Mini 14 Scope mount recommendations

[aghauler]

Stainless Mini 14 arriving Weds and was wondering what people are using for scope mounts, the rail or the side mount and why?

[Exospeed]

The mini30 I got came with their integral scope rings for 1" scopes, but that was about 10 years ago and I don't know if Ruger still includes rings with their rifles.

[tmh1]

I just used the special Ruger rings which came with the rifle. They are a little on the heavy side, but:

1) They were "free" with the rifle;
2) They work.
3) They have never loosened or given me any other issue, or reason to replace them.

IIRC if you mount one of the specific aftermarket pic rails, you need to remove the rear sight? I bought one to try out on a used Mini-30 I bought which didn't come with the Ruger rings. I think I just cut the rear end of the rail off to be able to keep the rear sight. Never liked the rail, and went back to Ruger rings on that gun too.

But at least the cut-down rail works on my new PC4 (same funky mounting set-up as on the Mini-14/30)

https://tmh.smugmug.com/photos/i-pdxZbmF/0/L/i-pdxZbmF-L.jpg

[aghauler]

I just used the special Ruger rings which came with the rifle. They are a little on the heavy side, but:

1) They were "free" with the rifle;
2) They work.
3) They have never loosened or given me any other issue, or reason to replace them.

IIRC if you mount one of the specific aftermarket pic rails, you need to remove the rear sight? I bought one to try out on a used Mini-30 I bought which didn't come with the Ruger rings. I think I just cut the rear end of the rail off to be able to keep the rear sight. Never liked the rail, and went back to Ruger rings on that gun too.

But at least the cut-down rail works on my new PC4 (same funky mounting set-up as on the Mini-14/30)

https://tmh.smugmug.com/photos/i-pdxZbmF/0/L/i-pdxZbmF-L.jpg

A bonus reply! Great pic of your PC4, gives me some ideas for my PC9 which has the same style Ghost Ring sights.
Thanks!

[aghauler]

The mini30 I got came with their integral scope rings for 1" scopes, but that was about 10 years ago and I don't know if Ruger still includes rings with their rifles.

Wasn't sure if rings or rail comes with the Mini, guess I'll find out soon though.
I guess the side mount allows the use of the irons as a backup.

[langss]

I just used the Ring's that came with the gun. If the Scope you chose Objective lens is to large, Ruger will exchange them for free. They have a chart on their site with the sizes that fit what size Objective Lens.

[aghauler]

I just used the Ring's that came with the gun. If the Scope you chose Objective lens is to large, Ruger will exchange them for free. They have a chart on their site with the sizes that fit what size Objective Lens.

Good info thanks!

[oktavist]

+1 for rings that come with the rifle. Little heavy, but rock solid.

[aghauler]

+1 for rings that come with the rifle. Little heavy, but rock solid.

Would their taller rings allow use of the irons sights as well?

[CaliforniaSon]

I configured one for my dad and kid with the rail and a set of rings with an open bottom so they can use both scope and irons.

[aghauler]

I configured one for my dad and kid with the rail and a set of rings with an open bottom so they can use both scope and irons.

Was thinking about that also, good to know it can be done. Thanks!

[RNE228]

I had the stock rings on my old Mini-14. I like the design. They work great for a normal rifle scope.

I occasionally would take the scope off, rings and all. The Ruger attach setup retained zero every time.

If I were to get another Mini-14, I would stay with irons although I would use Tech-Sights.

[aghauler]

I had the stock rings on my old Mini-14. I like the design. They work great for a normal rifle scope.

I occasionally would take the scope off, rings and all. The Ruger attach setup retained zero every time.

If I were to get another Mini-14, I would stay with irons although I would use Tech-Sights.

Good info wondered about the retention of the scope zero.

Question though, the new Mini 14 seem to come with sights similar to the M1 Garand in the rear and the M1 Carbine up front, why would you consider changing them?

[rino]

I use the rings that come with the rifle. I tried a rail on top with a red dot and it seemed to put the line of sight to high compared to the stock

[1911ShooterPhil]

Stainless Mini 14 arriving Weds and was wondering what people are using for scope mounts, the rail or the side mount and why?

Have you seen the mount from GG&G?

http://www.gggaz.com/ruger-mini-14-scope-mount.html

http://www.gggaz.com/ruger-mini-14-ranch-rifle-scope-mounts.html

That's the best you are going to get. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

[sd joe]

As others have said they come with rings that should do the job. I shot mine once with a scope then changed the rear to a tech sight. I'd like to find a finer front sight, but it seems like to MoReaper is the only option for that.

