Mini-14 optic

[orangejesus]

I'm fairly new to all of this so I'd appreciate any advice.

I have a Mini-14 in 5.56. I've only taken it to the range (25yd) a few times, but would like to attend a clinic to improve my ability; my understanding is that targets will be anywhere from seven to 100 yards out.

What would be a good optic for this scenario? Is magnification needed, or would a red dot be suitable for 100 yards?

I do have astigmatism, which I understand can have an impact on which optic might be the best choice.

I am eager for any suggestions/input; thanks!

[kcheung2]

There's nothing wrong with the iron sights that came with your gun, and it could be argued that the best way to improve your ability is to be proficient with iron sights.

But if you want to mount optics on it, the choice really comes down to personal preference. If I were in a similar situation, I'd probably go with a fixed 3x or 4x prism scope because I also have astigmatism and a mini isn't a precision rifle at all so higher magnification just shows me how imprecise it is.

But that is all my personal preference.

[LindenBruce]

My first Mini has an old Aimpoint Red Dot mounted on it. Been that way since I got it in the 80's. Love it. I have used it for fairly close shooting and all the way out to 100 yards for ground squirrels. B.

[LindenBruce]

The problem with the current crop of red dots is this. The size of the dot. Most are 2MOA or larger. It's very hard to find anything smaller.

2MOA is fine if you are shooting B27 silhouettes. But if you are shooting 25 yard bulls eye targets it makes it difficult to hold a small group.

I wish I could find another Aimpoint MkIII. But they haven't been made in some time. B

[Brush Guard]

For what you are describing, I would go with a LPVO, with an illuminated etched reticle.

1x6 seems to be the sweet spot.

After learning open sights.

[JohnnyMtn]

Hi OJ. I do not mean to sidetrack you but look into attending a Project Appleseed 2 day shoot. They will teach you things you never knew you did not know. You can use a scoped rifle at an Appleseed but I would highly recommend using just irons.

One caveat though is that you will shoot 300-400 rounds so 5.56 might get pricey. 22LR is a much more economical way to do an Appleseed.

[orangejesus]

All - thank you for the input, and I agree that learning to use the iron sights would be a worthy endeavor.

For what you are describing, I would go with a LPVO, with an illuminated etched reticle.

1x6 seems to be the sweet spot.

After learning open sights.

Any particular manufacture for an LPVO?

thanks!

[CessnaDriver]

What do others think?... Maybe a scout scope?
Long eye relief and low mag 1.5X to 4X.
I run one of mine this way. Quick disconnects to go back to irons easy enough.

[Zenderfall]

I think scout scopes are very handy, and much faster to use than traditional scopes because their eye relief is so far away. For the purpose of a mini-14, i think they’re better suited than an LPVO.

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

There's nothing wrong with the iron sights that came with your gun, and it could be argued that the best way to improve your ability is to be proficient with iron sights.

But if you want to mount optics on it, the choice really comes down to personal preference. If I were in a similar situation, I'd probably go with a fixed 3x or 4x prism scope because I also have astigmatism and a mini isn't a precision rifle at all so higher magnification just shows me how imprecise it is.

But that is all my personal preference.

Irons are a sighting system. Shooting fundamentals do not change between shooting irons or an optic.

OP, I'd sign up for an Appleseed shoot. As for what you would be happy with your rifle, either a "scout" style long eye relief scope or an LVPO would suit your purpose.

[k1dude]

I would suggest trying a red dot first. Red dots are a great small and lightweight choice for close quarters to 100 yards. There's tons of good and inexpensive choices out there.

If your astigmatism is bad enough to prevent effective use of a red dot, consider a 1x Primary Arms SLx MicroPrism with ACSS.