Early Mini 14 Ranch Rifle Scope?

[au_prospector]

I have an early Ruger Mini 14 manufactured I believe in 1982.
It is a nice little gun and accurate with iron sights at 50 yards no problem.
I am pretty good with it at 100 yards using the stock iron peephole sight, but my eyes arent that great.

I also have a NcStar 40x30re scope that is pretty cool and not mounted on anything. I would like to mate the two, but would need to tap the rifle to accept a scope mount as there is NO place to put it currently. I think newer ranch rifles have a rail, but this one does not.

So here is my problem, do I permanently alter the rifle just for a cheap albeit cool scope? The rifle is in good shape, the blue is nice and the wood stock is good too. The rifle does show regular range use and is by no means perfect. It has NEVER jammed, not even on steel cases and I love it! I guess the value of this rifle is $400-$500 give or take. I know a local gunsmith who will probably do the job for just a few bucks.

Is there any reason why I should not do this job?

Thanks!

 

[desidog]

Ranch rifles have built-in bases for Ruger rings.

Are you sure it's not a Mini-14? The name should be engraved on the receiver. There are Weaver-rail conversion pieces for both types.

 

[1KPerDay]

Is it a mini-14 or is it a Ranch Rifle? As noted, Ranch Rifles have integral scope mounting points for Ruger rings. Post a pic if you can.

If you just want to try out a scope, Ultimak makes a nice "scout"/forward rail setup that just bolts onto the barrel. You have to use a LER/handgun type scope though.

Me, I'd learn how to use the sights, personally. BTW these rifles are not particularly kind to scopes stock. They're generally overgassed. I think mine has broken my crappy tasco scope.





Ultimak rail (not on a Mini, obviously)

 

[1KPerDay]

FYI a couple of companies make no-drill scope mounts if you want to try it out.
http://www.google.com/search?q=mini...gc.r_pw.&fp=1740da4510f6d197&biw=1034&bih=528

 

[au_prospector]

Sorry you are right, I call it a 'Ranch Rifle' as slang and it really is not a Ranch Rifle.

It is a Mini 14 built in the early 1980's. There is no place to mount rings or to attach any other kind of scope mount. It would have to be tapped for screws to mount a scope.

I guess my question is do I devalue or otherwise make this gun less desirable to others if I have it altered by a GS to receive a scope, specifically the NcStar 4x30re?

I dont want to ruin a gun for possible future sale. Maybe I am just splitting hairs.

 

[au_prospector]

Nice pictures by the way.. .

 

[1KPerDay]

Did you click on my link? There are multiple options for mounting a scope without altering the rifle at all.

 

[au_prospector]

A-Hah moment, thank you very much. I see how this will work now.
All I need is the mount and some 30 mm rings.

Nice!

 

[Autopistola]

Perhaps an S&K mount that replaces the rear sight? I just picked up a used one for my 180 series mini; haven't used it yet but I hear mostly good things.

they're about $80

 

[Wolfebyte]

I have a Ruger Mini-14 183-xxxxx series just like you are talking about..

I think mine was a GG&G ? ..

basically it's a scope platform that replaces the rear site. Uses 2 hex bolts that screw in through the ears of the rear site platform to hold it tight.. then uses a rear tension screw to put pressure on it to hold it in place.

Had mine since 1984 before the ban kicked in.. Sold it Monday to a friend.

 

[Jeff F]

If your going to use a side mount, do yourself a favor and get the B-Square mount. It costs more then the copies but will hold zero when properly mounted. I have had one on my 185 for years and have been very happy with it.

 

[Walkalong]

My older Mini 14 ranch rifle.