[SafetyfirstONT]

Ruger from my perspective has hiked everything up due to various factors i imagine. Any possible way that these prices, especially Minis will trend down? I would love to get another mini 30 new, but the LGS around me are pricing these guys 1100 to 1200. When I bought mine it was 900(584 series), at that time i thought that was alot. ARs keep getting cheaper, which is awesome. I just want another mini at a decent price is all. I guess this post is mainly to vent. First world problems.

 

[Jonjeo]

edited.........

 

[RIBob]

I doubt it will be any time soon. Ruger is facing at least one lawsuit with potentially huge financial consequences. Add to that that folks in an increasing number of States are discovering that the Mini is still legal. That will change in the future, I believe, but for now, the Mini is still available to them.

Some members here have managed to find gently used (not abused) Minis discarded by former owners usually because the former owners did not know how to remedy some of the flaws in their particular Mini. It becomes a safe queen, and eventually gets traded-in or sold off. After a little tweaking, such rifles often work very well.

A lot about whether or not this approach is practical depends on whether or not Ruger still offers parts support for your Mini. No expert, but it may be that some model-specific parts for older rifles might be in scant/zero supply, but other parts common to a wide range of models (such as springs/extractor/ejector) might be readily available.

A potentially serious problem that can be encountered on Minis is wear/damage to the rifling at the muzzle caused by improper cleaning/tools. In many cases this can be remedied by a simple re-crowning of the muzzle, which can often be a DIY project with the right tools. Even a more extensively damaged muzzle can often be counterbored, but this will be a job for a gunsmith with a lathe. Still a lot cheaper than a new barrel, and if done right, should restore the accuracy of the barrel.

In your case, and if you have not already done so, I suggest obtaining a "sufficient" number of reliable magazines (before they are banned in your locale), a decent stock of spare parts (including "fitted" spare parts, ammo which shoots well in your rifle, and any accessories that you wish. There may be a few tweaks you can make to your existing Mini that might be useful.

Best wishes!

 

[FTMFXR]

If you’re talking about the Boulder shooting law suit a good portion is simply not going anywhere.
But as far as the meat of the suit, it will have to go at least got to the appeals level as it won’t be hard to get a liberal jury in Boulder.

 

[First_Mini]

I doubt it will be any time soon. Ruger is facing at least one lawsuit with potentially huge financial consequences. Add to that that folks in an increasing number of States are discovering that the Mini is still legal. That will change in the future, I believe, but for now, the Mini is still available to them.

Some members here have managed to find gently used (not abused) Minis discarded by former owners usually because the former owners did not know how to remedy some of the flaws in their particular Mini. It becomes a safe queen, and eventually gets traded-in or sold off. After a little tweaking, such rifles often work very well.

A lot about whether or not this approach is practical depends on whether or not Ruger still offers parts support for your Mini. No expert, but it may be that some model-specific parts for older rifles might be in scant/zero supply, but other parts common to a wide range of models (such as springs/extractor/ejector) might be readily available.

A potentially serious problem that can be encountered on Minis is wear/damage to the rifling at the muzzle caused by improper cleaning/tools. In many cases this can be remedied by a simple re-crowning of the muzzle, which can often be a DIY project with the right tools. Even a more extensively damaged muzzle can often be counterbored, but this will be a job for a gunsmith with a lathe. Still a lot cheaper than a new barrel, and if done right, should restore the accuracy of the barrel.

In your case, and if you have not already done so, I suggest obtaining a "sufficient" number of reliable magazines (before they are banned in your locale), a decent stock of spare parts (including "fitted" spare parts, ammo which shoots well in your rifle, and any accessories that you wish. There may be a few tweaks you can make to your existing Mini that might be useful.

Best wishes!

Other than wear/damage to the rifling at the muzzle, what are common flaws of the Mini-14 that motivate owners to sell (typo: seel) their Mini-14s to someone else?

 

[FTMFXR]

Other than wear/damage to the rifling at the muzzle, what are common flaws of the Mini-14 that motivate owners to seel them?

What does that mean? Wear damage to the rifling at the muzzle? And what is seel?

 

[FTMFXR]

I doubt it will be any time soon. Ruger is facing at least one lawsuit with potentially huge financial consequences. Add to that that folks in an increasing number of States are discovering that the Mini is still legal. That will change in the future, I believe, but for now, the Mini is still available to them.

Some members here have managed to find gently used (not abused) Minis discarded by former owners usually because the former owners did not know how to remedy some of the flaws in their particular Mini. It becomes a safe queen, and eventually gets traded-in or sold off. After a little tweaking, such rifles often work very well.

A lot about whether or not this approach is practical depends on whether or not Ruger still offers parts support for your Mini. No expert, but it may be that some model-specific parts for older rifles might be in scant/zero supply, but other parts common to a wide range of models (such as springs/extractor/ejector) might be readily available.

