Looking for the best scope for 45-70 (Lever Action,Henry,Marlin)? Read on as we comprehensively cover the best the market has to offer.
This cartridge is great for short to mid-range big-game hunting in brush or heavy timber.
With windage and elevation knowledge you can also use the 45-70 for long-range shooting.
To enhance your hunting accuracy, you will need to have a quality scope that’s compatible with the 45-70.
The ideal scope will bring you closer to your target and then help you make an accurate shot.
What Makes the Best Scope for 45-70?
The best scope for 45-70 must have the following features, first a Variable Magnification, for example, if you are hunting, a lower magnification scope (e.g., 1-4x or 2-7x) is often preferred for quick target acquisition, and a wider field of view. For long-range target shooting, you might opt for higher magnification (e.g., 4-16x or 6-24x) for precision.
The scope should have a larger objective lens for more light to enter the scope, which can be beneficial in low-light conditions. However, it can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style. Common reticle types include duplex, BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), Mil-Dot, and more. The reticle should help you with accuracy and compensate for bullet drops if needed.
Ensure the scope is built to withstand the recoil of the .45-70 cartridge, which generates significant recoil. Look for scopes with shockproof and waterproof features, as well as durable materials.
Make sure the scope can be easily mounted on your .45-70 rifle. Consider the type of mounting system (e.g., Picatinny or Weaver rails) and the compatibility with your rifle’s mounting points.
A generous eye relief is crucial, especially with heavy-recoiling rifles like the .45-70, to prevent scope eye injuries. Look for scopes with an eye relief of at least 3 inches.
Now let’s look at each of the best Scopes for 45-70 comprehensively.
Best Scopes for 45-70
1) Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope
Thanks to its superior optics, this riflescope is a perfect match for 45-70 lever-action rifles. The scope features easy-to-use external adjuster controls that allow for quick and simple windage and elevation. The multi-coated lens provides superior image clarity and light-gathering abilities without any distortion. Furthermore, this scope features a parallax adjuster that helps improve shooting accuracy, especially at long range. With generous and consistent eye relief, you get to keep yourself safe from heavy recoil rifles while still reducing eye fatigue after long hours of shooting. Another important feature in this scope is the second focal plane reticle which remains constant with an increase in magnification to provide an exact aiming point even at higher magnifications. The scope is made from air-craft grade aluminum which makes it durable and resistant to harsh elements and changing weather. Pros
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2) Simmons 3-9x50mm Riflescope
If you are looking for a decent scope but tight on budget, Simmons 3-9x40mm Riflescope s your ideal scope. The magnification range on this scope is ideal for sub-200 yards shots that the 45-70 excels at. With fully multi-coated lenses, maximum light is transmitted to produce bright and vivid target views regardless of the lighting conditions. The knurled turrets allow precise adjustments to windage and elevation while the QTA eyepiece ensures quick and easy target acquisition. For all-weather reliability, this scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to make it waterproof and fog proof. It is also easy to mount on any rifle. Pros
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3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope
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4) Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 Riflescope
Athlon Talos BTR strikes a great balance between short and long-range shooting. With up to 6.26” eye relief, you get to mount this scope far forward and allow shooting with both eyes open. With all its lenses coated, maximum light transmission occurs which results in the production of bright and clear target views even under low light conditions. The illuminated portion of the reticle provides better low-light visibility at dusk and dawn. The reticle is glass etched to provide excellent backing support for complex reticle design. Furthermore, it offers great durability and higher shock and recoil resistance. The scope is made with aircraft-grade aluminum which provides extra strength and durability. The heat-treated one-piece tube design gives the scope extra strength to handle the toughest terrain while locking out any moisture and fog. Pros
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5) Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Riflescope
Specifically designed for hunters and tactical shooters, this riflescope offers great performance and rugged reliability when paired with the 45-70 rifle. With a versatile 3-9x magnification, this scope is suitable for shooting at varying ranges. Its lenses are fully multi-coated to enhance light transmission, especially under low light conditions to provide bright and clear images that have color contrast. With long eye relief, this scope will keep you safe from heavy recoil rifles. It features a Dead-Hold BDC reticle located on the second focal plane is ideal for hunting and shooting at varying ranges where estimating hold-over is of concern. Its body is crafted from premium aircraft-grade aluminum valued for great performance and fatigue resistance. Its low-cap turrets are less susceptible to accidental impacts and damage as well. When it comes to all-weather reliability, this riflescope is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof, fog proof, and weatherproof performance. Definitely one of the best scopes for 45-70. Pros
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6) Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Riflescope
Leupold has fine-tuned the FX-II Ultralight to make it one of the best scopes for the 45-70 and other lever-action rifles. The scope features 2.5x magnification that’s ideal for accurately engaging any close-range target. This scope delivers clear-sight pictures thanks to the gas blend it is made with. This means that it is capable of resisting thermal shock. Moreover, the gas blend makes it fully waterproof and fog proof. The scope also features multi-coated lens systems to enhance the light transmission needed to produce bright and vivid target views. No matter the environment, this scope will provide you with outstanding contrast, even under low light conditions. You can trust this scope to deliver on all fronts. Pros
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7) Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4×24 SFP Riflescope
If you are in the market looking for a quality 45-70 riflescope which isn’t very expensive, Primary Arms Classic Series is your ideal scope. As one of the best Scopes for 45-70, this scope is user-friendly, especially among hunting beginners who want to use an easily adjustable scope. With 12 brightness settings, you get to use the scope under any lighting condition. The other good thing about this scope is the generous eye relief which ranges between 3.5-4.9 inches. With such eye relief, you get to enjoy snug viewing of your target without having to worry about your eyes getting hit by heavy recoil rifles. The scope has been built to last. You can therefore look forward to many years of use. The lenses are multi-coated to provide bright and clear target views. Moreover, the scope is designed with an adjustable ocular to ensure that the reticle always stays sharp. To ensure effective use no matter the weather, the scope is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed. Pros
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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Scope for 45-70
There are different scopes available in the market but not all are compatible with the 45-70. When looking for a 45-70 riflescope, here are some of the important factors you are supposed to take into consideration.
