As an avid hunter who’s spent countless hours in the field with my trusty .45-70, I know firsthand how critical it is to pair this powerful cartridge with the right optics. The .45-70 may be over 150 years old, but it’s still a force to be reckoned with for big game hunting. Today, I’ll be sharing my top scope picks to help you get the most out of your .45-70 rifle in 2024.
Why Use a Scope on a .45-70?
Now, I know some purists out there might balk at the idea of mounting a scope on a classic lever gun. But hear me out – a quality scope can seriously elevate your .45-70’s performance, especially for hunting.
On a recent elk hunt in Colorado, I was able to stretch the effective range of my Marlin 1895 .45-70 out to nearly 250 yards thanks to the crisp glass and ballistic reticle on my scope. Try making that shot confidently with iron sights!
A good scope also helps tremendously in low light conditions at dawn and dusk when big game is most active. The extra brightness and clarity can mean the difference between filling your tag or going home empty-handed.
Key Features to Look for in a .45-70 Scope
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s quickly cover what makes a scope well-suited for the .45-70:
- Durability: The .45-70 packs a serious punch. Your scope needs to handle that recoil without losing zero.
- Low to Mid-Range Magnification: Most .45-70 shooting happens under 200 yards. A 1-6x or 2-7x range is ideal.
- Generous Eye Relief: Again, that recoil. 3.5″+ eye relief keeps your eyebrow intact.
- Quality Glass: You want crisp, bright images even in low light.
- Simple Reticle: A basic duplex or BDC reticle works well for the .45-70’s rainbow-like trajectory.
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff – my top scope picks for 2024:
1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Scope
The Vortex Crossfire II hits the sweet spot of performance and value for .45-70 rifles. I’ve run this scope on my Marlin Guide Gun for three seasons now and it’s never let me down.
Key Features:
- 2-7x magnification range
- Generous 9.45″ eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- V-Plex reticle
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
The glass clarity punches way above its price point, and the simple V-Plex reticle is perfect for quick target acquisition in the brush. I especially appreciate the long eye relief when shooting stout 405 grain loads.
- The 2-7×32 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you’ll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing
At just over $200, it’s hard to beat the value here. The lifetime warranty is icing on the cake.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm
If you want premium quality without breaking the bank, look no further than the Leupold VX-Freedom. Leupold’s legendary durability makes this scope a great match for hard-hitting .45-70s.
Key Features:
- 1.5-4x magnification
- Twilight Light Management System
- Duplex reticle
- 4.17-3.74″ eye relief
- Waterproof and fogproof
The glass clarity is phenomenal, especially in low light thanks to Leupold’s proprietary lens coatings. The simple duplex reticle keeps things clean and uncluttered.
- Model #180590 – VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 Riflescope with a MOA-Ring Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- A 3:1 zoom ratio is very common in many scope models. It gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power (model magnification ranges are available in powers of 3x: 1.5-5, 2.5-8, 3-9, 3.5-10, etc.), so you can dial your power down for close encounters or all of the way up for long-range shots.
I’ve seen these scopes shrug off brutal abuse that would destroy lesser optics. For a bombproof hunting scope under $300, the VX-Freedom is tough to beat.
3. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP
Want a do-it-all scope for your .45-70? The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x is insanely versatile. From close-quarters brush gunning to precision shots at 200+ yards, this optic can do it all.
Key Features:
- 1-6x magnification
- First focal plane ACSS reticle
- Illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings
- 30mm tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
The star of the show here is the ACSS reticle. It provides bullet drop compensation out to 300 yards, built-in ranging, and wind holds – all while remaining uncluttered.
- Variable 1-6x magnification first focal plane scope features the ACSS Raptor designed for 5.56/5.45/.308
- Reticle features include auto-ranging out to 600 yards, moving target leads and a horseshoe to easily draw the eye to the target
- Full red illumination with 11 brightness settings powered by a common CR2032 battery
At 1x, it functions like a red dot for lightning-fast target acquisition. Crank it up to 6x and you can reach out for precise shots at extended ranges. For around $400, the value is outstanding.
4. Burris Scout 2-7x32mm
The Burris Scout scope was purpose-built for forward-mounted use on scout rifles, making it a natural fit for many .45-70 lever guns.
Key Features:
- 2-7x magnification
- Long eye relief (9.2-12″)
- Ballistic Plex reticle
- 1″ tube
- Nitrogen-filled for fogproofing
The optical clarity is excellent, and the simple Ballistic Plex reticle provides holdover points without cluttering the sight picture. I’m a big fan of the positive click adjustments on the turrets.
- 2-7x32mm provides handgun shooters a wide, flexible range
- 2x low end magnification offers quick target acquisition and a very large field of view
- 7x zoom at the top provides accuracy at handgun stretching distances
Burris’ Forever Warranty provides great peace of mind. If you’re running a scout-style .45-70 setup, this scope deserves a hard look.
5. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24mm
Another versatile 1-6x option, the Vortex Strike Eagle offers great performance at a wallet-friendly price point.
Key Features:
- 1-6x magnification
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle
- 30mm tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
The glass clarity is very good for the price range. The illuminated BDC reticle works well for holdovers with heavy .45-70 loads.
