Your Mini-14 Ranch rifle should come with an integral buffer to help make it scope friendly. Aftermarket buffers are also available for the standard Mini-14 as well.
Of course, you still have to do your part. On scope mounts and such, you must clean and de-grease the mounting screws and their holes, and apply thread-locking compound (Loc-Tite) prior to final assembly. Use the correct type of compound. For this application, you want the type that can be removed without the application of heat, as that would harm the scope.
Other applications call for different techniques, such as the staked screws fastening the gas block on your Mini.
By using the right fastening techniques, you will be able to avoid over-tightening things. An over-tightened fastener is usually weaker than one properly torqued and secured. This alone will no doubt save you much grief in the future.