[Tony Cardenas]

Hi Guys,

Forum newbie here. I stumbled upon this forum doing some research for some parts I wanted to add to my Mini-14. From the start, I was totally blown away with how much great info, ideas, and knowledge this forum and its members have.

I have a early '90's blued Mini-14 (SN-186...) and over the hears I've done a few straightforward additions/modifications to it. The rifle has served me very well as a fun rifle to shoot at the range and would probably be a go-to gun if I needed a rifle in a pinch. I have always loved the design (easy it is to operate, break down, and clean). Over time, I have added a black Hogue overmold stock, a black Choate hand guard, John Masen muzzle brake, Accu-strut, and a sling. It has the factory iron sights which have proved to me very usable.

I'm considering the addition of a small optical sight. However I'm wondering if this is overkill for what I really use this rifle for (generally a fun plinking gun and a go-to gun for a SHTF scenario). My question is (in a general sense), would depending on iron sights be a better option for intended uses like this? I had a chance to shoot a friends AR with an Eotech and another AR with an Aimpoint and really liked the sight picture.

Assuming I went with an optical sight, I'm not sure what the ideal option for mounting would be. As you know, this series Mini doesn't have any Ruger scope mount cutouts on the receiver so my options seem to point to an S&K mount (which entails me removing the rear sight - something I really don't want to do) or one of the mounts that swap out bolt lock cover plate (from what I've read - not the most stable of options). The Ultimak-style rails seem like a very good choice here (and from what I've seen on the forum, members who have one really like them).

At the end of the day, I think what I have currently is a real stable, dependable rifle, with good (iron) sights. It definitely shoots better than I can (although I don't have any problems putting rounds center mass up to 100 yards).

I'd greatly appreciate any comments/advice from you guru's on forum. Thanks in advance for you time and advice,
Tony

 

[douggreen]

I initially decided to try using just iron sights as my view on the mini is to keep it as simple as possible. In broad daylight it was not a problem but in lower light (dusk/dawn and at my indoor range) I have issues with my eyesight. I can see a target at 100 yards OK, but once I focus on the sights I find it really hard to make out the center of the target at 100 yards much less try to put a round somewhere in the center (once again, in low light) So, I looked at lower power scopes like the Weaver V3 1-3x and the Leupold 1-4x (which I have)... at minimum power you can aquire a target quickly with both eyes open.

If your eyes are better than mine I still like the keep it simple philosophy.

If you are able to shoot without a

 

[Tony Cardenas]

Thanks for the info - very good point to consider (low-light shooting). I've never been to the range other than daylight hours. I'll have to give that try to see how the sights fare for me under lower light conditions.

 

[pdog]

I have tried several red dot sights and majority are fine in daylight. You want a quality sight for night though as what I have seen, most of the cheaper ones are not sufficent for night use as they have cheap lenses which actually make it darker at night. I'm talking in darkness, no street lights around. I currently use the Bushnell Holosight which works for me, clearer than other lights and in my budget.

 

[Tony Cardenas]

Thanks PDOG. I'll do a bit of research on the Bushnell also. I think I'm leaning at this point to just leaving the irons in place although the scout rail and a red dot sight would really be a nice addition.

Thanks again for everyone's input here. This forum is such a fantastic resource. Wish I had found it sooner

 

[tobnpr]

I'm not a "red-dot" kinda guy...I prefer scoped rifles.
But... if you do a search, I believe you'll find some info on setups with the red dots that will allow a true "co-witness" with the irons, giving you the ideal setup.

 

[Tony Cardenas]

Thanks for everyone's help. I think I'm going to pursue an Amega mount (I like how the rail goes all the way from end to end (vs the Ultimak - although it also seems like a very nice product, with many rave reviews). I'll try to get some pictures posted when I get it all set up.