Mini 30, 7.62 x 39, or Auto Ord. M-1 30 carbine

Hawkshaw

Looking for reccomendations on one or the other of these rifles. New, they are about the same $$$$. Accuracy, reliability? This is just to take to the rock pit, and take care of my frustrations Ammo cost is a minor consideration. THX

charliemeyer007

I like to shoot and I really like hitting what I'm aiming at vs spray and pray and maybe I hit something sometimes. I reload my ammo because it the the best there is for that firearm. It also happens to usually be cheaper and it's always in stock.

I never liked the 30 Carbine, cartridge or rifle but I have loaded lots for other people. I don't recall ever loading for the rusky but I did help a few people set up their stuff.

A stainless steel mini 30 gets my vote.

nmyers

The weight classes are pretty far apart.

The 7.62x39 is a medium power round, suitable for medium game, including deer. .30 carbine is really a pistol round, equivalent to the .357 mag; great plinker & personal defense gun, but that's all.

If I were buying an M1 carbine, I would look for a USGI. Not keen on buying from Rev Moon. (Auto Ord name belongs to Kahr, which is owned by the Moonies.) But, that's just me.

At least with the Ruger, the factory stands behind the gun, for just about forever.

Neal

Mark G

My USGI M1 carbine is my absolute favorite plinker. The Mini-30 is a decent rifle but not one of my favorites. If all you want to do is plink, get the M1.

navc130

The M-1 Carbine IS A LOT OF FUN TO SHOOT. Low recoil, high capacity magazines and good for women and youngsters. The 7.62x39 cartridge moves you up to a more powerful level. But ammo is relatively cheap and plentiful.

andrewsw16

Go for the 7.62x39. Ammo is cheap and plentiful and the round can do anything the .30 carbine round can do, and more. [:)]

yoshmyster

You know what you get with the Mini-30. I've been told by my local gunshop the .30 carbine (depending on the maker) it's a hit or a miss. I think dude said Inland (that's a maker right?) was making crap these days. I also recall dude said there's just another shop making the M1s. If you're dead set on "new" M1 I'd see before buying.

mjrfd99

quote:Originally posted by andrewsw16
Go for the 7.62x39. Ammo is cheap and plentiful and the round can do anything the .30 carbine round can do, and more. [:)]

Having both - I vote 7.62x39
Same reasons
M1 is a fun shooter though.

He Dog

I like the M1 Carbine, and though Auto Ord. is run by Rev. Moons son, they make one of the better carbine reproductions. Very decent carbines and will run you less than almost all of the original USGI carbines.

tsr1965

For your purposes, the ammunition in 7.62x39 will be less expensive. So, that chooses the Mini 30 for you. However if you want the very most in reliability, and decent accuracy(as good as the mini-30, and Mini-14 platforms), then if it is legal in your state, I would go with an AK-47 type platform. My favorites are the milled receiver's, like an SLR 95, or a good American made one...they just seem to be more accurate than the stamped receiver models, which are just as accurate as the Mini 30.

llama

The M1 Carbine for historical purposes, and not a lot of shooting (carbine ammo has gotten expensive lately from the few times I've looked out of curiosity), and future collectible value

The Ruger for lots of shooting 762x39 isn't as cheap as it used to be but it is still pretty cheap.