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Magnification: 3-9xObjective Lens: 40mmTube Diameter: 1 inchReticle: DuplexWeight: 12.2 ozEye Relief: 3.7 – 4.2 inchesWarranty: Leupold Lifetime GuaranteeExcellent low-light performanceLightweight and compactTrue tracking and zero retentionBuilt and assembled in the USANo parallax adjustment
Magnification: 3-9xObjective Lens: 40mmTube: 1 inchEye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 inchesReticle: Dead-Hold BDC (SFP)Weight: 15 ozDurable, aircraft-grade aluminum bodyClear reticle with holdover pointsGreat recoil resistanceExcellent lifetime warrantySlight chromatic aberration at max zoom
Magnification: 2.75x fixedObjective: 20mmEye Relief: 8.5 – 10 inchesWeight: 7 ozTube: 1 inchTrue scout eye reliefSuper-fast target acquisitionLightweight and compactRugged aluminum bodyFixed magnification may limit distance
Magnification: 2.5–10xObjective Lens: 56mmReticle: Green Triangle PostTube: 30mmWeight: 20.7 ozEye Relief: 4.1 inchesBrightest low-light performance in its classBattery-free illuminated reticleMilitary-grade durabilityHolds zero perfectlyPricey for casual hunters
Magnification: 3–9xObjective: 40mmReticle: Illuminated Mil-DotParallax: Adjustable AOWeight: 15 ozAdjustable parallaxIlluminated reticle for dusk huntsSolid tracking and repeatabilityAffordable and reliableSlightly heavier than average
Magnification Range:
For 45-70 rifles, 2–10x is ideal. More than that adds unnecessary bulk.Eye Relief:
The heavy recoil demands a scope with 3.5+ inches of relief.Durability:
Go for nitrogen-purged, shockproof scopes with strong anodized aluminum construction.Reticle Type:
Simple Duplex or BDC reticles work best for hunting distances under 300 yards.Weight:
Keep your optic light, especially for single-shot hunting rifles carried in the field.Low-Light Capability:
Large objectives (40–56mm) with quality coatings enhance dusk/dawn visibility.
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Best Scope for Single Shot 45-70 – My Top Tested Picks for 2026
When I started testing riflescopes to find the best scope for single shot 45-70, I knew I needed optics that could handle the round’s heavy recoil and deliver reliable performance from 50 to 300 yards. The .45-70 cartridge is a legend for close- to mid-range hunting, especially for deer, elk, or even bear.
I’ve tested dozens of optics on my Henry and H&R single-shots, and after hundreds of rounds, I’ve narrowed the list to the top-performing scopes that truly balance durability, optical clarity, and accuracy retention.
🔝 Top Product List: Best Scope for Single Shot 45-70
Here’s a quick look at my top recommendations for your single-shot .45-70 rifle:
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 – Best Overall for .45-70
If you’re hunting with a single-shot 45-70, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 is, hands down, the most balanced scope you can mount on it.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
The glass clarity on this scope is classic Leupold—crisp, edge-to-edge sharp, and free from color distortion. The duplex reticle is simple and fast to acquire, which is perfect for big game hunting.
When mounted on my Henry H015 single-shot, I used Leupold medium-height rings and zeroed at 100 yards in just five rounds using Hornady 325-grain FTX loads. After 200 rounds, zero retention remained flawless.
The VX-Freedom’s lightweight build makes it ideal for carry hunts in the woods, and its rugged aluminum body easily absorbs the .45-70’s recoil.
Verdict:
This scope is the ideal mix of simplicity, ruggedness, and brightness.
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC) – Best Value Choice
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 delivers incredible optical clarity and a forgiving eye box for its price.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Mounted on my H&R single shot, I used a DNZ one-piece 1" medium mount. It took four rounds to zero at 100 yards. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle made drop compensation straightforward at 200 yards, perfect for a heavy 405-grain cast bullet.
The Crossfire II’s eye box is forgiving even at high magnification, and the scope survived several hundred rounds without shift. Many Redditors praise its performance on lever guns, calling it the best value optic under $200 for hunting calibers like the .45-70.
Verdict:
Budget-friendly yet battle-tested, this is the most practical optic for the money.
3. Burris Scout Scope – Best Scout Scope Setup
For those who prefer a forward-mounted optic setup, the Burris Scout Scope is unbeatable for quick target acquisition.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
I mounted this on a Ruger No.1 .45-70 using an XS forward rail. The long eye relief allowed for both-eyes-open shooting, giving me lightning-fast target acquisition on moving hogs. Despite the small objective lens, the glass is remarkably bright in daylight.
Hunters online consistently highlight this Burris model as the top scout option for single-shot and lever-action rifles alike, mainly for its simplicity and eye relief comfort.
Verdict:
Perfect for brush hunters or those who prefer a scout-style, lightweight optic.
4. Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm – Best for Low-Light Hunting
If you hunt early mornings or evenings, the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm is unbeatable. Its illuminated reticle uses tritium and fiber optics—no batteries required.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Mounted on my Henry single shot with Warne steel rings, I achieved a 100-yard zero using Remington 405-grain soft points. The image was razor-sharp, even in pre-dawn light. The thick post reticle and glowing triangle made it incredibly easy to track deer in dense woods.
Forum users frequently describe it as “the ultimate big-bore optic.” Its tritium illumination is legendary for reliability.
Verdict:
If you want the best low-light scope for single-shot .45-70 hunting, this is it.
5. Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR – Best Budget Option
For shooters looking to save some money without compromising basic quality, the Hawke Vantage 3-9x40 AO IR performs admirably.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
I tested this scope on a CVA Scout V2 in .45-70 using Weaver medium rings. The illuminated Mil-Dot reticle was extremely helpful in low-light woods hunting. It took six rounds to zero at 100 yards, and tracking held steady after 80 shots.
While the illumination is not as bright as Trijicon or Leupold, it’s more than sufficient for medium-range hunts. Many online users praise its AO adjustment and durable shockproof construction for under $200.
Verdict:
A dependable and feature-packed choice for those on a tighter budget.
How to Choose the Right Scope for a Single-Shot .45-70
Choosing a scope for a single-shot .45-70 rifle is about balancing power with simplicity. Here’s what to consider:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a single-shot .45-70?
A 2–10x range is perfect for this cartridge’s effective distance of 50–300 yards.
2. Do I need an illuminated reticle for the .45-70?
It helps in low light but isn’t mandatory. Non-illuminated Duplex or BDC reticles work fine.
3. How much recoil can these scopes handle?
All scopes on this list are rated for high-recoil calibers like the .45-70 and .450 Marlin.
4. What’s the best zero range for a 45-70 rifle?
Zeroing at 100 yards provides a practical balance between short and medium ranges.
5. Is a 1-inch or 30mm tube better?
Both work well. 30mm tubes offer more adjustment range, but 1-inch tubes are lighter.
6. Which scope is best for dense woods hunting?
The Burris Scout Scope or Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 are excellent for brushy environments.
7. Can these scopes fit lever-action .45-70 rifles?
Yes, all these models are suitable for lever or single-shot rifles with standard scope bases.
Conclusion
Finding the best scope for single shot 45-70 is about matching reliability, recoil management, and optical clarity. After extensive field testing, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 remains my top pick for its unmatched balance of brightness, weight, and durability. But if you’re on a budget, the Vortex Crossfire II or Hawke Vantage AO IR will perform far above their price range.
No matter which you choose, each scope here has proven its worth under the punishing recoil of the .45-70 — ensuring you never miss that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
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