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Author Topic: Mini Thirty Woes and a Question  (Read 709 times)

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Offline CheapShot

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question
« on: September 23, 2004, 08:43:44 AM »
I inherited an early production Mini Thirty from my father (it has scope rings, etc.). It has been shot very little, but about a year ago I took it out of the gun safe and the bolt was jammed shut and wouldn't budge. I sent the gun to Ruger and they fixed it and sent it back to me. I shot a few rounds through it, cleaned the gun, and put it in the safe. I got it out yesterday, and the bolt is jammed shut! There is no round in the chamber, etc. What is going on here? I am mostly a double gun and single shot rifle fan, so my semi-auto experience is less than extensive!

I notice on web sites that folks talk about a "pre-ban" gun. What would that be? Is my rifle a "pre-ban" model (serial number begins with 189), and if so, does this mean anything as regards resale value?

Thanks in advance for the help.
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Offline Omaha-BeenGlockin

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2004, 11:34:03 AM »
Your bolt is rusting to the chamber-------get some Break Free------WD-40 or something of the like-------soak it good---then give it a whack with a rubber mallet.

Clean it up before shooting-----then lube it better before you put it away next time.

Pre ban-----post ban---means nothing anymore as the law expired----you just have a slighly used older rifle---is all.
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Offline safetysheriff

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2004, 01:38:27 PM »
Don't try this at home, but I'm tempted to say that you'd be better off brushing your teeth with WD-40 than using it on a firearm!    It's junk, and it can create problems with an otherwise good rifle.....because it can degrade into a problematic compound that inhibits proper functioning.  

Try something from one of the established brand names in penetrating oil, but don't use WD-40.....it's not what it's cracked up to be.    

I agree that a rubber mallet could be a help with this.
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Offline KN

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2004, 03:57:09 PM »
WD-40 is a wonderful gun cleaner. I've been cleaning guns with it for 30 years and never had a problem. Notice I said cleaning, not lubricating. The problems that arise with WD-40 happen when you don't get the crud out. Then it turns to worse crud, only in a different place than where it started. This can happen with any cleaner you use if you don't get it clean well enough. I've been hearing this old wives tail about WD gumming up when it dries for years and it just isn't true. The stuff that gums up is the crud you didn't get out in the first place. WD is not a lubricant and should not be used as one. Clean it completely and follow up with a quality lubricant and you wont have a bit of trouble. Yes I know some of you out there will never change you opinion of WD and thats OK. This is my opinion and I'll stick to it. I'm finished ranting.   KN
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Offline IntrepidWizard

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2004, 04:27:33 PM »
Put the butt on the ground and put your foot on the lever and apply pressure,you can even kick it and then tell us what it looks like.
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Offline oso45-70

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« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2004, 04:54:21 PM »
Cheao Shot,
This can happen with a lot of guns like the AR15 and others. You might try putting an empty case in the chamber if you are going to put it away for a long period of time. It used to happen to me with my colts and minys and the 7.62X39s. Good luck...........Joe........
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Offline G. Hamilton

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Mini Thirty Woes
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2004, 11:39:15 AM »
Is it the actual bolt or the slide assembly (the part with the "bolt handle") that is immobile? I have heard of Minis that through deposits or corrosion had frozen slide assemblies that had to be freed up by removing the barrelled action, putting penetrant all over the place and gently tapping things with a brass or plastic hammer.
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Offline Hooker

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2004, 05:07:50 AM »
Quote from: KN
WD-40 is a wonderful gun cleaner. I've been cleaning guns with it for 30 years and never had a problem. Notice I said cleaning, not lubricating. The problems that arise with WD-40 happen when you don't get the crud out. Then it turns to worse crud, only in a different place than where it started. This can happen with any cleaner you use if you don't get it clean well enough. I've been hearing this old wives tail about WD gumming up when it dries for years and it just isn't true. The stuff that gums up is the crud you didn't get out in the first place. WD is not a lubricant and should not be used as one. Clean it completely and follow up with a quality lubricant and you wont have a bit of trouble. Yes I know some of you out there will never change you opinion of WD and thats OK. This is my opinion and I'll stick to it. I'm finished ranting.   KN


WD is a pretty fair cleaner but make sure you wipe it off after your done clean and apply a good protectant. As a premanent lube it not very good.
In gas operated guns keep it out of the gas chamber and off the piston. The heat generated in these areas will turn WD into instant varnish. If you dont beleive it try sparying some into pan and heating it on the stove. You wont be able to reach the temps generated by burning gun powder under pressure but it will turned in to goo.
Note: You might not want to us your wifes good cooking pans and it might be better to do it out side on the gas grill.  :grin:

Pat
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Offline CheapShot

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Mini Thirty Woes and a Question - Part II
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2004, 12:47:08 PM »
Thanks for all of the advice. I bought a can of Break Free, squirted it where the bolt assembly meets the chamber, waited five minutes, and wacked it lightly with a rubber mallet. Presto, problem cleared up!

Now, I looked at the bolt, and I didn't see much/any gunk, and no rust, so I am not sure of what goes on with the metal that it would seize like that. However, I put some Rem Oil in the area, took the gun out this weekend and shot a hundred rounds, with no problem. Thanks again.
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