Scope for my Mini-14?

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Rugerlvr

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Ok, I've done the forum searches, I've found little info on what I'm interested in.

Who has a scope on their Mini-14? What kind? (magnifying? red dot?) what scope mount do you use for your non-ranch-rifle? Do you like it?

I'm tempted to get a red-dot on a b-square mount, as I don't think I'll be shooting this gun past 100 yards any time soon.
 
For 100 yards and less, the red dot is a great choice.

I would imagine that a good all around scope for the mini would be a 4x32 or a 2-7x32. The 2x or 4x power would be good for up close work and the 7x power would help on the longer shots. As long as the barrel is cold, you can make some fairly accurate long distance shots with the mini.

I like the 32mm objective because the low profile matches the compactness of the gun.
 
I have a calssic-V Weaver on mine, 1-3X power, works well for the gun.

FFMedic
 
Burris makes a Fullfield II compact just for such applications! The Quality is there and at a reasonable price.
 
I currently have an older Leuopold VX II compact in 2x7 on my Mini 30, but I would suggest a Nikon Buckmaster 3x9 based on today's quality and low ($200) pricing.

You can definitely go too cheap on a scope, so don't go below $200 if you can avoid it.

ruger1.jpg
 
My first Mini-14 had a leupold 4x20 compact and on my second all weather Mini I used a 3-9x40mm Simmons Whitetail for years which took a heavy amount of abuse and was very durable. I have a TruGlo 4-16x50mm on my new Mini Target with switchable red/green illuminated BDC and so far (over 6 months) it has been a rock. I it is worthy of note that I did have to order the Model 77 Xtra High Target Stainless Rings from Ruger AND get a shorter Choate hanguard to get the Objective bell to just barely fit. I love Ruger's scope mounting system, but objective bell clearance is definitely an issue with Mini-14s.

truglo600.jpg
 
I have a newer Mini-14 Ranch, but my scope mount fits the older style as well.
It's a UTG (made by Leapers) 2 rail scope mount that replaces the factory side plate.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/RGR320-68194-1930.html

I like the Ruger factory mounts, but they negate the use of the iron sights.

For a scope, I have a cheapo Leapers 6x32 5th generation. It's nitrogen filled and the lenses are coated. My range only goes to 100 yards, and this scope is perfect for that distance. (Some weirdo complained about it not being an air rifle scope. Huh?)
 
That's a nice lookng mount. I might have to get one for my NRA model. The target model doesn't come with sights though...so no worries for me. :)
 
I had older Mini-14s, and used the mount that fits in the rear sight mounting with a pressure knob on the receiver ring. Worked just fine as a truck gun. I just used a Weaver K4 for a scope. "Plenty-nuff".
 
I'm happy with my $149 Nikon Prostaff 3-9X40 with a BDC reticle. I only have about 500 rounds through it but so far so good.

Using the included mounts on my NRA Mini

Lifetime warranty too.

IMG_2094.gif
 
Anybody who has a NON-ranch rifle without built-in scope mounts want to share their experience with the add-on mounts?
 
Anybody who has a NON-ranch rifle without built-in scope mounts want to share their experience with the add-on mounts
Click to expand...

M4 Leupold.
My mount replaces the rear sight and works very well.
 
Rugerlvr,

Got you chasing your tail, sorry bud they are called Short Mag Scopes go to www.natchezss.com. check out the ballistic plex reticle, there is a 2X7 power that looks like it would really go good with a Mini, as a matter of fact I just might have to spring for one to put on my Ranch rifle! Plus the price is right.
 
I had a 4x Tasco in factory rings on my Ranch Rifle. PoA and PoI decided to do the "and never the twain shall meet" thing. I doubt I'd trust any Barska style sideplate mounts, either. Apparently, if you do the scout mount, and break the staking on the gas block, it's possible to wring a whole lot more accuracy out of one.
 
Well, I ordered the B-Square stainless mount, and a silver Tasco World Class scope. I also ordered a Shok-buff, which I understand can be a scope saver (The brass doesn't eject to hell and gone.)

I know the scope is inexpensive, but I'm betting it will do what I want it to. If it doesn't... Lesson learned, and I'll put it on my 10/22, and I will have the mount to mount up anything.
 
I have an Aimpoint 3000 I got on Ebay on a B-Square mount on my Mini. BZ'd at 50 yards, it will shoot minute-of-chest out to over 200 yards as required.
 
The Ranch Rifle, with its integral scope mount, has a whole lot of options that are difficult or nearly impossible on the Pre-Ranch Mini-14. If you have the Ranch Rifle, you can mount just about any optic your heart desires. For less than 100 yards, a red dot would work, or a low power variable, like a 1.5-5.5 or 2-7.

For the Pre-Ranch, your options are more limited. You can use the side mount plate, but those can be hit or miss. My dad tried one on his and wasn't impressed. Apparently, Ruger wasn't able to perfect it to the degree that poorly-paid Russian peasants were, because the side mount on my $279 Romanian WASR is solid, and I rock a Kobra reflex sight on it.

I think your best option on a Pre-Ranch Mini-14 would be an Ultimak with a red dot or a 2.5x EER scope mounted in the scout position.
 
A 4x32 is a good match for the Minis for most work. I do recommend a quality scope designed for a high-powerd rifle. The Bushnell Sportview scope on my Mini 30 lasted through about 600 rounds before it eventually and literally shook apart.
 
MTMilitiaman, I wish I had known enough to buy a Ranch Rifle in the first place, but I didn't. :(
 
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