In this review, we comprehensively cover the best scope for Mini 14 recommendations.
The Ruger Mini 14 is an ultralight semi-automatic rifle that is widely used as a hunting firearm or a defensive weapon.
No matter the activity that you use the Mini 14 for, mounting a good scope on it is essential for accurate target acquisition.
Moreover, it is vital to purchase the right scope the first time so you can get the most out of it.
However, finding the best scope for Mini-14 is easier said than done. The market is flooded with scopes which makes the selection process overwhelming.
It is even more difficult to pick the best model if you are buying one for the very first time.
If you are having a hard time finding the best scope for Mini-14, we are here to help.
In today’s post, we are going to help you get a better understanding of the attributes that make a great scope for the Mini-14 and also explore some of the best models you can pair with this popular rifle. Let’s get started.
In a hurry? here is a summary of the best scopes for Mini 14
| 1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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| 2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
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| 3) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
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| 4) Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
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What Makes a Great Mini 14 Scope?
Magnification is one of the things that make a Mini 14 scope great. Whether it is fixed or variable magnification, it should be of the right amount depending on what you are using the rifle for and your shooting range.
A great scope should then have quality optics that deliver bright, clear, and sharp sight pictures.
With quality optics, the scope will deliver superb optical performance even in adverse lighting conditions.
The scope should also be easy to operate and have a manageable weight for convenient portability.
The body of the scope should be constructed using high-quality materials to stand up to rough outdoor handling. It should also be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog-resistant for operability even in extreme weather conditions.
Best Scope for Mini 14-Top Picks
Whether you are purchasing your first Mini-14 scope, or you are looking for a new model to add to your collection, here are the top models you can choose from.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
If you are planning to use your Mini 14 rifle for hunting hogs and varmints, target shooting, or for any other application, the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope is up to the task.
It is tough as a tank and has virtually everything you would dream of in scope for Mini 14.
You will be certainly impressed by the unparalleled precision this scope provides. At every zoom range, it provides crisp and brilliant sight pictures for swift target identification and a wide viewing angle that helps you scan for targets rapidly.
Furthermore, it features a Twilight Light Management System, an optical coating that enhances the transmission of light to deliver brilliantly sharp and clear images from sunrise to sunset.
The scope is built to last. It has sturdy housing that withstands mishandling and anything you subject it to.
The body is made from aircraft-quality aluminum which maximizes its strength and rigidity.
Further, the exterior lenses are scratch-proof for added protection and the entire optic is sealed using advanced methods to provide dependable waterproof and fog-proof performance under any weather condition.
To top it all, the scope has an ultralight design that enhances portability and ease of use.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Exit Pupil: 4.7 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 60/60 MOA
- Parallax: Fixed
Pros
- Twilight Light Management System
- Scratch resistant lenses
- One-inch main tube
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Versatile and variable 3-9x magnification range
- 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- Lightweight construction
- Powerful magnification
- User-friendly precision adjustments
- Affordable
- Clear and quality glass
Cons
- No side focus
- Non-Illuminated
- No Adjustable objective
2) Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Vortex makes a wide selection of top-tier yet cost-effective scopes and this is clear in the Crossfire II 3-9×40 BDC rifle scope.
It offers one of the highest levels of performance and dependability no matter the shooting activity you are engaged in, at a price that is easy on the wallet.
This scope pairs perfectly with the Mini-14 majorly because it is ideal for both hunting and tactical shooting. Besides, it features fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, clear, and color-accurate views even in low-light settings.
It also has a fast-focus eyepiece that ensures swift reticle focusing and long eye relief that aids in the rapid acquisition of targets.
With a 14.8 oz weight, this scope is one of the lightest yet most durable optics on the market today.
It is crafted from aerospace-quality aluminum to ensure that you get many years of field use from it. It is also O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to be fully waterproof and fog resistant.
Above all, it has capped reset turrets that are finger adjustable with MOA clicks.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Battery Life: 150 hours
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Attachment/Mount Type: Ring
- Field of View, Linear: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
Pros
- Hard anodized finish
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Aircraft-quality aluminum body
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1-inch body tube
- Great value for money
- Lightweight construction
- 3 reticles to choose from
- Long eye relief
- Zero resettable turrets
Cons
- None
3) Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Riflescope
This Bushnell optic is the best scope for Mini-14 for the money.
Though it is easy on the wallet, it doesn’t cut corners on durability or quality.
It is equipped with a wide selection of quality and shooter-friendly features that make it suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned hunter/shooter, or somewhere in between, this scope suits you. It is simple to operate and reliable.
Moreover, it features 3-9x variable magnification which is ideal for close and mid-range shooting and a large 40mm objective that offers bright and crisp images even when you are using the scope in low light settings.
Furthermore, this riflescope is built to be used even in the harshest weather conditions. It has a waterproof construction that prevents internal fogging even when you move between two environments with large temperature and humidity gradients.
When it comes to construction, it is built with high-grade materials that optimize its performance in rugged field conditions.
This rifle scope also brings to the table fully multi-coated optics that enhance light transfer to provide bright and color-rich views of the target from sunrise to sunset.
