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Magnification: 3-9xObjective Lens: 40mmTube Diameter: 1 inchReticle: DuplexEye Relief: 4.17 - 3.66 inchesWeight: 12.2 ozExcellent clarity and light transmissionLightweight yet strongLifetime warrantyNo parallax adjustmentLimited illumination options
Magnification: 3-9xObjective Lens: 40mmEye Relief: 3.8 - 4.4 inchesTube Diameter: 1 inchReticle: Dead-Hold BDCWeight: 15 ozSuperb eye reliefReliable BDC reticle for drop compensationGreat value for moneySlightly heavier than competitors
Magnification: 2.75x (fixed)Objective Lens: 20mmEye Relief: 9.2-12 inchesWeight: 7 ozLong eye relief for forward mountingIdeal for lever-action setupsCompact and lightweightFixed magnification limits versatility
Magnification: 1-6xObjective Lens: 24mmTube Diameter: 30mmReticle: ACSS Gen IIIFocal Plane: SFPFast target acquisitionIlluminated reticleGreat for close-to-mid range huntingSlight edge distortion at 6x
Magnification: 2.5-10xObjective Lens: 56mmTube Diameter: 30mmReticle: Illuminated (Fiber Optic / Tritium)Weight: 20.7 ozBattery-free illuminationExceptional low-light performanceOutstanding glass clarityExpensiveSlightly heavy
Magnification Range: 1-6x or 3-9x is ideal for most hunting distances (50–200 yards).Eye Relief: Look for at least 3.5 inches to avoid scope bite from recoil.Durability: The .45-70’s recoil demands shockproof construction and solid mounting hardware.Reticle Type: BDC or simple duplex reticles are most effective for rapid shooting and ballistic drop estimation.Weight: Keep the optic light enough to preserve rifle balance, especially on lever-action guns.
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Best Scope for 45-70: Top 5 Picks for Power and Precision
Finding the best scope for 45-70 is crucial if you want to maximize the potential of this iconic cartridge. The .45-70 Government is a powerhouse round, originally designed for black powder rifles but still revered today for its stopping power and versatility in hunting and target shooting.
Whether you're running a modern lever-action Marlin, a Henry, or a single-shot rifle, pairing it with the right optic can turn a solid rifle into a long-range performer.
After extensive field testing and comparison, I’ve rounded up the top-performing scopes that handle recoil, deliver excellent clarity, and match perfectly with the ballistic profile of the .45-70.
Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for 45-70 of 2026
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom has long been a favorite among .45-70 shooters for its rugged design, crystal-clear optics, and reliability under heavy recoil.
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System enhances visibility during low-light hunting sessions—a major benefit when tracking deer or hogs at dawn and dusk.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Ample eye relief ensures safety with the .45-70’s recoil. The eye box is forgiving, allowing quick sight acquisition even on moving targets.
Durability: Built with aircraft-grade aluminum, it survived 200 rounds on my Marlin 1895 without losing zero.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Precise 1/4 MOA clicks, positive tactile feedback, and reliable zero retention.
Magnification & Parallax: The 3-9x magnification range is perfect for the .45-70—enough for mid-range accuracy without overcomplication.
Mounting & Accessories: Used with standard Leupold medium rings on a 20 MOA rail, setup was straightforward.
My Experience: I mounted the VX-Freedom on my Henry .45-70 for a boar hunt in Texas. After a simple zeroing process (3 shots), it maintained consistent accuracy from 50 to 200 yards.
Online Feedback: Hunters on Reddit’s r/LeverGuns praise its clear optics and lightweight build.
Verdict: A trusted, American-made scope offering durability and clarity in a mid-range package.
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The fully multi-coated lenses provide sharp images. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdovers, especially with the .45-70’s notable trajectory.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Excellent eye relief minimizes scope bite, even under the hard recoil of a Marlin 1895 SBL.
Durability: Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, it withstood rain and recoil without fogging.
My Experience: I used it for elk hunting in Montana; the sight picture stayed crisp from 75 to 300 yards. Zero held tight after 250+ rounds.
Online Comments: Users on forums like 24hourcampfire.com consistently recommend it as a budget-friendly, rugged option for .45-70 rifles.
Verdict: A proven performer at an affordable price, ideal for shooters who want reliability without breaking the bank.
3. Burris Scout Scope 2.75x20
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: Simple crosshair reticle, crystal clear image even in dense woods.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Designed for scout configurations; perfect for fast target acquisition and safety against recoil.
Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof—it handled my Ruger No. 1 without issues.
My Experience: Mounted forward on a Marlin 1895 Guide Gun using low rings. Target transitions felt instantaneous while stalking hogs through brush.
Verdict: The quintessential scout optic for traditional lever-action .45-70 shooters who value speed and simplicity.
4. Primary Arms SLX 1-6x24mm SFP ACSS Gen III
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: The ACSS reticle offers holdovers and ranging capability—a real advantage for shooters compensating for the .45-70’s drop.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Comfortable at all magnifications; generous eye box.
Durability: Hardcoat anodized finish, tested on an AR-10 platform without losing zero.
My Experience: I used it for hog hunting in Louisiana swamps. At 1x, it worked like a red dot; at 6x, I comfortably reached out to 200 yards.
Verdict: A versatile LPVO that transforms the .45-70 into a modern tactical-hunting hybrid.
5. Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint 2.5-10x56mm Riflescope
Product Specs:
Pros:
Cons:
Glass Clarity & Reticle: True to Trijicon’s reputation, the glass is razor-sharp. The fiber optic illumination automatically adjusts to ambient light—brilliant for dawn hunts.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: Generous eye relief (4+ inches) and forgiving eye box, comfortable on heavy recoilers.
Durability: Built like a tank, tested in wet and freezing conditions; no fog or zero shift.
My Experience: Mounted on a Henry All-Weather .45-70, it consistently grouped within 1.5 MOA at 200 yards. Low-light performance was unmatched.
Verdict: For hunters who want premium optics capable of handling extreme recoil and low-light conditions, this is the gold standard.
How to Choose the Right Scope for a 45-70
When choosing a scope for the .45-70 Government, consider the following factors:
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a .45-70 rifle? A 1-6x or 3-9x scope offers enough versatility for both brush hunting and open-field shots.
2. Can a .45-70 use a scout scope? Yes. The long eye relief of scout scopes like the Burris 2.75x20 makes them perfect for forward-mounted optics on lever guns.
3. Does the .45-70 have too much recoil for a scope? Not if you choose a robust, recoil-rated optic. Models from Leupold, Vortex, and Trijicon handle it easily.
4. Should I choose FFP or SFP for my .45-70? SFP scopes are fine for hunting, but FFP is better if you shoot varied ranges and need accurate holdovers.
5. What is the maximum effective range of a .45-70 with a scope? With proper zeroing, you can expect accurate shots out to 250-300 yards.
6. What mount type should I use? A 1-inch or 30mm one-piece mount is ideal. Ensure it’s torque-tightened and rated for heavy recoil.
Conclusion
Selecting the best scope for 45-70 depends on your style—whether you prefer a lightweight lever-action setup for quick brush hunts or a precision configuration for long-range power shots. For all-around value, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40 remains my top recommendation. If you want cutting-edge technology and low-light clarity, the Trijicon TR22 AccuPoint reigns supreme. Whatever your choice, a properly mounted, recoil-tested scope will help your .45-70 reach its full potential—with accuracy, reliability, and confidence on every trigger pull.
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