As a hunter who’s spent countless hours in the field with my trusty Ruger Mini 30, I can tell you firsthand that having the right scope makes all the difference. Whether you’re hunting whitetails at dusk or plinking targets at the range, a quality optic will help you make the most of this versatile little carbine.
I’ve tested dozens of scopes on my Mini 30 over the years, and let me tell you – not all of them are up to snuff. That’s why I’ve put together this updated guide for 2024, to help you find the perfect glass for your rifle and shooting needs.
Let’s dive into my top picks:
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
Best Overall Mini 30 Scope
If I could only recommend one all-around scope for the Mini 30, this would be it. The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the Mini 30’s effective range, giving you flexibility for close shots and enough zoom for precision at distance. The generous eye relief works great with the Mini 30’s forward scout-style mount.
I love the clear glass and rugged construction on this scope. The V-Plex reticle is simple and effective. For under $300, you’re getting a ton of bang for your buck. I’ve used this scope extensively on my own Mini 30 and it’s never let me down.
Pros:
– Excellent optical clarity
– Durable construction
– Perfect magnification range for Mini 30
– Great value for money
Cons:
– Basic reticle (but effective)
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm
Best Compact Scope
Sometimes less is more, especially if you want to keep your Mini 30 light and handy. This compact Leupold is my go-to when I want a streamlined setup for quick shots in thick cover. The 1.5-4x magnification is ideal for close to mid-range work.
Leupold’s glass quality is legendary, and this scope delivers crisp, bright images even in low light. I’ve taken several deer with this scope, and the Duplex reticle makes target acquisition lightning fast. It’s not cheap, but the lifetime warranty means this scope will outlast your rifle.
Pros:
– Extremely compact and lightweight
– Superb optical clarity
– Fast target acquisition
– Lifetime warranty
Cons:
– Limited magnification range
– Pricey
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP
Best Budget Scope
Not everyone wants to drop big bucks on glass for their Mini 30. If you’re on a tight budget, this Primary Arms scope delivers a lot of performance for the price. The 1-6x magnification range is versatile, and I really like the ACSS reticle for quick ranging.
While the glass isn’t quite up to Leupold standards, it’s more than serviceable. The illuminated reticle is a nice touch for low light shooting. I’ve recommended this scope to several friends just getting into shooting, and they’ve all been impressed.
Pros:
– Affordable price point
– Versatile 1-6x magnification
– Useful ACSS reticle
– Illuminated reticle
Cons:
– Optical clarity not as good as premium options
Burris Fullfield E1 3-9x40mm
Best for Long Range
While the Mini 30 isn’t typically considered a long-range gun, in skilled hands it’s capable of solid accuracy at extended distances. If you want to stretch your Mini 30’s legs, this Burris scope is an excellent choice. The 3-9x magnification gives you plenty of zoom for precise shots.
I’ve used this scope out to 300 yards with surprising effectiveness. The Ballistic Plex E1 reticle has useful holdover points, and the side focus parallax adjustment is great for maintaining a crisp sight picture at various ranges. It’s a bit overkill for close-in work, but hard to beat for precision shooting with the Mini 30.
Pros:
– Great for longer range precision
– Useful ballistic reticle
– Side focus parallax adjustment
– Clear glass
Cons:
– On the heavy side
– Overkill for close range use
Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot
Best Red Dot for Mini 30
Sometimes simple is best. For home defense or competition use, it’s hard to beat a quality red dot on the Mini 30. The Romeo5 is my pick for the best red dot option. It’s compact, has great battery life, and the motion-activated illumination is a handy feature.
I’ve found the 2 MOA dot to be the perfect balance of precision and quick acquisition. The Romeo5 holds zero well even with the Mini 30’s moderate recoil. While it lacks magnification, for close-in fast shooting, this optic is hard to beat.
Pros:
– Fast target acquisition
– Compact and lightweight
– Long battery life
– Motion-activated illumination
Cons:
– No magnification
– Not ideal for precision work beyond 100 yards
Nikon P-Tactical .223 3-9x40mm BDC600
Best for .223 Mini 30 Variants
While most Mini 30s are chambered in 7.62×39, Ruger has offered some models in .223/5.56. If you have one of these variants, this Nikon scope is purpose-built for the cartridge. The BDC reticle is calibrated for .223 ballistics, making holdovers a breeze.
