Who makes a good scope mount for the mini-14 rancher? The ones that are currently on the gun has the big thumb screw on the side and uses two set screws on top to level the scope. Thanks, Steven
A few instances where a set screws were a little loose and the scope moving. Other than that, there are OK. Is something a similar to traditional screw on mounts or will I have to have the gun drilled and tapped to except the mounts? Thanks, Steven
Steven, the larger fasteners on the side can be tightened more once you are satisified with the scope to your eyes. Check them periodically with heavy hitting guns.
The smaller bolts for the scope rings can be backed off a bit one at a time once you agree the reticle is aligned. A removable Loctite helps. There is one available now that ls stick like a glue stick.
Are you sure this is a Ranch Rifle? AFAIK, Ranch Rifles all come with a Weaver style rail built right into the top of the receiver?
Mine is one of the older ones (181 series pre Ranch). I've tried both the side plate version, as well as the one that uses the rear sight mount. I know that some folks here seem to like them, but my biggest complaint about either system is that there is way too much unsupported area to leverage against. I just don't trust them.
I have decided to simply try and find a good aperture (Peep) sight, and call it good.
I have looked into the Williams FP (FP=Fool proof) aperture sight system, as I have only ever heard good things about it.
So, I research the Williams FP aperture, but my research shows that none were available for the early pre-Ranch Mini 14's.
I'm still looking into this, I thought about drilling and tapping for scope mounts, but I don't see enough available surface on the receiver.
-Bruce
Ballenxj, To the best of my knowledge, Mini-14s never came with a Weaver style base. The newer Ranch Minis come with Ruger standard steel integral rings ... same as most of the other Ruger products.
The Pre-Ranch Mini-14s did not have a scope mount at all. Aftermarket companies such as Wichita, (see: http://www.wichitaarms.com/Products/WichitaArms-PriceList.pdf )made Weaver style mounts that require removing the rear sight and using the peep sight base to secure the mount with two Allen head screws ... one on each side. On the top, there are two more Allen screws used to level the mount and keep it from shifting. These screws have to be tightened with thread lock (Loc-Tite). I have one of these for my Mini and found it is very stable when mounted properly.
Ballenxj, To the best of my knowledge, Mini-14s never came with a Weaver style base. The newer Ranch Minis come with Ruger standard steel integral rings ... same as most of the other Ruger products.
You're right. I don't have one for reference to look at, but I know they do have a much better mounting system than the older ones.
Iowegan said:
The Pre-Ranch Mini-14s did not have a scope mount at all. Aftermarket companies such as Wichita, (see: http://www.wichitaarms.com/Products/WichitaArms-PriceList.pdf )made Weaver style mounts that require removing the rear sight and using the peep sight base to secure the mount with two Allen head screws ... one on each side. On the top, there are two more Allen screws used to level the mount and keep it from shifting. These screws have to be tightened with thread lock (Loc-Tite). I have one of these for my Mini and found it is very stable when mounted properly.
I have one of those, and to be honest, have just not felt very comfortable with that much unsecured leverage against the sight mount. I mean, the front set screw is only for elevation adjustment, and just resting unsecured on top of the rifle, right? I'd sure hate to tweak or break the aperture sight mount.
Do you think that set up would remain secure if the front end of the rifle scope got bumped fairly hard?
-Bruce
Ballenxj, Oops .. my mistake .... must have been dreaming. I just took a look at my Wichita mount and found it only has one "top screw" at the very rear of the base. When the top screw is torqued down and the side screws are nice and tight, the base is actually quite stable. Despite the front being open, the base is forced tight against the receiver. Besides the base, the tube of the scope also adds quite a bit of support so it's actually quite strong. I guess if you really wanted to nail it down, you could always drill a hole through the front of the Wichita mount and D&T a hole in the barrel, just above the chamber.
No doubt, a hard bump could do some damage but I've never seen any scope mounting system that was immune to abuse. Personally, I think the Wichita type mount is plenty strong ... much better than side mounts.
I can't think of the name right now but a company makes a picatinny style mount that fastens directly to the mounts for the scope rings on a Ranch Rifle.
Another company makes "scout" type rail that replaces the handguard on top of the barrel. It clamps into place very securely, if you are interested in a scout-type setup.
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