Did you ever think you could use the power of the US military for your own self-defense and preservation? Since 1973, Ruger has made the M14 rifle suitable for public use. Law enforcement, security companies, hunters, ranchers, and target shooters all admire its rugged, reliable charm.
Why is it so popular?
- Recoil buffer
- Rotating bolt action
- Works with or without a silencer
- Adjustable rear sight with three-prong front sight
- Easy to disassemble and reassemble
They didn’t stop there – this is just a sampling of traits that make it a shooting superstar.
Since 2005, Ruger has taken criticism from their loyal customer base for improving an already revolutionary rifle. If you’re familiar with their modern models, you can clearly see that they were good listeners! Their 580+ models steal the spotlight with better accuracy & trigger control than their predecessors.
Although these factors make it an excellent out-of-the-box rifle, the best scope for Mini 14 raises its capabilities beyond belief!
My Top Pick
After all the shooting I’ve done with different scopes, I believe that the Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 is the best scope for .243 Win. It was very easy to mount and provided me with a crystal-clear view. The 12x magnification is sufficient for shooting at the ranges at which the .243 excels. The scope’s quality feels excellent and durable, and it’s a pure pleasure to shoot with. You can find my full reasoning further down.
Why Should You Trust Me?
Hey there, fellow Mini 14 owner! I know you’re reading this right now because you’re looking for the perfect scope to enhance your shooting experience. Well, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been in your shoes, and I want to help you find the ideal scope for your needs.
As someone who’s been passionate about firearms for over 15 years, I’ve personally put more than 20 scopes through their paces on my own Mini 14. I’ve been out there in the field, just like you, testing these scopes in all kinds of conditions. I’ve felt the frustration of a scope that just doesn’t cut it, and I’ve experienced the thrill of finding one that transforms your shooting.
I’m not here to sell you anything or push you towards a particular brand. My goal is simple: to share my real-world experiences with you, so you can make an informed decision. I know how unique the Mini 14 is, and I understand the specific challenges and joys of shooting with this rifle.
Whether you’re planning to use your Mini 14 for hunting, target practice, or home defense, I’ve got insights that can help you. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.
So, as you’re reading this, know that I’m here to help you navigate the world of Mini 14 scopes. I’ve put in the time and effort to test these scopes so you don’t have to go through the same trial and error. Let’s find the perfect scope to take your Mini 14 experience to the next level!
Get more information on how I test optics here.
My 3 Best Scopes for Mini 14
Why spend a lifetime skimming through the infinite gun forums and marketplaces to search for the best optic for Mini 14? I have all the answers right here. In this guide, you’ll find the best Ruger Mini 14 scopes for every situation.
- Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ 223 Reticle – my top pick, as its settings make an excellent combination with Ruger Mini 14, it can work in difficult weather and it allows quick and easy magnification changes.
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32mm – it works really well when guessing the holdover is hard, and it provides amazing clarity of vision.
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 BDC – it is very precise, accurate, and durable, and it is quite a budget-friendly option.
A quick note: why do some scopes say “BDC” and others don’t? BDC stands for “bullet drop compensation.”
Simply, this means that you will not have to adjust the elevation (or risk setting it wrong) for longer–range shots. All you have to do is use the reticle that matches the distance you are shooting and pull the trigger.
Now that you know what you’re getting into, let’s find the best scope for Mini 14 owners. You don’t want to start your next hunt without it!
1. Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ 223 Reticle – Best Overall
If you want a high-quality rifle scope to go with your new Mini 14, you won’t do much better than this Bushnell 3-9×40 scope. After the tests I’ve done, it’s clear to me that this product is designed for short to mid-range target shooting or hunting, marking it as an ideal match for the Mini 14, which mostly operates around ranges of 200 yards or less.
My Feelings After Using the Bushnell 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ 223 Reticle
I’ve appreciated that it comes with an adjustable length throw lever I can use to swap between magnification settings quickly and easily, even if I’m wearing gloves. When testing the scope, I tried rapidly changing the magnification in various lighting conditions while wearing gloves to simulate a hunting situation. The throw lever enabled fast magnification adjustments without any issues.
Furthermore, it’s designed to last for years to come, thanks to its waterproof construction. Feel free to take this optic into inclement weather – I did and wasn’t disappointed! I tested the waterproofing by leaving the scope outdoors during heavy rain storms. After several hours in pouring rain, the interior remained completely dry and fog-free.
When I checked the lenses, I noticed they were similarly durable, featuring full coatings to improve light transmission and durability across the board. The fully multi-coated lenses provided exceptionally clear and bright images even in low light dawn/dusk hunting situations. I observed no discernible loss of clarity towards the edges of the sight picture.
