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  • Post last modified:April 12, 2023

I personally tested all available Mini-14 models including Ruger Ranch, Tactical, and Mini-30 with various optics including red dot sights in this guide to recommend.

Based on my in-depth research and hands-on experience, here are 5 best scopes for Ruger Mini 14.

For short distances 0-100 yards, A red dot sight for self or home defense gets the job done for to quickly acquire targets with unlimited eye relief. For medium to long distances up to 300 yards, a magnified optic is highly recommended for hunting varmints, coyotes, or prairie dogs.

For a versatile solution that combines the speed of a red dot with the range of a scope, I wholeheartedly recommend the Vortex Viper PST 1-4X LPVO. This optic suits both close and medium range applications.

Let's get started...

Vortex Viper PST 1-4X LPVO - Best Overall

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First and foremost, the magnification range. The Vortex Viper PST ranges from 1x to 4x, it's almost as fast as a red dot, making it excellent for close-range engagements, while also providing versatility for short to medium-range hunting.

Second, the second focal plane reticle simplifies the aiming process by offering a clean, uncluttered view without any fancy lines or complex holdover, allowing for easy target acquisition. 

Third, the illuminated TMCQ MOA reticle ensures rapid aiming and precise shooting at 4X, even in low light conditions such as dawn and dusk, enhancing the overall hunting experience.

Additionally, the Leupold Viper PST 1-4x LPVO boasts a durable construction, reliable performance, and an affordable price tag of just under $400. 

Features:

  • Magnification: 1-4X
  • Objective Lens: 24mm
  • Focal Plane: SFP
  • Tube Size: 30 mm
  • Eye Relief: 4"
  • Click Value: 0.5 MOA
  • Reticle Type: TMCQ MOA
  • Turret Type: Capped
  • Length: 9.7 inches
  • Weight: 16 oz
  • Tactical Turrets

Holosun 507C - Best Red Dot For Close Range

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If you primarily use your Ruger Mini 14 for self or home defense, consider opting for the Holosun 507C. This incredibly compact red dot sight, weighing just 1.5 ounces, enables rapid target acquisition, a crucial factor in self-defense situations.

The quicker you can aim at your target, the more advantageous your position will be. The Holosun 507C boasts a 32 MOA ring reticle, which significantly improves target acquisition speed at close range distances, making it an excellent choice for your Ruger Mini 14.

Features:

  • Magnification: 1X
  • Reticle: 1 MOA, 32 MOA ring, or combined
  • Turret Value: 1 MOA / Click
  • Field of View: 0.63" X 0.91"
  • Construction: 7075 T6 aluminum IP67 rated
  • Dimension: 1.78"X1.15"X1.15"
  • Weight: 1.5 oz
  • Battery Life: 3 - 4 years

Primary Arms SLX 3X ACSS Cyclops - Best For Astigmatism

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The Primary Arms 3X Prism Sight with ACSS Cyclops Gen 3 is an exceptional choice because it is arguably the best prism sight available, featuring a highly intuitive glass-etched Chevron tip reticle for moving targets.

The sharp glass etched Chevron tip allows for precision shots on both large and small targets without obstruction or battery needed.

The ACSS reticle functions as a universal caliber bullet drop compensator aiming point for various ammunition types, including 5.56, .308, 5.45, 300AAC, and 7.62x39. Furthermore, the ranging scale enables easy target distance estimation, which is not possible with a 1X red dot. The moving target hold feature allows for accurate shots on moving targets by using the edge of the open donut CQB 8.6 mph lead reticle.

Specs

  • Magnification: 1X
  • Eye Relief: 3.7"
  • Reticle Type: ACSS Cyclops
  • Battery: CR2032 3V
  • Turret : 0.5 MOA / Click
  • Length: 4.3 inches
  • Weight: 9.7 oz

Leupold VX Freedom 1.5 - 4X20

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The Leupold VX Freedom 1.5 - 4 X 20 magnification range offers almost the same speed as a red dot, making it excellent for close-range shooting and highly effective for short to medium-range hunting.

Second, the Duplex reticle is extremely user-friendly and uncluttered, without any distracting or complex lines.

Third, the Twilight Light Management System (TLMS) significantly improves visibility during dawn and dusk, enhancing your shooting experience in low-light conditions. Additionally, this scope is quite affordable.

These compelling features are the primary reasons why the VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20 remains my go-to scope for the Ruger Mini 14.

Features:

  • Magnification: 1.5-4x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
  • Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
  • Tube Size: 1 inch (25.4mm)
  • Eye Relief: 3.7-4.2 inches
  • Click Value: 0.25 MOA
  • Reticle Type: Duplex
  • Turret Type: Capped
  • Length: 9.35 in
  • Weight: 9.6 oz

Primary Arms SFP 1-8X24 - Best For Moving Targets

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We selected the Primary Arms SFP 1-8x24 as the best LPVO under $500 for the money, and it's also the lightest LPVO for beginners. Among the features we appreciate the ACSS raptor reticle to acquire targets fast and also calibrate for windage

The ACSS reticle provides shooters with easy-to-understand reference points in the crosshair for range estimation, making it an excellent reticle for new shooters to begin using. Additionally, the moving target holdover reticle is a valuable feature that aids in accurately shooting moving targets at longer ranges.

However, it's important to note that the ACSS reticle is only true at 8x magnification, as this scope utilizes a second focal plane design.

  • Magnification: 1-8X
  • Objective Lens: 24mm
  • Focal Plane: SFP
  • Tube Size: 30 mm
  • Eye Relief: 3.7"
  • Click Value: 0.1 Mil
  • Reticle Type: ACSS Raptor M8
  • Turret Type: Capped
  • Length: 9.28 inches
  • Weight: 16.95 oz

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