Best Scope For Mini 14 Rifles | Our Buyer’s Guide

The Mini 14 has become one of the most common firearms for sportsmen, private citizens, and law enforcement. It is an incredibly popular rifle since the 1970s. It was during this era that the weapon was brought into the public arena.

So if you’ve got your hands on one of these, then what you need is the best scope for mini 14. Because this valuable tool will help you achieve accurate and precise aiming.

Every gun owner wants to be able to enhance his or her targeting actions, right? So this is the way to go about it. We have listed the industry’s seven best options to make the buying process easier for you.

You shouldn’t be wasting time researching the top products. Instead, you can utilize that time to practice with any one the following scopes to improve your accuracy and precision with the mini 14.

Quick Comparison: Top 7 Best Scope for Mini 14 List

Preview

Product

Our Rating

Price

BARSKA 6.5-20x50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope

BARSKA 6.5-20×50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope

Nikon P-223 3-9x40 Mate BDC 600

Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600

(Our Top Choice)

Monstrum Tactical 3-9x40 Rifle Scope With Illuminated Range Finder Reticle

Monstrum Tactical 3-9×40 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle

SNIPER Compact Rifle Scope 4x32 With Ring

SNIPER Compact Rifle Scope 4×32 with Ring

Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Riflescope

Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Riflescope

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope

UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope

* Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.com

Best Scope for Mini 14: 7 Top PICKS

When the classic American rifle is paired with the best scope, it can produce amazing results. This means grouping shots tightly even from a distance of 400+ yards.

So let’s find out what these best scopes for mini 14 are.

1. BARSKA 6.5-20×50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope – The Best Budget-Friendly Scope for Mini 14

BARSKA 6.5-20x50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope

The BARSKA 6.5-20×50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope has a large design, doesn’t it? But that doesn’t mean it’s heavy. The device is surprisingly light in weight with a shockproof, weatherproof, and fog-proof metal casing.

The scope is suitable to use even under low-light situations like dusk and dawn. The multi-coated objective lens delivers incredibly crisp and clear images. On top of that, you also get simple adjustments. The elevation knobs, windage, and magnification ring are easily accessible and adjustable.

The part that’s slightly disappointing is the high power blurring effect. But nobody tends to use the maximum power settings, so that shouldn’t be a problem for you.

We Like

  • The MOA adjustments offer an extremely tactile response.
  • The scope provides a crystal clear view even under the bright glare.

We Don’t Like

  • It doesn’t hand out quick target acquisition.
  • The image gets blurry at high power.

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2. Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 – The Best Lightweight Scope for Mini 14 (Our Top Choice)

Nikon P-223 3-9x40 Mate BDC 600

The Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 has a compact and lightweight construction. This makes it easier and more convenient to handle. The weatherproof metal casing offers maximum durability. The device is O-ring sealed and nitrogen filled. So you can use it even when it’s raining and foggy.

As for accurate shooting, there’s nothing to worry about. Thanks to the trajectory-specific reticle. It does an excellent job at providing maximum precision. And this doesn’t lead to any eye strain, even at 9x magnification.

You will also be quite impressed with the instant MOA adjustments. The device can hold zero even when you’re using a heavy recoil gun. The only problem lies with the non-adjustable parallax. But the tool makes up for this tiny flaw by providing impeccable optical quality under the extreme lowlight.

We Like

  • The large uncovered turrets are perfect for elevation and windage.
  • The glass offers amazing clarity.

We Don’t Like

  • The parallax is not adjustable.

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Nikon Video – Sighting in your Riflescope

3. Monstrum Tactical 3-9×40 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle – The Mini 14 Scope With the Best Reticle

Monstrum Tactical 3-9x40 Rifle Scope with Illuminated Range Finder Reticle

When it comes to a high-performance reticle, there’s nothing better than the Monstrum Tactical 3-9×40 Rifle Scope. The device’s reticle does an excellent job at providing longer distance targeting. The glass-equipped feature also offers on-field range estimation.

