Best scope for a Ruger Ranch Rifle

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Herknav

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Dad finally went a sprung for the Ranch Rifle he's been wanting for years. He asked me what kind of scope would be best for it. I was thinking a 3x9, but wanted some opinions from somebody who might actually have one. As background, this rifle will never see an actual gun range. Dad's a cattle rancher in Oklahoma, so the rifle will likely be used mainly on coyotes.

Thanks in advance,
Herk
 
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I have a Ranch Rifle for that exact reason/purpose. At first I mounted a 1.5 x 5 scope but didn't like it. It was accurate enough for my purposes, but it was getting beat up in the truck, so I now use the existing peep sights. That bugger has taken a lot of coyotes and hogs. It is by far my most favorite work rifle. The mini 14/30 gets slammed a lot for poor accuracy, but for my purposes, if I can hit a paper plate at 100yds, it's good enough for me (it's much better than that).
 
Low X scout mount. Illuminated reticle if possible. Stick with the rifle's strengths, forget trying to undo it's weaknesses. JOMO?
 
I've got a Leuopold Vx II 3x9 on my mini 30.

ruger1.jpg
 
I've got my friend Keith's mini-14 Ranch right now. I'm working up a 60 gr Nosler Partition load so he can deer hunt with it. He's put a nice Leupold VXII 3x9, 40 mm obj, matte finish on it. The gun looks very nice and shoots the above load well. (25 gr. IMR 4895). The trigger is horrible, but the scope seems to belong on the gun. You will probably be shooting small targets at 100-200 yds. 9x will help. Just my 2 cents.
 
It's a hundred yard gun. Buy a Leupold 2x shotgun scope. That's all you really need-putting a 3x9 is kinda like putting perfume on the sheep-overkill in my opinion. If you absolutely need a variable-I suggest a Leupold 1x4.
The biggest power scope I have is a 1.75x6 cause when I got it , it was actually priced cheaper than the 1.5x5 that I really wanted.
 
Ruger no longer makes a "Ranch" model Mini 14. They're all set up for scopes these days and should have included a set of Ruger rings. That's if a new gun was purchased and not a used one. The newer Minis have a heavier barrel and some other improvements to make them a bit less problematic. The real accuracy issue comes into play when the rifles heat up, which can produce shotgun like patterns more so than groups. Cold barrel accuracy should be in the realm of 3 MOA, maybe less.

Anyway, Burris Fullfield II 3x9x40 would probably deliver the best combination of value/price. Check Natchez for deals. I just kept mine with iron sights, but I have that model Burris kicking around and previously had it on a Colt SP2. It should be fine for the intended use.
 
Yup, Putting a high-dollar scope on a Mini-14 is a waste of money...it will only frustrate you by showing you how inconsistent and inaccurate the gun is.

Been there, done that.

Don't expect too much and you will be happy.
 
G-Mac said:
Yup, Putting a high-dollar scope on a Mini-14 is a waste of money...it will only frustrate you by showing you how inconsistent and inaccurate the gun is.

Been there, done that.

Don't expect too much and you will be happy.
Click to expand...

Well, that isn't always the case! My Mini-30 consistently shoots five round 1.5" 100 yard groups after adding a slip on muzzle brake. It is equipped with an old Weaver K4. Admittedly it shot 4-5" groups before adding the brake.
 
n4zov said:
Well, that isn't always the case! My Mini-30 consistently shoots five round 1.5" 100 yard groups after adding a slip on muzzle brake. It is equipped with an old Weaver K4. Admittedly it shot 4-5" groups before adding the brake.
Click to expand...

1.5" @ 100 yards is pretty darn good, but I wasn't talking about the Mini-30 when I made my post. I should have been more clear. Sorry 'bout dat. :)

My experience is with the .223 Minis and Ranches. Never owned or shot the 7.62x39 version. Ruger screwed up, in my opinion...the Mini-30 should have been made to accept AK magazines.

They copy everything else...why not copy something good? :)
 
Herknav said:
Dad finally went a sprung for the Ranch Rifle he's been wanting for years. He asked me what kind of scope would be best for it. I was thinking a 3x9, but wanted some opinions from somebody who might actually have one. As background, this rifle will never see an actual gun range. Dad's a cattle rancher in Oklahoma, so the rifle will likely be used mainly on coyotes.

Thanks in advance,
Herk
Click to expand...




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I have a Leupold 4X scope (M8) on my Mini-30 Ranch Rifle... as others have said, it is a 100 yard gun. It is a good gun to carry while walking in thick brush and a hog or deer jumps up nearby. I shoot 125 gr. JHP CorBon's at 2400 fps and get 2" groups at 100yards.
 
given the intended role of the rifle, I would stick with iron sites unless vision issues mandates some magnification, at which point it should be the lowest powered Leupold that will fit the bill.
Greater magnifications trade off speed for a prettier picture
 
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