How damaging is recoil on a Mini-14 scope? What scope to use?

nntw

nntw

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I've seen posts that say newer Mini-14s have a buffer to cushion the impact on the scope.

So, will my older model (185### s/n) be likely to damage a scope? I'd initially assumed because it was 'only' .223 the recoil wouldn't be that harsh, especially considering some energy would be absorbed by the action.
 
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Do you own a crappy scope? I've never had a recoil issue with a scope, even on WSM calibers. My Tikka Tactical in .223, being bolt action, had no buffer and I went through 1500 rounds in that rifle with a Bushnell scope. Why do you think you need to worry?
 
Keebler750 said:
Do you own a crappy scope? I've never had a recoil issue with a scope, even on WSM calibers. My Tikka Tactical in .223, being bolt action, had no buffer and I went through 1500 rounds in that rifle with a Bushnell scope. Why do you think you need to worry?
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Thanks-I tend to agree with you- I don't think there would be an issue.

But as mentioned, I've read some posts that Ruger put a buffer in because recoil was damaging scopes.
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Thought I'd ask the community at large BEFORE I committed an OFM.
(oh f### me)
 
It's not the recoil of the scrawny .223 that breaks scopes, it's all that hardware slamming around in and in front of the receiver that breaks scopes. That bolt isn't moving any slower just because the pressure is coming from a .223, proven by the empties flying 30 feet to the side.
 
Dogleg said:
It's not the recoil of the scrawny .223 that breaks scopes, it's all that hardware slamming around in and in front of the receiver that breaks scopes. That bolt isn't moving any slower just because the pressure is coming from a .223, proven by the empties flying 30 feet to the side.
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Interesting comments- so you WOULD agree that it could be harmful to the scope?

In that case, are there 'rugged' scopes you would recommend?
 
nntw said:
Interesting comments- so you WOULD agree that it could be harmful to the scope?

In that case, are there 'rugged' scopes you would recommend?
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Mine busted a couple bushnells before I decided:

1) It would bust the next bushnell too.
2) It really wasn't accurate enough to rate a scope.
3) It really wasn't accurate enough to keep either.

I'd stick a VX 11 3-9, or a FX 11 in fixed 4 or 6 on it.
 
stang said:
Mine destroyed a Sportview, I replaced it with a Banner and had no further problems.
And it is accurate.
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What kind of base do you use? I'm thinking B Square....

I've got a Bushnell something or other that came off a friend's 22-250. It's currently on a 77/22 that I'm thinking of selling anyway....

I'll check which model I've got.
 
Mini's tend to cycle quite violently and are hard on scopes. I have a Weaver shotgun scope on mine (a 4x) and it is great. It has held up well in ruger factory rings.
 
saskcop said:
Mini's tend to cycle quite violently and are hard on scopes. I have a Weaver shotgun scope on mine (a 4x) and it is great. It has held up well in ruger factory rings.
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Mine isn't a Ranch Rifle- older 185###- without integral base for Ruger rings. The shotgun scope idea makes sense....
 
I have a customized Mini-14 with a Fixed 10X Bushnell Tactical Mil-dot scope that has held very well and is very functional. Furtherest coyote hit to date is 364 yards. Before it was customized I had an old fixed 4X Bushnell scope that held 6" patterns on a good day.
 
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