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Top 5 Best Red Dot for Marlin 45-70

In the world of Marlin 45-70 rifles, finding the perfect red dot sight can feel overwhelming. Factors like your shooting style, budget, and desired features all come into play.

This guide will explore the best red dot sights for Marlin 45-70s, weighing their pros and cons to help you pick the best one for you.

MY CHOICE 👇

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Trijicon RMR Type 2⁠

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Aimpoint Micro H-2⁠

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EOTECH XPS2⁠

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Sig Sauer Romeo5⁠

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Bushnell TRS-25⁠

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Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.

Top 5 Best Red Dot Sights for Marlin 45-70

Trijicon RMR Type 2

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I've always loved the classic look and big-bore punch of my Marlin 45-70. But for faster shots and a little more precision, I mounted a Trijicon RMR Type 2 on it. Was it overkill, or a perfect pairing of old-school power and modern tech? Here's my experience:

Specifications and Features

Extremely tough, designed for heavy recoil

Fiber optic and tritium provide always-on illumination

Clear, crisp red dot

Compact and lightweight for minimal impact on handling

Waterproof and shock-resistant

Best Features

Recoil? What recoil?: The RMR shrugs off the 45-70's kick without a problem.

Fast on target: The red dot gives me lightning-fast sight acquisition.

Always ready: No fumbling with batteries in the field or at a critical moment.

Durability: Feels as tough as the lever gun itself.

Advantages

Speed boost: Perfect for hunting scenarios where quick, accurate shots are crucial.

Improved accuracy: A clearer sight picture lets me be more precise with shot placement.

Tackles low-light conditions: The always-on illumination is great for dawn and dusk.

Disadvantages

Pricey upgrade: The RMR Type 2 costs a pretty penny.

Sacrifices the classic look: It definitely changes the gun's traditional aesthetic.

Short eye relief: You have to get up close on the gun, which takes getting used to.

My Experience

The RMR has made my Marlin even more fun to shoot. The speed and accuracy gains are noticeable, especially for close to mid-range work where the 45-70 excels. True, it looks a bit odd, but the performance increase for my style of hunting makes it worth it.

The most common sentiment echoes my own – it's a functional upgrade, even if it seems strange. People love the toughness and performance, but the price and the look are common points of hesitation.

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 on a Marlin 45-70 is a niche combination, but it works surprisingly well. If you prioritize fast target acquisition, want rugged dependability, and have the budget, it's a worthwhile upgrade. Purists might scoff, and if you're hunting longer distances, traditional scopes are a better bet. But for close-in work where speed matters, it's a blast.

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Aimpoint Micro H2

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I love my Marlin 45-70. It's a classic brush gun, perfect for those quick shots in thick cover. However, the factory irons leave a lot to be desired, especially in dim light. I've been considering the Aimpoint Micro H2 – its compact size and reputation for ruggedness seem like a good fit.

Micro H2 Specs & Standout Features

Size: Super compact and low-profile, won't ruin the Marlin's classic lines.

Weight: Practically unnoticeable – keeps the rifle light and fast-handling.

Battery Life: Ridiculous 50,000 hours (constant-on!), perfect for a grab-and-go brush gun.

Durability: Aimpoint = bombproof. Critical with the 45-70's hefty recoil.

My Hopes and Concerns

Pros: Tiny footprint, rugged as nails, crazy battery life, enhances the Marlin's practicality.

Cons: Pricey, not the fastest reticle for super close-up (but better than irons).

I know the Micro H2 will make target acquisition way faster and easier, especially when that buck is moving through thick brush. Aimpoint's reputation for toughness gives me confidence it'll handle the 45-70's recoil without issue. It's a pricey upgrade, and the dot isn't a true holographic reticle like EOTech's, meaning super quick shots might be a tad slower.

What People Are Saying Online

I dug into forums and reviews, and here's the gist:

"Feels indestructible, perfect for hard-kicking rifles."

"The long battery life is amazing, always ready to go."

"Some people wish the dot was brighter for full daylight use."

Should I Go For It?

I'm leaning heavily toward yes. The Aimpoint Micro H2 won't disrupt the Marlin's handling, and it adds a level of precision and confidence that factory irons just can't match. It might not be the ultimate close-quarters brush gun sight, but I bet it'll make those fleeting opportunities count when they matter in the woods.

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EOTech XPS2

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I needed a red dot...no, I needed a holographic sight for my Marlin 45-70. A sight that was just as tough and capable as this classic lever gun. Enter the EOTech XPS2-300. Its reputation for speed and durability made it a top contender.

Specifications

Reticle: 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot

Battery Life: Up to 600 hours (lithium batteries)

Brightness Settings: 20 total (10 compatible with night vision)

Features: Durable build, waterproof, wide field of view

Weight: 9 ounces

Best Features

Reticle: The ring-and-dot reticle is lightning fast for close shots, yet allows precise aiming. Perfect for the 45-70's capabilities.

Toughness: EOTechs are known for withstanding a beating. This feels like it can handle the Marlin's recoil without flinching.

Field of View: It's like having a massive window for target acquisition, especially with both eyes open.

Disadvantages

Battery Life: Not bad, but not in the same league as some dot-only sights.

Price: Quality ain't cheap. EOTechs are on the premium end of optics.

