Optics 101 questions - Use of Weig-a-Tinny rail

[8Ring]

Hello:

I need optical sights on my Mini -14 Ranch Rifle to see targets past 50 yards, but I am a complete newbie in this area. I plan to use a 2x7 scope or red dot with a Weigatinny rail which looks just like a Picatinny rail, I think.

Ruger Mini 14 Scope Mount Weaver Picatinny

1. Will I be able to clean the action and remove the bolt without taking the Weigatinny / Picatinny rail off the receiver?

2. Do Picatinny rails interfere with ejection?

3. If I get one rail with a scope and another rail with a red dot, will I be able to interchange the two without re-setting the zero each time? This assumes the scope or red dot was properly zeroed in the first place.

4 If Weigatinny or Picatinny rails will not hold zero when taken off and put back on, what other mounting system, if any, will?

5. Any thoughts about the Weigatinny rail system and Weigand's scope rings?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[SteelShooter]

If your Mini is indeed a Ranch Rifle, why not just use the Ruger rings that likely came with it???

 

[8Ring]

1. Because the scope would be too low with the Ruger rings.

2. Because I am looking for a way to clean the rifle, including removal of bolt, without having to remove the scope and zero the scope again when I put it back on.

Chris

 

[pyth0n]

1. Because the scope would be too low with the Ruger rings.

2. Because I am looking for a way to clean the rifle, including removal of bolt, without having to remove the scope and zero the scope again when I put it back on.

Chris

Looking at this rail, which can be either picatinney or weaver style, you're bridging over the bolt lower than the scope using regular ruger rings. Doesn't look like you'll be able to remove the bolt without removing the rail. The video for the installation instructs how to remove the rail without losing zero.
http://www.jackweigand.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTJGV5A7-4k
If this doesn't help, contact the manufacturer at the site link.

 

[Reviewer2]

#1 design shortfall, both mini 30 & mini 14: The plastic barrel guard /shield cannot be detached. My scopes prevent this, (Guard pivots up and forward from the rear).

Remove the scopes to completely disassemble the rifle, (Sigh) :cry:

 

[Jimbo357mag]

1. Because the scope would be too low with the Ruger rings.

2. Because I am looking for a way to clean the rifle, including removal of bolt, without having to remove the scope and zero the scope again when I put it back on.

Chris

I would get a taller set of Ruger rings or a smaller scope myself. The Ruger rings go on and off pretty easy. All you need is a quarter to tighten or loosen them. They also hold zero pretty well, at least on my 44 carbines. :D