Rugers modified verion of their already popular Ranch Rifle, a
mini-14. The mini thirty is chambered for a
7.62x39mm
Russian service round. This is the same round used in the mass produced
SKS, making ammo cheap and easy to come by.
Unlike the
SKS, the Mini Thirty has a shorter
barrel (18.5") and is intended to be used with a
telescopic sight.
The
Ruger Mini Thirty rifle is classified by the US government as a Battle
rifle, _NOT_ an
assault weapon. While I dont know how they can define a diffrence, they do, and so it makes this gun fairly easy to find at a good price.
Stats:
Barrel Length: 18.5"
Overall Length: 37.25"
Weight: 7lbs. 3oz.
magazine capacities: 5, 35, 50 (common);100 round drum (rare)
Rifling: 6 grooves, right hand twist, one turn in 10"
Finish: Polished and Blued overall.
Stats taken from The Shooters Bible