Mini14 sight adjustment?

ninjaamt · February 21, 2014, 10:32 PM

I see that my 223 ranch rifle was made in 1987. Just got it and glad it looks brand new! Fired it today and it was nice. I would like to adjust the rear sight a bit but it is not clear as to how that's done: no adjustment screws are visible. All suggestions welcome, it appears to be shooting a little low.

**JohnKSa** · February 21, 2014, 10:54 PM

There are some very small screws on the rear sight that hold the aperture "plate" to the rear sight. Find a screwdriver that fits these small screws. They are very fragile; if you try to force an oversize screwdriver into their slots, they will split--ask me how I know.

Note the position of the aperture and then loosen the screws. Adjust the position of the aperture in the direction you want the gun to shoot (it's only adjustable for elevation) and then tighten the screws.

If you need to adjust the windage, you'll need to drift the entire sight assembly after loosening the screw in front of the sight assembly that clamps it in place.

ninjaamt · February 21, 2014, 11:04 PM

I will check again but pretty sure there are no screws on this model. There are small knobs or sorts with 4 detents with a spring post holding each of them in place. I just don't want to force anything.

hodaka · February 21, 2014, 11:22 PM

Go to Ruger's website and download the appropriate manual.

ninjaamt · February 21, 2014, 11:48 PM

Yea tried that but didn't succeed in finding the right one from 1987. Will try again. I bet a special socket is called for.

**JohnKSa** · February 22, 2014, 01:17 AM

If your sight has knob adjustments, it's either not a ranch rifle or the rear sight is not the original sight. The ranch rifle has a very simple flip-up rear aperture sight that can be drifted for windage or adjusted for elevation as described in my earlier post.

Here is a link to picture of the rear sight of a Ruger ranch rifle.

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Ruger.../1Mvc-017f.jpg

ninjaamt · February 22, 2014, 11:24 AM

I see, that's not mine! Lol. I will call Ruger tech on Monday.

LastRebel70 · February 22, 2014, 11:32 AM

There is a sight adjustment tool that you need to adjust your sights. My Mini offs the same way. I have seen the tools on eBay but can't remember how much the are. I actually need to order one for myself.

ninjaamt · February 22, 2014, 11:38 AM

OK thanks I will ask Ruger about them.

USMC 77-81 · February 22, 2014, 11:43 AM

Go to 'Accuracy systems' and look at replacement sights, it will be a vast improvement. Also, if you want to retrieve your casings without going on a wild goose chase to find them change the gas port bushing from the factory .080 to something smaller, I went with the .045, also available from Accuracy systems and others. Since you have a Rancher the top should have cuts for scope rings, consider optics. Mine has 3x9 Leupold and I really like it. It sounds as though this is your first Mini, if so, don't let the talk of poor accuracy bum you out. Learn to handle the gun (My marksmanship training in the Marine Corps was very good and will give you specifics if you would like) properly, use it within it's abilities to provide desired results and things should be good to go.

ninjaamt · February 22, 2014, 12:25 PM

Good ideas thanks!

Omaha-BeenGlockin · February 22, 2014, 02:19 PM

Tool

http://www.opticsplanet.com/ruger-re...14-90049r.html

Direct from Ruger:
http://shopruger.com/Mini-14-Rear-Si...uctinfo/90049/

hodaka · February 22, 2014, 09:03 PM

Or use a bullet tip.

bamaranger · February 26, 2014, 11:33 AM

That sounds like the Mini that had the GI type sights from the factory. An FMJ cartridge tip should work.

Not a ranch rifle. Ranch rifles were the first to allow easy scope mounting with integral dovetails and a "tidy" folding aperture/peep as a back up. The though, I believe was the rifles were intended to be scoped from the onset.

Many folks replaced the folding leaf with an aftermarket sight if they intended to run irons as a primary system.

February 21, 2014, 10:32 PM	#1
ninjaamt Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Posts: 122	Mini14 sight adjustment? I see that my 223 ranch rifle was made in 1987. Just got it and glad it looks brand new! Fired it today and it was nice. I would like to adjust the rear sight a bit but it is not clear as to how that's done: no adjustment screws are visible. All suggestions welcome, it appears to be shooting a little low.

