Nice looking and performing scope for Stainless Marlin 1895

[TexasRifleman]

Like it says. I recently got a super deal on a LNIB 1895 and I'd like to put a scope on.

What works and looks good on a stainless lever gun?
I'd prefer a color matching the rifle instead of black but may not be possible.

Finish matches the rifle etc, and appropriate for the .45-70 cartridge?

I was thinking of the 2.8x Leupold FX-2 Scout Scope maybe?

Many thanks!

 

[rbernie]

I tend to NOT prefer to run a stainless finish scope on a stainless rifle. Matte rings/scopes look surprisingly good on a stainless rifle, and it's easier to swap scopes around when they're all the same finish. More importantly, if you're looking to avoid over-glassing the rifle (puttin' the Hubble telescope on a 45/70 levergun seems, well, wrong), you're going to find slim pickings in stainless finishes.

The Ashley/XS scout mount and the FXII scout scope are a fine combination if you want a scout setup. I have this setup on a 16" 30-30 Marlin and it works quite well. The Burris scout scope is also a decent performer; dunno if it's available in stainless finish. I have the Burris mounted on a 35 Remington Marlin and have been happy with it. My only issues with the scout setup is that I find it unwieldy to use for shots longer than 100 yards or so.

If you're willing to mount a black matte scope and want a traditional receiver mounted scope, I'd probably run with a Leupold 1.5x6x/32 VXIII. I have one and it's a very nice all-around piece of glass. If you want to spend a bit less, I'm really very fond of the Sightron SII 1.5x-6x/42. I've been debating trying a Weaver Grand Slam 1.5x-5x/32, but can't muster up the cash yet. At the top of my 'affordable' wish list is the Zeiss Conquest 1.8x-5.5x/38; it's not quite a Swarovski PH 1.5x-6x/42 but its only a third of the cost...

 

[TexasRifleman]

Thanks.
I'm not familiar with the over barrel mounting systems, but I see that a lot in photos.

ETA: You mention the AO/XS mount. Was install easy enough?

 

[rbernie]

I love the forward scope mounting ('scout mount') for woods hunting, but at distances much over 100 yards I've found it somewhat problematic.

I've used it to good effect inside of 100 yards; it's extremely fast pointing and easy to track moving game. I have found that I can readily switch eye dominance from the off eye to the strong-side eye as needed, and that seems to help my scout scope usage a lot. Mounting the scope over the barrel alters the rifle balance; good for whippy rifles, but not-so-good for rifles that are already muzzle heavy. Forward mounting of the scope certainly keeps the receiver unencumbered, making it easier to tote the rifle around in the woods since you can still wrap your mitt around the flat receiver at the rifle's natural balance point.

Both of my Marlins are set up scout-style. Having said that, my primary deer rifles are not since I tend to hunt areas where it would be possible to need to take a 200yd shot (and I'm not enough of a marksman to take a 200 yard shot at a 80lb Texas doe with a 2.5x scope).

The XS/AO mount is trivial to install - even I could do it. If you want to try it before you buy it, we could meet sometime and I'd loan you my 35 Remington for a bit. It would be a good way for you to see if you like the concept before dropping the coin into the setup.

 

[TexasRifleman]

If you want to try it before you buy it, we could meet sometime and I'd loan you my 35 Remington for a bit.

It seems to get the clear nod from everything I have read about it. Gunblast has some reports on it too.

Thanks for the offer but I think I am sold on it.

One more question if you don't mind.

Do you have the ghost ring sights too and how do you like those?

Thanks again!

 

[rbernie]

Do you have the ghost ring sights too and how do you like those?

My 35 Remington has the XS irons setup and my 30-30 has a traditional Lyman front bead and Williams FP rear aperture sight. Between the two, I *vastly* prefer the XS sights - they're fast to pick up, and far more 'melted' and less likely to snag on stuff (brush, clothing, and skin) than the Lyman/Williams combo.