[1911ShooterPhil]

I'd like to find a finer front sight, but it seems like to MoReaper is the only option for that.

No...it's not:

http://www.thearmsroom.com/id2.html

The Arms Room offers a heavy gas block top strap with XS Tritium Dot sight blade. It's a great option. I also had him shorten the barrel, thread it, install the flash hider, and refinish the whole gun. It was awesome. Money worth spending. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

[Kestryll]

Current Mini-14s and Mini-30s come with both the standard Ruger rings which are a true Ruger product, solid as a rock and heavy duty, and a rail that screws in to pre-drilled and threaded holes in the receiver.

As others have said Ruger will change out your rings for different heights or from 1" to 30mm.

[Kestryll]

No...it's not:

http://www.thearmsroom.com/id2.html

The Arms Room offers a heavy gas block top strap with XS Tritium Dot sight blade. It's a great option. I also had him shorten the barrel, thread it, install the flash hider, and refinish the whole gun. It was awesome. Money worth spending. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

Lee Hadaway has been making those for a while now and they get good reviews.

I've got an original AC556 SS gas block front sight on my Mini-14. ;)

[sd joe]

Thanks Phil, I'll check it out.

[aghauler]

Have you seen the mount from GG&G?

http://www.gggaz.com/ruger-mini-14-scope-mount.html

http://www.gggaz.com/ruger-mini-14-ranch-rifle-scope-mounts.html

That's the best you are going to get. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

Hadn't seen these yet thanks for the links.

[Garandimal]

Good info wondered about the retention of the scope zero.

Question though, the new Mini 14 seem to come with sights similar to the M1 Garand in the rear and the M1 Carbine up front, why would you consider changing them?

It's a "ghost ring"... and it sucks.

Very hard to find the front sight, especially in low light conditions, even w/ an inch-shortened stock.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/829x622q90/674/177a57.jpg

And you have to diddle-screw w/ it to adjust.

Just received my new Tech-sights MINI200 aperture sight.

Great sight for a light/handy carbine out to 250 yards.




GR

[aghauler]

It's a "ghost ring"... and it sucks.

Very hard to find the front sight, especially in low light conditions, even w/ an inch-shortened stock.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/829x622q90/674/177a57.jpg

And you have to diddle-screw w/ it to adjust.

Just received my new Tech-sights MINI200 aperture sight.

Great sight for a light/handy carbine out to 250 yards.

Also working a wood stock for it.

GR

I see what yer sayin now, you have to loosen and tighten the screws to adjust for windage what a PIA. Ruger should have just put a better sight on it.
I agree Tech Sights here we come!
Thanks for that info and photo.

[1911ShooterPhil]

Lee Hadaway has been making those for a while now and they get good reviews.

I've got an original AC556 SS gas block front sight on my Mini-14. ;)

I love the one he did for me. It's an awesome trunk gun. Short, accurate, reliable, and very user-friendly. Plus, it doesn't scream "black rifle," so it's as low pro as any other hunting rifle out there. --1911ShooterPhil

[3006]

Ranch rifle used to come with rings and a mount regular Mini did not.

[aghauler]

It's a "ghost ring"... and it sucks.

Very hard to find the front sight, especially in low light conditions, even w/ an inch-shortened stock.

https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/829x622q90/674/177a57.jpg

And you have to diddle-screw w/ it to adjust.

Just received my new Tech-sights MINI200 aperture sight.

Great sight for a light/handy carbine out to 250 yards.


GR

Just ordered the Tech Sights, and a 1" replica GI type sling so I won't
have to change the sling swivels. Didn't know they made the narrow version, I've got a bunch of 1.25 inch Garand slings.
Now to find a wood stock.:)

[bellwilliam]

Have you seen the mount from GG&G?

http://www.gggaz.com/ruger-mini-14-ranch-rifle-scope-mounts.html

That's the best you are going to get. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

I have this, but I can't remove bolt for cleaning without removing the mount. Is this a common mini 14 issue ?

[langss]

I have this, but I can't remove bolt for cleaning without removing the mount. Is this a common mini 14 issue ?That Is exactly why I said to use the Ruger Mounts. I thought the rail was a great idea until I read exactly what you wrote. Google is our friend......;)

[supergimp]

My Dad just got a brand new Mini-14 Ranch, standard blue/wood model, nothing special, and it came with both rings and a rail. I'd say look no further unless you need something more specific for your desired optic setup.

