Mini 14 Target (New to forum)

[matdailey89]

New to the forum here, glad I found it.

Will a Mini 14 target accept a 50mm scope without buying bigger rings.  Has a 40mm now, and I have looked and cannot decide if it will fit or not.  Anyone have any experience with this?  I am positive a 44 mm will fit, just don't know if going from a 40 to 44 will be worth the hassle.

Thanks,
Mat

[sillasr]

I just recently purchased a Vortex Viper 6-24 X 50 and I had to get Burris high rings. have not received them yet but I know with the stock rings my 50mm would not fit. I also just got the target model with Hogue stock, alittle nose heavy and it was used but maybe 250 to 300 rds. Original owner was using 62 gr. BTHP and had the balancer back about 1 1/4 inch, I don't use that Silver Bear ammo but I bought a box just to see. It functioned perfectly and slow fire of three rounds, let it cool, three more got me thinking. Great groups 1 3/4 at 100yds. worst MOA best. I use 45 gr. HP by Remington for coyotes and have never had a problem, bang! flop. I think I will put my AR up that I use for coyotes and use this Target Model when rings come in. What ammo and balancer set do you use?

[Graybeard]

I can't answer your question directly but will say that neither a 44mm or 50mm objective is going to buy you anything worthwhile on the rifle. Stick with a 40mm size objective and a quality scope and you'll be better off and get all the rifle has to offer you from it.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Here's a tool that should help a bit---there is also a chart in the back of the catalog.

http://shopruger.com/searchscopering.asp

Pretty sure you'll need higher rings for a 50mm scope---not exactly cheap--like $70 out of Midway.

[sillasr]

Buris high rings for the ruger worked after taking about 1/4 inch off of the plastic handguard. Wanted a 40 mm scope but I could not pass up the Vortex for $99.00 second one goes on my AR.

[DC]

I just bought a Target model as well but have yet to pick it up...a couple more pay checks to go.  I plan on mounting a Weaver Grand Slam varmit scope on it.  Is that a good choice?

Also has your accuracy been what you expected?  I have high hopes for this new rifle.  I just couldn't get past the cost of an AR in the configuration I wanted and the need for cleaning.  Yes, I know that AR's have all kinds of after market stuff that can be added but anyway you cut it, they are still much more expensive and the $860 I spent for the target model.  If my hunch is right, I should be able to get MOA of this new and improved Mini 14 Target.   In any case, it will be fun trying

[matdailey89]

The accuracy has been what I expected.  It will not shoot like a high dollar bolt action, but at 100 yards, I can hold a pattern that is covered by a quarter.  It shoot WAY WAY better than the mini 14 ranch models.  The best ammo I have shot through it so far is Fiocchi 55 gr sp.  I will not shoot Ballistic tips because lots of time we will shoot pigs as well as varmints, and the ballistic tips on that light of a bullet does not penetrate.  Sorry it took me so long to respond, I forgot I made this post.

[DC]

Thanks, I picked mine up and shot some Remmington 50gr through it.  After I zeroed the scope I shot a .75 group at 100 yards.  Naturally it took a little getting used to the rifle and for me to zero my brain in on the whole thing. 
I looked at a couple of videos on You Tube showing what the rifle will do and 1" groups are possible at 200 yards as well.  The reviews I was able to find were great as well. 
Yes son, this is not your pappy's Mini 14.  This is a whole new ball game for this rifle.  Yes, with the laminated stock, mounted with a scope, it is heavy.  You have to spend a little time tuning the dampener as well but if you start with it about 3/8" back from the crown you will be pretty much right on for 55gr. 
For all the Mini 14 haters, this newer model is a new deal.

[matdailey89]

For the dampener, I have it set 2 1/2 rotations back.  That seems to be the best setting for my gun.  I just love shooting it.  Funnest gun I have.