How can I get scaling on a mirrored model to work as if I were scaling a non mirrored model?
When I scale with a mirror modifier it seems to be excluding the x-axis by default.
In edit mode you can scale it then scale it along X by the same amount. For example - S 0.5 RETURN - Then press S X 0.5 RETURN. Alternatively you can scale the object in object mode and apply the scale. The second way is quicker.
Select the middle loop and snap the cursor to it with “Shift+S”. Press “period” “.” to scale with the 3d cursor as pivot point and it will scale properly in all directions.