Advice For Optics and/or Mounting Solution for custom Mini-14 Needed

[jcoleman]

My thanks to all of you who have taken time out of your day to help me with my particular situation.

I've been customizing an old Mini-14 that my father has had in his closet for over a decade. Here's the list of modifications made so far:

- Choate Pistol Grip Stock
- Harris Bi-Pod
- Aimtech Hand Guard replacement with Picatinny rail mount on dorsal surface
- JP Enterprises Recoil Eliminator Muzzle Break
- Leupold Vari-X III 2.5x8-30mm (I think that's right)
- Buffer Technologies Frame Buffer


The problem that I have is this: Using the Picatinny Rail to mount the scope in a Scout-like configuration leaves the scope too far forward to provide proper eye relief for me.

I tried the B-Square scope mount, but it mounts the scope too high for the comb of the pistol-grip stock. I'm not able to rest my cheek, only my chin.

I think extension rings might help move the scope back further towards my eye, but I'm not sure which ones to get. What are a couple of brand names that make high-quality rings of this type?

Another somewhat related question is this: I'm looking into buying a red dot scope with magnification and plenty of eye relief. I don't want to spend over $400 unless I really should to get the best value and quality. I've been looking at Aimpoint, and some others, but I know very little when it comes to scopes.

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Thank you for your time,

John Coleman

 

[4V50 Gary]

You're scope is probably a short eye relief (2.5 - 4")and what you need is an extended eye relief scope (not to be confused with the handgun scope).

With red dot sights, you can buy from inexpensive to the hundreds. Remember though, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. I personally like the Bushnell Holosight and the Aimpoint Comp ML (the mil-spec one).

 

[bullseye]

The Tasco PDP5 seems to be a decent red dot for the money (approx. $125). It has an adjustable MOA dot and infinite brightness settings. Thinking of putting one on my mini. I will reserve the high end stuff (Aimpoint Comp M) for my AR.