[Hannibal-8]

I've had a Guide Gun (ported), standard factory sights and believe it's time to scope it. My long barrel 35 Marlin has a Lyman peep so for variety I'm thinking about the scope as opposed to a peep. I also have a Savage 308 Scout with the forward mounted Leupold 2.5x set up. It's OK but just looks goofy. So it comes down to a traditional, normal, everyday mount. I'm used to Weaver bases but rings are uncertain. I'm thinking a Weaver 1-3x 20mm variable with low rings, or a ??? 1.5x- ?? with a larger objective and medium rings. I can also go fixed power but they are getting harder to find. I'm not a big time hunter with this rig but pigs or called in coyotes would be likely candidates. I'm thinking 100-150 yards type stuff. Strength could be a concern because I love Garrett and Cor-Bon loads. The norm seems to be 300 and 405 over the counter stuff for plinking/paper stuff. Will scopes under $200 stand the big loads?
Thanks,
Hannibal-8

 

[Tom in Arizona]

I have the Weaver 1-3x 20mm variable with low Weaver rings on my 1895 and that combination works great for me.

 

[Bearcat 74]

Find a use Leupold m8 2.5x or a new/used VXI 1-4x20mm. I have a Weaver 1-3x20mm on my 35 Rem and I just don't think it has the eye relief for the 45/70, I may be wrong though.

 

[JD338]

I have a Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm on my 1895 Guide, perfect scope for the 45-70 and it is bright!
Its almost 2x the price you mentioned though but you might find a used one. Keep in mind that Leupold offers a life time warranty.

JD338

 

[martin3175]

Vortex has their 2-7 in sale at $170 and it has excellent optics , especially at that price point

 

[Lonnie]

I've got a Redfield 2x7 on my H&R 45-70. Holds up well to the recoil, priced right and made in America, Lonnie.

 

[zerbe]

Well, a standard 3-9x40 is more power than you really need on a lever 45-70, but the Sightron SI scopes are very affordable and have a generous eye relief listed at 3.6-4.5 inches.

I had this one on another rifle and moved it my new 1895 GBL just to see what the gun would do. I was amazed at how far forward I could mount it.

 

[jeepster360mag]

This looks like a good deal to me. http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm...2mm Rifle Scope Matte Finish TrexPlex Reticle

John

 

[Hannibal-8]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. I'm leaning towards the 1-3x Weaver or the "son of Weaver" for under $100. I sort of like the 20mm look and a low ring installation as opposed to a larger objective. I've got a $50 gift certificate/refund at Sportsmen Supply in Medford, Oregon so I'll see if they can order one and match the under $175 price that seems to be the going price. If this combo doesn't work then I have an old 30-06 Remington 760 (pump) that can be it's second home.

This site is fantastic. A true wealth of knowledge backed up by real experience. My 2011 resolution was to get in to reloading, starting with my lever guns, 45 Colt, 30-30, 35R and the 45-70. So please stand-by for future questions.

Thanks again,
Hannibal-8

 

[jimone]

I have a vortex Viper 2-7x32, it has very clear optics but limited field of view and a little short on the eye relief for a 45-70. I have tried several new Weavers, optics are good but adjustments are iffy, if you whack it after turning turret then the next shot will move like you want.
If you don't want to spend $350 for a Zeiss Conquest I recommend a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33, made by Leupold with their lifetime guarantee and US base. I have 2 and find them equal to my VX-III Leupold at the edge of dark and have generous eye relief so you don't end up bleeding worse than you prey.

 

[byf43]

Take a look at the Nikon ProStaff 2-7x32mm 'shotgun' scope. (Non-Bullet Drop Compensating scope.)
It appears that Nikon is going to discontinue this scope, to 'push' their BDC 2-7x32mm.
This scope is crystal clear and very bright. (I put the same scope on a T/C "Triumph" .50 cal. BP.)

I picked up my Nikon 2-7 from Cabela's, for less than $100.00, if memory serves me.
This is the scope:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Niko...=Nikon+scope&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products