Ever taken a shot with your .45-70 and thought, Man, I need a better scope for this beast? You’re not alone! The best scope for 45-70 can make all the difference, whether you’re a weekend warrior at the range or an experienced hunter tracking elk through rough terrain. We will focus on optics that are as versatile and powerful as this powerful cartridge. We’ll examine the best scopes that will improve your accuracy and withstand the most extreme adventures, from sharp clarity to tough durability. So stay with me and let’s find the best scope to make your 45-70 sing!
Factors to consider when buying the Best Scope for 45-70
Magnification
A scope with low to mid-range magnification (1-6x, 2-7x, or 3-9x) is ideal for most hunting situations; if you’re primarily shooting within 200 yards, you don’t need extreme zoom. The 45-70 is a powerful round, but it’s not a long-range round.
Durability
Your scope needs to be shockproof and designed to withstand significant recoil without losing zero because the 45-70 has a lot of it. Search for scopes with reinforced internals and aluminum construction of aircraft quality.
Reticle Type
For quick target acquisition in dense brush, a straightforward duplex reticle works well. A bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle can help you adjust for trajectory if you intend to take longer shots.
Eye Relief
A scope with at least 3.5–4 inches of eye relief is essential to avoid scope bite because of the strong recoil. Even longer eye relief is provided by some models made for lever-action rifles.
Lens Quality
Hunting in dim light? Fully multi-coated lenses increase brightness and clarity, making it easier to see the game in the early morning or late at night. Light gathering can be improved with a larger objective lens (40mm or more).
Best Scope for 45-70
1) Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20
Specifications
- 1.5 – 4 x magnification
- 20 mm objective lens
- 5 mm exit pupil
- 74.2 – 29.4 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 4.2 – 3.7 in eye relief
- Weighs 9.6 oz
- Second focal plane
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is a lightweight, durable scope that is ideal for lever-action rifles chambered in.45-70. Its low magnification range (1.5-4x) allows it to excel in dense brush and short to mid-range hunting, providing a wide field of view and quick target acquisition. Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System enhances brightness in low-light conditions, which is essential for dawn and dusk hunts.
Constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, making it tough enough to withstand the heavy recoil of a.45-70. With 4.2 inches of eye relief, you can shoot comfortably without worrying about scope bite. If you’re looking for a small, long-lasting, and crystal-clear optic for your big-bore rifle, the VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is a great option.
Pros
- Lightweight & compact
- Fast target acquisition
- Excellent low-light performance
- Durable & recoil-resistant
- Long eye relief
- Waterproof, fog-proof & shockproof
- Clear & crisp glass
Cons
- No illuminated reticle
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32
Specifications
- 2 – 7 x magnification
- 32 mm objective lens
- 4.57 – 16 mm exit pupil
- 12.6 – 42 ft at 100 yds field of view
- 3.9 – 4.7 in eye relief
- 1 in tube diameter
- 100 yds parallax
- Second focal plane
- Weighs 14.3 oz
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is a high-performing, reasonably priced scope that works well with a 45-70 for target shooting and hunting. Its adaptable 2–7x magnification allows for a broad field of view at low power for fast shots in dense brush, while still providing sufficient zoom for accuracy at mid-range.
The 45-70’s heavy recoil is mitigated by the long eye relief (3.9 inches) and the fully multi-coated lenses, which produce bright, clear images. Its construction is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, making it suitable for harsh hunting environments. Shooters who take shots at different distances will find the Dead-Hold BDC reticle to be a great option because it helps compensate for bullet drop.
Pros
- Clear and bright optics
- Versatile 2-7x magnificatioN
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof
- Quick and easy reticle focusing
- Affordable price point
- Smooth and Precise Turrets
- The second focal plane reticle maintains a consistent size
Cons
- The reticle is not illuminated
3) Burris Scout 2-7×32
Specifications
- 2 – 7 x magnification
- 39 mm objective lens
- 4.6 – 13 mm exit pupil
- 8 – 23 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 9.2 – 12 in eye relief
- Weighs 13 oz
- Second focal plane
- 1 in tube diameter
For 45-70 shooters seeking a long eye relief scope, the Burris Scout 2-7×32 is a premium option that works well with scout rifles and lever-action setups. For hunting in dense brush or taking quick follow-up shots, this scope’s extended eye relief of 9.2–12 inches enables forward mounting, resulting in faster target acquisition and improved situational awareness.
The 2-7x magnification offers versatility, giving shooters a wide field of view at low power and the ability to stretch their range when needed. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides simple yet effective holdovers for varying distances, and the fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright, crisp images in all lighting conditions. It’s a tough and dependable option for hunters and shooters who use powerful calibers like the 45-70 because it’s made to withstand heavy recoil and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof.