I had a chance to test this scope on a friend’s .223 Mini 30, and was impressed with the optical clarity and precise adjustments. The 3-9x magnification range works well for the flatter-shooting .223 round. It’s a great option if you want to maximize the accuracy potential of a .223 Mini 30.
Pros:
– BDC reticle calibrated for .223
– Clear optics
– Precise adjustments
– Good magnification range for .223
Cons:
– Not ideal for standard 7.62×39 Mini 30s
UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Scope
Best Budget Illuminated Scope
Here’s another solid budget-friendly option, this time with an illuminated reticle. The UTG BugBuster packs a lot of features into an affordable package. I like the mil-dot reticle for holdovers, and the adjustable objective is great for dialing in parallax.
While the glass quality isn’t on par with high-end scopes, it’s more than adequate for the Mini 30’s practical ranges. The illuminated reticle is a nice touch for low light hunting. If you want a versatile scope with some premium features without breaking the bank, give the BugBuster a look.
Pros:
– Affordable price
– Illuminated mil-dot reticle
– Adjustable objective for parallax
– Included flip-up lens caps
Cons:
– Optical clarity not as good as premium scopes
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm
Best for 3-Gun Competition
If you use your Mini 30 for 3-gun or other action shooting sports, the Strike Eagle from Vortex is worth a hard look. The 1-6x magnification range gives you a true 1x setting for close targets and enough zoom for precision at distance.
I really like the illuminated BDC reticle on this scope. It’s fast for close targets but gives you holdover points for longer shots. The glass is clear and the eye box forgiving, which is crucial for fast-paced shooting. While it’s on the pricier side, the Strike Eagle is a competition-ready optic that won’t hold you back.
Pros:
– Versatile 1-6x magnification
– Illuminated BDC reticle
– Clear glass
– Forgiving eye box
Cons:
– Expensive
– Heavier than some options
SWFA SS 10×42 Tactical
Best Fixed Power Scope
Rounding out our list is a bit of a wildcard – a fixed 10x scope. While not the most versatile option, there’s something to be said for the simplicity and optical quality you get with a fixed power scope. If you primarily shoot your Mini 30 at longer ranges, this SWFA scope is worth considering.
The optical clarity on this scope punches way above its price point. The mil-quad reticle is excellent for precision shooting. I’ve used this scope for ringing steel at 300+ yards with the Mini 30, and it’s impressively capable. It’s not for everyone, but for dedicated precision work, it’s hard to beat.
Pros:
– Exceptional optical clarity
– Precise mil-quad reticle
– Excellent value for money
– Bombproof durability
Cons:
– Fixed 10x magnification limits versatility
– Overkill for close range use
Choosing the Right Scope for Your Mini 30
When selecting a scope for your Ruger Mini 30, there are a few key factors to consider:
Intended Use: Are you primarily hunting, target shooting, or using it for home defense? This will guide your choice in terms of magnification and reticle type.
Magnification Range: For most Mini 30 applications, a low-powered variable optic in the 1-4x or 2-7x range is ideal. This gives you flexibility for close shots and enough magnification for the rifle’s effective range.
Durability: The Mini 30 isn’t a hard-recoiling rifle, but you still want a scope that can handle field use. Look for shockproof construction and quality materials.
Glass Quality: Clear, bright optics are crucial, especially for low light hunting situations. Generally, you get what you pay for in terms of optical quality.
Reticle Type: Simple duplex reticles work well for hunting, while mil-dot or BDC reticles can be useful for holdovers at varying ranges.
Budget: Quality scopes are available at various price points. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and choose the best option within your budget.
Final Thoughts
The Ruger Mini 30 is a versatile, handy carbine that deserves quality glass. Whether you’re looking for a do-it-all hunting scope, a red dot for home defense, or a precision optic for long range work, there’s an option out there for you.
Personally, I find myself reaching for the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 most often. It hits the sweet spot of magnification range, optical quality, and value that works perfectly with the Mini 30’s capabilities. But any of the scopes on this list will serve you well – it’s just a matter of matching the optic to your specific needs and budget.
Remember, the best scope is the one that you can shoot confidently and effectively. Get out there, practice with your chosen optic, and enjoy the versatility of your Ruger Mini 30!