Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Replacement Sight?

D

DougB

New member
I'm planning to get a Mini-14 - probably the Ranch Rifle version to better accomodate a red-dot sight. But I may wind up using it mostly with open sights. I gather that the standard Mini-14 has much superior (at least more durable) open sights, but that is is rough on optical sights (ejects into the scope, lots of vibration, tough to mount, etc.).

How tough would it be for me to add a better rear sight to the Ranch Rifle and get the best of both? Any suggestions of a brand/source of replacement rear sights for the ranch rifle? Anyone mounted a red-dot on one? Any advice will be appreciated (except the oft-repeated complaints about bad accuracy - I'll take my chances in that area, since, as a Californian, my options are very limited). Thanks.

Doug
 
Have you considered the Aimtech (gasp!) Scout rail? I'm considering getting one of these for my Mini 14. Mine's a standard model as I don't like the sights on the ranch model. http://www.aimtech-mounts.com

Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement that the Mini 14 or any other rifle in a "mouse gun" caliber is or should be construed as a "Scout" rifle, regardless of the fact that this setup might actually be really useful and neat looking to boot!
 
I used to have a Mini-30 Ranch and had the same problem, namely I wanted better iron sights.The factory fold down is a piece of crap! After much searching and experimenting with a couple, the only one even worth considering is the Ashly Ghost Ring which can be purchased at www.brownells.com. With a red dot it should be ok, however it is too tall for a standard scope. Going to higher rings or see thru mounts is very awkward as the stock doesn't work well with them.
If I had it to do over, I'd get the standard model with good iron sights and add an aftermarket scope mount for any optical accessories.
 
I've tried several iron rear sights for the Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.
The Ashley is the only one worth having.
They come in different (all large, "ghost-ring" type") sizes. Get the one that's threaded (check http://www.brownells.com), and you can then use various sizes of screw-in smaller apertures, as made by Williams and others, also available from Brownells. They work.
As noted above, you won't be able to use a standard scope in the provided Ruger scope rings, as the rear sight sits a bit too high. The Mini's accuracy (mediocre ) is such that iron sights are really all it needs, IMNSHO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top