10 Best Scope for Mini 14 – [Field Tested]

The Mini 14 is one of the most reliable and accurate rifles for big game hunting. To get the best hunting experience, though, attaching a scope to the Mini 14 is your best bet.

A scope gives you the cutting edge by allowing you to zoom in and aim at a distant or moving target. Additionally, modern scopes have built-in mechanisms that compensate for windage and elevation, so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your weapon as you move.

When it comes to buying a scope, there are several options available in the market. But to get the choicest scope for your trusted rifle, you might need a narrowed down list of the best products.

No need to worry! We have put together a list of 10 field-tested scopes that can each be called the best scope for Mini 14 in its own right. Read this quick comparison table before diving into detailed reviews.

Best Scope for Mini 14: Quick Comparison Table

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES	PRICE
	Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC 600	• Instant and accurate zero-reset turrets • 3x to 9x optical zoom • Crystal clear glass for crisp images	Check Price
	Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight	• Rear-facing controls • Multiple brightness settings • Nitrogen-purged interior	Check Price
	Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Rifle Scope	• Multi-coated optics • 11 brightness settings • Waterproof and fog proof	Check Price
	Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount	• Crystal clear lens • Lightweight and compact • Parallax free design	Check Price
	CRUSHUNT 4x32 Red Fiber Scope	• 4x magnification • Shockproof and fog proof • Adequately bright daytime reticles	Check Price
	TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series Rifle Scope	• 1-4x and 1-6x magnification options • Etched reticle for quick and easy visibility • Nitrogen gas-filled housing	Check Price
	UTG 3-12x44 30 mm Compact Scope	• Emerald-coated lenses for reduced glare and better light transmission • Shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof • Free from parallax	Check Price
	Monstrum 3-12x42 AO Rifle Scope	• Mil-dot reticle • Adjustable Objective (AO) lens • 3 to 12x magnification	Check Price
	Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20x50 Rifle Scope	• Fiber optic technology allows for battery-free illumination • Extremely clear glasses • Quick focus and easy target acquisition	Check Price
	Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope	• Dual-color reticle • Flip-open lens covers • Finger-adjustable elevation and windage	Check Price

What are the Advantages of Adding a Scope to Your Mini 14?

Although one can shoot exceptionally well just by using the iron sight on a rifle, it is practical to add a scope to simplify matters. Scopes offer the following advantages to a hunter:

• Enable shooting with precision
• Have illuminated reticles that allow hunters to spot game even in dimly lit conditions
• Prevent the wastage of ammo while hitting targets
• Compensate for elevation as well as windage
• Provide the ability to locate targets placed far away through magnification

In addition to having the above-mentioned qualities, specifically for the Mini 14, you need a scope that has generous eye relief capabilities as the gun has strong recoil.

Want more scope recommendations? Read this review of the best 1-8x scopes.

Having seen a quick comparison of the scopes on our list, let’s take a look at the detailed features of each.

1. Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9×40 Matte BDC 600

Nikon is a trusted name in the modern scope industry, and the P-Tactical BDC 600 scope proves why. Designed to enhance your hunting experience, the scope has a rapid sight detection mechanism. This facilitates target acquisition and, coupled with the zero-reset turrets, makes it a nifty rifle scope for cycling through targets in quick succession.

Furthermore, the windage and elevation turrets are spring-loaded. Thus, while out shooting, it becomes easy for you to grasp the clearly marked dials and turn them to achieve zero instantly and accurately, even with repetitive use.

Coming to the build, the P-Tactical .223 Rifle Scope is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum. With this, the structure achieves the resilience to make it last through long periods of rough handling while being light enough for enhanced portability. In addition to this, the exterior has a matte finish, which prevents scratching besides making it easy to grip while mounting and unmounting.

Another notable feature of the scope is the diverse magnification range, providing 3x to 9x optical zoom. This is great for honing in on a target that is far away with increased precision.

All these features put together make the Nikon P-Tactical one of the topmost choices in the hunt for the best scope for Mini 14.

2. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight

The Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is another ideal candidate for the title of the best scope for Mini 14. This is due to not one but many reasons, foremost among which is its ease of use.

The scope is designed to grant smooth operability. For this, it has power controls facing the rear. These two buttons additionally control the brightness level. There are 10 different brightness settings, and a single tap on the up and down buttons will raise or decrease the illumination accordingly.

Another plus is that it is night vision compatible. The lowest two illumination settings provide that. Furthermore, the reticle is bright and comes in either red or red/green variants. This helps to visualize the dot against any background.

In order to aid proper light transmission through the lenses, they are fully multi-coated. Not only does this reduce the glare in bright environments, but also allows for proper light collection in dark surroundings.

To top it all, the sight is durable and resistant to shock and recoil abuse. Overall, this scope by Vortex is fast, reliable, and perfect for your Mini 14 but can also be used conveniently with an AR. 

3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Rifle Scope

You might find the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 on a number of scope review lists and that is owing to its high versatility. Conformable for use in a variety of settings and with different weapons, this scope is easy to mount as well as to remove. Its no-frills construction makes operating it a breeze.

The optics are amber-bright, giving crisp target images in a variety of lighting conditions. Even the reticle is perfectly illuminated to assist in quick target acquisition while shooting. Brightness is adjustable through a round adjustment dial, which helps you choose from eleven different settings. The elevation and windage dials are placed separately for hassle-free adjustment.

As for the design, it is engineered to be durable and shockproof, withstanding recoil as well as fall impacts with relative ease. Add to that, its resistance to fog build-up thanks to a nitrogen-purged interior and an O-ring sealed construction, and the scope becomes a truly long-lasting companion for your Mini 14.

4. Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount

If you love a compact and lightweight scope that has a large field of view, you should consider buying the Burris Fastfire III. This third-generation product of the Fastfire series from Burris Optics is suited for a variety of shooting scenarios. Team it up with a handgun, shotgun, or rifle, it works just as well. Also, if you want, you can mount it on an existing sight for precision shooting.

The scope weighs less than an ounce, and balancing or handling your weapon doesn’t feel any different with it mounted on top. But do not let that fool you into thinking that the frame isn’t durable. It is made out of anodized aluminum, making it strong enough to endure years of recoil abuse.

Moving on to the reticle, you can choose between a 3 MOA dot and an 8 MOA dot. While the former suits long-distance shooting due to the higher precision offered, the latter is ideal for short-range targets. Seeing as this buying guide focuses on Mini 14 compatibility, the 3 MOA reticle is the more apt choice among the two. There is an automatic brightness setting in addition to three manual settings, providing adequate illumination control over the red dot.

In terms of ease-of-use, the scope fares well. It has simple controls which are easily accessible and can be operated with minimal effort. With such great features, the Burris Fastfire III becomes a value-for-money purchase when it comes to buying the best scope for Mini 14.

5. CRUSHUNT 4x32 Red Fiber Scope

The CRUSHUNT 4x32 Red Fiber is a compact scope with an ergonomic design. It comes with clear fully-coated lenses that allow maximum light to be transmitted through them, offering a sharp contrast and a vivid view. This is an advantage of the fiber optic technology that CRUSHUNT has employed for this sight.

Featuring a chevron reticle, the scope provides good illumination even in dimly-lit surroundings. This feature comes in handy when your hunting exploits carry on until after dark. As for hunting during the day, the ample ambient light collection by the reticle makes it a pretty straightforward task.

The build quality is great for the price. Aluminum alloy is used for constructing the frame, so it is durable and can take its fair share of scratches and bumps. That said, you shouldn’t expect it to survive hard falls.

Users of this scope sometimes compare it to the pricier Trijicon model. For beginners and for those on a budget, this scope comes as an inexpensive alternative, without being a downgrade in terms of functionality.

