[glenwatkins]

Take your time and watch the video a couple times. Definitely disassemble and clean and lube completely first. Up to you if you want to break in the barrel first, do some research on this and decide for yourself. An Otis cleaning system works well for bore duties.
Otis Tactical Gun Cleaning System - Gander Mountain
You will also appreciate a Chamber Maid for chamber duties.
CJ Weapons Chamber Maid Flex Rod Kit 223 Remington AR-15 8 x 32 Thread
A Bore Snake is handy also.
Hoppe's BoreSnake Bore Cleaner Rifle 22 Cal
These things sure make life easier when it comes to cleaning a Mini IMO. There is a lot of info on this site so read and welcome to the forum!

 

[glenwatkins]

Hoppes will work fine.

 

[glenwatkins]

Doug the 5 rd is slightly different than the 20 and 30 round magazines. Don't be afraid! Just take your time and here is a link to help you out.http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruge...39-mini-14-factory-20-rd-mag-disassembly.html

 

[glenwatkins]

At 52 I need magnification! I have not used a red dot but I like a 3x9 scope mounted with QD Warne Rings mounted on the Ruger receiver. I like to be able to remover and replace the scope easily with minor lose of zero. YMMV

 

[glenwatkins]

Hey Doug let us know how it works for you.