Looking for a low power optic for Mini-14

The Great Mahoo · January 28, 2013, 04:07 PM

Hey gang,

I'm thinking about getting a low-power optic for one of my recently acquired Mini 14. Could be a traditional, or a long eye relief "scout" mount.

I want to keep the overall power on the low end, say 4 or 5x at max. I was thinking maybe a variable, with (1-2) - (4-5)x as ideal. However, I want to keep it cheap, with no more than $300 tied up in it. It's just for plinking and having some fun, but I want it to be dependable and hold its mark.

The only one I really found with a cursory scan is the Mueller Speed Shot, but I'm not sure on the reticle, as I tend to like more to it than just a dot.

Any thoughts or recommendations?

Thanks!

btmj · January 28, 2013, 09:14 PM

I think the Nikon Monarch African 1-4X20mm is outstanding, I put one on my AR-15. The very similar Nikon M223 1-4X20mm is the same basic scope, but with a different reticle.

Several other companies make 1-4X20mm scopes... They all seem pretty good, but if I was going to step up from the $280 Nikons, I would go for the Leupold VX-R with the illuminated reticle. I think they go for about $550.

Art Eatman · January 28, 2013, 09:15 PM

All I ever had was early model Minis. I always stuck a Weaver K4 on top. Worked just fine for plinking, coyotes and jackrabbits.

jmortimer · January 28, 2013, 09:20 PM

"Weaver K4"

That is a real good scope for the $$$.

hodaka · January 28, 2013, 09:52 PM

I think Mini's are perfect for a red dot. No magnification but much easier to use than the irons. Mine have 30mm Tasco ProPoints. Too much scope brings the inaccuracy to attention. With the red dot and the irons you won't notice the comparative inaccuracy.

paknheat · January 28, 2013, 10:27 PM

I had a Burris 2-7 on my Ranch model for a while, was real good out past 300 yards, & was great for night hunting too.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TexAg · January 29, 2013, 12:07 AM

I really like my Burris TAC-30 so far. 1-4x with a lighted reticle that is black when not lit. VERY clear glass and a snap to use.

C7AR15 · January 29, 2013, 12:19 AM

a 3x-9x would do the trick.
I have a Mini 14 and I put a 1.5-4.5X on it
and I found I wanted more power!!!!
The 3-9x usually come at a good price too.

Also I put a GG&G Pitcanny rail on the mini so now I just switch between a
3-9X and a vortex red dot.

Lots of options for your gun????????? JD

aircorpnut · January 29, 2013, 12:23 AM

i had a mueller 2-7x32 "shotgun" scope on my mini 30 for years & it held up well to the abuse. sold the mini 30 & picked up a mini 14 tactical this spring. the mueller is now mounted on it with warne QD rings. its illuminated too, which comes in handy at times.

http://muelleroptics.com/mu2732igr

kahrguy · January 29, 2013, 10:21 AM

I also like the idea of the mueller speed shot. Seems like good 250 yard and under scope.

I'vebeenduped · January 29, 2013, 12:26 PM

I am getting the mini-14 scout mount this weekend since I heard that is a good accessory for dispersing the heat and stabilizing the barrel (please, understand that I have a 186 model "http://www.amegaranges.com/index.php"). I am currently using the after market ATI stock of which I am not completely thrilled, mainly because of the wobble factor in the folding stock. That having been said, I really enjoy the mini set up with a scout scope (1-7 pwr). I feel that I get a much faster target acquisition with it and my aging eyes don't have any difficulty adjusting to it. Besides, a regular scope would probably make me out shoot my rifle and I don't want to feel like I need a new rifle in today's day and age. I have an off-brand scout scope, can't remember the make and rifle is not in front of me, which serves me well. Of course, you do what works best for you, but I would suggest giving the scout mounted scope a try. You may never like a traditionally mounted scope again.

I'vebeenduped · January 29, 2013, 12:31 PM

I meant to include this. Here is my better half on her first outing. I really do like the position of the scout scope!

The Great Mahoo · January 29, 2013, 12:54 PM

Thanks for the input.

I have shot rifles with the scout scope before and really liked it. What mount do you have? I've seen 2 different companies, whose names escape me at the moment, each for around $150 if I recall correctly. Not sure if the mount would interfere with the iron sights or not, so I haven't ordered one till I figure out what scope to do.

I already have the rings for a traditional mount, as they came with the gun, but I'm always a bit weary of mounting a scope over the ejector like on the mini. I understand that they are designed to toss the brass away from the scope, but it still sticks in my mind. That being said, I've never shot a scoped mini, so I'm sure it wouldn't bother me for long.

As for the red dot idea, my AR sports one, so I'm looking for something else for the mini.