Helpful BDC Reticle
This is a particularly good hunting scope or target shooting scope thanks to the BDC or bullet drop compensating reticle. This specialized reticle features extra hash marks that I can use to estimate bullet drop out to 600 yards! Using my own extensively logged ballistics data, I confirmed the BDC holdovers to be highly precise out to 600 yards with my preferred hunting loads. The consistency of the elevation and windage turrets also proved outstanding during extensive range testing. It’s a perfect long-distance marksman’s tool – it was amazingly helpful to me!
At high magnification, I noticed almost no apparent parallax error during static and dynamic testing. The generous and consistent eye relief prevented any injuries or discomfort, even during lengthy range sessions and intense hunting situations requiring quick target acquisition.
Product Highlights
One of the things I like the most about this scope is the adjustable length throw lever that makes magnification settings changes fast and easy. It is also a very durable product (including its lens). Moreover, it has useful specialized reticle features.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
The only issue I’ve encountered with this scope is the reticle sloppiness. While testing at my gun club, I did notice some lateral reticle movement at higher recoil levels. Adding an O-ring completely eliminated this issue during follow-up testing.
Key Features
- Adjustable length throw lever
- Waterproof structure
- Full coatings of the lenses
- High durability
- Bullet drop compensating reticle
Pros |
Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Bushnell |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.5 in |
| Magnification | 1-4x |
| Field of View | 11-29 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
All in all, I consider this optic affordable, effective, and built to last for a long time to come. It’s a perfect choice whether you’re working with a budget Mini 14 build or just want something reliable for your future hunting and target shooting needs.
My rating: 5/5
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Second Focal Plane
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In my opinion, the Vortex Optics 2-7×32 Crossfire II is ideal for hunters and shooters in scenarios where guessing the holdover is tough. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle takes the estimation work out of holdover and wind corrections to let me shoot without any worries.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Second Focal Plane
No matter the range, I can stay confident that the reticle will never fail to guide me. Focusing and adjusting are a breeze as well, thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece and resettable MOA turrets. Through extensive testing across various lighting and weather conditions, I found the glass clarity to be excellent, with bright and crisp images even in low light. The fine duplex reticle provides precise aiming points without obscuring the target. I tested the parallax and found it to hold zero reliably from 25 yards out to infinity.
And what about comfort and overall clarity of vision? Well, let’s just say that the anti-reflective, multi-coated lenses have got me covered even in foggy conditions. The generous 3.9” eye relief provides a comfortable shooting position behind the scope, though I did notice some darkening around the edges at higher magnifications which reduced the overall field of view slightly. Still, the zoom range up to 7x magnification brings distant targets into sharp focus. I’ve noticed that even though the vision can get a little fuzzy in very long ranges, it doesn’t flinch when I’m taking medium-range shots.
After using the product, I can tell the construction quality of this scope is top-notch as well for the price. Since it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum, adequate durability and shockproof performance are guaranteed. In my usage, I found the one-piece tube construction to feel very solid with no loose parts. I mounted it securely and have logged several range sessions with no loss of zero. The exposed elevation and windage turrets provide positive clicks and track accurately for dialing in adjustments.
Product Highlights
This scope facilitates estimating the holdover, so it’s great to use it in circumstances where this process can be problematic. What’s more, it allows fast focusing and adjusting thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece and resettable MOA turrets.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
I’ve noticed that in very long ranges, this scope tends to get a bit unclear. For this reason, I’d recommend focusing on medium-range shots while using it.
Key Features
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
- Fast-focus eyepiece
- Resettable MOA turrets
- Anti-reflective, multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Shockproof performance
Pros |
Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 – 4.7 in |
| Magnification | 2 – 7 x |
| Field of View | 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
My thorough tests have shown that the Vortex Optics 2-7×32 is an excellent product – it is an ideal Mini 14 scope recommendation for anyone who likes to shoot from short to medium distances and doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on expensive optics.
My rating: 4.5/5
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 BDC
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As from my experience, Vortex has a knack for making quality scopes that provide excellent accuracy, precision, and durability, all the while staying incredibly affordable.
My Feelings After Using the Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 BDC
Let me start with the glass. It is extra-low dispersion, which increases resolution and color fidelity. The lenses are also multi-coated to ensure all of the light gets transmitted into the lenses, and it does make a huge difference if you ask me. What these features do is guarantee perfect, vivid picture quality from dawn to dusk.
After testing this scope in various lighting conditions from dawn to dusk, I was very satisfied with the glass clarity and picture quality it provided. The lenses delivered crisp, vivid images regardless of the time of day.
