Scope for Ruger Mini-14

[Ghost Dog]

I'm looking for recommendations for a scope to put on a Ruger Mini-14. It's intended purpose is to be used for the CMP (citizens marksmanship program) and Appleseed shoots, and maybe a prairie dog or two.

I'm considering the Leupold VX-1 3-9x40, and would be grateful for any suggestions for other quality scopes in the $200.00 price range.

Thanks, GD

 

[skoro]

My Mini has a Burris Timberline 2-7x28 that's real compact and fits the rifle real nicely. I've been happy with it now for 6 years.

 

[greyling22]

My Mini has a Burris Timberline 2-7x28 that's real compact and fits the rifle real nicely. I've been happy with it now for 6 years.

that is a super duper scope. I love mine.



But ghost dog, I pulled the timberline off the ar and replaced it with one of these http://www.natchezss.com/product.cf...2mm Rifle Scope Matte Finish TrexPlex Reticle it is one heck of a scope for the price. Much better than the leupold. so is this one http://www.natchezss.com/product.cf...B6C25C-88E8-5938-014F-838E7224457D&src=mbProd

or this one http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=WE849402&src=exrbSrch

long story short, leupold mikes a fine reliable optic to be sure, but they are overpriced. Especially on the low end. They mark the scopes up a fair amount based on name recognition, and they never really go on sale. There are so many scopes, and so many sales that I never pay full price for a scope of any brand. And my favorites may be weaver classic's: good optic, good price, sleek profile.

That is not to say other scopes are bad, and everybody has a favorite, but unless you are just dead set on leupold, well options from nikon, vortex, bushnell, weaver, burris, and a host of others may offer better value.

 

[Ghost Dog]

Skoro and greyling, thanks for the responses. How is the eye relief on the Weaver scope? The marksmanship shooting has you transitioning from standing to sitting to prone regularly so eye relief becomes a big issue.
I'm not stuck on the Leupold, there is a VX-1 on sale locally so it was a consideration.

Thanks, Gregg

 

[greyling22]

weaver Eye Relief (in): 3.25 - 3

leupold Eye Relief (in) 4.20 in 3.70 in

leupold's have a bit more eye relief than most scopes, which is sometimes good, but sometimes bad if you don't have a lot of room to mount the scope. I don't get too terribly hung up on eye relief, especially if it's not a heavy recoiling gun.

 

[Ghost Dog]

I like that the Nikon Prostaff has the BDC reticle available. This Bushnell Elite has a similar reticle http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=BH323940BC&src=sim
Any knowledge or experience of one being superior to the other?

Thanks, GD

 

[greyling22]

this is an older breakdown by 1 guy, but it ranks scopes. http://www.chuckhawks.com/recommended_riflescopes.htm and by price http://www.chuckhawks.com/scopes_price_class.htm

that bushnell reticle is too busy for me, but it is probably a better scope than the buckmaster. Though you are probably getting into differences that you or I would probably never detect.