February 21, 2014, 10:54 PM	#2
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,557	There are some very small screws on the rear sight that hold the aperture "plate" to the rear sight. Find a screwdriver that fits these small screws. They are very fragile; if you try to force an oversize screwdriver into their slots, they will split--ask me how I know. Note the position of the aperture and then loosen the screws. Adjust the position of the aperture in the direction you want the gun to shoot (it's only adjustable for elevation) and then tighten the screws. If you need to adjust the windage, you'll need to drift the entire sight assembly after loosening the screw in front of the sight assembly that clamps it in place. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

February 22, 2014, 01:17 AM	#6
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,557	If your sight has knob adjustments, it's either not a ranch rifle or the rear sight is not the original sight. The ranch rifle has a very simple flip-up rear aperture sight that can be drifted for windage or adjusted for elevation as described in my earlier post. Here is a link to picture of the rear sight of a Ruger ranch rifle. http://www.gunblast.com/images/Ruger.../1Mvc-017f.jpg __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

February 22, 2014, 02:19 PM	#12
Omaha-BeenGlockin Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2001 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,184	Tool http://www.opticsplanet.com/ruger-re...14-90049r.html Direct from Ruger: http://shopruger.com/Mini-14-Rear-Si...uctinfo/90049/ __________________ I take the leech that's bleeding me Can't stop to save my soul I take the leash that's leading me -------Metallica

February 26, 2014, 11:33 AM	#14
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,783	Ruger That sounds like the Mini that had the GI type sights from the factory. An FMJ cartridge tip should work. Not a ranch rifle. Ranch rifles were the first to allow easy scope mounting with integral dovetails and a "tidy" folding aperture/peep as a back up. The though, I believe was the rifles were intended to be scoped from the onset. Many folks replaced the folding leaf with an aftermarket sight if they intended to run irons as a primary system.

February 21, 2014, 11:04 PM	#3
ninjaamt Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Posts: 122	I will check again but pretty sure there are no screws on this model. There are small knobs or sorts with 4 detents with a spring post holding each of them in place. I just don't want to force anything.

February 21, 2014, 11:22 PM	#4
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	Go to Ruger's website and download the appropriate manual.

February 21, 2014, 11:48 PM	#5
ninjaamt Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Posts: 122	Yea tried that but didn't succeed in finding the right one from 1987. Will try again. I bet a special socket is called for.

February 22, 2014, 11:24 AM	#7
ninjaamt Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Posts: 122	I see, that's not mine! Lol. I will call Ruger tech on Monday.

February 22, 2014, 11:32 AM	#8
LastRebel70 Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: tennessee Posts: 20	There is a sight adjustment tool that you need to adjust your sights. My Mini offs the same way. I have seen the tools on eBay but can't remember how much the are. I actually need to order one for myself.

February 22, 2014, 11:38 AM	#9
ninjaamt Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Posts: 122	OK thanks I will ask Ruger about them.

February 22, 2014, 11:43 AM	#10
USMC 77-81 Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2012 Location: Northern Idaho Posts: 254	Go to 'Accuracy systems' and look at replacement sights, it will be a vast improvement. Also, if you want to retrieve your casings without going on a wild goose chase to find them change the gas port bushing from the factory .080 to something smaller, I went with the .045, also available from Accuracy systems and others. Since you have a Rancher the top should have cuts for scope rings, consider optics. Mine has 3x9 Leupold and I really like it. It sounds as though this is your first Mini, if so, don't let the talk of poor accuracy bum you out. Learn to handle the gun (My marksmanship training in the Marine Corps was very good and will give you specifics if you would like) properly, use it within it's abilities to provide desired results and things should be good to go.

February 22, 2014, 12:25 PM	#11
ninjaamt Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Posts: 122	Good ideas thanks!

February 22, 2014, 09:03 PM	#13
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	Or use a bullet tip.