A potentially serious problem that can be encountered on Minis is wear/damage to the rifling at the muzzle caused by improper cleaning/tools. In many cases this can be remedied by a simple re-crowning of the muzzle, which can often be a DIY project with the right tools. Even a more extensively damaged muzzle can often be counterbored, but this will be a job for a gunsmith with a lathe. Still a lot cheaper than a new barrel, and if done right, should restore the accuracy of the barrel.

In your case, and if you have not already done so, I suggest obtaining a "sufficient" number of reliable magazines (before they are banned in your locale), a decent stock of spare parts (including "fitted" spare parts, ammo which shoots well in your rifle, and any accessories that you wish. There may be a few tweaks you can make to your existing Mini that might be useful.

Best wishes!

How does the Mini have any more muzzle damage than anything else?

 

[billt3160]

"When will prices trend down?"......... As soon as this recession gets bad enough, to the point people have to make a choice between buying gasoline, food, and paying their overpriced mortgages and car payments...... Over buying new and fancy guns.

We're not there yet. But we soon will be, the way companies are all starting to lay off, and the way this out of control government is printing money, and giving it to people for doing nothing.

 

[RIBob]

How does the Mini have any more muzzle damage than anything else?

The Minis, like the M1 Garand, the M-14/M1A, and the M-1 Carbine must all be cleaned from the muzzle. This involves the cleaning rod rubbing inside the bore of the rifle (at the muzzle) for its full length, thus making bore damage more likely, especially if a coated, rotating handle cleaning rod, and/or a muzzle guide are not used.

I have seen many M1s damaged in exactly this manner.

 

[Jonjeo]

I'll buy primers if they come down to the exclusion of food and clothing.

 

[jumpluff]

The Minis, like the M1 Garand, the M-14/M1A, and the M-1 Carbine must all be cleaned from the muzzle. This involves the cleaning rod rubbing inside the bore of the rifle (at the muzzle) for its full length, thus making bore damage more likely, especially if a coated, rotating handle cleaning rod, and/or a muzzle guide are not used.

I have seen many M1s damaged in exactly this manner.

Not arguing RIBob...but genuinely seeking enlightenment. With a military issue steel cleaning rod I can envision this. However I use an aluminum cleaning rod on my steel barrel rifles and though I don't use a muzzle guide I don't believe I have ever observed and degradation in the muzzle crown or rifling nor have I observed any decreased accuracy. It was my...perhaps mistaken...impression that soft aluminum would not significantly wear hardened steel. Am I missing something here?

 

[SafetyfirstONT]

In my neck of the woods I have noticed second hand the minis sell below new retail prices. Usually around 900 which isn't bad . The Ruger American ranch rifles , even in 762 39 can be had for less than half of a new mini 14/30. Is there a 600 difference in rifles other than the semi auto feature ?

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

bore snake is good.
I've got the idea that 'slow joe and the blow hoe' and co. are planning on banning imports of arms and ammo from European countries as Billary did China munitions/arms.
related to the OP is fact that the availability and price of a Mini will be less for the former and much more for the latter.

 

[RIBob]

Not arguing RIBob...but genuinely seeking enlightenment. With a military issue steel cleaning rod I can envision this. However I use an aluminum cleaning rod on my steel barrel rifles and though I don't use a muzzle guide I don't believe I have ever observed and degradation in the muzzle crown or rifling nor have I observed any decreased accuracy. It was my...perhaps mistaken...impression that soft aluminum would not significantly wear hardened steel. Am I missing something here?

It's true that aluminum is much softer than steel. However abrasive particles can embed into aluminum over time. Most folks should not have any problems with coated rods with spinning handles, especially if they clean the rod often and use a muzzle guide. When the coating on the rod is significantly worn, replace the rod along with all the stuff embedded into the coating/rod.

We are talking here about gradual and cumulative damage. Even water will wear down a stone, given enough time. In the context of this thread, those seeking to buy a used Mini in order to save some money are well advised to closely inspect the muzzle, and the rifling at the muzzle, for any possible damage--some of which may be very hard to see. That's why throat and muzzle erosion gauges are used.

I admit to being a bit overcautious, but a cleaning rod (even many of them) is/are cheaper than a new barrel. Muzzle guides are also cheap. As said, I have seen a lot of M1s so damaged (probably by GI Steel rods, as mentioned), but the general principle is the same with the Mini.

YOU may be using proper tools and techniques (except for not using a muzzle guide), but there is no guarantee that the unknown number former owners of any firearm did so.

Let's say a previous owner of a Mini mistakenly pushed the rod down the bore instead of pulling it up through the bore. Without a muzzle guide in place, there is nothing preventing the handle of the rod from slamming into the muzzle, possibly damaging it over time. There's many ways do screw up even a simple task.

Just my opinions, but I believe my reasons are sound, even if I'm possibly overcautious. YMMV.

 

[FTMFXR]

I’ve not seen a steel cleaning rod in many decades.
But the there are those that swear a bore snake will immediately ruin a barrel. Lots of internet lore.