Ruger Mini-14 optics Q...

[SabreKiller]

I just picked up a 197 series Ruger Mini-14 for my wife as a truck gun and am looking at optics options. Some remove the side plate and use a special mounting system and there is the S&K - INSTA-MOUNT SCOPE BASES that I found online as well.

I'm thinking about one of these mounting systems and some kind of red dot sight that will work with a weaver style mount.

Any suggestions? Thanks

[RifleBowPistol]

here's a cheap option.

[RifleBowPistol]

Never mounted a scope on a Mini 14, I looked up what is available, the GG&G looks like a nice option. I remember seeing the ones that bolted to the side of the receiver, I think you had to drill a hole in the receiver to mount those. I never liked the looks of them, so we never tried mounting a scope on either of the Mini 14s we used to have.

[camoclad]

here's a cheap option.

Oh dear

[TransPecos]

None of the side plate mounts seem to hold zero.

[fish4food]

I think ultimak makes a rail replacement for front handguard.

[kaizen]

I used the ultimak rail on an older 14 and then used on extended eye relief 4x scope I already had. The ultimak places the scope in a scout position. Eye relief on the scope is important. Too long to use a rifle scope and too short to use a pistol scope. The rifle was a folding stock and balance is a bit weird. Before adding the scope, the gun was really just a toy. I had no confidence in hitting anything smaller than a gallon bucket at over 40 yards. It works well know though and feel real comfortable with shots out to 100 yards. It has worked on a bunch of pigs. I think the ultimak and Romeo5 would work well.