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6. TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 Series Rifle Scope

Designed for use in multiple tactical scenarios, the TRU-Brite 30 Series scope has 1-4x and 1-6x magnification options to choose from. In the 1x setting, users can employ it with both eyes open. This is a useful feature when it comes to short-range target shooting as it allows for better sighting and faster target acquisition.

The reticle is etched on the glass, so it is not difficult to spot it. The color can be set to red or green, depending on need. This is done by rotating the dial placed on the left side of the scope. Furthermore, the illumination of the sight can be adjusted through a range of different settings accessible from the dial itself..

Another very practical feature of the riflescope is its extended throw lever for changing magnification. Using it, one can maneuver the scope and zoom in and out smoothly and quickly.

With the design’s focus on functionality, its hard-wearing construction comes as a pleasant surprise. This is more so, because it is among the cheaper options when it comes to selecting the best scope for Mini 14. The frame is built of aircraft-grade aluminum. As a plus, the mount or scope rings it includes are also well-built and have CNC-machined construction.

Lastly, the internals are nitrogen-purged for preventing fog build-up even in humid weather. All this makes it a good choice for use with the Mini 14.

In summation, if you want a high functioning scope, without wanting to spend bucket loads of cash, go for the TRUGLO TRU-Brite 30 with no hesitation.

7. UTG 3-12x44 30 mm Compact Scope

The UTG 30 mm Compact Scope by Leapers is a heavy-duty instrument built to last for a long time. Leapers’ True Strength Platform is a tried and tested design and is the blueprint for this scope as well. The material used is of a high quality. What’s more, the housing is filled with nitrogen and sealed to prevent moisture from getting in. This makes the scope fog and rainproof. Put together, these make for a truly resilient rifle scope.

The lenses are coated with emerald for a glare-resistant finish. Ensuring proper light collection, these coatings provide maximum light transmission for best clarity. To protect the lens from damage, there is an extended and angled sunshade which also serves to prevent the lens from getting scratched easily.

Another feature that elevates the scope’s functionality include the EZ-TAP illumination enhancing system which gives you the ease to switch between red and green dot colors. In addition to this, there is a 36 color multi-color mode. Depending on the lighting and the environmental conditions you shoot in, this mode lets you adjust the color of the crosshairs to suit them.

Parallax adjustment is also a breeze as there is a side-wheel turret which can be upgraded to a big wheel for even finer tuning. Altogether, this compact scope sold by Leapers under the brand name UTG is a dependable product to have and can very well be the best scope for Mini 14 within your budget.

8. Monstrum 3-12x42 AO Rifle Scope

Monstrum is known for making superior hunting scopes, and this sight is no exception. Crafted with aircraft-grade aluminum and featuring a mil-dot reticle, it is the perfect example of form meets function. It is both durable and lightweight enough for effortless portability.

The scope’s magnification ranges between three and twelve times, so it is ideal for mid to long-range hunting exploits. Additionally, there is a mil-dot reticle with markings to help you gauge the distance better.

An impressive feature of the riflescope is the inclusion of an adjustable objective (AO) lens. With it, you can adjust the lens of the scope in order to bring the target image in the same plane as the reticle. Not only does this help to focus better, but also reduces the parallax effect.

Aiding the utility of the model, the zero-reset turrets are a breeze to handle. Moreover, the scope retains zero even after repeated use. Other dials include one each for windage and elevation adjustment which, again, are easy to operate.

The cherry on the top is the low price of the Monstrum riflescope. In short, buying this hunting scope for your Mini 14 would be an economically wise decision, and you wouldn’t feel short changed at all.

9. Trijicon TR23 AccuPoint 5-20x50 Rifle Scope

Trijicon is famous for the quality of its military ACOG sights. With similar focus on delivering a first-rate product in the hunting scopes segment as well, the company has manufactured the TR23 Accupoint Rifle Scope. It is constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum covered with an anodized coating for a sturdy and non-corrosive finish.

