Isn't it in fact easier to fit a scope on a Mini-14 Ranch than on a "standard" Mini-14?

The Ranch Rifle is, as I understand it, simply a civilian branding for what was designed to be --- and has seen wide use professionally as --- a tactical rifle.

The big confusticator here is that tactical rifles --- and I'll keep calling them that, because that's what both the Mini-14 and the AR-15 were designed to be! --- turn out to be pretty well suited to sporting and some kinds of hunting, and have pretty much taken over those markets. So in observing that there's no meaningful difference between a Mini-14 ranch and a military tactical rifle, I'm not saying that a Ranch Rifle isn't intended for shooting coyotes or range shooting, or even that that's not what they're mostly used for.

But public policy should focus on the weapon's capabilities, not what their packaging suggests they be used for. The people that play the Ranch Rifle card in firearms debates seem to believe the packaging is dispositive --- or not? I never really understand what it is they're trying to prove. But of course, to regulators, there's no distinction to be made here.

Putting a scope on any Mini-14 requires a proprietary adaptor. Compared to an AR its a huge pain in the behind. Compared to any other proper tactical rifle, its terrible.

I saw the one they marketed as "tactical" and I'd def call it "tacti-cool" instead because it looks nonfunctional.

To compare the two, its Broccoli vs Potato.

I assume pretty much everything is a PITA compared to the AR-15 platform, but isn't the scope rail one of the defining features of the Ranch Rifle version of the Mini-14?

I don't believe so. The "Mini-14 Ranch Rifle" designation is well over 30-40 years old at this point. The fact that they now have a "Tactical" model is just marketing. The scope mounts clamp onto the receiver for all models BUT the "Tactical Model #5846" has some weaver rails on it.

Many AR15's have a fixed carry-handle mount that you also need a goofy adapter to mount a scope to

If you're going to buy an old-style rifle thats true, I rarely see A1 or A2 style uppers anymore. Its about as dated as the Mini-14 design as well and thankfully eliminated.