[1911ShooterPhil]

I have this, but I can't remove bolt for cleaning without removing the mount. Is this a common mini 14 issue ?

Yeah, that's a common issue. But, there is another option:

http://ultimak.com/BuyMini.htm

http://i806.photobucket.com/albums/yy341/1911ShooterPhil/m4multiflat2_zpshiwytwkl.jpg (http://s806.photobucket.com/user/1911ShooterPhil/media/m4multiflat2_zpshiwytwkl.jpg.html)

I installed an UltiMAK mount on my brother's M1 Carbine. Thousands of rounds later and it is still holding up just fine. It's a good design. Of course, it requires a scout scope or a red dot. It's a handy set up, it balances well, and it's quick to aim with. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

[land locked]

I want to buy the tech sights but other than the easy adjustable feature, is the sight picture all that different from the factory?

[Go Navy]

Stainless Mini 14 arriving Weds and was wondering what people are using for scope mounts, the rail or the side mount and why?

If your Mini is new, I think it will come with Ruger's short rail, which you will mount yourself. I have one on the newer of my two Minis. It works fine, a clean installation 'cause the receiver comes already tapped for it and screws are included.

[Garandimal]

I want to buy the tech sights but other than the easy adjustable feature, is the sight picture all that different from the factory?

No, not night-n-day like a Garand sight aperture would be.

But it's better, and easier to find the front sight.

Will report further after the next range trip.




GR

[Garandimal]

Just ordered the Tech Sights, and a 1" replica GI type sling so I won't
have to change the sling swivels. Didn't know they made the narrow version, I've got a bunch of 1.25 inch Garand slings.
Now to find a wood stock.:)

WINCHESTER UNIV. 1 1/4" SUPER SWIVEL PAIR CS144 (http://www.cdnnsports.com/swivel-1-1-4-winchester-super.html) - $2.99

http://www.cdnnsports.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/W/I/WIN99743_1.jpg

;)




GR

[aghauler]

If your Mini is new, I think it will come with Ruger's short rail, which you will mount yourself. I have one on the newer of my two Minis. It works fine, a clean installation 'cause the receiver comes already tapped for it and screws are included.

Package from Tech Sights arrived.

The 1" sling looks just like a narrow Garand sling.

Notably with all the negative remarks about NcStar and other stuff made in Asia, I was surprised to see that Tech Sights are made in Taiwan! Still good quality though.

[aghauler]

WINCHESTER UNIV. 1 1/4" SUPER SWIVEL PAIR CS144 (http://www.cdnnsports.com/swivel-1-1-4-winchester-super.html) - $2.99

http://www.cdnnsports.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/W/I/WIN99743_1.jpg

;)




GR

Will keep these in mind if I get the wood stock for the Mini, Thanks!

[Go Navy]

Attached is a picture of my 58x series Mini-14 with Ruger's included short rail on it. That's a Bushnell Trophy TRS 25mm Red Dot on it, which is just dandy on this rifle. Note that it does not interfere with the standard iron rear sight, but there's no co-witness. I don't care about that.

For those who haven't seen this rail, it is relieved on the right side (as you look towards the muzzle. I assume this is for ejection. I've had zero issues with it. It's a clean installation, low, and I think it looks good.

I personally don't care for scout scope setups. I haven't tried a magnifying scope on this rail instead of the red dot, but I think it would work. Or, you just use the also included Ruger scope rings.

[bellwilliam]

Attached is a picture of my 58x series Mini-14 with Ruger's included short rail on it. That's a Bushnell Trophy TRS 25mm Red Dot on it, which is just dandy on this rifle. Note that it does not interfere with the standard iron rear sight, but there's no co-witness. I don't care about that.

For those who haven't seen this rail, it is relieved on the right side (as you look towards the muzzle. I assume this is for ejection. I've had zero issues with it. It's a clean installation, low, and I think it looks good.

I personally don't care for scout scope setups. I haven't tried a magnifying scope on this rail instead of the red dot, but I think it would work. Or, you just use the also included Ruger scope rings.

have you tried removing bolt with that rail on it ?

[Go Navy]

have you tried removing bolt with that rail on it ?

No, I haven't, but honestly I've never perceived a reason to remove the bolt on a Mini-14. Is that something recommended after "x" number of rounds? I find that mine run really clean but I don't burn through 100s of rounds either.