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A mini-14 is a utility tool, not a precision piece. So there is no point putting a big expensive optical sight on it which the rifle can't "shoot to". I'd recommend getting the widest best "red dot" sight you can afford and put that on. The Ruger can't compete at 500 yards, so don't try, optimize it for the ten to 300 yard range for rapid fire. Red dots win hands down there.

Also, take the sling swivel off the bottom of the stock and put it on the top, and fix up a simple sling that leaves the rifle "hands off" in the ready position across your chest. The sling (I use 1" green 'tubular nylon' webbing) goes around your neck, both sides of it hang in front. This is how pros do it. In this way, you can go through brush with your left hand feeling ahead, or checking your map, or opening doors, whatever, but your right hand is always on the stock and finger near the trigger ready. You can also let go of both hands in the event of a malfunction to go straight to your pistol.

You can also put your right arm through the sling and slide the rifle under your right arm to your back muzzle down for climbing obstacles, then get it right back to "ready" without having to unsling it.

Allow just enough slack when it's hanging level in front to permit the rifle to go to your shoulder smoothly, no more.

IOW, a combat sling is not some stiff leather contraption made to permit ultra accurate firing freehand. You will NOT be standing still and shooting! If you are standing, you had better be running to cover! The combat sling is there to keep the weapon attached to you at all times "at the ready" but still allow use of your hands for other tasks.

That's my $0.02.

PS: Buy all the high cap mags you can, they are not easy to come by for the Rugers. At least 6 thirty round mags. Check www.sportsmansguide.com. They also have good deals on bulk 5.56mm. Also check www.cheaperthandirt.com and www.ammoeric.com for cheap bulk ammo. You should not pay over $0.11 per round in bulk for good new south african military or Russian Wolf.

Don't leave your ruger mags full for a long time though, rotate them.

You have a great weapon. The iron sights on mine were dead-on straight from the factory. If you are going to get a scope for it, I would reccomend a good 4X (it's all you really need).

It's a damn tough gun with a great bolt and will take all the use and abuse you give it...plus, it's easy to clean. Spend the extra money to get good clips. Enjoy!-)