This review covers the best Leupold Scopes for Mini 14. The Ruger Mini-14 rifle is a classic ranch rifle that has gained popularity and is now second after the AR-15 rifle. It is a handy gun that is used for varmint hunting and target shooting primarily but is also used by some law enforcement personnel.
It is a powerful rifle that will give you great performance but adding a scope to it could increase your accuracy.
Finding the perfect scope to pair with your Mini 14 is not easy, but we are here to help. Leupold offers some of the best optics in the market and that is why their riflescopes offer the best option for your rifle.
Below are the best scopes from Leupold that will perfectly match your rifle for increased accuracy and precision.
Best Leupold Scopes for Mini 14 Review
1) Leupold Patrol 6HD 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
Leupold Patrol 6HD allows you to hit any target without worry. The scope features an ultra-lightweight, low-profile design and offers a 1-6 magnification range that allows you to engage threats anywhere from tight corners to open fields.
The scope comes with an Illume. FireDot Duplex CDS reticle that is suitable for use in all environments. It offers 1-6 times edge-to-edge clarity that gives out outstanding brightness, color consistency, and resolution.
This Leupold scope also features a wide zoom range, an in-scope electronic reticle level, CDS-ZL2 Zero Lock elevation dial, and a removable throw lever providing maximum versatility. It uses the Twilight Max HD Light Management system which enhances glare reduction and adds up to 30 minutes of shooting light in low-light conditions.
Key features
- It has an illuminated reticle that is great for low-light conditions
- It features an in-scope electronic level which simplifies mounting and improves long-range accuracy
- It has a Custom Dial System (CDS) that laser-etches your scope’s elevation dial to match your load, velocity, and conditions
- It has a 6:1 zoom ratio
- It features motion sensor technology (MST)
- It has a reversible throw lever
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Low magnification power
2) Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8x36mm Rifle Scope
This is a lightweight hunting scope that is ideal for extended hunting sessions and gathers enough light to allow dawn-to-dusk use. The scope uses the Leupold Elite Optical System that delivers great light transmission for bright, clear views in any environment.
The scope is made with scratch-resistant lenses and is sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance. The VX-3 2.5-8×36 Rifle Scope allows you to acquire targets faster and with improved accuracy, thanks to the illuminated Duplex reticle that offers 8 brightness settings for a customized view.
The Leupold scope comes with a removable throw lever that allows you to instantly and easily change magnifications, even while wearing gloves. It also has a matte finish that eliminates reflection for improved camouflage the glare-free views for better shots.
Key features
- The scope exterior lens surfaces are coated to allow maximum light transmission and abrasion resistance
- It features a proprietary Argon gas blend, which reduces the effects of thermal shock, and ensures fog proofing
- It has a generous eye box and longer eye relief that provide incredible head position latitude, edge-to-edge brightness, and a full clear sight picture
- It has blackened lens edges that reduce light diffusion for a brighter image with increased contrast even in low light
- It features a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system that is ideal for a wide range of situations
Pros
- Durable
- Reliable low-light performance
Cons
- None
3) Leupold Mark 3HD 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope
This Leupold Mark rifle scope allows you to achieve your best performance on hunts or tactical missions. It is designed with an Elite Optical System that reduces glare, provides maximum light transmission, and offers the best resolution allowing you to accurately sight targets down range.
The Leupold Mark 3HD Waterproof Rifle Scope has scratch-resistant lenses and a military-strength build that withstands harsh conditions and recoil in the field. Also included are power selector rings, precise 1/10th MIL dials, and other helpful features that will help with easy target acquisition.
Key features
- It is made of strong materials
- It features the Elite Optical System
- It has a 3:1 zoom ratio
- It has a 30mm maintube
- It features precision side focus adjustment and FireDot illumination
- It has a dial illumination control for easy sight in
- It has scratch-resistant lenses
- It has an ergonomic power selector
Pros
- It offers multiple reticle options
- It has an ultra-lightweight design
- Waterproof and fog-proof
Cons
- None
4) Leupold VX-5HD 1-5x24mm Rifle Scope
Leupold VX-5HD 1-5x24mm Riflescope improves your shooting by bringing quickly the reticle into focus with a fast-focus eyepiece. It offers a 1-5 magnification range that allows adaptability to any environment.
The scope features rear focal plane reticles that remain fine and minimally cover the target at high power. It uses the Twilight Max HD Light Management System that adds up to 30 extra minutes of shooting light and reduces glare-producing stray light, for high-definition edge-to-edge lens clarity in the toughest lighting conditions.
The scope has Pop-up re-zero finger click windage and elevation adjustments that provide maximum adjustment range, precision, and instant re-zeroing. The illuminated reticle also helps with low-light performance. It has motion sensor technology and automatically de-activates after 5 minutes of being inactive and reactivates with an instant movement for longer battery life.
Key features
- It is made from 6061-T6 Aircraft quality Aluminum
- It has a proprietary inert gas blend, which reduces the effects of thermal shock, and ensures fog-proof performance
- It has a 30mm main tube for strength as well as a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment
- It has a 5:1 zoom ratio that offers a wide field of view at low power and precise target identification at high power
- It has a generous eyebox that allows faster target acquisition
- It features Guard-Ion rain-shedding coating that is extremely durable, scratch resistant, and sheds water, dirt, and fingerprints
- It has pop-up re-zero finger click windage and elevation adjustments for maximum adjustment range, precision, and instant re-zeroing
Pros
- Long eye relief
- It is covered by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee
Cons
- None
Choosing the Leupold Scopes for Mini 14
Construction
Apart from being high-quality, your Mini-14 scope should be extremely durable and shockproof. Although most Mini-14 calibers have minimal recoil, the Mini-14 is often used as a ranch rifle or truck gun hence it should be able to withstand the rough abuse of a truck ride.
Magnification
This factor helps you to increase your shooting accuracy. The magnification needed in a rifle scope is determined by the shooting distance and shooting style, hence it is important to consider your intended use for your rifle. The best scopes for Mini-14 should generally be low-magnification.
Eye Relief
A generous eye relief helps prevent headaches and eye injuries. The best scopes have an eye relief distance of 3.5 to 4′′, which is sufficient to protect your eye from recoil while allowing you to see properly free from any scope shadows.
Lens Coating
The best scope for your Mini 14 rifle should have lens coatings that help prevent fog from accumulating on the lens surface. Lens coating also reduces glare and reflections while allowing sufficient light to enter the scope for a brighter image.
Mounting System
Your scope should be mounted on a strong platform to ensure that each blow shot does not cause the sight to lose zero. A solid one-piece scope mount is the best for the Mini 14; it is secure and allows you to switch out scopes without losing your zero.
Final Thoughts
Although the Mini 14 is a great rifle, adding a good scope to it will make your hunting performance even better. The rifle has no significant recoil but eye relief will help keep you on the target without the worry of hurting your eyebrow or eyes.
The Leupold brand scopes provide what it takes to achieve the best performance with this scope and are relatively affordable for their performance.
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