Breaking down the mini-14 with a scope on?

[george702]

I have a 197 series Mini-14 and use the rings it came with to mount my leupold scope. I am unable to remove the bolt or the handguard assembly with the scope on the rifle. Is it impossible to completely break down the rifle with a scope on or is it just me? I don't like removing the scope because then I have to re-zero it each time I go to the range.

[ryan_kalani]

What i preventing you from breaking it down with the scope mounted? I used to break mine down and leave the scope on with no issues.

[rugmar]

I can see why you can't remove these if the scope is mounted low. The handguard does not need to come off so no problem there. Everything else you can get to without removing the bolt. I'm guessing it won't tilt upward enough without hitting the scope?

You may want to consider some type of quick detatchable rings or maybe just some rings that are slightly higher if you can stand it?

[george702]

Rugman,

Your right about the bolt. I really don't want to buy new rings though. It's just more work to clean the rifle with the bolt in the receiver and I probably can't get it as clean that way.

[rugmar]

Well then, once you have everything else apart, the bolt is so easily moved you'll be able to take a brush dipped in Hoppes or whatever and clean it. I'd clean it as good as possible and then blow it dry with air. All other cleaning would then be standard procedure. Hope this helps.

[rutro]

Howdy George702, that has always bothered me too. If you don't remove the scope from the rings and just take the rings loose, scope in them, your zero won't change enough to be off by more than a click or two.