Tough on optics?

[Hogwild]

Is it true that the mini 14 is extremely tough on optics? Or, is that just so much hype???

What are the solutions if the above is true??? Do the solutions really work???

[stevekaw]

Yes, it is. It's the slamming from the semi-auto action that really can do-in scopes.

Solutions? Install recoil buffers to soften the slamming and use good quality scopes (Leupold, Nikon, Burris, Kahles, Nightforce, Swardovski, Zeiss).

[rutro]

The buffers do work. I put a Leatherwood Hi-Lux 6.5-20x44 scope on mine in July '05. I made my own buffer from a 1/16'' thick neoprene washer. It finaly wore out just last month and I removed it. Did not have another to replace it with and went to the range one time, Leatherwood is shipping a new scope.......
I beleive it was just a bad scope. Would have eventualy happened anyway. The recoil of the round is bad enough but with the simi-auto Garand action like the Mini has adds a hammer stroke when the action cycles. If there is any weak place at all in a scope the Mini will shake it out.

[Diezel]

How about Aimpoint red dot sights. They should withstand the recoil, right?
(Just bought a CompC)

[tri70]

The mini is hard on the scopes and dot sights, the recouil buffers will definately extend the the scope life on a mini.

[rutro]

I've got a ProPoint that's been on the Mini, and my Springfield Armory Timberwolf Pump gun in .44 mag. When it was on the Mini it was before I'd ever heard of a buffer, the pump gun was being fed a diet of 230gr. Federal Premimun HydraShok's and it's still alive and well. I would think any well made red dot site should hold up just fine. They are usualy designed to handle handgun recoil.

[ecmckean]

How about optical scope life? Have many of you guys gone thru multiple scope on the mini?

[ACRider]

I'm on my third (maybe my fourth even, I can't remember?!) scope now, the first was a Simmons, everything since has been some cheap $40-50 WalMart scope.
I've run a bunch of ammo thru my mini so far, I have an empty 820 can to show for it and probably 300+ assorted rounds of Seller&Bellot, Win, Brown Bear, Federal etc.
I have put a buffer in it, but that wasn't too long ago so I can't say anything about extended life.
I can say it is finally snowmobile season and I wasting money on sled gas and not bullets.

[quickblu]

had a 3x9x40 bushnell sportview on my mini for years and never had a problem. only just replaced it in favor of a lit one but i still have the sportview and it still holds zero great.

Aaron

[ecmckean]

I have a cheap Tasco on it, so I won't worry about it.

I just want a general opinion on it, so I don't buy a nice scope for it only for it to get ruined.

[steve4102]

I have had three different optical sights on my mini-30. The first, a Ultra Dot red dot scope. It has made it through several hundreds round with and without a buffer. It still works great. The second, an old Redfield Wideview 2x7x32. Tough as nails and still works fine. At present I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x40 mounted. I have fired over 2000 rounds with this scope and have never had a problem.

Is it possible that the Mini-14 is harder on optics than the Mini-30? I duno.

[ecmckean]

Is it possible that the Mini-14 is harder on optics than the Mini-30? I duno.

Seems like 7.62 would be alot harder than 223, especially with the extra recoil.