Specifications
- Reticle: Multi-X
- Magnification- 3-9x
- Objective lens-40mm
- Eye Relief (in / mm): 6 / 153
- Weight (oz. / g): 13 / 369
- Field of View (ft@100 ft. / m@100 m): 32/10.7@3x 11/3.7@9x
- Adj Range in@100yds/ mm@100m: 60 / 1.7
- Exit Pupil (mm): 13@3x 4.4@9x
Pros
- Versatile 3-9x magnification range
- Waterproof construction
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Exposed turrets
- 1-inch main tube
- Bullet drop compensated reticle
- Side parallax focus
- Throw lever for smooth magnification adjustment
- High-quality housing
- Ultralight design
- Clear views even at high magnification power
- Extremely fast aiming
Cons
- 3ft water submersion only for up to 30 minutes
4) Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
Another red dot sight that works well with the Mini 14 is the Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight.
It possesses true 1x that aids in rapid target acquisition while enhancing situational awareness.
This compact red dot sight is parallax free. It offers unlimited eye relief for easy shooting with or without eyeglasses and has a Hellfire reticle that is electronically illuminated for precision shot placement even in critically low light settings.
On top of that, the dot has 8 illumination settings, 2 of which are night vision compatible for added versatility.
More importantly, this red dot sight is built to last. Though it is compact in size, it is tough as a nail.
It has a well-built body and abrasion-resistant lens coatings for added protection. Additionally, it has a lightweight, textured polymer that shields it from rough field conditions, shock, and impacts.
Other noteworthy features included are SpectraCoat anti-reflection lens coatings, MOTAC illumination technology, and ballistic data exchange.
With all these handy features, the Sig Sauer ROMEO5 Red Dot Sight makes a great optic for hunters, civilians, and law enforcement officers as well.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Parallax: Parallax Free
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
- Water Resistant Mark: 400 m
Pros
- 8 illuminations settings, 6 for daylight and 2 for night vision
- 1x magnification
- SpectraCoat anti-reflection lens coatings
- Abrasion-resistant lens coatings
- Ballistic data exchange
- IPX-7 water resistant, shockproof, and fog proof
- MOTAC illumination
- Lockdown zero system
- Ideal for a wide range of applications
- Parallax free
- Bright and crisp clear dot
- Long battery life
- Ultra-durable build quality
- Simple to use
Cons
- Fixed 1x magnification only
Read Also:5 Best Scopes for 30-30 Rifles
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for Mini 14
When shopping for the best scope for Mini 14, here are the key factors you should always put into consideration.
Glass Clarity
Glass clarity can make or break a Mini-14 scope. If the scope has poor-quality glass, it will hardly be of any help to you. It will be hard to see your targets clearly, let alone know where to place your shot.
To avoid all these, go for a scope that uses high-quality glass. It will give you tack-sharp image clarity under any lighting condition depending on the distance at which you will be shooting targets or hunting game.
Durability
Durability is the next important factor you should consider when selecting a scope for your Mini 14. Generally, a scope that is built well with high-grade materials is a reliable scope. Such a scope will withstand scratches, harsh impacts, and rough movement without losing zero or causing damage to magnification and illumination functionality.
If you are going to use the scope chiefly for hunting, ensure that it is fully waterproof, fog proof, and dustproof as well. Hunting predisposes the scope to different environments and weather elements so it should be weather-resistant.
Objective Lens
The objective lens diameter of scopes varies from one model to the other. Generally, the larger the better for both hunting and target shooting. A large objective lens will enhance light transmission and let you see targets clearly even at extended ranges. It will also offer you a wide-angle field of view which is very important for swift target identification and easy monitoring of fast-moving game.
Magnification
Whatever the application you are using for your Mini 14, you are going to need a scope with low to medium magnification. This is because the Mini 14 is ideal for close-quarter and medium-range shooting only.
Too much magnification will only make the scope heavy, cumbersome to carry around, and expensive, and it will not that much of a difference. On the other hand, moderate powered scopes keep the field of view wider and ensure that the target acquisition is much faster.
Eye Relief
Another thing you should consider is eye relief. This is the distance from the scope’s objective lens to your eye. Whether you wear eyeglasses or not, look for a scope that provides an ample amount of eye relief. A long eye relief allows for quick target acquisition and comfortable observation from any shooting position. It will also ensure that you do not stain your eyes when hunting for lengthy hours.
Weight
The total weight of the scope can affect how you shoot with your Mini 14. The Mini 14 has a total weight of 2.9kg/6lbs. Therefore, you will need to get a scope that weighs less than this or even half of this. If the scope is heavy, it will end up interfering with the accuracy of your rifle. A heavy scope is also cumbersome to carry around.
Best Scope for Mini 14 FAQs
- What is the effective range of a Mini 14?
The effective range of a Mini 14 rifle, just like the M16 and any other rifle largely depends of the rifle and other environmental factors. However, this rifle has an effective range out to 200 yards, a distance that is also dictated primarily by the ballistic performance of its ammo.
- Can you put a scope on a Mini 14?
Yes, you can put a scope on a Mini 14. In fact, putting a scope on your Mini 14 will make it more accurate. You will also be able to cover long ranges more efficiently and be able to place shots easily even in hard situations.
- What is the Mini 14 use for?
The Mini 14 is a multi-purpose rifle ideal for a wide range of applications. It has been in the market for quite a long time and is majorly used as a defensive weapon and a hunting firearm.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to getting the most from your Mini 14, the right optic can make a very big difference. We do hope that we have given you all the insight on the best scope for Mini 14 and you are now able to pick a model that is right for you.
Grab any of the scopes listed above and see it change your hunting trip for the better the next time you hit the hunting field.