I have a 183 series mini 14 (have no idea when it was manufactured). I don't like the factory sights, I just can't seem to get the elevation set high enough at 100 yards. I'd like to replace both sights and maybe go with a firesight type front. Any suggestions on a good set of sights that will fit the 183 series. Is this series considered and older model?
Thanks, Doug in AK

Doug, this might be your lucky day. Another member of the forum just made some sweet front sights available that he developed; these should definitely work for your front sight. Note that they attach to the top of your gas block. Here's the thread with info on how to buy them:

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=54299


As for a rear sight, if you don't like the factory one, somebody here will know one that will fit. I can't tell you for sure, as I have the newer series Mini and I like the factory rear sight ok. Some options to check out for rear sights (contact the companies and make sure they will fit your model) might include:

* The Williams WGRS receiver-mounted sight (http://www.williamsgunsight.com -- they have an 800 number and helpful techs who will help you figure out if a sight will work for you). They also have a more expensive, target oriented sight in their FP series with an internal micrometer and target knobs, but that one may require drilling/tapping to mount on your receiver. Just ask them.

* Xs Sights.com. They make a sight set for Minis, http://www.xssights.com/store/tactical.html. Call them.

* Check into Millett sights. They make a nice sight set for the Mini. [Edited update]. Did some research for you, found the page on the Millett sights website that lists the Mini peep sights they have available:

http://www.millettsights.com/online/...d=33&group=174

* Accuracy Systems makes a beautiful milled rear sight for Minis. Again, call them to make sure it fits your rifle. http://www.accuracysystemsinc.com/mi...cessories.html. Scroll down to where it says "new milled rear sight."

Doug
Do you have the Ranch rifle or the standard Mini? The sights are different. If you have the standard model, I have found taking some of the front sight down is the best way to fix the sight problem. Find the ammo you and the Mini like best and then file some of the front sight down until it hits where you want it to. kwg

dwg020, thanks for the info. I have the standard Mini. I guess filing the front sight down would be a very good option until I decide which set of sights I want. New sights will be on my Christmas list but I'd like to use the rifle for coyote and wolf over the next couple months.

timlt, thanks for posting the links. I really like the looks of the sights on the xssights web-site. I think I'm going to give them a call and see if the xs sights will work on my rifle.

The XS sights will work fine on your rifle. if you want to file down the front sight, the formula is:

Terms
Amount of Error: Measure in inches the distance from the bullseye to your shot.
Sight Radius: Distance in inches from the front sight to the rear sight. *
Distance to Target: The distance in inches from your shooting position to the target.

Note: Be sure that your rear sight is at its mid-point before you shoot.

Formula

Amount of Error X Sight Radius = Sight Correction Needed
Distance to Target

If you are shooting low, you would replace your front sight with a lower sight, and conversely, if you were shooting high, then you would replace your front sight with a higher sight. Add or subtract the number of thousandths needed to the actual height of your sight and you will have the correct height of the replacement sight.

Example
At 100 yards, your shot is 6" low and the distance between your front and rear sight is 19.5".

6 X 19.5 = .0325
3600

Since you are shooting low, you would need to lower your front sight by .032".

You can use a set of cheap dial calipers for this, but get a good file and keep the pins out of it while you file it down.

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gundoc@greatwestgunsmithing.com

gundoc, thanks much for the advice. I think I'll go with the xs sights.

They're good, I think you'll like them!

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Click the link in my signature if you are interested in getting a BRAND NEW tritium front sight by meprolight.

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To simplify the sights calculation (same info as Gundoc gave you, but they sort of automate the process for you), there's a nice sights calculator available on Brownell's website, at:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/sight.aspx

Hi Doug,

I had the same problem you had. I called Ruger and they sent me a free aperature piece for the rear sight with the hole punched higher. Ruger also told me if that did not fix the problem send it in and they would fix it for free.

James Vincent