TPIguy: I'm assuming thats a ranch rifle version. No, that's a regular version. If you look carefully at the picture of the buttplate, you'll see the permanent semi-protected rear sight (with narrow factory apperture plate replaced with XS Ghost Ring insert) rather than flimsy flip-up Ranch rear sight.
Also, from the side-mounted scope and no scope mount points on the receiver.
This is a (para)military rifle to be used at short to medium distances under 250 yards against human-sized targets, not for shooting tiny peacefull critters at 400+ yards. The simplicity and situation awareness of the iron sight cannot be beat - especially for a non-professional.
I did buy a cheap 4x scope with integral mount but it a see-through that allows to use the iron sights and can be removed/installed in seconds without tools. I certainly not going to practice more than 5% of the time shooting with the scope.
Even with accurising the semi-auto Mini is by no means a sniper weapon. With $300 worth of improvements it will never shoot as well as a $700 Remington 700 VS - based system.
BEVO: I'm in the market to buy a ss mini 30 I'd probably go with that caliber too except it is only available in Ranch configuration and comes with scope rings, which would be a waste of money for me. I do not want a rear sight that may fall off in the most inopportune moment. It's a bit harder to shoot accurately due to the lower speed of 7.62x39 compared to .223 but the dirt-cheap ammo would amply compencate by allowing more practice.
It is more versatile, allows one to hunt deer-sized animals, etc.
Anyway, make sure to visit
http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=8 - the community for Mini-14 and Mini-30 with enormous amount of expertise and resources.
miko