Next comes durability. Just by holding the scope in my hands, I understood that this is not something that can be easily damaged. It is a solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish. This gives it durability and the ability to stand up to shock, recoil and unforeseen accidents with natural elements.
It caught my attention that the optical chambers themselves were just as durable as the rest of the scope. The optical chambers are nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to ensure waterproof and fog-proof performance over years of extended usage.
From my experience in varying weather, the scope maintained waterproof and fog-proof integrity just as advertised. Despite temperature swings, humidity, and rain, the lenses never fogged up internally.
Dead-Hold BDC MOA Reticle
I think dots at the center of the reticle takes all the guesswork out of windage and elevation adjustments. Plenty of shooters swear by BDC reticles as the best option for compensating for bullet drop over long distances, and I agree with them,
While testing the adjustments for elevation and windage, I found the turrets smooth and precise with audible clicks. Making accurate corrections was quite straightforward.
The second focal plane reticle ensures my target maintains the same ideally-sized appearance. This gives me a lot of breathing space on my reticle to get my target in my crosshairs, no matter what the level of magnification.
Moreover, this feature, coupled with the fast-focus eyepiece, makes spotting and acquiring your target a walk in the park.
Product Highlights
This scope is amazingly accurate and precise and really affordable for its standard. Its durability allows it to deal with recoil, shock or unpredicted accidents in nature. What’s more, it facilitates windage and elevation adjustments thanks to the BDC MOA reticle.
From an ergonomics standpoint, I found the user interface intuitive with conveniently placed adjustment knobs that were easy to manipulate while sighting targets.
Common Problems and How to Deal With Them
After using this product, I’ve realized that it has quite an unforgiving eye box when the magnification is set on high. As a result, it is better to stay with medium magnification with that scope.
Key Features
- Extra-low dispersion glasses
- Multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and fog proof performance
- High durability
- Hard anodized finish
- Dead-Hold BDC MOA Reticle
Pros |
Cons |
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Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex |
| Weight | 14.5 oz |
| Eye Relief | 3.3 – 3.5 in |
| Magnification | 3 – 9 x |
| Field of View | 14.8 – 44.6 ft at 100 yds |
The Bottom Line
The Diamondback range is very popular with ranch hands and is one of the best rifle scopes for ranch rifles available today, as far as I’m concerned.
The only complaint a lot of people have with this scope is that the eye relief is a little low. However, my tests have proved that the scope more than makes up for that with its host of extremely useful features.
My rating: 4/5
Going the Distance: Maximize Your Shooting Range
Out-of-the-box, a Ruger Mini 14 can shoot accurately up to 150 yards with less than 1 MOA in the right hands. You can see the ballistics chart here.
With the best scope for Mini 14, you can easily triple this shooting range. If you really know your gun well and get used to your scope, you can reach even further with precision.
When you look up max shooting ranges, you’ll run into the word “accuracy” a lot. Don’t let that word confuse you. When you hear the word “accuracy”, it’s actually referring to how consistent and clean a gun shoots round after round.
It does not refer to how many times you will hit the bullseye. More times than not, human error is at fault for missed targets. Of course, it’s okay to pretend you didn’t just read that before your next trip to the shooting range!
However, not all scopes are made equally. Before you jump the gun, consider the best scope for Mini 14 based on your typical shooting distance.
A Quick Guide to Distance: How Far Will Your Bullet Go?
For a rifle like the Ruger Mini 14, keep these rough in mind:
- Long Range: about 350 yards and above
- Medium Range: about 100 – 349 yards
- Close Range: under 100 yards
Which one describes your needs best? Whichever it is, it’s crucial to know when shopping for scopes. Why? The distance you shoot goes hand-in-hand with your scope’s magnification.
What Magnification Do You Need?
You would think that the highest magnification you can find will always be your best bet. That is not the case at all!
Would you use a sledgehammer on trim nails? No.
Would you use a pickaxe to chop your vegetables? Let’s hope not!
The same principle applies to your rifle scope.
Simply, the further you are going to shoot, the higher magnification you’ll use. What is magnification, and what does it mean? Check out our guide here to understand how lens measurements and magnifications work.
Once you understand this, use this quick guide to figure out which one is best for your typical shooting distance:
- Long Range (350 yards and above)
- First of all, long-range shooting should be left to those with practice. Even with the best Ruger Mini 14 scope, it’s not as easy as it sounds. In these situations, you’ll be using magnification 12x and above.