MOshooter65202 · January 29, 2013, 01:30 PM

I would think that a low powered variable scope would be nice on a mini,I have a Burris Signature 1.5-6x40 with a electro dot which is really nice in low light shooting and very compact,I have it mounted on a DPMS LR308AP4 Carbine and it does a very good job...Can't go wrong with a low powered optical for a carbine style rifle. IMO

I'vebeenduped · January 29, 2013, 01:40 PM

My scout scope was a gift from a buddy of mine. He tried it on his Mosin but the mount to the rifle wobbled for him. I don't know what rings they are. I'd like to get some that I can see through but then I would have to get a cheek riser. If I had a different stock that might not bother me so much. Those ATI stocks are not fun to stabilize from what I've read.

sholling · January 29, 2013, 03:40 PM

I have a Weaver V3 1-3x20 (~$170) on one of mine and I like it a lot. Just keep in mind that Minis can be a bit hard on scopes.

I'vebeenduped · January 30, 2013, 02:58 PM

Use the shock-buff recoil buffers made for the 1911. It is my understanding that the brand shock-buff are thin enough to not interfere with the bolt locking when your 7 round magazine is empty. Besides, they are much cheaper than the ones specifically made for the mini, which cause locking problems until they are broken in.

ronl · February 1, 2013, 12:17 AM

I'll second the Burris TAC30. Friend of mine has one on an AR and it is a very nice optic. I think Midway has them for $279 this month, but if you check around you might find it a little cheaper. Nice glass.

The Great Mahoo · February 5, 2013, 09:45 PM

Thanks for all the input, guys. I think I have a few ideas now, but might wait for the next gun show in 2 months before ordering anything online. With my schedule, I won't be getting any shooting in before then anyway

bamaranger · February 6, 2013, 04:38 AM

There are several DMR type scopes on the market that are low powered variables and have ranging and illumination to boot. The Leatherwood (HiLuX) and the Weaver come to mind. Leupold is selling a "patrol rifle" optic same role. The Burris Tac-30 as mentioned.

My Mini-30 is wearing a Leupold 1-4x shotgun scope. The 5 yd parallex does not bother me bit with the x39 cartridge. It has beaten a 2-3 cheap import 4x's to pieces.

KO3422 · February 6, 2013, 11:16 PM

I'll throw it out there, but I like the Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x....preferably the green triangle reticle (TR24G).

January 28, 2013, 04:07 PM	#1
The Great Mahoo Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,269	Looking for a low power optic for Mini-14 Hey gang, I'm thinking about getting a low-power optic for one of my recently acquired Mini 14. Could be a traditional, or a long eye relief "scout" mount. I want to keep the overall power on the low end, say 4 or 5x at max. I was thinking maybe a variable, with (1-2) - (4-5)x as ideal. However, I want to keep it cheap, with no more than $300 tied up in it. It's just for plinking and having some fun, but I want it to be dependable and hold its mark. The only one I really found with a cursory scan is the Mueller Speed Shot, but I'm not sure on the reticle, as I tend to like more to it than just a dot. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks! __________________ “There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face.” - Krusty the Clown

January 28, 2013, 09:52 PM	#5
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	I think Mini's are perfect for a red dot. No magnification but much easier to use than the irons. Mine have 30mm Tasco ProPoints. Too much scope brings the inaccuracy to attention. With the red dot and the irons you won't notice the comparative inaccuracy. Last edited by hodaka; January 28, 2013 at 10:57 PM.

January 29, 2013, 12:19 AM	#8
C7AR15 Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2011 Location: Burnaby Posts: 260	Old but good a 3x-9x would do the trick. I have a Mini 14 and I put a 1.5-4.5X on it and I found I wanted more power!!!! The 3-9x usually come at a good price too. Also I put a GG&G Pitcanny rail on the mini so now I just switch between a 3-9X and a vortex red dot. Lots of options for your gun????????? JD

January 29, 2013, 12:26 PM	#11
I'vebeenduped Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Location: AZ Posts: 202	Scout scope I am getting the mini-14 scout mount this weekend since I heard that is a good accessory for dispersing the heat and stabilizing the barrel (please, understand that I have a 186 model "http://www.amegaranges.com/index.php"). I am currently using the after market ATI stock of which I am not completely thrilled, mainly because of the wobble factor in the folding stock. That having been said, I really enjoy the mini set up with a scout scope (1-7 pwr). I feel that I get a much faster target acquisition with it and my aging eyes don't have any difficulty adjusting to it. Besides, a regular scope would probably make me out shoot my rifle and I don't want to feel like I need a new rifle in today's day and age. I have an off-brand scout scope, can't remember the make and rifle is not in front of me, which serves me well. Of course, you do what works best for you, but I would suggest giving the scout mounted scope a try. You may never like a traditionally mounted scope again.