Another great feature is the built-in rail mount. It helps in fastening the useful unit securely to both Picatinny and Weaver rail system rifles. The reticle illumination is dial controlled in green and red with multiple settings for brightness. This is perfect for providing a clear view in all types of lights and environments.

What you might not like is the device’s inability to keep zero. But sometimes a few models, even the best ones on the market, make it impossible for you to zero. So it’s a common issue that many people have to deal with in a scope.

We Like

  • The cross hairs are lighted for better contrast against various targets.
  • The zooming quality is excellent.

We Don’t Like

  • The scope doesn’t offer enough eye relief.
  • It cannot hold zero.

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Choosing the Right Scope For Your Rifle

4. SNIPER Compact Rifle Scope 4×32 with Ring – The Mini 14 Scope Built for the Most Challenging Requirements

SNIPER Compact Rifle Scope 4x32 with Ring

The thing about the SNIPER Compact Rifle Scope is that it has a solid Cardan joint foundation. This type of quality is what makes the device suitable for heavy-duty purposes. It also consists of a phenomenal RF reticle. What it does is provide optimal aiming as well as shooting performance.

The best part about the SNIPER Compact Rifle Scope is that its standard design is ideal for both Weaver and Picatinny rails. You will also be glad to know that the optics of the unit is exceptionally clear. On top of that, the high-quality material construction offers maximum durability.

The only downside is the lack of eye relief. Apart from this, everything else seems to work just fine.

We Like

  • The scope has a compact design for convenient handling.
  • It has an exceptional capacity to hold zero.

We Don’t Like

  • The eye relief is not all that great.

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5. Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Riflescope – The Best Scope for Mini 14 With a Double Illuminated Reticle

Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Riflescope

This is what makes the useful tool suitable for plinking, hunting, and target practice from a distance of over 500 yards. The Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Riflescope has an extremely rugged casing. It’s a nitrogen-purged, O-ring secured, all-metal design.

And there’s no need to worry about the device being heavy because it’s not. In fact, despite having a lightweight body, it is extremely durable too.

Now let’s talk about the zoom feature. When paired with the easily adjustable objective, it can offer parallax-free images till at least 100 yards. Also, the multicoated, high-quality lens gives you crisp, bright images even under lowlight.

On top of that, the illuminated green and red reticles come with various adjustment levels based on the natural light. If we were to pick a flaw, then it would be the high zoom setting. It makes it difficult for you to locate the target due to the surrounding dark ring.

We Like

  • The adjustable turrets offer a tactile response.
  • The windage and vertical adjustments require little effort.

We Don’t Like

  • It doesn’t provide long eye relief.
  • The high zoom feature is useless.

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6. Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope – The Best Scope for Mini 14 with Easy Adjustability

Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope

Isn’t it better to use a scope built to offer good visuals as well as easy adjustability? Of course, it is. That’s why we recommend the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope. It has a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy design.

On top of that, quite literally, there’s the scratch-resistant anodized finish. And the optics are O-ring secured for maximum protection.

The best part about the Bushnell Optics Drop Zone-223 BDC Reticle Riflescope is its precision. That means it has the ability to zero in pretty fast. The addition of markers for aiming provides maximum reliability and accuracy from a distance of 500 yards.

Another great feature is the quick focus eyepiece. When combined with easily adjustable turrets, it gives you a better ranch experience with your mini 14.

The only drawback is the erector cap construction. What it does is make it possible for the unit to mount extremely low. But we’re sure you can do without mounting the device really low.

We Like

  • The nitrogen purging prevents the formation of moisture and fungus.
  • The high zoom feature delivers quick magnification and proper eye relief.

We Don’t Like

  • It offers only a single height mounting option (i.e. medium).

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Yes, That’s Covered

7. UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope – The Best Shockproof Scope for Mini 14

UTG 3-9x32 1” BugBuster Scope

The platform on which the UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope stands is incredibly strong. The design is nitrogen filled and completely sealed. On top of that, the structure is rainproof and fog-proof. So it comes as no surprise that the scope has a remarkable shock absorbent capacity too.

You will be quite impressed with the reticle of the device. It helps in estimating range for not only better aiming but also an excellent shooting performance.