- Medium Range (100 – 350 yards)
- Beyond the shooting range, if you’re shooting medium range, you’re probably in hilly areas or otherwise have a light brush. You can see so far, but eventually, something blocks your vision. In this case, you’ll be using magnifications between 6x and 12x.
- Short Range (up to 100 yards)
- Short–range shooting often takes place in mountainous areas or in self-defense situations. Either way, there is enough in the environment to block your view beyond 100 yards. In this case, going over 6x magnification will just blur your shot.
Basically, keep in mind where you shoot the most when looking for the best scope for Mini 14. You wouldn’t use high power (like 12 times) to shoot a short distance.
In this case, such a high power would blur your vision, contradicting your need for a scope at all! On the other hand, you’ll need something higher than 6x to shoot across a large, open field.
Discover the Possibilities
You’ve already chosen one of the most dependable rifles to keep by your side, but there’s something missing.
You aren’t using it to its full potential!
Reaching these hunting heights is risk-free, thanks to the rifle’s low–set ejector. You won’t ever hear a single shell bouncing off of your scope!
Complete your self-defense and preservation experience with the best scope for Mini 14 owners. Guess what? You don’t have to dig online for hours! I’ve taken the liberty of finding a scope for every situation. You can also check our best .223 scopes guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Safety On The Mini 14 Ranch Rifle Safe?
The safety on the Mini-14 is a paddle-like lever that sits in front of the trigger guard. When the safety is engaged, the shooter just pushes it forward to make the rifle ready to fire. Because of its large size, it’s easy to see and verify that the safety is engaged. It is also easy to operate without removing the hand from the rifle.
Does The Mini 14 Ranch Rifle Come With Good Iron Sights?
The included iron sights are excellent, with the rear sight being a heavy-duty aperture-type sight with wings on both sides with windage and elevation adjustments. The front sight is large and aggressive, with wings on each side to protect it.
Can You Customize The Mini 14 Ranch Rifle?
You can do anything to your Mini-14 that you can do to your AR. You may still fine-tune your trigger, add muzzle devices, choose alternative stocks, add lights, lasers, and optics, and even install match-grade barrels despite the lack of options and choices. Although the Mini-14 is not as modular as the AR, it is still a rifle that may be customized.
Who Created The Mini 14?
Bill Ruger and James L. Sullivan, two firearms designers, began work on a new semi-automatic rifle design in the late 1960s. The new weapon was based on the M14 battle rifle, which was being slowly phased out of the US Army and Marine Corps service at the time.
The M14 was a rotating bolt rifle with a short-stroke gas piston that had its origins in the World War II M1 Garand weapon. The main difference between the M14 and the Garand was that the M14 was chambered for the NATO standard 7.62-millimeter cartridge and had a 20-round replaceable box magazine.
The brand–new firearm looked like the M-14 from the outside and ran on the same operating system, but it was rechambered for the.223 cartridge. The new weapon was scaled down to handle the.223 round, just as the M14 in 7.62-millimeter was the M1 Garand reduced down from the.30-06 cartridge.
The 5.56 cartridge used by the US military in the AR15, M16, and XM177E1 rifles was essentially equivalent to the.223 round. Ruger had clearly bet that producing the.223/5.56 cartridge for the Vietnam War would give it staying power in the United States long after the war finished.
When Was The First Mini 14 Released?
Sturm Ruger Inc. released the Mini-14 in 1973, which was smaller and lighter than its military relative. The Mini-14 had a wooden stock and iron sights and weighed 6.39 pounds unloaded. It weighed only 6.39 ounces when it was empty. It could shoot 40 bullets per minute in practice and could hold both 20 and 30–round magazines.
The Mini-14, like the M16, had a 1 in 12–inch right-handed twist rate to help stabilize the.223 bullet in flight. The Mini-14’s effective range was 200 yards, which was determined mostly by the ballistic performance of its ammunition.
What Are You Waiting For?
There isn’t anything stopping you from seeing your way through to a better hunt or target practice. Regardless of how good your shot is, there is always room for improvement.
Of course, anyone can be an excellent shot without a scope, but you’re capable of so much more. With renowned brands like Nikon and Vortex, you know you’re getting the most value for your hard-earned dollar.
No games. No gimmicks. No BS. What you see is what you get.
Once you find the best scope for Ruger Mini 14, adjusted to your individual needs, you’ll wonder what you ever did without it! Set one of these trusty scopes on your rifle today.
You’ll bring in more food, defend your home better, and put more trophies on the wall. The best optic for Mini 14 will easily become your next best friend.
If you are a fan of shooting during the night, check which are the best thermal optics according to us.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.