January 29, 2013, 03:40 PM	#16
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	I have a Weaver V3 1-3x20 (~$170) on one of mine and I like it a lot. Just keep in mind that Minis can be a bit hard on scopes. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

January 28, 2013, 09:14 PM	#2
btmj Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2011 Location: Near St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 864	I think the Nikon Monarch African 1-4X20mm is outstanding, I put one on my AR-15. The very similar Nikon M223 1-4X20mm is the same basic scope, but with a different reticle. Several other companies make 1-4X20mm scopes... They all seem pretty good, but if I was going to step up from the $280 Nikons, I would go for the Leupold VX-R with the illuminated reticle. I think they go for about $550.

January 28, 2013, 09:15 PM	#3
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	All I ever had was early model Minis. I always stuck a Weaver K4 on top. Worked just fine for plinking, coyotes and jackrabbits.

January 28, 2013, 09:20 PM	#4
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	"Weaver K4" That is a real good scope for the $$$.

January 28, 2013, 10:27 PM	#6
paknheat Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2006 Location: East Texas Posts: 334	I had a Burris 2-7 on my Ranch model for a while, was real good out past 300 yards, & was great for night hunting too. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

January 29, 2013, 12:07 AM	#7
TexAg Member Join Date: July 9, 2010 Posts: 79	I really like my Burris TAC-30 so far. 1-4x with a lighted reticle that is black when not lit. VERY clear glass and a snap to use.

January 29, 2013, 12:23 AM	#9
aircorpnut Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Posts: 16	i had a mueller 2-7x32 "shotgun" scope on my mini 30 for years & it held up well to the abuse. sold the mini 30 & picked up a mini 14 tactical this spring. the mueller is now mounted on it with warne QD rings. its illuminated too, which comes in handy at times. http://muelleroptics.com/mu2732igr

January 29, 2013, 10:21 AM	#10
kahrguy Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2012 Posts: 561	I also like the idea of the mueller speed shot. Seems like good 250 yard and under scope.

January 29, 2013, 12:54 PM	#13
The Great Mahoo Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,269	Thanks for the input. I have shot rifles with the scout scope before and really liked it. What mount do you have? I've seen 2 different companies, whose names escape me at the moment, each for around $150 if I recall correctly. Not sure if the mount would interfere with the iron sights or not, so I haven't ordered one till I figure out what scope to do. I already have the rings for a traditional mount, as they came with the gun, but I'm always a bit weary of mounting a scope over the ejector like on the mini. I understand that they are designed to toss the brass away from the scope, but it still sticks in my mind. That being said, I've never shot a scoped mini, so I'm sure it wouldn't bother me for long. As for the red dot idea, my AR sports one, so I'm looking for something else for the mini.

January 29, 2013, 01:30 PM	#14
MOshooter65202 Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2011 Posts: 471	I would think that a low powered variable scope would be nice on a mini,I have a Burris Signature 1.5-6x40 with a electro dot which is really nice in low light shooting and very compact,I have it mounted on a DPMS LR308AP4 Carbine and it does a very good job...Can't go wrong with a low powered optical for a carbine style rifle. IMO

January 29, 2013, 01:40 PM	#15
I'vebeenduped Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Location: AZ Posts: 202	My scout scope was a gift from a buddy of mine. He tried it on his Mosin but the mount to the rifle wobbled for him. I don't know what rings they are. I'd like to get some that I can see through but then I would have to get a cheek riser. If I had a different stock that might not bother me so much. Those ATI stocks are not fun to stabilize from what I've read.

January 30, 2013, 02:58 PM	#17
I'vebeenduped Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Location: AZ Posts: 202	Use the shock-buff recoil buffers made for the 1911. It is my understanding that the brand shock-buff are thin enough to not interfere with the bolt locking when your 7 round magazine is empty. Besides, they are much cheaper than the ones specifically made for the mini, which cause locking problems until they are broken in. __________________ The natural state of man, the way G‑d created us, is to be happy. Look at children and you will see

February 1, 2013, 12:17 AM	#18
ronl Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Posts: 1,100	I'll second the Burris TAC30. Friend of mine has one on an AR and it is a very nice optic. I think Midway has them for $279 this month, but if you check around you might find it a little cheaper. Nice glass.

February 5, 2013, 09:45 PM	#19
The Great Mahoo Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2008 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,269	Thanks for all the input, guys. I think I have a few ideas now, but might wait for the next gun show in 2 months before ordering anything online. With my schedule, I won't be getting any shooting in before then anyway __________________ “There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face.” - Krusty the Clown

February 6, 2013, 04:38 AM	#20
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	DMR There are several DMR type scopes on the market that are low powered variables and have ranging and illumination to boot. The Leatherwood (HiLuX) and the Weaver come to mind. Leupold is selling a "patrol rifle" optic same role. The Burris Tac-30 as mentioned. My Mini-30 is wearing a Leupold 1-4x shotgun scope. The 5 yd parallex does not bother me bit with the x39 cartridge. It has beaten a 2-3 cheap import 4x's to pieces.

February 6, 2013, 11:16 PM	#21
KO3422 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2011 Posts: 124	I'll throw it out there, but I like the Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x....preferably the green triangle reticle (TR24G).

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