Opinions on Mini-14 Optics

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

johnnydollar

Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
621
I've got the latest Ranch Rifle version of the Mini-14 that is drilled and tapped for the Weaver-style adapter rail that bridges the action. By removing that, I have access to the factory Ruger scope mount grooves, so I can use either style of optic--either a traditional scope in the proprietary Ruger rings and mounts, or some sort of red dot sight mounted to the Weaver style adapter rail. I'm currently using a Leupold VX II 3-9 x 40mm scope in the Ruger mounts, but would like something lighter and trimmer. So...

Has anyone tried the little 1-4 x 20mm Leupold "HogPlex" scope on the Mini-14? How do you like it?

What about a red dot? Has anyone tried the RMR on a Mini with the Weaver adapter rail? Anyone using a red dot sight mounted in this fashion, and if so, what kind and how do you like it?

I'm interested to hear anyone's opinion of optics for the Mini, provided they don't tell me I should have bought an AR. I didn't and I won't.
 
You can't go wrong with Leupold.

I have an old Weaver turned sideways (my Mini isn't a ranch model), makes for fun unpredictable ricocheting brass.
 
Ive run a red dot, but my most common optic is either a simmons pro diamond shotgun scope or a Nikon M-223 1-4x20 bdc600. I like the low power scopes much better than the red dots, they offer nearly the speed and ease of target acquisition but offer better percision, and in the case of the nikon decent drop compensation.

I think the Leupold youve got your eye on would be a great option. Ive got my scopes mounted in Leupold low rings, which necessitates the removal of the rear sight, but offers a really solid cheek weld with the synthetic sporter stock ive come to favor. One thing to keep in mind if you DO go with the low rings, you maybe pinging brass of your turret covers or under side of your scope. My nikon has sticky out turrets (which i got mad at and ended up using a coke cap in place of the windage turret), and they would sometimes catch brass enough to jam the gun.
 
Mini14%20Target_zps7b9rudsi.png
 
Way back when, I used an old steel tube Weaver K-4 on the B-Square mount. Always worked just fine, even bouncing around as a truck gun on back-country jeep trails. A "real" mount system would be more reliable.
 
I will be the first to say minis are generally not tack drivers, but that doesn't mean a lot in the real world. Groups may sound terrible compared to all the sub moa platforms floating around these days, but I can assure you hitting within a couple inches of your point of aim at 200 to 300 yards works just fine for most rifle bullet applications outside pretty looking paper targets.

Much the same goes for higher magnification. I suspect you will find a 1-4x works just fine, especially for 50-100 yards. They tend to get on target faster and be easier to hold steady from field positions with wider field of view and less noticeable tremor. Anymore I have been trading my older 3-9x and 4-12x for 2.5x to 4x fixed power compacts on my hunting rifles.

My mini has a Simmons 2.5x20 compact shotgun scope with a steel b-square mount that has been worry free for many years now.
 
Thinking about the mounting, the mini has a somewhat short length of pull. My preference has been to mount optics on it a little farther forward using a rail (in my case of an older model that required the side plate mount didn't really have a choice). Definitely agree on watching how low you are mounted to avoid brass hitting the scope as it is likely to cause cosmetic damage and potentially throw off zero. Have never heard of Ruger rings being anything other than rock solid.
 
I use a Weaver 1x3 on mine. Really like it in that application. Light weight, gives enough magnification for 300 yards and in, and not that expensive. I also have the GG&G mount with the fastfire, but I didn't like it.
 
4X Millet scope in Ruger rings (Offset one in front). Small, decent glass, works well on the Mini. It's not a target gun.

The new Nikon P-223 3X would be a good choice as well. Hard to beat on sale for $120 and free shipping. The last time they did this I bought another one. It's tempting now.
 

