Are you on the hunt for the best scope for Mini 14? You came to the right place.
The Mini 14 rifle is renowned for its sturdiness, precision, and reliability. Even if you have the best Mini 14 rifle in the world, you will hardly hit your target when shooting with naked eyes.
To make the most of this rifle, you will need a good-quality scope that will improve your vision and bring distant targets closer.
What Makes a Great Mini-14 Scope?
How will you tell apart an excellent Mini 14 scope from an average scope? Several things make a great Mini-14 scope. First, the scope should have a mid-power magnification of not more than 10x. This is because the Mini-14 has a short maximum range of about 200 yards.
The scope should also come with high-quality optics so it will provide excellent visibility and clarity even in low-light settings.
A great Mini-14 scope is durably made to last long and is waterproof and fog proof for use in any weather condition.
Best Scope for Mini 14- Our Top Picks
In a market flooded with scopes from different manufacturers, you may find yourself unhinged when finding a Mini 14 scope especially if you don’t know what exactly to look for.
Luckily, we did the homework for you and after a thorough combing of the market we came up with a top selection of riflescope that will be a worthy companion for your Mini 14. Let’s dive in!
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm delivers excellent performance and great durability. It has a simple design that makes it easy to use even for beginners. It is lightweight for easy portability and has a Duplex CDS reticle that is highly accurate and easy to use. Moreover, the scope comes with a Twilight Light Management System which provides extra 10 minutes of shooting light in poor light settings and reduces glare when hunting/shooting under broad daylight. The durability that this USA-made scope provides is unmatched. It is crafted with 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum which is both durable and lightweight. It is punisher tested to stand any harsh handling, recoil, and shock. It is 100% waterproof and fog-resistant for use in extreme weather conditions. The scope also comes with scratch-resistant lenses for added protection. Features
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2) CVLIFE 3-9×40 R4 Reticle Crosshair Scope
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3) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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Vortex is a leading brand in the optics industry. It makes excellent-quality rifle scopes and the Crossfire II 3-9x40mm SFP Riflescope is no different. This scope is quality yet remarkably affordable. You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy it. Crossfire II 3-9×40 riflescope delivers unbeatable performance making it the best scope for Mini 14 for nailing targets from 200 yards. It features a versatile 3-9x suitable for hunting and shooting at varying ranges and a Dead-Hold BDC reticle which is ideal for those ranges where estimating holdover is a concern. It also features anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that optimize light transmission in poor light settings and reduce glare in bright light settings. This gives you the much-needed bright and clear views in any lighting condition you are hunting/shooting in. For added convenience, the scope comes with a long eye relief for comfortable glassing and a fast-focus eyepiece for quick and simple reticle focusing. In terms of construction, it is built with aerospace-quality aluminum which maximizes its strength and rigidity. It is also 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for all-weather performance and added durability. Features
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4) Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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This feature-rich scope has virtually every feature that you need to become a better hunter/shooter. It is competitively priced as well so you don’t have to break the bank to get one. If you are a mid-range shooter, a versatile 3-9x magnification awaits you when you buy this scope. It also comes with a large 40mm objective that complements the versatile power range by providing clear views and a wide viewing angle. Furthermore, the scope comes with an SFP drop zone 223 reticle and a side focus parallax for eliminating parallax when shooting long-distance targets. Like any other Bushnell rifle scope, the scope has a waterproof and fog proof construction that allows you to use it in any weather condition. Also, it brings to the table fully multi-coated optics which provide crisp and clear images from sunrise till when the sunsets. To top it all, it comes with exposed target turrets for quick and accurate elevation adjustment. Features
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5) Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
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If you mainly use your Mini 14 rifle to hunt in a low light setting, you should pair it with a high-quality red dot sight such as Sig Sauer ROMEO 1x20mm Red Dot Sight. It is compact in size and lightweight which makes it a great addition to your rifle. The red dot sight comes with a 2 MOA red dot which provides up to 10 different illumination settings. It has 8 daylight settings and 2-night vision for visibility in every light condition. Besides, you can easily mount it on any platform and the solid aluminum construction will offer you peak performance as well as many years of field use. Another good thing about this red dot sight is that its battery lasts longer to help you get the most out of your hunting trip. It comes with a Motion Activated Illumination which powers it up whenever it senses even the slightest motion and shuts it down after a few seconds of inactivity. This gives you an enhanced 40,000+ battery life. It is also waterproof and fog-free so you can use it even in harsh weather conditions. Features
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Best Scope Mount for Mini 14
1) GG&G Ruger Mini-14/ Mini-30 Ranch Picatinny Scope Mount
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2) AIM Sports Scope Mount for Ruger Mini 14 & Mini 30 Ranch Rifle
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3) NcSTAR Ruger Mini 14 Picatinny Rail Mount
Related: 8 Best Scopes for 400 Yards
Considerations when Choosing the Best Scope for Mini 14
Whether you are buying your first Mini-14 scope or looking to upgrade to a better unit, the following are some of the most important factors you should consider that should help you make the correct buying decision.
