I used the factory bases and 30mm rings with mine.

 

[blume357]

The only item I feel somewhat qualified to comment on is the red dots..... these are fun to play with and do make shooting easier in some situations.... I personally would never have one on a personal defense weapon. I was taught a long time ago to never depend on electronics. seems to me like when you need it, you don't want to have to worry if the battery is still working....

 

[ruger9two]

The only item I feel somewhat qualified to comment on is the red dots..... these are fun to play with and do make shooting easier in some situations.... I personally would never have one on a personal defense weapon. I was taught a long time ago to never depend on electronics. seems to me like when you need it, you don't want to have to worry if the battery is still working....

My gut tells me the same thing... my dad was in WWII, built his own houses, built and flew his own airplanes, did everything himself his whole life... a simple man. Navigated cross-country using roads, rivers, and railroads most of his life. Only got a LORAN (Electronic guidance) in his last plane the last few years he was alive. But that's where all my thinking comes from, just for some background.

The Mini-30 (like the M1 carbine) points like a finger, and if you can handle your weapon, optics shouldn't be necessary in a PD situation, and does just give you one more thing to break. I'm not going to be "sniping" anybody, even if the SHTF. If I want a long range rifle for hunting or something, I'll buy another rifle.

However, I'll admit, being a child of my generation (I'm 43), that I wonder to myself "why do SEALS and other military clear rooms with scopes?" Because at those ranges, they aren't necessary, but they use them. Just a bit silly, can't compare my theoretical situation to clearing a building in an urban war environment... I guess the red dots might come in handy for stuff up to 100 yds, especially for quick acquisition, just not sure how often *I* personally will be in that situation, if ever.

For range fun- yeah! For range fun, I probably would get a Burris or Weaver scout scope, or even a standard scope... my buddy has a Springfield M1A Scout Squad, and we were hitting iron plates at 200 yds with just iron sights. But at those distances, scopes (and smaller targets) do become fun.

Sorry for the ramble, about half awake, just started my coffee. :mrgreen:

 

[9x19]

If you go with an Aimpoint, the battery life is not a question, they last for a couple years... in the ON position.

Change the battery once a year and you'll never have a worry.

 

[ruger9two]

It wouldn't really be the battery I was worried about, more like broken glass. At which point it becomes a paperweight.

 

[crewdog05]

We site swfa outdoors has GG&G mounts for mini14/30 that seem to be pretty good, they cam be installed without removing the rear iron site.

 

[Richbaker]

It wouldn't really be the battery I was worried about, more like broken glass. At which point it becomes a paperweight.

Aimpoints are a very durable scope, They take a licking and keep on ticking... 8)

 

[blume357]

ruger9two's comments about his father and navigating an airplane is spot on with what I was saying about electronics. This is how I was taught with boat navigation... sure use electronic navigation as a back up but never totally rely on it.... just like with iron sights and riflemanship, any good boater should know how to use a sextant and or at least a compass and know how to do coastal charting.