- The updated Strike Eagle 1-6×24 is defined by speed and versatility. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting users engage from close to extended ranges
- The magnification ring has been updated and now includes a thread-in throw lever, and the magnification indicators can now be seen without coming off the scope.
Like all Vortex products, it’s backed by a bulletproof lifetime warranty. For under $300, it’s a great choice for .45-70 owners wanting a versatile optic.
6. Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm
If you want truly premium glass and bombproof reliability, the Leupold VX-3HD delivers. Yes, it’s pricey – but the optical quality is jaw-dropping.
Key Features:
- .5-5x magnification
- Twilight Max HD Light Management System
- CDS-ZL2 zero lock dial
- Guard-ion lens coating
- Waterproof and fogproof
The glass clarity and low-light performance are simply in a different league here. The premium coatings provide unmatched light transmission and color fidelity.
- Model #180626 – VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Riflescope with an Illuminated FireDot Twilight Hunter CDS-ZL reticle and a Matte finish
- Illuminated Firedot Twilight Hunter – FireDot technology brings your eye to the center of the reticle for quick target acquisition
For serious hunters who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, the VX-3HD is worth every penny.
7. Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot
Who says you need magnification on a .45-70? For close-range work, a quality red dot like the Sig Romeo5 can be deadly effective.
Key Features:
- 2 MOA red dot
- 10 illumination settings
- MOTAC (motion-activated illumination)
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 40,000+ hour battery life
For hunting in thick cover or hog hunting over bait, a red dot allows for incredibly fast target acquisition. The Romeo5’s motion-activated feature helps conserve battery life in the field.
- ROMEO5 GUN SIGHT – The ROMEO5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight mounts on any platform, and even though it’s small, it’s tough; The solid, lightweight aluminum design gives peak performance & years of service, so you can be on the top of a hunt or shooting competition
- 2 MOA RED-DOT – For those avid shooters who admire classic red dot reticles on their gun sights, the Romeo5 has 2-MOA Red-Dot, which is also adjustable; It provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
While not suitable for longer range work, a red dot can be an excellent choice for .45-70 hunters working primarily inside 100 yards.
Certainly! I’ll continue with some additional helpful information for .45-70 scope buyers:
Mounting Your .45-70 Scope
Once you’ve chosen the perfect scope, proper mounting is crucial. Here are some tips I’ve learned the hard way:
- Use high-quality rings and bases. Don’t cheap out here – budget mounts can cost you accuracy and potentially damage your scope.
- Consider a one-piece base for added stability. This is especially important for hard-recoiling .45-70 loads.
- Use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer’s specs. Over-tightening can damage your scope tube.
- Apply a tiny dab of blue Loctite to the base screws. This prevents loosening from recoil without making future removal impossible.
- For lever guns, make sure your mount allows the lever to fully cycle. Nothing’s more frustrating than a scope that interferes with action!
Sighting In Your .45-70 Scope
The rainbow-like trajectory of the .45-70 makes proper zeroing critical. Here’s my preferred method:
- Start at 25 yards to get on paper.
- Move to 100 yards and fine-tune.
- Confirm your zero at 150 yards.
For most .45-70 loads, zeroing at 150 yards will give you a usable point-blank range out to about 175 yards. Beyond that, you’ll need to start using holdover or dial for elevation.
.45-70 Ballistics and Scope Usage
Understanding your .45-70’s ballistics is key to getting the most out of your scope. With factory loads, you’re typically looking at:
- 50-100 yards: Dead on
- 150 yards: 2-3 inches high
- 200 yards: 6-8 inches low
This is where a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticle can really shine. Many of the scopes I’ve recommended offer reticles with holdover points calibrated for common .45-70 trajectories.
For example, on my Primary Arms 1-6x scope, the bottom of the horseshoe reticle corresponds almost perfectly to a 200-yard hold with my favorite 300-grain load.
Scope Care in the Field
Your new scope is an investment – here’s how to protect it:
- Always use lens caps. I prefer flip-up style for quick deployment.
- Carry a microfiber cloth for cleaning.
- In wet conditions, use scope covers for added protection.
- Be mindful of your muzzle brake. The blast can quickly coat your objective lens in residue.
- Check your mount screws periodically, especially after heavy recoiling sessions.
Final Thoughts
The .45-70 is experiencing quite a renaissance lately, and for good reason. Modern loads have pushed its effective range further than ever before, and quality optics are a big part of that equation.
Whether you’re running a classic Marlin 1895, a modern Henry, or a single-shot like the Ruger No. 1, adding a scope can seriously enhance your .45-70’s versatility and effectiveness.
Remember, the .45-70 is all about versatility. From brush guns to long-range thumpers, this cartridge can do it all. Choose a scope that complements your specific rifle and hunting style, and you’ll be well-equipped for whatever your hunts throw at you.
One last piece of advice – don’t get too caught up in the numbers and specs. The best scope is the one you can use confidently and effectively. Spend time practicing with your setup, learning your holdovers, and building muscle memory. That’s what will truly make you deadly with your .45-70 when it counts.
Happy hunting, and may your .45-70 serve you as well as mine has served me over the years. There’s something special about connecting with a piece of American firearms history every time you head into the woods. Here’s to many more years of the .45-70 dropping game and putting smiles on hunters’ faces!