Another great feature is the combination of double illumination and large field view area. The former adds versatility. And the latter gives you additional space to work with, which means more accuracy and precision.

The characteristic that’s slightly disappointing is the inability of the scope to deliver maximum light transmission. And we all know how important high transmission is when working in low-light situations.

We Like

  • The glass is strong enough to withstand recoil.
  • The rings of the scope are extremely stable.

We Don’t Like

  • Not suitable for use during dusk or dawn.

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Leapers/UTG Operators Manual – Zeroing Your Scope

The Best Scope for Mini 14 Buying Guide

best scope for mini 14

How do you enhance the precision of your shots? The answer is simple, isn’t it? By magnifying your target. And you can do so with the help of a scope and an iron sight. The latter is harder to deal with. Because it requires you to line up the front and rear sights along with your target. But with a scope, you only need to line up the reticle with the target.

The thing about a scope is that it makes target acquisition easy and quick. And this it does by presenting your target much closer.

But before you set about buying a scope for the mini 14, let’s talk about some basic components involved in the process. Because without understanding them, you might not be able to make the right decision.

How to Mount a Scope?

What You Should Know About Tactical Rifles

best scope for mini 14

Some models of the mini 14 have the characteristics of a tactical rifle. These are used for military purposes. So they need to be paired with an appropriate tactical scope. And the seven options discussed in the article above fit the bill perfectly.

You should also know that collapsible and folding mini 14 stocks are gaining popularity over the past few years. This is the reason why people prefer to work with the best compact or full-sized scope. Such a design pairs up exceptionally well with the rifle’s excellent versatility. So in this case, using a red dot or holographic sight seems meaningless.

After all, the iconic rifle with optics as useful and reliable as the firearm itself, right?

What to Look for in the Best Scope for Mini 14?

best scope for mini 14

Magnification

The magnification or power number is the amount of times the object or image appears when you see it through a scope. So a device with numbers 3-9x50mm means it offers 3-9x magnification. And this particular range gives you magnification from 3x to 9x.

best scope for mini 14

Light Transmission

The best scope is one that works well even under low-light situations. This means dusk or dawn, right? The unit is capable of utilizing the available light and transmitting most of it. The larger the diameter of the objective lens as well as exit pupil, the more the transmission. Models with lower magnification also offer better light transmission.

In the number mentioned above, 3-9x50mm, 50 is the diameter of the objective lens. When you divide that by the scope’s magnitude (i.e. 3x or 9x), you get the value of the exit pupil (50/3= 16.67mm or 50/9= 5.56mm)

The Benefits of Using the Best Scope for Mini 14

The rifle has been in the industry for more than 40 years now. It has created a reputation for being the most affordable and modern ranch rifle. Hunters, military and law enforcement personnel and sports shooters prefer to use this weapon. And using a scope is the most efficient way for sportmen modifies the traditional firearm.

A scope made of high-quality materials can help you shoot from greater distances. It also has the ability to work for heavy-duty shooting sessions. Hunters enjoy using a scope because they usually target from over 100 yards.

Even if you’re using a mini 14 for law enforcement or home defense applications, a scope can prove to be extremely useful. Because when it comes to saving lives, especially your own, you need reliable optics for the best view.

So buying the scope for mini 14 can assist you in ways you can’t imagine as far as accurate aiming is concerned.

The Summary

After going through all the features of the best scope for mini 14, we’ve selected the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 as our final recommendation. The device is O-ring secured and nitrogen filled to protect it from getting damaged. It also has an excellent fog-proof and waterproof capacity.

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The reticle consists of special open circle points as well as hash marks for improved aiming from longer distances. Unlike most scopes, the Nikon P-223 delivers consistent and generous eye relief. This goes a long way in protecting your brow from heavy recoil cartridges and severe shooting positions.

To make the experience even better, the Nikon P-223 3-9×40 Mate BDC 600 offers easy reticle adjustments. This means that you can zero in faster while also maintaining the setting even during repeated recoil. And lastly, the useful parallax setting helps in eliminating parallax for more accurate shooting.

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