I'd look hard at a new scope mounting base found this one online https://www.opticsplanet.com/sadlak-m1a-scope-mount.html?sscid=c1k5_iw9o3&utm_source=shareasale&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=affiliate-1823618 looks like it sits a bit higher but would clear for better engagement of all optics ring or other items you may want to put on the

That rail looks more rounded than I'd expect for standard picitinny. I used the one piece 20moa rigid mount with my mini 14 and it seemed to work great with some slight fitting. Fitting I believe was due to the rail manufacturer using quite tight tolerances and the base being similar. A little filling on the rail and boom tight fit and zero slop with the screws loose. Hope this helps

Yeah she's a bit of a relic that ruger only made for a few years. At the time it was cheaper/the same price as a fairly basic AR 15 so the choice was obvious. Hard to believe I've owned it so long with out decent glass on it. Happy I found old pre ban stainless steel 30 round mags for it so things all match when loaded. Mini 14's love em or hate em the target model is a bit of a showpiece. Thanks for the info on ammo.

@jeremyd2010 come on now granddad carried a BAR across Europe giving the Germans what for... lol

In very few cases are a less featured "hunting" scope any different when you break down philosophy of use. things like a 34mm tube gives you better field of view, more generous eye box. These are all things of value in hunting aswell.