Need decent,economical scope for Mini-14.....

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MIL-DOT

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Yeah,yeah, I'm sure this has been done to death :D, but I've been digging through the "search" feature,and thought I'd still do better to just start from scratch.
Anyway, I have a stainless 580 series Mini-14 on the way from CDNN, and I'm thinking about putting something better than the Tasco World Class I have gathering dust.
I've been looking at 3-9 Nikon Pro-staff for $159,delivered, so I guess $200 is my limit. I know that ain't much for optics, but this is just a target/plinker.
Any advice, and heads-up on any deals around are much appreciated......
 
I am in the same boat. I was thinking of getting the Redfield 2-7X scope. It runs on the order of $150-170 and the tube size matches the free Ruger rings. It's made by Leupold and carries a lifetime warrenty. They've gotten some good press and they are made in the USA.
 
Don't know if this helps, but I have a 1.5x5 Nikon Monarch shotgun scope that I've been very pleased with. Online, they seem to be right at 200 or so.
 
I think you are on the right track looking at Nikon, Al has a pretty good idea with the Monarch Shotgun scope. At 1.5X you will probably be able to see your front sight itf that is an issue.
 
I am in the same boat. I was thinking of getting the Redfield 2-7X scope. It runs on the order of $150-170 and the tube size matches the free Ruger rings. It's made by Leupold and carries a lifetime warrenty. They've gotten some good press and they are made in the USA.
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I just picked up one of these yesterday and got it mounted last night . I looked at maybe 10 scopes in the 150 to 250 $ price range and selected the Redfield 2-7 x 33 . Optics are as clear as the same Leopold , small and light , looks like it just belongs on the 581 ( Minis just dont look right to me with big ole target scopes ) and the eye relief is just perfect for me . I think they may be the same as the Leopold , just the Redfield isn't all churched up with gold ring and all , and has a no frill buisness look to it with the knurled adjusters . I'm using a rail system and a set of low weaver grand slams , great hight and looks fantastic .

Sighted it in today and couldn't be happier with the performance of this scope at that price-point . You wont be disappointed .
 
Wow I posted about my Redfield 2-7 2 month's ago and started a buying spree!
I have the 2-7 Redfield with Leapers Accushot #RGWM-25M4 medium rings that fit a Pic rail on my ranch rifles I like the Leapers because they have a large hex head screw that tightens the rings to the base, easy on and off, I swap to other Pic based carbines. I have fired a couple hundred rounds with the Redfield in the forest setting of my personal tactical range and love it! The shotgun scopes are good as well but have a 50 yard paralex setting. use buffers on your Mini to reduce Op Rod Slap, that's hard on the scope.
 
Nothing at all against the Pro-staff, but I always regarded my Minis as 200-yard guns. I found that a Weaver K4 was plenty good for hunting and "just messin' around" plinking. So, any decent fixed 4X...
 
Personally, unless the Tasco scope is known to be bad I'd try it first before buying another scope. The Mini is not a tack driver, recoil is low, and the old Tasco 3x9 I have on mine has been more than good enough.
 
I'll second Art - I've had a Weaver K-4 on my 188- Ranch Rifle for 15-odd years and thousands of rounds.

They run about 115-120 bucks; i got another more recently for my 10/22.

I keep mine zeroed for a cold barrel, and rest easy knowing that as things get hot the POI will walk up and to the right.
 
67rschev said:
I just picked up one of these yesterday and got it mounted last night . I looked at maybe 10 scopes in the 150 to 250 $ price range and selected the Redfield 2-7 x 33 . Optics are as clear as the same Leopold , small and light , looks like it just belongs on the 581 ( Minis just dont look right to me with big ole target scopes ) and the eye relief is just perfect for me . I think they may be the same as the Leopold , just the Redfield isn't all churched up with gold ring and all , and has a no frill buisness look to it with the knurled adjusters . I'm using a rail system and a set of low weaver grand slams , great hight and looks fantastic .

Sighted it in today and couldn't be happier with the performance of this scope at that price-point . You wont be disappointed .
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Glad to hear you've done this and are happy with it. I plan to put one on my birthday or Christmas list.
 
I recently purchased a wallet friendly scope for my .22lr. A Simmons Whitetail 6.5-20x 50mm. I'm not complaining. Crisp and clear. On sale for cheap at midway.
 
Why don't you shoot it first, then decide if you want to scope it?

It's a handy little carbine with great pointing characteristics. It's not a long-range target rifle, and adding a pound of top-heavy weight to it might subtract more than it adds to the package. The irons are fine for plinking or the right kind of targets out at 150 yards or so.
 
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have at least twenty scopes, from inexpensive (notice I did not say CHEAP) to very expensive. I am super picky about what is on a rifle. I have one suggestion that will amaze you and baffle you till you buy one and look thru it. A Tasco Varminter 2.5~10X Mildot with target turrets. I have three of them now because they are GREAT for the money, and only cost about 60 dollars and nothing I have seen short of a 300 dollar scope compares. (that I have seen!)..


this one.

http://swfa.com/Tasco-25-10x42-Target-Varmint-Riflescope-P4503.aspx

and under those turret covers are target style turrets. You can even get it in lighted reticle for another 15 bucks.
 
Tasco makes some nice scopes that won't break your bank account. I own a varmint scope from Tasco 4-16x-40 for years and still good even after i have take it off and put it on a .308 rifle.. took it back off after a while and put it back on my 17hmr and still awesome..

if you want a more expensive one, grab the redfield 4-12x-40 for $200 @ Cabela's. Awesome scope.. Got it on my AR15
 
LOL ! I forgot all about this thread !! Anyway, I picked up a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 for $219,delivered, from Overstock.com,who I recommend. They not only blew away everyone else,price-wise, they shipped the Monday after I ordered, and I had it by Thursday.
It's already mounted and sighted in, life is good ! Thanks to all for the input:)
 
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