Finding the best scope for the Ruger Mini 14 can be a hassle if you have no idea how you can choose or buy one. This is why we created this guide to help both beginners and experienced enthusiasts find the best scope for Ruger Mini 14.
The Ruger Mini 14 is a scaled-down M14 rifle that performs similarly to an AR-15. It is worth mentioning that this rifle can be used as a replacement for the AR-15 if it is restricted in your state. This is because it is chambered in the same 5.56 ammunition.
The Mini 14 is used for close range shooting applications. This means that you can use it for small game hunting, plinking, varmint hunting, and self-defense.
The lightweight design of this rifle makes it a great choice for ranchers who want to protect their land from dogs, rabbits, and coyotes.
This rifle can hit 150 yards without pairing it with sight. However, if you pair it with a good scope, you can easily hit targets that are up to 350 yards and over. It is not designed for long range shooting applications, but with enough practice, you can hit targets 400 yards out
You need to first define your shooting requirements for you to get the right scope. This will save you from the costly mistake of buying a scope with the wrong specifications.
Best Scope for Ruger Mini 14
By the end of this buying guide, you will find the right scope that will deliver value for each buck you spend. In addition, we will share some of the most important factors you need to consider when buying the best scope for the Ruger Mini 14.
Without wasting much time, let us look at the best options available in the market today.
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm – Overall Best 
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is a reliable scope that has a durable construction. This magnification provided by these scopes makes it a great choice for short to medium range shooting applications.
It is important to note that this scope features a duplex reticle. This reticle is very easy to use, even for beginners. This is because it is not cluttered with fancy lines
The exceptional feature of this scope is the Twilight Light Management System. This feature allows you to use your rifle effectively in any lighting condition. It makes shooting at dusk and dawn a breeze.
This scope features repeatable ¼ MOA precision finger clicks. This makes it very easy to adjust, even after continuous use.
The single piece tube is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum. This ensures that it can withstand recoil and impact.
In addition, this scope offers plenty of room to avoid scope bites. The eye box is pretty generous, making it a suitable choice for the Ruger Mini 14
It is worth mentioning that this scope is waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. The lens included is scratch resistant, to always provide you with an unobstructed field of view.
Pros
- It features a Duplex reticle
- It has a lightweight design
- It is constructed from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum
Cons
- Not ideal for long ranges
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire – Best from Vortex
If you are on the market for a reliable and practical scope, the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a solid choice for you. This scope offers you a large eye-relief of about 3.9 inches. Most scopes offer an eye relief of about 8 to 9 centimeters.
This outstanding feature allows you to focus with both eyes, one eye being supported by the magnification of the scope. It requires a bit of practice, but this can help you to get a perfect shot.
The scope is O-ring seal ensure that the scope is fog proof, dust proof, and waterproof.
This scope includes a Second Focal Plane reticle. This means that the reticle will stay the same size when zooming in or out. This is different from a First Focal Plane reticle that is large when zooming in and small when zooming out.
It has a hard-anodized finish that makes it durable. It also provides a low-glare matte surface that conceals your shooting position.
The 1 inch diameter tube offers a versatile blend of adjustment, size, and weight for hunting applications.
Pros
- The nitrogen gas purging prevents internal fogging in any weather
- It has a rugged construction that can withstand recoil and impact
- It includes capped turrets
Cons
- Not suitable for low light
3) Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10x40mm is a great scope for the Ruger Mini 14 because it was created for small moving targets and plinking. This is because it comes with the best glass that provides clear images in any lighting situation.
This scope comes with the unique Twilight Max Light Management System. This system offers you a clear view, even when hunting at dusk or dawn.
This scope offers generous eye relief, even at high magnification levels. This means that your eye sockets are protected from powerful recoil bumps.
In addition, the duplex reticle is set in the second focal plane. This means that the reticle size remains the same at any magnification level.
The coating on the lens protects it from scratches and dust particles. In addition, it comes with tactile turrets. Most hunters recommend this scope because it comes with a duplex reticle and is very lightweight.
This scope comes with uncapped turrets, which have great functionality. In addition, the tactile construction ensures that they have great focus and magnification controls.
Pros
- It comes with a duplex reticle and tactile turrets
- It is constructed from durable materials to ensure longevity
- It comes with an excellent lifetime warranty
Cons
- None
4) Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight – Best Red Dot Scope
If you are using the Mini 14 rifle for home defense or close range shooting applications, the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is an excellent choice for you. This scope is very easy to use and navigate between targets.
This Vortex scope is highly sought after by top shooters because the red dot sight is one of the biggest advancements in the world of optics.
