"Scouting" my Mini 14

[Throwbackguy]

Hey all!
I'm very interested in the 'scout-style' design, and have had good experience with mounting an RDS in a forward mount on another platform (Ruger PCC/9mm). In a fit of 'gotta have it now', while holding out for the Ruger GSR (and still may git one...!), got a Mini 14; and promptly retrofit a Ultimak front rail to it. Currently using a tubular RDS on it; but thinking about a low-to-midpriced optic (Vortex Crossfire, or Leupold VX-Freedom; both avail in 'extended relief', have both in regular, and love 'em). I'm guessing there are scads of people who've done this before me; opinions? This style, vs regular mounts? I like the idea of the forward mount, away from the ejection port and lower power/'both eyes open'.

Please... Not trying to water down the idea of the Scout Rifle. I understand the difference... just makin' my rifle MY way.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Do it. I think a red dot or a 2 to 4 power EER scope would be best, depending on how far you wanna shoot. If it is an older model Mini, with no accurizing features, i would do the red dot. If it has the heavy barrel or an accustrut, i would do the scope.

I have a walnut barrel top cover on mine and waiting on a Samson A-TM folding stock to show up. Mine is a 187 series Ranch Rifle. I like the mini, no matter what the haters say.

 

[Speedo66]

I put a regular scope in factory rings on my Mini-14, a Nikon 2-7x32, it gets hit regularly by ejecting shells. I often wonder when I'm shooting it how long the scope will take that abuse. Putting the scope forward makes a lot of sense.

My Rossi 92 lever action has a forward mounted scope, a Weaver 4x scout scope. I'm fine with the scope in that position.

I'd say go for it.

 

[courtgreene]

Yes go for it. Concerning red dot or extended eye relief variable scope, I tried a variable and a fixed scope on my mini 14 (mounted to the hand guard up top). They did not work great for me. I don't know why, but they just didn't. I swapped it to a Bushnell red dot and it shoots perfectly. They are more forgiving as far as the angles between your pupil and the scope, or at least it seems that way to me.

 

[film495]

I keep thinking about an LPVO, but then I shoot it open sights and am kind of dumbfounded at 50ish yard accuracy with the open sights.

 

[mokin]

A buddy of mine put a long eye relief scope on his Mini 14. It worked better than the iron sights, but being an early model, didn't help the accuracy. I'd go with BigBlue's recommendation and use a red dot if your rifle is an early one. It's a good way to keep the weight down too.