45-70 scope power?

[Caleb]

Looking at a hunting scope for my 45-70, 75-150 yards range, maybe upto 200 yard... I can't decide what power scope to mount on my rifle... any suggestions not listed in the poll is appreciated.

 

[Mij]

My opinion only, given the cartridge, good quality fixed 4 power. Mine has a 3x9 but only because it’s one I had on hand.

Knowing what I know now after a hog hunt in Fla. If I was going to buy a dedicated for rifle scope, I would make it a fixed 4. You either need some magnification or you don’t.

 

[Mgderf]

My opinion only, given the cartridge, good quality fixed 4 power. Mine has a 3x9 but only because it’s one I had on hand.

Knowing what I know now after a hog hunt in Fla. If I was going to buy a dedicated for rifle scope, I would make it a fixed 4. You either need some magnification or you don’t.

I would also suggest a fixed 4x.
I'm not saying 200 yards can't be done with a .45-70, but the hold-over is going to be ridiculous.

 

[Caleb]

Curious, why fixed 4x instead of a 1-4x or 2-7x?

 

[bgcatty]

I would think a really good glass fixed 4X because it’s probably perfect for the .45-70 at all its practical ranges out to say 150 yards. IMHO.

 

[Creedmoor]

I would also suggest a fixed 4x.
I'm not saying 200 yards can't be done with a .45-70, but the hold-over is going to be ridiculous.

Lots of folks push 520 grain Postells out past a 1,000 yds with a 47-70 with a compressed BP load.
And with irons.
That's a 1,200 yd vernier, it will do more if needed.




200 yds with a 300 grainer and smokeless, easy peasy.

 

[ed1838]

I think a 3x9 but would be probably be on 3 power most of the time.

 

[Mgderf]

Lots of folks push 520 grain Postells out past a 1,000 yds with a 47-70 with a compressed BP load.
And with irons.
That's a 1,200 yd vernier, it will do more if needed.


View attachment 261865

200 yds with a 300 grainer and smokeless, easy peasy.

I know it can be done, but the trajectory looks like a rainbow at those distances.
Not someone the average shooter is capable of as a rule.
Practice, practice, practice...

 

[Caleb]

What brand fixed 4x scope do you recommend? Companies like leupold doesn't have a fixed 4x scope that I see

 

[ISP 5353]

I really like the Leupold 1.5x4 offering.

 

[Hookeye]

2-7X would be max for me.

 

[TLF]

I have an older JM Marlin 1895 in 45-70. I have tried a low power 1x4 and then a 2x7 power scope. After trying both I went with the 1x4 and it works well for deer hunting. I keep my shots to 125 yards or less.

 

[Colt556]

On a 45-70 I think a 1-4x would be ideal. The LPVO allows for quick close shots it dense brush or woods and then you can go up to the 4x if a shot appears a little further out.

 

[Leadeye]

I have a 2-7 mounted on my 444. Other than using the 7 power to look over a rack closely I don't think I have ever used it to hunt. A lot of sights depends on what you want to do with them. Like Creedmoor said a 45-70 can really reach out there, but for what you want to do with the cartridge, will you ever use that capability?

 

[Tom Threetoes]

I have a pristine 3X steel Weaver Micro Trac on my 1895. It's no longer made but was gifted to me by a late friend and it works great. Not relevant I know.

 

[knutty]

3-9x

The extra magnification comes in handy for positive target ID.

 

[warren5421]

I have a 6x Parsons on my lever Marlin

Mgderf don't think you use a .45-70 much. A scope on one you should own anything out to 400-500 yards. Tang sight will let you go to a 1000 plus yards.