Best scope for a Ruger Ranch Rifle

[Forester]

Low X scout mount. Illuminated reticle if possible. Stick with the rifle's strengths, forget trying to undo it's weaknesses. JOMO?

This is the way I would go also.

 

[Herknav]

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.

Actually, my understanding is that the Ranch Rifle was a Mini-14 that was designed to accept a scope. You're right, though-that's all they make now.

I told my dad the same thing most of you did about 3x9 being a bit of overkill, but I was told I would understand in another 30 years or so. He's no spring chicken, and he likes the magnification.

Thanks for all the inputs, gang!
Herk

 

[Farmer17]

Weaver makes 1-3X variable and the "3-gun" match shooters love them because they have a "true 1x" and are very rugged and high quality for the price. Usually only very expensive combat scopes have a "true 1x", which allows you to shoot with both eyes open and track running game like a red dot scope, and the Weaver V1-3 is very small and an excellent value for only about 140 bucks.

 

[epj]

I have a red dot on mine. I think this will work well for its intended purpose, which is sort of an all purpose home defense weapon if we should have a period of civil unrest. I also have a 3X9 I'm going to mount on it for checking out accuracy of various loads, bullet weights, etc. With the iron sights and my old eyes, it's a 50-75 yd. gun, though I'm sure I could hit a pie plate at 100.

 

[GatorFarmer]

If putting a red dot on a Mini, it will usually have to be placed scout style since the Amega and Ultimak rails are among the more stable offerings. Check with the maker to see whether the heat will kill your unit. AKs with scout style mounts have been killing EoTechs via heat.

Actually, my understanding is that the Ranch Rifle was a Mini-14 that was designed to accept a scope. You're right, though-that's all they make now.
Herk

The iron sights were different on the models specifically sold as "Ranch" rifles compared to the current series of "just" Mini14s that accept scopes. The original Ranch rifles had a folding rear peep sight that wasn't the most durable set up and was otherwise problematic, to a degree they almost forced one to place an optic on them, whereas the current models do reasonably well with the irons. The current rifles have a rather more durable rear sight. The butt plate (curved) and lighter barrels were other differences between the Ranch models and the current offering.

 

[LoadedRound]

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.

I'm with Caj on this one. You might want to look at the Weaver V3. It's a 1-3 variable with a huge field of view. Nice scope for not a lot of money.