I'm the proud owner of a "new to me" early model Ruger Mini-14.  Serial number is 181-5XXXX which means it was produced between 1979-1980.  I purchased the rifle from JT Customs who purchased it from an estate.  Despite being gently aged it looks practically brand new.  

 

Here are some pics from JT's listing:

 

http://www.njgunforums.com/forum/index.php/topic/83165-wts-ruger-mini-14-excellent-condition/

 

 

I would like to put a scope on it as I'll be using to deer hunt later this year (out of state).  Don't worry, I won't be taking very long distance shots with this rifle.  Prob under 100 yards or so.  

 

This IS NOT a Ranch model and DOES NOT come with the "integral scope mounts machined directly on the solid steel receiver".  I've been putting my "google-fu" to work and came across a few different options to mount a scope.

 

Below are some models I came across.  Wanted to know if anyone has used any of these or other similar products and what you thought.  Again, this will be used on a NON-RANCH version (no scope mount on rifle)....don't worry if you didn't realize there is a difference between a Mini-14 and a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle.  I didn't either until I did some reading.

 

I'm leaning towards either the GG&G or S&K.

 

I like that I can still us the iron sites with the GG&G.  My concern is that it looks like it sits very high and I'm concerned I won't be able to get good check weld (I'm not changing out the beautiful original wood stock).

 

The S&K looks like a lower profile mount but I will have to remove the rear site to install it.  Not all that great of a concern as i can always take scope off and reattach rear site if I want to (this isn't my only rifle / have others for self defense).

 

Look forward to what others have to say.

 

 

GG&G Ruger Mini-14 Scope Mount ($100):

 

http://www.gggaz.com/ruger-mini-14-scope-mount.html

 

 

S&K Insta Mounts $70:

 

http://www.scopemounts.com/index.html?main.html

 

http://www.scopemounts.com/index.html?main.html

 

 

 

B-Square Mini-14 Sporting Rife Scope Mount ($60)

 

http://shop.opticsplanet.com/mini-14-sporting-rifle-mounts.html?_iv_code=BE-MT-Mini14-14502&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=plusbox-beta&gclid=Cj0KEQjwjem-BRC_isGJlJ-0h-MBEiQAbCimWGyVttKNpULf0AbaDhDnk4Yg222RWhAUWDa03V8ckqsaAoQF8P8HAQ

 

 

 

UTG Mini-14 3 Point Locking Scope Mount With 1'" Rings ($30):

 

https://www.amazon.com/UTG-Mini-14-3-Point-Locking-Scope/dp/B002GO04O0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473993937&sr=8-1&keywords=scope+mount+mini+14

Well I was going to say scout mount, but being that you said out of state deer hunting I'm assuming that your scope isn't going to have enough eye relief for that.

 

Honestly, and I say this with a warning because that place is drama central, but the perfect union forums mini14 section is the biggest resource I've come across for the platform. http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/ruger-mini-14-mini-30/

 

I had a 581 series so I had the ring mounts on mine, so I don't have a first hand answer. My understanding is the gg&g is good to go, as is the b square. Stay away from the utg one. Not familiar with the s&k.

In the past I have found B-square mounts functional, but not optimal. UTG while improving still does not cut it.  S&K not familiar with.  GG&G makes very durable equipment and would be my choice with a tie-on or elastic cheek weld pad if necessary.  The minis I have all have medium height integral rings.  A 3-9X40 sits nice on top.

All of those mounts rely on how tight they fit in the groove for the cover of the bolt hold open. I've used the B Square. Got it to work by loctite on all the screws. The big knob and the screws that tighten it to the receiver. However, it's not very rugged compared to a base that screws directly to the receiver. The part on the mount that slides in the slot on the receiver is oversized (on the one I got anyway) and required some filing to get it to fit.

 

I don't see anything the more expensive mounts offer. The cheaper mounts only slide into the receiver. The small screws on the B Square locate it better on the receiver.

 

It will work but if you really want to rely on it loctite everything down, zero the scope and keep it in a hard case to prevent it from being knocked around.

 

Just my experience. Others may differ.

I stumbled across the perfect union wsbsite/forum while researching scope mounts. There are A LOT of posts and threads about ths Mini-14 there. I learned a great deal more about the rifle after reading a few threads.

 

Didn't notice much drama but really didn't spend too much time there. Can't be any worse than here.

I stumbled across the perfect union wsbsite/forum while researching scope mounts. There are A LOT of posts and threads about ths Mini-14 there. I learned a great deal more about the rifle after reading a few threads.

 

Didn't notice much drama but really didn't spend too much time there. Can't be any worse than here.

There aren't as many choices for the Scout, as there are for the ranch rifle. There is a thread here from a while back about the same issue with a scout. I'll see if I can find a link to it.

 

 

It was High Exposures post. Ask him what he eventually decided to go with.

 

http://www.njgunforums.com/forum/index.php?/topic/74573-Mini-14-options

Thanks DeerSlayer.  Sounds like he was looking for more of a scout mount.  Not what I'm interested in.  I'll ask him though.

Gentlemen, I went with an Ultimak Rail. I was looking to mount a RDS forward of the action, so that worked for me. If I was looking to mount a magnified optic with eye relief concerns, like the OP is looking for, the Ultimak would not work (It MAY work with a Scout type low power/long eye relief scope).

 

Of the choices you found I would 100% go with the GG&G. They are a known quantity and I have used their gear to good effect. It has been reliable and well made.

 

Avoid the UTG stuff - Airsoft quality garbage.

 

I have no experience with the other two brands.

Ordered the GG&G scope mount earlier this week. Cheaper Than Dirt (flame suit on) had one for $85.

 

I had sent an email to GG&G with some questions this past weekend. They called me and spent a fair amount on the phone with me answering my questions and making suggestions. I was very impressed with their knowledge and service. I will definitely look to use them in the future and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Excellent choice. GG&G are good people. You will be pleased.

 

Pics when it is all together please.