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Ruger Mini-14 Ranch

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Soon2bLEO View Drop Down
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    Posted: September/02/2008 at 10:12
Any suggestions for a scope?
 
I live in the Southwest.  Coyote and Jack rabbits.
 
I'd like something compact as you know the rifle is a small carbine, will mount to ruger rings which came with rifle. What is the best match to the rifle?
 
Need as much info as possible, so I can make an informed decision.
 
Thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote silver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 12:00
Look for something with a wide field of view.  Don't get crazy with magnification.  Mini-14' s are not know as tack drivers so expect to stay with in a couple hundred yards. So don't worry about the tact-i-kwel stuff.
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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sholling Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 12:14
Three things to keep in mind when scoping a Mini-14.
  • The Mini isn't a particularly accurate little rifle. It was never intended to be and accuracy just wasn't a priority for a utility rifle intended for plinking at 50yds and discouraging coyotes out to no more than 100-150yds. The first 2-3 shots from a cold barrel will usually group around 2-3" at 100yds with the group opening up as the barrel heats up. Beginning sometime in 2008 Ruger supposedly improved this a bit by increasing the diameter of the barrel slightly. The model numbers have not changed so you need to run the serial number past Ruger or look under the handguard where the barrel thins out.
  • The design of the Mini's action is particularly hard on scopes. Many install buffers in the action or adjustable gas blocks - or both to lighten the violent jarring of the action.
  • The lowest rings available are Medium and place the scope so high that a good cheekweld can be a challenge. Also note that rings for a Ruger M77 will not fit the Mini. If you decide to replace the rings you may be able use those designed for a Redhawk.
With all of that out of the way the Mini can be a fun and seriously reliable little plinker. I enjoy mine enough that I have one of mine out getting the complete custom treatment. Anyway in my opinion iron sights are the very best solution for the Mini due to it's limited accuracy and effective range. If you must scope it then I'd stick with something low to medium power. Perhaps the Millet DMS 1-4x24 Tactical - but it won't use your rings. Or a Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x32. Please note that I have not tested either for durability on a Mini but both do come with exceptional warranties.

If you do diecide to scope the Mini you may want to pick up an adjustable kydex cheek rest. They aren't cheap but they're a good solution for getting proper cheek weld. I prefer the Karsten.

As a side note finding good quality magazines for a Mini can be a challenge. Bill Ruger was a big fan of making a buck on guns but was not a fan of the 2nd Amendment. Early on he banned the sale of high capacity magazines to the general public. This is beginning to lossen up a bit but Ruger still restricts and rations sales and keeps the price high. You'll find yourself faced with the choice of buying high quality Ruger or the discontinued PMI brand magazines for $40-70 or buying crap-shoot quality third party magazines for $15-20.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 12:25
Originally posted by Soon2bLEO Soon2bLEO wrote:

Any suggestions for a scope?
 
I live in the Southwest.  Coyote and Jack rabbits.
 
I'd like something compact as you know the rifle is a small carbine, will mount to ruger rings which came with rifle. What is the best match to the rifle?
 
Need as much info as possible, so I can make an informed decision.
 
Thanks
.....................+1...........Don`t go hog wild with increased magnification. Your scope size, should look in porportion with the size of the Mini 14, fast in target acquisition and aiming, lighter, with a good FOV. Your Mini is a quick handler and you should keep it that way.
 
Don`t know what your price range is but I`d look at these lower profiled/straight tubed scopes;
 
1-4x20 Leupold VX2.
1.5-5x20 Leupold VX3.
1-3x20 Weaver V3.
 
Sightron and Bushnell Elite also have nice straight tubed, lower powered and lower profiled variables.
 
I`d stay away from any slower handling/aiming higher powered scopes with the objective bells, which have reduced FOV`s.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Average Joe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 12:52
I have a mini 30 and it's more fun without a scope imo
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote medic52 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 12:54
I have a very earlier Mini 14 and decided that it is one gun that would not get a scope, but in saying that I agree with the above I would stay with a lower power......1.5x5 would be excellent size....IMHO
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Soon2bLEO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 13:46
RE: Mags
 
Back in 1990-01 when I purchased the Mini-14 I also bought 5 Precision Mag Industries magazines 3-30rnd & 2-20rnd. I've only opened the package of 1 of the 30rndr. The owner of the shop where I purchased the Mini-14 threw in and mounted/bore sighted a new Japan made Tasco 4X40...scope is bigger than rifle ;^). I've recently taken it off . I've just recently installed a Houge O.M. Series Rubber OverMolded stock from Ruger. Shortly after I purchased my my new Ruger Mini-14 I removed it from the wood stock and put it a Choate Pistol Grip stock. I shot maybe 100rnds throught it back then and put in the closet.
 
Wow was I clueless!
 
I want to do this right this time.
 
Currently my Mini-14 Ranch sits in a Houge OM stock, 2 20rd & 3 30rnd PMI, stock 5rd and a 35rd Eagle Intl magazine.
 
