Melbo, That is a very nice setup there, almost makes me wanna get the one at the range. <listening to="" the="" little="" voice="" in="" my="" head=""> Ryan</listening>
Most any of the red dot scopes also have unlimited eyerelief and might be worth looking into for you if thats an issue.
Just bought a Bushnell red dot. Mounted it on the AR carbine last night, but not yet been to the range. And yup, eye relief counts for us scrawny ol' folks with long necks.
Yeah most of the red dots arent tack driveing glass, basicly because the dot (on mine at least) covers 5 moa, but they are quick up, unlimited eyerelief and easy to use.
The Bushnell dot is supposed to be 1 moa inside a 65 moa ring. Both the dot and the ring are a mite ragged, looks like the prism focus ring in 35 mm film cameras. I guess I'll throw the rag over the bullseye and see what happens. As you say, tack driving is NOT what they are for.
I have been looking over a pre-ban mini at a local gun shop. They also want $400 for it, and this one is a 181 series and has the flash hider on it. I already have a 182 series that shoots well, but I really like to have a backup, and sometimes a backup for my backup. The only thing I do not like about the mini-14 is the cost of the magazines. I may have to pull the trigger on this deal when he opens back up next week. What say you monkeys about Mini's as survival weapons?
I bought mine because I had always wanted a Factory Folder in SS like ictured above. Ever since watching the A Team as a kid..... So it was an impulse buy on coolness factor. For SHTF, if you have a better rock than an adversary, your rock wins. SO, I'd say it could be pressed into service but I don't know that I'd actively seek them out for that reason. Unless you are just playing justification in your head? LOL I really like mine. Paid $1000 for it at Knob Creek during the Ban with a factory mag
The minis aren't bad, folks. They aren't going to get 1/4 moa at 100 yrds but in the same token lets face it you are going to be going for minute of heart not minute of angle. The 180 series do have some issues but alot of them have been cleared up and it's a pretty decent rifle. Just like everyone else I have a personal preferance and for a close range rifle (up to 200 yrds) I prefer a ak. But thats my opinion and you have to get what you like and feel comfortable with. I will say that you can get better groups by reloading for your rifle and if you want to do that hit handloaders. We have a thread about the mini. Either way get what feels good and what you will shoot. Take care Be safe Poacher.