Anyone want to recommend a scope for .45-70 Handi Rifle?

[BBQLS1]

I'm figuring a low powered model maybe low adjustable (say 1-4). Don't want to spend lots, but would like a solid zero retaining scope.

I'll use this for hunting white tail and My camp generally doesn't have more than 150 yard shots.




Edit: mounting hardware would be nice too, but I can figure that out.

 

[lobo9er]

LEUPOLD 2-7x33 shotgun/muzzleloader model. American made. lifetime warranty. $199 free shipping on ebay. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Theres cheaper but your getting a scope that will last a lifetime. I still use the orginal leupold that my grandpa used on his ithaca 37. Not sure when he purchased the shotgun or scope but I know he used both for meny years and the serial number dates the shotgun to '71.

 

[ArmedBear]

I've never used a scope with .45-70. Have you used it with irons?

If not, I'd strongly recommend doing that first. See how you like it. The recoil and trajectory of a .45-70 make irons an attractive option IMO, especially at <150 yards.

I hit a jackrabbit at 80 yards in the dark with a black powder .45-70 with irons. It took a few shots to get the elevation right, but the sights were not a handicap.

 

[eastbank]

i shoot three 45-70,s and one 45-60, the only one with a scope on it is a browning 78 in 45-70 and that scope is a older weaver T-6 target with target knobs and i only have worked it to 300yds so far and a grounghog in not safe at that range(i use a lazar rangefinder and run the clicks) any decent qualty 1x4 or 2x6 will do for deer hunting. eastbank. ps the target was shot at 300yds from a rest.

 

[BBQLS1]

Originally, I intended to use the sights, but I've decided that a scope will be the best way for an ethical kill.

 

[jdh]

ArmedBear,
Why scope a 45-70 (or any other for that matter)?

pres·by·o·pi·a (prěz'bē-ō'pē-ə, prěs'-)
n. Inability of the eye to focus sharply on nearby objects, resulting from loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens with advancing age.

Give it a few years then you'll understand.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

I use a Simmons Pro -Diamond shotgun scope on mine . It does everything I could ever need out to 200 yds.

 

[Al Thompson]

BBQ, I've been quite happy with the fixed 2.5 power Weaver on one of my rifles. The scope is on it's third rifle, no issues.

 

[devildog66]

I have a 2.5 power Burris on my .357 handi rifle with Weaver mounting hardware that is standard for the handi rifle.

 

[Ky Larry]

I had an old Redfield 4X on my #1 Ruger in .45-70. Great shooter. I need my backside kicked for ever letting that rifle get away.:banghead:

 

[fireman 9731]

I remember seeing one somewhere, (I'm thinking Leupold, But cant find it anywhere) with a bullet drop compensation reticule. Get one of those bad boys in a fixed 4x magnification and you will be right on your way to putting meat on the table.

 

[Maverick223]

i only have worked it to 300yds so far and a grounghog [is] not safe at that range

Nice groundhog rifle, eastbank. I have one very similar that I originally planned to scope (with a period style optic), but I determined that to be a poor decision due to recoil, eye relief, and an approx. 3/4" occular...and the recent decision to rechamber to .45-120NE makes me glad that I didn't. OTOH, I will be purchasing a 1895SBL and plan to scope it with a Nikon Monarch 1.5-4.5x20mm shotgun scope, so give that one a good look, it may fit your needs as well.

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-5x20-VX-3-Riflescope-P12631.aspx

Excellent brush gun scope.

 

[dougw47]

scope

My .35 Rem 336 Marlin has a 1.5x old Weaver on it and it works fine.

 

[BBQLS1]

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[Maverick223]

Mr_Pale_Horse, I plan to put a gloss/heavy duplex model of that same scope on my .375H&H Mauser when it arrives, a good choice indeed.

 

[chas08]

Inability of the eye to focus sharply on nearby objects, resulting from loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens with advancing age.

I'm already there. I put a Burris Timberline 2x-7x with the Balisticplex reticle on my 45/70. If you zero the main crosshair 2" high at 100 yds the second aiming point down is dead on at 200 yds with Hornady Leverevolution 325 gr ammo. I haven't been able to shoot any further than that to test the remaining aiming points since my shooting range only goes to 200. But so far I'm very pleased.

 

[scoutsabout]

Put a red dot on there, without any magnification.

You can aim with both eyes open, focussed on the target, and hit anything within the effective engagement range of the platform... all the speed and accuracy you'll ever need.

Party on.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

a .45-70 in a Handi rifle probably kicks like a mule, seems to me open sights would be best, could be a case for a nice cut over your eye with a scope.

 

[Maverick223]

a .45-70 in a Handi rifle probably kicks like a mule, seems to me open sights would be best, could be a case for a nice cut over your eye with a scope.

Held properly a scope is no problem, even for a lightweight Handi. I have seen folks get scope eye with a .243, and others that can easily handle and optic on a .458WM.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

Because of the heavy recoil ,especialy with some of my handloads, is exactly why I use a shotgun scope. Heavily constructed,not recoil sensative, and long eye relief.Just be sure your rings are high or ex high so your scope clears the hammer spur.

 

[a-sheepdog]

I would say something along the 4X range, whatever brand your pocket book allows. I have a Marlin 1895 with a Leupold 2X scout scope set up and have been really happy with it. It greatly increases my accuracy as the front blade on the irons seems to cover most of the target. My shots are seldom over 120 yards.

 

[Rob96]

On my Marlin Guide Gun I use a Bushnell Banner 2-7x shotgun scope.

 

[MCMXI]

a .45-70 in a Handi rifle probably kicks like a mule, seems to me open sights would be best, could be a case for a nice cut over your eye with a scope.

If only I had a dollar for every scope I've seen on this board mounted with insufficient eye relief. If the scope isn't mounted correctly then there is a real risk of serious damage to the eye or orbital socket. The BEST way to mount a scope on a Marlin lever action or similar is to use a rail from XS (shown below). Notice the eye relief and that the ocular lens is sufficiently far forward to negate the chance of personal injury.

Mr_Pale_Horse,
I have two Leupold scopes very similar to the one in your link but they're the Mark 4 versions with the special purpose reticle (SPR). They're perfect for an FAL, M1A, AR-15/10, Marlin '94/'95 etc. Basically a good all around low power optic. I use them with both eyes open and have zero complaints.

Here's the SP reticle from Leupold.

 

[Al LaVodka]

I second the Simmons. Take a look at the 44 Mag series. They are tough, nifty enough features, very clear and sharp optics, and priced well.
Al