Bulk: It's a bit chunkier than some red dots, a consideration with the lever gun's classic handling.

My Experience

The XPS2-300 was an instant game-changer on my Marlin. I'm nailing fast shots on running targets as well as making accurate hits further out than I could with iron sights. It shrugs off the 45-70's thump, and zeroing was a breeze.

Potential Online Comments/Discussions

"XPS2-300 on a 45-70...overkill or perfect?"

"Are EOTechs worth it, or are red dots just as good for a lever gun?"

"Best mount height for an EOTech on a Marlin lever action?"

"Issues with EOTechs holding zero on hard-kicking rifles?"

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Sig Sauer Romeo5

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The Marlin 45-70 is a classic lever-action with a big punch. While I loved the nostalgia, the factory iron sights weren't cutting it for me. I decided to mount a Sig Sauer Romeo5, and the transformation has been awesome.

Specifications

Reticle: 2 MOA dot, or 2 MOA dot with 65 MOA circle

Brightness Settings: 10 settings, including 2 night-vision compatible

Battery: CR2032 (included)

Battery Life: Up to 40,000+ hours with Sig's MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)

Features: MOTAC, Durable Aluminum Housing

Mount: Comes with high and low-rise mounts

Adjustability: Windage and Elevation adjustments

Waterproof: IPX-7 rated

Best Features

Recoil Ready: The 45-70 kicks hard, but the Romeo5 shrugs it off.

MOTAC: Motion activation saves battery and means the dot's ready when I shoulder the rifle.

Clear Sight Picture: Even on those bright range days, I never lose track of my target.

Price: It's a fantastic value for the durability and features you get.

Advantages

Faster and More Accurate: Way easier to use than irons, especially at any sort of distance.

Improved Confidence: No more struggling to make out the front sight, I know exactly where my shots are going.

Eyesight Friendly: For those of us where iron sights are getting blurry, it's a lifesaver.

Disadvantages

Traditional Looks: Might not be everyone's cup of tea on a classic lever gun, looks-wise.

Slightly Bulkier Adds some height compared to just irons, but it's a worthwhile trade-off to me.

My Experience

The Romeo5 makes shooting my Marlin so much more enjoyable. No more squinting through the irons, and I'm finally getting the groups this rifle is capable of. It holds zero through even the stoutest 45-70 loads, and the battery just seems to last forever thanks to MOTAC.

Online Buzz

Here's what others are saying about using red dots similar to the Romeo5 on lever guns:

"Makes a lever gun shoot like a modern rifle, totally worth it."

"If you care about hitting your target more than the 'classic look', a red dot is the way to go."

"Make sure the red dot you choose can take the recoil!"

The Verdict

The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is an excellent choice for a Marlin 45-70 if you prioritize performance over the completely traditional look. It's tough, has great features for the price, and makes shooting the rifle way more accurate and fun.

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Bushnell TRS-25

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I'll admit, I was skeptical about putting a red dot on my Marlin 45-70. It's a classic lever-action, and a red dot seemed out of place. But, I figured I'd give the Bushnell TRS25 a try since it's so affordable, and I was blown away by how much it improved my shooting!

Specifications

Magnification: 1x

Dot Size: 3 MOA

Objective Lens: 25mm

Weight: 3.7 oz (without mount)

Battery: CR2032

Battery Life: Up to 3,000 hours

Best Features

Surprisingly Rugged: Don't let the price fool you, the TRS25 can handle the 45-70's recoil.

Simple and Effective: No fancy features, just a clear dot that gets you on target fast.

Budget-Friendly: An amazing way to try a red dot without breaking the bank.

Advantages

Faster Shots, Especially at Short Range: Perfect for quick shots in the woods, where the 45-70 shines.

Helps with Aging Eyes: The dot is way easier to pick up than iron sights for many of us.

Lightweight: Doesn't ruin the Marlin's classic handling.

Disadvantages

Not for Precision Work: It's a 3 MOA dot, so don't expect long-range accuracy miracles.

No Frills: You won't get fancy reticles, illumination settings, or high-tech features.

My Experience

The TRS25 has made my Marlin even more fun to shoot. I'm nailing targets faster than I ever could with the irons, and it looks surprisingly decent on the rifle. While it's not what I'd use for hunting, for plinking and self-defense, it's perfect.

Online Chatter

Here's the general sentiment I found online:

"The best value is the red dot sight, hands down. Works great on my Marlin."

"Don't expect Aimpoint quality, but for the price, it's way better than I thought it'd be."

"If you just want to try a red dot on your lever gun, this is the way to do it."

Bottom Line

If you're curious about a red dot for your Marlin 45-70 but don't want to spend a ton, the Bushnell TRS25 is a fantastic way to test the waters. It's tough, reliable, gets the job done, and is an absolute blast to shoot on a lever-action.

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➡️➡️➡️ See More & Go to The Seller With The Best Price⁠

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Conclusion

We hope this guide helped you narrow down your choices for the best red dot sight for Marlin 45-70. Remember, the ideal optic depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Consider factors like shooting distance, target type, and budget before making your final decision.

With so many great options on the market, you're sure to find the perfect red dot sight to enhance your Marlin 45-70's performance.

Top 5 Best Red Dot Sights for Marlin 45-70

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