I finally got around to ordering a new Mini 14 ranch rifle. Mine will be the blued, wood stock version.

I have some basic questions that I was hoping to get answered here.

1. Has anyone specifically used the Mini 14 with the Matchdot Ultradot red dot sight?

2. Has anyone specifically used the Mini 14 with the EOTech XPS2-0 red dot sight?

3. What mounting scheme did you use for the above?

4. I was looking at the GG&G 1382 picatinny rail accessory for the Mini 14. Is this accessory pretty good, and do I need it to mount either of the above red dot sights?

I do have a black rifle as well as a 1982-vintage Mini 14. Very pleased to finally be getting one of the new Minis!

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Slavery is not Freedom.

I don't have a Matchdot, but I have 11 Ultradots.

I bought my first one about 25 years ago when Ultradot invented the red dot. That original Ultradot has been on everything from .22 cal through .50 BMG. It still works as new.

I personally prefer the scout mount set-up for red dots. Rock solid mount. Improves barrel harmonics.

I run Ultradots on my Ranch Rifles mounted in Warne QD rings on Amega Ranges scout mounts. I also use the same set-up on my M1A SOCOMs.


You can mount an Ultradot, using Ruger rings, directly to the scope mount scallops on the Ranch Rifle. I tried that, but really didn't like the scope in that position.

I have not yet taken delivery of the rifle (10 day Cal. waiting period). Can I mount the Matchdot using the supplied mounting rings? I had understood that the Ruger scope mounts are proprietary and require special Ruger mounting rings. I also understand that the Mini 14 comes with a set of 1" rings that of course fit the rifle. Since the Matchdot takes 1" rings, this should work?

How difficult is it to mount the Amega rail set-up? Are you drilling holes, or how does it mount?

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Slavery is not Freedom.

The Ruger receiver mounts are proprietary. And your rifle should come with 1" rings that fit them.

I'm not sure if the Matchdot has a 1" tube (25mm) or a 30mm tube. If it is a 1" tube, then yes, it will fit. That is exactly how I had one of mine set-up in the past. 30mm Ruger rings are also available.

Mounting the rail is easy. No gunsmithing. You remove the rifle from the stock, remove the handguard and remove the top half of the gas block. The gas block screws can be a bear to remove. They are staked in place once Ruger mounts the gas block. But they do come out with some patience and a quality allen wrench.

Then you bolt the mount to the gas block (replacing the upper gas block with the mount) and attach a band that wraps around the barrel about half way back.

That's it.

The Amega Ranges mount does add some weight to the rifle.

Thank you for the info. The Ultradot uses 1" rings, so with any luck the rings that come with the rifle will work. I will keep the Amega setup in mind. How do you like the sight being forward of the bolt assembly like that?

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Slavery is not Freedom.

I prefer it there.

me. What our esteemed members find to do with / to the Mini.

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Sold all EVIL guns at gun show!

Another option for a forward mounting system is the Ultimak rail.
I use a different dot, but you get the gist of it..

I have a Weigand rail, similar to the GG&G rail, and it is a quality part. The GG&G I believe would be similar in quality. I use mine to mount a Nikon P223 3x32 which is too short to mount with the Ruger rings.

Gorgeous pair of Scouts you have there. I bet you have a few jealous friends

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If pro is the opposite of con, is the opposite of progress, Congress?

Thank you for all the good information, fellows. I must think on this.

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Slavery is not Freedom.

I run a Mini-14 581 Tactical with factory standard 1" rings on a 1" Ultra Dot.
I had a 30MM Ultra Dot but found it too large for the porportions of the Mini.
I feel a 1" red dot allows for both eyes open and a better quick focus sight picture. The Ultra Dot is a real winner and a perfect fit for the Mini. With a Red Dot mounted I consider the Mini to be very effective out to 150 yards for man size targets. Much further than that and the dot covers up too much target for real accuracy. Inside 100 yards a quality Red Dot sure makes for fast target acquisition on a Mini-14.

Everyone on this thread has been very helpful.
I ended up using Burris weaver adapters. This has worked out very well and I can remove the bolt for cleaning without disturbing the scope rings or weaver rail. Incidentally, I was wrong -- the Matchdot uses 30mm rings, not one inch rings as I erroneously posted earlier.

Here are some pics. She shoots as good as she looks! My new Mini is well on the way to becoming perhaps my favorite firearm.

__________________
Slavery is not Freedom.

Thanks for posting about the Weaver Adapters. I wasn't aware they existed. I am a proponent of Warne QD rings as a good way to go for mounting optics on a Mini, but may need an alternative on my Target Model Mini-14.