Magnification
The first thing you should consider is magnification. When shooting at long distance magnification brings you closer to your targets. This helps you plan your shot so you can shoot accurately.
Given that the Mini-14 rifle has a maximum range of about 200 yards, you only need a scope with mid-power magnification. Too much magnification will not only be impractical, but it will also limit the range that you can shoot with your rifle effectively. The best scope for Mini-14 has a maximum of 9x magnification.
You will also be required to choose between a variable power scope and a fixed power scope. It is best to use a fixed power scope if you will be hunting at constant distances and if targeting speed is of utmost importance. However, if you are looking to hunt games in varying ranges, it is best to get a variable power scope.
Lens Coating
The best scope for Mini 14 should feature quality optics for optimal clarity, color contrast, and image resolution. If you will be using the scope and the rifle for hunting or shooting in low-light settings, the scope must have high-quality coatings.
The coatings will maximize light transmission and prevent light loss through reflection. This way, you are guaranteed excellent image brightness and clarity.
The lens coating is also important when hunting in broad daylight. They reduce glare that can blind your eyes and blur your sight picture. Some scopes also come with a protective lens coating that shields the external lenses from dirt, oil, fingerprint, scratches, and so on.
Quality Construction
If you are looking to have great value for your money, look for a scope that is well-constructed with high-quality materials. A durable scope is also reliable. It’s best to get a scope that is made with sturdy materials preferably aluminum or magnesium alloy.
A Mini-14 scope worth buying is also shockproof to handle any punishment you throw at it and fully waterproof and fog proof for use even in adverse weather conditions. The best scope for Mini 14 should therefore be weatherproof and rigid to withstand shocks and vibrations
Eye Relief
Another feature you should put into consideration is the scope’s eye relief. If you are a new buyer, eye relief refers to the maximum distance between your eye and the scopes focal lens. Eye relief is important as it determines your comfort during your glassing session.
Although the Mini-14 produces minimal recoil, it’s good to have a scope with long eye relief. It will give you the flexibility to shoot comfortably regardless of your shooting position.
Eye relief is often underlooked by most buyers but to make the most of your scope that distance between the scope’s eyepiece and the eye is paramount.
Weight
Weight is the other important factor you should consider. A heavy scope might be heavy-duty but it will be cumbersome to carry around. It can also interfere with the accuracy of your rifle. Go for a scope that is light and portable. This way, you will be able to carry both the scope and the rifle with ease.
How Much Magnification Do You Need?
When you are choosing the best Mini-14 scope, you don’t need one with high magnification. This is because the Mini-14 has a maximum range of about 200 yards.
If you are looking for a variable power scope, a model with 3x is low enough while 9x is high enough. Anything more than that might just be overkill. It will limit the range that you can use your rifle effectively.
Do You Need an Illuminated Reticle?
It depends. If you will be using the scope to hunt or shoot during the day only, you don’t need an illuminated reticle.
But if you intend to use the scope in low light settings such as early in the morning or late in the evening, it’s best to have a model with an illuminated reticle. It will help improve your accuracy in those poor light settings.
Reflex Sights or Regular Scopes
Choosing between a reflex sight or a regular scope will largely depend on your individual preference and what you will be using your Mini-14 for.
If you want to use the rifle for short-range application, it is best to get a reflex sight. They are extremely simple to use and most of them have unlimited eye relief that aids in rapid target acquisition.
On the other hand, if you are looking to engage targets at varying ranges, a regular scope will do. Regular scopes offer variable magnification which is ideal for shooting targets at both close and long ranges.
Final Thoughts
We do hope that this article has walked you through every single thing that you need to make the right buying decision. Take your time and weigh in the features that each scope listed above presents then pick out the unit that works best for your individual needs. Which of the above best scopes for Mini 14 will you be trying first?