Thanks for your informative post.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 13:55
The mini-14 CRIES for an Aimpoint...  Fun, fast, pretty danged accurate out to about 200yds...more if you work at it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 13:59
When I had my ranch rifle, I had a 3-9x scope on it and that was perfect for all my uses.  I hunted rabbits, rock chucks, squirrels, coyotes and P-dogs with it all the time.   I was never over scoped with 3x.  And I really enjoyed the 7-9x for the longer 100 to 150 yards shots I took.  2-7x, 2-8x, or 3-9x would be a great scope choice for that rifle IMO.  You certainly don't need a 1x scope to hunt yotes and jackrabbits.  The mid and higher powers will be very nice for the yote hunting. 

That vortex I listed earlier is a very nice scope.  They are very durable, have a great warranty and customer service and very good glass.  The glass will be noticeably better than anything else that has been listed.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 14:29
Each to his own...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 15:11
An aimpoint is not going to work on a ranch rifle as is.  Especially since he wants to use the included rings.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 16:44
True, if he is "stuck" on using the Ruger mounts, the Aimpoint WILL NOT work. I was just thinking of the fun I had with mine. Most pure fun I have ever had with a rifle. Turtles, snakes, rabbits, squirrels, possums, armadillos, and even deer FEARED it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tip69 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 17:28
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

..............
That vortex I listed earlier is a very nice scope.  They are very durable, have a great warranty and customer service and very good glass.  The glass will be noticeably better than anything else that has been listed.
 
Kind of curious as to how to came to the conclusion, "They are very durable."  Not sure they have been around long enough to say this.  I put a Diamondback on my kids 22-250, so I think its a decent manufacture.
take em!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 17:35
I decided not to scope my mini as well.  I enjoy the handiness of it, and within it's effective range, I'm plenty deadly enough with the peep sights.
 
If I were putting optics on it, I think I'd go the aimpoint route as well.  If you are totally set on getting a scope, I think the best scope for that rifle is a low powered varable with no more than 7X on the high end so that you have no more than 2X on the low end for the widest FOV possible.  As was mentioned, Mini-14s are not known for their accuracy, so you don't need high magnification.  Better to have a scope that allows for fast shouldering and target aquisition with that rifle, IMO.


Edited by RifleDude - September/02/2008 at 17:37
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2008 at 17:57
Originally posted by Tip69 Tip69 wrote:

Kind of curious as to how to came to the conclusion, "They are very durable."  Not sure they have been around long enough to say this.  I put a Diamondback on my kids 22-250, so I think its a decent manufacture.


This is a video about the vortex scopes.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r5338s9eLs 

Also there is a store near me that really pushes Vortex optics and have had exceptional reports coming back on the quality of these scopes, people are very happy with them.  I have talked to several of the people who have been using them for hunting and shooting around here and they have all been very pleased with them.  So that is where my conclusion comes from. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Longhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2008 at 01:00
I have a Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-5x32 on my Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, and it's an excellent choice.  The 1.5 gives a great point-blank view for self-defense, and the 5x works for shots further out.  My wife really likes this outfit.
 
For a cheap scope, you might consider a 1.5-4.5x32 Bushnell.
 
Accuracy seems to be partly "luck-of-the-draw" as to your particular rifle, plus trying different ammuntion.  Mine happened to like Federal American Eagle.
 
I've had good luck with Ram-Line's constant spring high-cap magazines.  Ram-Lines worked well in the sandbox for our son and another soldier I talked with.  A recent gun magazine article indicated that Ruger would be selling 20-round factory magazines to civilians after they finished their current run of NRA rifles.  We'll have to wait and see.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Soon2bLEO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2008 at 08:46

Thanks all for the very informative posts.

Any thoughts on the Burris Short Mag/Timberline?
 
I think the straight tube scopes would look the best and are a good match, how about low light conditions? 20m vs 26,32,35m.
 
Seen the Vortex Tundra test, WOW! Also spoke with Vortex Tech who suggested the 1.5 X 27 Diamondback.
 
Leupold Tech suggested the 2-7 Ultralight.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sholling Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2008 at 09:26
Originally posted by Soon2bLEO Soon2bLEO wrote:

Thanks all for the very informative posts.

Any thoughts on the Burris Short Mag/Timberline?

The Mini doesn't give many mounting options. The rings are a fixed distance apart and unless you do some measuring you could be stuck with a scope that doesn't fit.

The Leupold may be price overkill for a mini but they do have a solid warranty and that's important because minis are hard on scopes.
 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Soon2bLEO Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/07/2008 at 12:48
You guys are awesome!
 
I went with a  Big Squeeze (1.5-5X20) and Kick Boxer (Illuminated) suggestion setup:
 
Leupold Vari X-III 1.5-5x20mm Illuminated Duplex on the Mini-14.
 
A Supertoll73 suggestion:  Vortex 1.75-5X32 Diamondback on my 10/22.
 
I'm hoping to have installed mid-week and hopefully do some shooting next weekend.
 
Thanks for all the very informative replies.
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