Which is more accurate, a Russian SKS, or a Ruger Mini-30?

Question

Also, can a Ruger Mini-30 shoot the cheaper Wolf 7.62x39mm ammo?

I have a Russian SKS, and it is accurate enough, but it is a little too long, and too front-heavy for my preference. I want something that has decent sights, or that I can mount a red-dot scope on, that will be good for brush hunting deer and varmints, but I want to take advantage of the inexpensive 7.62x39mm round.

Answer 1

I've seen some Mini 30's that were nail drivers, I've also seen some mini 30's that couldn't hit the same place twice from 25 yards away. The same is true with the SKS's, altho it's more often than not to have an accurate Mini30 v/s an SKS. Yes you can shoot steel cased ammo in the Mini 30's, like wolf, barnaul, brown bear, golden tiger etc. Just for the cost I'd rather have an SKS than a Mini 30. But then again I've never been a huge fan of the Mini 14's or 30's to begin with.

Answer 2

Yeah it seems like the SKS's are luck of the draw sometimes. I had a Russian that was not accurate at all... about like my mini-14 (The Ruger carbines are not real accurate either). That said, I have a Romanian SKS that is a nail driver as far as I can tell with the open sights. I have no problem hitting a 4" circle at 100-200 yards. The mini-14 will typically do that at 100 yards unless you rebarrel and spend major $$ on it - I can only assume the mini-30 is similar, but from what others have said, maybe it is ok. I personally don't think the Ruger action is a good base for mounting a scope, and it tends to knock the hell out of them.

That said, I think it is much cheaper to find yourself an accurate SKS and use it with open sights. I think it is a better brush gun... I think a good brush gun should be cheap too, and it is. My Romanian is a shooter. It looks a bit worn and was issued to a Romanian PD - it shoots much better than the new condition Russian I had. The Romanian cost me $130... one of the most accurate rifles for the money that I have next to my $40 8mm Mauser with 30" barrel that shoots accurately as far as I can see through the open sights... or my Fin Mosin Nagant M39 ($139). Back in the day, my mini-14 cost me $450 or so for a standard synthetic matte stainless model... it is one of the few guns I would trade or sell even though it is setup as well as it can be (picatiny scout rail and holosite w/ 4moa dot - a configuration I recommend on these carbines), great for hitting big targets real fast with both eyes open, but I like plinking and shooting long range.

My buddy has an OLY ARMS AR-15 in 7.62x39... it is a tack driver like most AR's if you can get it to shoot without jamming from the completely crappy magazines. If there are quality mags available now that would be an option, especially if you already have a lower receiver on another AR - then again why bother. Cheap surplus Nato 5.56 is easy to find. Consider an AR or a Keltec SU-16.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Which is more accurate, a Russian SKS, or a Ruger Mini-30?
Also, can a Ruger Mini-30 shoot the cheaper Wolf 7.62x39mm ammo?

Answer 4

Ruger Mini 30 Accuracy

Answer 5

I think you will find that the Ruger Mini-30 is a bit more accurate than the SKS. The Ruger Mini-30 is a technological advance over the SKS by design as far as rifling and manufacturing techniqes, so it's safe to assume that generally it would be more accurate.

Though shooting the Wolf 7.62X39 ammo out of the Mini-30 won't damage the rifle, you will notice that the lacquer on the Steel (Not Brass) Wolf casings has a tendency to get hot, melt and cause some jambing problems after a few clips are fired. It can be a PITA to clean out without a good Copper chamber brush.....

*Like Boker..I'm not a big Ruger Mini 30 fan either..Wasn't impressed with the Ruger Mini 14 till they came out with the new target version.....

Answer 6

Mini 30 Accuracy

Answer 7

I have a Russian SKS and shoot the Wolf military classic ammo.... my SKS is dead accurate with the iron sights and I was shooting targets at 450 meters last week at the range.... maybe some rifles are not as good as others, but Russians are known to make high quality fire arms..... I doubt Ruger can match up to the quality of a true Russian SKS.....

Answer 8

I have both a mini .30 and a sks. The ruger is hands down the more accurate, and just all around better gun. I also shoot the wolf 7.62 ammo in both. It cost me a little more to have the scope mounts and rings put on my ruger, I use a 3x9 Simmons on it and it is as reliable as I am. I took a 250lb hog near Stamford, Texas from 120 yds with 1 shot, and I think you will find that the proof is in the pudding ( or sausage).

Answer 9

More often than not it is the loose nut behind the trigger that is the deciding factor in accuracy; but beyond that...... I have seen by far more SKS rifles that will shoot a tighter group than Mini-30's. Don't know if it is the barrel, action, yada; all I know is I have seen guys trade off or hang up their Mini-30 out of frustration, but very seldom see that with an SKS. They are simply made, rugged, reliable and live forever.

Answer 10

Russians SKS's are decades old... age effects guns greatly especially when dealing with surplus guns that were not always maintained properly. Also, quality varies greatly with Russian weaponry... I am sure some are superbly accurate while others can't shoot straight at 10 feet.

Wolf is overpriced, you get crappy ammo and pay way too much for it. Brown Bear/ Silver Bear is much higher quality and costs 20 percent less sometimes, it is also made in Russia at Barnaul.