- Durability
Quality construction is the hallmark of any scope. When it comes to the best scopes for 45-70, the construction of the scope is important for a number of reasons. First, long-range rounds are often powerful rounds with heavy recoil.
You will therefore need a rugged and durable scope that’s capable of withstanding such abuse. For long-range shooting, you will also need a single-piece tube preferably made of aluminum.
Such construction makes the scopes tougher, less prone to shift, and more accurate. To ensure all-weather reliability, the scope should be fully waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
- Superior optics
When it comes to shooting with the 45-70 rifle, you’ll need a scope with superior optics that let you see the target clearly at such a long distance.
The quality of the lens is of great importance because it gives you peace of mind once you are able to see the target clearly even in the dark. Furthermore, you will be able to have a clear view of the target even when you set the magnification settings higher.
To ensure that you get quality optics, it is recommended that you go for the brands with a reputation of delivering superior riflescopes optics.
- Eye relief
Shooting with the 45-70 rifle is known to produce heavy recoil. You will therefore need a scope with adequate eye relief to keep your eyes safe from the heavy recoil.
The proper eye relief for powerful and heavy recoil rifles is often 3.5 inches and beyond. Eye relief can also change as the scope’s magnification changes, so pay attention to both numbers.
- Scope protection
The performance of any scope depends on the proper functioning of the optics as well as other internal components.
Elements such as dust and dirt particles, heat, vibration, and moisture can have a negative effect on the optimum function of these parts. It is therefore important to look for a scope with a coating that sheds off such elements.
The scope should also be waterproof and fog proof to ensure all-weather reliability.
- Magnification
Choose a low-powered scope for a rifle that uses a 45-70 cartridge. Such a rifle will have accuracy at both long and short ranges.
You will also need a scope with adjustable magnification which offers great versatility when it comes to shooting at different ranges.
Best Scope for 45-70 FAQs
- Which one is better, fixed or variable zoom scope
Your ideal zoom scope greatly depends on a personal shooting preference. If the shooting activity you intend to engage in involves shooting at a constant distance all the time, a fixed zoom scope will be ideal.
On the other hand, if you are going to be shooting at different distances, a variable zoom scope will be better.
- What magnification do I need for a 45-70 rifle?
The level of magnification is greatly important if you want to increase your chances of achieving great results. For the .45-70 rifle, you must choose a scope with a lower magnification power. Ideally, a scope with something like 7x will work.
- What makes a great scope for 45-70?
Any good scope must have good-quality optics. With high-quality optics, you get bright and clear target views. The scope should also have the ideal magnification depending on the target that you are shooting.
Furthermore, weatherproofing is also important to ensure continuous use of the scope regardless of the weather condition.
Conclusion
The 45-70 is a powerful rifle that requires equally reliable and strong optics to deliver great performance.
A good 45-70 scope will make your experience memorable and more rewarding in the field.
We have reviewed the best scope for 45-70 and we hope that you get to love them too.
Here is a summary of the best 45-70 scopes.
| 1) Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope
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| 2) Simmons 3-9x50mm Riflescope
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3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm Rifle Scope |
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| 4) Athlon Talos BTR 1-4×24 Riflescope
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| 5) Vortex Optics Copperhead 3-9×40 Riflescope
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| 6) Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Riflescope
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| 7) Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4×24 SFP Riflescope
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