This scope is a perfect example of what a mid-range priced optic should offer. It includes 10 different brightness.
Two of the brightness settings are night-vision compatible. This allows you to use the gun in any lighting situation.
The 1x zoom works well for target shooting or hunting. However, it is suitable for short ranges to ensure that the red dot is not overcompensating, while not accommodating bullet drop.
The objective lens is a massive 30mm, which is impressive for a close range shooting applications.
In addition, it comes with an excellent warranty.
Pros
- It is compact and lightweight
- It offers you 10 different brightness levels
- It includes capped turrets
Cons
- Not suitable for long range shooting
5) Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount 3 MOA Sight (Black)
The Burris Fastfire III is a lightweight scope that performs like a Trijicon. It features clear glass that provides you with an unobstructed field of view compared to the Trijicon RMR.
It is important to note that the reticle included in this scope is suitable for users who wear glasses or have astigmatism.
We recommend this scope for home defense. This is because it is designed for situations where the speed of target acquisition is vital. It puts an unmistakable red dot at the point of impact within your field of view, ensuring you do not miss any target.
The lightweight design of this red dot sight will not weigh you down when using your rifle.
We recommend this scope because it is cheaper than Aimpoint and Trijicon. At the same time, it carries the same features as these scopes.
Pros
- It features a lightweight construction
- It is very easy to use
- It is affordable compared to other scopes
Cons
- None
6) Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40 SFP Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Diamondback 3-9×40is a classic hunting scope that has a good performance to price ratio.
It is important to note that the single-piece tube maximizes alignment for improved accuracy and optimum visual performance. In addition, it also ensures strength and waterproofness.
The most exceptional feature of this affordable scope is that it has a precision glide erector system that ensures the components in the zoom lens mechanism glide smoothly and cleanly through all magnification ranges.
This scope is constructed from durable materials to ensure that it lasts for a very long time. The rugged construction can withstand recoil and impact.
The 1 inch diameter tube offers a versatile blend of adjustment, size, and weight for a wide variety of shooting applications. It is also very easy to use.
Pros
- The durable hard-coat anodization provides a low-glare matte surface
- Its rugged construction can withstand recoil and impact
- It includes a precision glide system that ensures you have a good aim
Cons
- Learning curve
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Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Scope for Ruger Mini 14
As you have seen, there are different scopes available for the Mini 14. However, selecting which one best suits your rifle can be overwhelming. This is why we recommend defining your requirements first to make the selection process easy.
In this section, we will give you a little hint of the factors you need to consider when purchasing a scope for the Ruger Mini 14.
Here are the important factors:
- Cost – It is important to buy a scope that fits your shooting requirements. Some scopes are a bit pricy, but they have a good price to performance ratio. Therefore, you need to check the quality of the scope before buying it.
- Durability – The scope you buy should be constructed from durable materials to ensure its longevity. This ensures that they last for a very long time. In addition, it should be able to withstand recoil and impact.
- Versatility – We highly recommend purchasing a versatile scope that is ideal for both hunting and tactical shooting applications. The scope should allow you to use your rifle effectively at varying distances.
- Weatherproofing – We recommend purchasing a waterproof scope that can handle everything nature throws at it. You should be able to use your scope in foggy conditions. It should provide you with an unobstructed view in any weather condition.
- Objective Lens Size – This is an important feature you need to check when buying any scope available in the market today. This is because it determines the amount of light that can be transmitted from the scope. Therefore, the bigger the size of the objective lens, the brighter the light it allows to enter the reticle.
- Eye Relief – This is the space between the sighting tool and your eye. You need to purchase a scope with eye relief that can be adjusted based on the magnification. This helps to prevent a black eye from heavy recoil generated.
- Lens Coating – The best scope for the Ruger Mini 14 should be coated with a special film to reduce the amount of glare when using the scope. The coating also improves light transmission, which makes it very easy to aim at a target.
- Weight – The size of the objective lens might affect the load of the scope you buy. Therefore, if you are going to use your rifle for hunting activities that require massive hiking, it is advisable to buy a lightweight scope.
See Also
- Vortex Viper Vs Razor Spotting Scope
- Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50 Review
- Best Vortex Red Dot for AK 47
Conclusion
In today’s article, we have shared the features of the best scopes for the Ruger Mini 14. The options included are constructed from durable materials that will last for a long time.
In addition, we have shared some of the important factors you need to consider when buying a scope for the Mini 14 rifle.
If you are still not sure, we recommend buying the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire. It has an ultra-forgiving eye box that allows you to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target.
See Also
- Celestron Nature Dx Ed 10×50 Binoculars Review
- Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun Review
- 7 Best Vortex Scopes for 25-06