Speaking about the optics, the glass is crystal clear and transmits adequate amount of light to deliver sharp target images. To light up the reticle, the scope employs fiber optic technology as well as the use of tritium. A bonus feature is that reticle illumination is not dependent on battery or electronics. Instead, it gathers surrounding light to work and to top it all, this is automatically adjustable.

The windage and elevation turrets protrude from the scope for easy accessibility. On the side of the scope, opposite the windage dial, there is a knob for tweaking the focus. This helps you adjust the focus based on the distance of your aim. All the dials are smooth to turn without making it difficult to arrive at the right setting.

Lastly, with 5 to 20x magnification, the scope gives ample opportunity for use in long-range shooting conditions.

10. Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Class 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope

The Crosman CenterPoint Adventure Rifle Scope is ideal for hunting enthusiasts who don’t want to break their bank in order to get a quality sighting instrument. It has all the functionality of a premium scope without the steep price tag.

It comes with clear unclouded glass lenses which are fully multicoated. In addition to this, it has crisp optical systems that provide an excellent picture of the aim. As for the BDC reticle, it has mil dots that can be adjusted to any color and intensity based on the user’s needs.

The scope ships with flip-up covers to protect the exterior of the lenses and two batteries that power-up the illuminated reticles. Even the tube is made of strong and rugged material. All these add to the longevity of the scope.

To sum up, Crosman’s product is a viable option for users on a quest to find the best scope for Mini 14.

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What Makes the Best Scope for Mini 14: Buying Guide

The Mini 14 is a sturdy and reliable gun which is as popular among hunters as it is among military personnel. It is a modern rifle that can be used in a variety of scenarios, subject to little modifications. To make its qualities stand out though, it is important to pair a scope with it.

Keeping its range and intended use in mind, here are the things you should consider while buying the best scope for Mini 14:

Magnification

When taking your rifle for long-range hunting, it is vital to have good magnification on the scope. Usually, 3 times to 12 times zoom is optimum for such situations. Buying a scope that offers magnification more than 12x might sound attractive on paper, but is ultimately not going to be of much use with your Mini 14. This is because hitting targets beyond 200 yards will require substantial windage, elevation, and bullet drop compensations and even then absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Interested in looking at binoculars to aid zooming in on the target? Read this buyer’s guide and review article on the best hunting binoculars.

Reticle Type and Illumination

Scopes come with different types of reticles, and the one you choose will depend on your familiarity with the type as well as on your personal preference. That said, if you are a beginner, you will find the Duplex reticle among the easiest to understand.

The illumination of the reticle is another factor you should bear in mind. Well-illuminated dots are helpful in bright surroundings. Also, reticles that offer mil-dots are easy to spot against any background. However, for most intents and purposes a dual color (red/green) reticle will suffice.

Eye Relief

The eye relief is the maximum distance at which your eye can be from the scope while still getting a clear sighting of the target. 

To compensate for the momentum of the bullet leaving the muzzle, guns and rifles travel backwards when a shot is taken. This can result in your eye getting hit from the recoil. Thus, having a scope which provides a generous eye relief is extremely important if you want to protect your eye from recoil damage.

Longevity

In the rough and tumble of the hunting environment, your rifle can sometimes sustain a fall or a hit. As such, it is advantageous to have a scope that is built with strong materials and is shockproof so that it can survive damage.

On a similar note, it is ideal to have a waterproof and fog proof scope while out in the field or in the wild. This will make it possible for you to continue hunting even in harsh weather conditions. Additionally, waterproofing and fog proofing also make your instrument last longer.

Conclusion

The Mini 14 is a popular hunting and target-shooting rifle. This varied use necessitates the addition of a scope to it.

There are a number of scopes available in the market. Choosing the right fit will optimize your hunting experience. This can be done by carefully weighing in your needs, budget considerations, and preferences against each other and striking a balance.

To help you find the best scope for Mini 14, we have reviewed 10 field-tested sights along with a buying guide on what to look for in a quality scope. Hopefully, you can use this information to arrive at the right scope pairing to go with your beloved rifle.

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