Scope suggestions please for mini-30

C

checkmyswag

New member
I'm not entirely sure I want to scope it, but I'm considering it.

This is my do everything rifle, would be primarily for deer/hog hunting up to 200 yards and social work if ever needed.

I know I don't need a high power scope.

  • Would I be better off to mount it traditionally or scout style?
  • What power do you recommend?
  • Fixed or variable?
  • Red dot style or traditional?
  • Specific suggestions/brands/models?
 
Can't comment on scout style, never tired it myself.

For a scope out to 200 yds, I would use a 1-4x variable. This allows 1x for up close and personal work while my aging eyes can appreciate 4x when shooting at something out there a bit.

I'm not much of a red dot fan when it come shooting at distance although I do have an EOTech on my shotgun and use it to deliver slugs on steel out to 150 yds. However, I still prefer a magnified optic for that distance should I be using a rifle.

I'll leave brand/model selection for someone else. It you provide a $$ number, folks might be able to better offer something in your price range.
 
The problem with most 1-4x scopes is $$$$. There's only a couple that are reasonably priced. I like low power scopes on the Minis though, I have an old Bushnell Banner 1.75-4.5x20mm on my Mini-14, I like the scope but the glass is definitely not as clear as my old Leupold VXII 2-7 or even my older Simmons. If you don't mind shelling out the cash, there's several low power variables out there. You might also consider the Redfield Revolution scopes. They're built by Leupold and the 2-7x33mm is going for around $179.

Stu
 
I would get something in a 3-9x. Mid-grade scope so you know it will track. Mini 30's are not known to be Sub MOA so a scope isn't a necessity. Still can't hurt. I put scopes on everything because my eyes have gone bad on me!
 
scopes

The Mini's have a bit of a reputation as scope eaters, even the "ranch models" which have a buffer intended to solve the problem. But even so equipped, a buffered Mini may very well beat a cheap scope up in short time.

Given the x39 ctgs limited trajectory, and the Mini's rep for so-so accuracy, you likely don't need bunch of magnification. Also, a big dimensioned scope is just plain unsightly and out of place on the compact mini. Seems like I recall from another post you were going to varmint a bit w/ it. A 2-7x Leu (33mm bell) seems like a good choice, and not to oversize. I run a 2-7x Leu on my Ruger bolt in x39 and it seems an ideal combo. The bolt, BTW, shoots way better than the mini.

My Mini-30 had a 1-4x Leu, which I sent back and had a big chunky German #1 reticle installed. At 1x, its pretty fast and works well for up close and fast and for "goodenough".At 4x the bullet lands on top of the picket at 100 (well, close enough) and works for deer in the woods. I can see the post in the dark, on my backyard archery 3D deer, when I cannot see a duplex. The
75 yd parallex setting bothers me not a bit.

I like the look of the small tube 20mm scopes on with matte finishes on Minis.
I have never used one or been exposed to same, but the 4x Burris Timberline or the Compact may be an option.

Never thought about scout scoping a Mini. The Ruger rings as supplied work for me w/o the additional cost of a after market rail forward. Also, though I label myself as old school by saying so, I have no experience with red dots.
 
Checkmyswag:

Purchase the best scope that you can afford. A rifle only shoots as well at the sights that it wears. At mini 30 ranges a good 1X4 should do. If variables are out put a Weaver 3X if they still offer it. I have a Weaver 3X on my 308 Norma Magnum that I shot several deer and antelope with.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery sergeabt
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC Retired
 
As much of a fan as I am of the Scout concept, my Mini-30 uses a traditional mount (forget which series it is, but it takes Ruger rings). I think a Scout mount would be a major PITA for that rifle.

Right now, it's wearing an old 4x Simmons shotgun scope, the one with the diamond reticle. While I've hunted deer with it, it's pretty much a range toy at this point. One of these years, I'll fool around with an Accu-strut or something so it'll group better. It's about a 3 or 4 MOA gun, not great, but okay.
 
I would mount a Redfield Revoloution 2x7x33 on it, It should hold up, and if it dosent Leupold will repair it for you free of charge. We have one on a 30 30 and love it.
 
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