Attachments

  • Mini-14 & Millet Scope Pic 2.JPG
    Mini-14 & Millet Scope Pic 2.JPG
    81.4 KB · Views: 11
Last edited:
illinoisburt said:
I will be the first to say minis are generally not tack drivers, but that doesn't mean a lot in the real world.
Click to expand...
Quite true. It's hard to see the point of extreme accuracy when a most sub moa shooters turn into a 15-20 moa (if that) shooters the same second a solid bench rest and comfortable seat are taken out of the equation and the shot has to happen offhand in a short timeframe. That's where carbines come to their own and nobody really cares what your rifle might be capable of in optimum circumstances when bolted into a lead sled.

So far my take on Mini + optics has been a low magnification scope, but I'm also interested in how a red dot would mount onto one and work in practise. I've thought about recycling an even lower maginification shotgun Zeiss from my Deerfield Carbine to Mini 30 (similar receiver, same mounts) and getting an Eotech, Z-Point or equivalent to replace it, so this thread has been an interesting read so far.
 
That would actually make it perfect. I got tired of the brass bouncing off the ones on my scope.
reticle might still be useful for something, have to play with nikons software a bit now, i may buy one of those xbow scopes.

Bah the spot on app dosent let me switch to rifle ammo :(
 
I have the VX-Hog on an AR and LOVE it! It's very clear for such a small objective. It's says Pig Plex on the reticle which was annoying and distracting at first but I've gotten used to it.

I'm thinking about getting another one for my Mini as well. Just haven't convinced my other half that we need to drop $200 on a scope for a rifle that stays under the back seat of my pickup.
 
Last edited:
johnnydollar said:
Has anyone tried the little 1-4 x 20mm Leupold "HogPlex" scope on the Mini-14? How do you like it?
Click to expand...

I have that scope currently on an AR. The VX-Hog is small and light. I like the reticle. It's thick on the outer portions to help you fast aim, and of course a thinner on the inner portions. When I mean thick, it's thicker than a duplex.

Also, the inner reticle is not small target thin. Meaning, the center reticle isn't as fine as a standard duplex reticle may be, depending on the type of duplex.

That just means the VX-Hog isn't meant to see 1" targets at 100 yards very well, as the reticle can cover that up. It does seem to be well suited for close range two eye open shooting up to maybe 300 yards away with larger targets. Maybe further for some shooters.

I'd like to get another VX-Hog for my GSR at some point in the future as I think it would be well suited for that gun, too.
 
I have the shotgun version (heavy reticle) on mine. I like the scope,as it does not over power the rifle. Great optics and plenty of magnification for the distances I shoot at on the ranch. I used the Ruger supplied rings and the scope will clear the Mini200 and stock sights. I am surprised how close the scope stays zeroed when removing and refitting it to the RR. Mini Ranch Rifle 007.JPG
 
JohnB-40 said:
I have the shotgun version (heavy reticle) on mine. I like the scope,as it does not over power the rifle. Great optics and plenty of magnification for the distances I shoot at on the ranch. I used the Ruger supplied rings and the scope will clear the Mini200 and stock sights. I am surprised how close the scope stays zeroed when removing and refitting it to the RR.View attachment 229052
Click to expand...

I like those scope caps. What type and size are they?
 
Those are Leupold's Alumina flip-up scope covers. I had them on a 1-4 x20mm Hog Plex scope that I sold some time ago (before I got my current Mini--seems I'm always selling things before I need them). I'll probably get another Hog Plex scope, but man-oh-man, will I miss those Alumina covers. They're expensive, but worth it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
Optics for mini 14
Replies
12
Views
638
Hookeye
H
F
  • Locked
Ruger Optics and Rails
Replies
3
Views
222
film495
F
W
  • Locked
Red dot for Henry Big Boy?
2
Replies
29
Views
8K
CraigC
CraigC
G
  • Locked
Scope Mount Suggestions Needed
Replies
12
Views
826
Sniper66
S
Hunter 08
  • Locked
Would this rail work on the 336?
Replies
2
Views
808
Hunter 08
Hunter 08
Back
Top