Pros
- Extended eye relief
- Versatile magnification
- Ballistic plex reticle
- Durable construction
- Clear, bright optics
- Lightweight & compact
Cons
- None
4) Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5×20
Specifications
- 1.5 – 5 x magnification
- 20 mm objective lens
- 29 – 66.5 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.7 – 4.5 in eye relief
- Weighs 14.3 oz
- Second focal plane
The Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5×20 is a high-end scope intended for close-to-mid-range hunting, which makes it a perfect fit for the 45-70 rifle. Its 1.5-5x magnification range ensures a wide field of view at lower powers for quick target acquisition, while still providing enough zoom for shots at distances up to 200-300 yards. The Twilight Max Light Management System ensures superior brightness and clarity, even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for early morning or dusk hunts.
The HD (High Definition) glass produces excellent image quality with crisp, clear visuals, and the 4.4 inches of eye relief ensures comfort and safety when shooting heavy recoil rifles. Constructed with Leupold’s renowned ruggedness, it is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, withstanding any challenging conditions.
Pros
- High-quality HD glass
- Twilight max light management
- Versatile magnification
- Durable & rugged
- 4.4 inches of eye relief
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- None
See also:
5) Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24
Specifications
- 1 – 6 x magnification
- 24 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- 4 – 24 mm exit pupil
- 18.8 – 112.5 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.8 in eye relief
- Weighs 22.7 oz
- Second focal plane
The Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 is a great option for hunters who use a 45-70 because it is a high-performance scope made for close to mid-range engagements. Its 1-6x magnification range allows for quick target acquisition at low power and the flexibility to zoom in for longer-range, precise shots. Excellent clarity, sharpness, and light transmission are provided by the XD lens elements and fully multi-coated lenses, even in low light.
This scope has the EBR-8 reticle, which is excellent for wind holds, ranging, and compensating for bullet drop. It gives you all you need for precise, fast shots. Its tough design makes it resistant to shock, water, and fog, making it capable of withstanding recoil from strong calibers like the 45-70. For hunters who require both accuracy and speed in their optic, the Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 is a premium option due to its short, compact design and quick magnification adjustments.
Pros
- Versatile magnification
- Exceptional optics
- Rugged construction
- Fast Magnification Adjustments
- Wide field of view
Cons
- None
See also:
6) Sig Sauer Tango6T 1-6×24
Specifications
- 1 – 6 x magnifications
- 24 mm objective lens
- 30 mm tube diameter
- 4 – 24 mm exit pupil
- 17.7 – 105.8 ft at 100 yds FOV
- 3.9 – 4.1 in eye relief
- Weighs 22.1 oz
- 150-meter parallax
- Second focal plane
The Sig Sauer Tango6T 1-6×24 is a top-notch scope made for shooters and hunters who require accuracy and portability in a small package. Its range of 1-6x magnification makes it ideal for quickly acquiring targets at lower magnifications and offers sufficient zoom for accurate shots at medium range. In low light, the HDX optical system and low-dispersion glass ensure optimal light transmission while producing images that are bright, sharp, and clear.
With the MSL (Motion Sensing Illumination) reticle, the Tango6T provides accurate holdovers for bullet drop compensation and multiple illumination settings for different lighting conditions. Designed to last, it can tolerate recoil from strong calibers like the 45-70 and is fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof. It’s a great option for hunters because of its lightweight design and quick, simple adjustments.
Pros
- Versatile 1-6x magnification
- First focal plane (FFP) reticle
- High-quality glass HD lenses
- Rugged & durable
- Illuminated reticle
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- None
See also:
Best Scope for 45-70 FAQs
What magnification is best for a 45-70 scope?
The 45-70 is a mid-range caliber, so scopes with magnifications of 1-6x, 2-7x, or 3-9x are ideal. These ranges offer sufficient zoom without going overboard for precise shots.
Do I need a scope with long eye relief for a 45-70?
Yes! Due to the 45-70’s heavy recoil, it is essential to use a scope that has at least 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief in order to prevent “scope bite.”
What type of reticle works best for a 45-70?
In dense brush, a duplex reticle works well for rapidly acquiring targets. A bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticle can help with holdovers if you’re taking longer shots.
Can I use an LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) on a 45-70?
Of course! For close to mid-range hunting, LPVOs (such as 1-6x or 1-8x scopes) are useful because they provide quick target acquisition and flexibility for longer shots.
Can I use my 45-70 for long-range shooting?
The best range for the 45-70 is short to mid-range (50-200 yards). It isn’t the best for extremely long-range shooting because of its considerable bullet drop at longer ranges.
See also:
Conclusion
In the world of hunting and shooting, the quality of the scope you choose for your 45-70 rifle is crucial, and now you have the inside scoop on the top choices available. We’ve discussed everything from robust construction that can withstand any challenge Mother Nature may present to crystal-clear optics. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to step up your 45-70 game and make every shot matter. All set to upgrade? Your ideal scope is waiting for you. Check out our top choices and get ready for your next adventure!
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