Author Topic: GuideGun Scope??? (Read 5475 times)

gaileyr · « **on:** November 16, 2010, 07:02:29 AM »

OK, here’s a question. What scope do you guys recommend for a Marlin GS 45-70. I’m having trouble finding just the right scope for it. I tried an older Burris 4X Mini with Weaver base and Weaver super low rings. It fit perfect, lightweight, 8 ¼ inches long, great eye relief (4 inch or more) and it didn’t unbalance fit or feel of the rifle. The only problem is with 4X fixed power; shots at running game at close range are out of the question. The Burris has a really narrow field of view. Next I tried an older model Redfield 2-7X Low Pro with Leupold base and super low rings. That didn’t work out at all. Great field of view, but the scope is nearly 12 inches long, weights what seems like a ton, and has a bit less than 3 inches of eye relief (Meaning it popped me in the eye brow every time I fired the rifle). Just wondering if any of you have found the perfect scope match for the Marlin guide gun. Was thinking of the Leupold VX-I 1-4x20mm shotgun scope but not sure I'd like the heavy plex reticle it comes with.

KP · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2010, 07:42:40 PM »

I put a Nikon Prostaff 2-7 X 32 on my GG. I can't remember what type of rings and bases, but I have it mounted as low as possible.

Plenty of eye relief good FOV, I'm happy with it.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2010, 08:33:35 PM »

The Leupold would be a good chice, or how about a fixed 2 1/2X scope? I am going to mount a Burris Fastfire red dot on my 1894SS .44 Marlin soon.

Larry

cwlongshot · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2010, 11:41:17 PM »

I suggest a SCOUT SCOPE set-up.

You will be able to shoot close and fast with both eyes open. Do not use more than a 3x scope. 2 or 2.5 is about perfect. Either a specail scout scope or a pistol scope will work.

CW

Bearcat 74 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2010, 08:38:51 AM »

If I were to scope my GG it would be with a low power 20mm scope. Either a fixed 2.5 Leupold, or a 1-4 VXI, 1-4 VXII, 1.5-5 VXIII or one of the Nikon African 1.5-4.5x20mm. They are on sale a lot of places.

Bigboar · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2010, 06:52:34 AM »

On a scout scope bass I use a Zeiss Z-Point Reflex Sight. It is great, I put a red dot on anything and squeeze the trigger and there is a 45 cal. hole very close to it. I can hit anything out to 150 yards but it is at it's best under 100 yards, just where the 45/70 is at it's best.

bigboar

hoosierdome · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2010, 03:52:44 PM »

Have a Weaver V1-3 scout scope. You can check out the reviews on midwayusa web site. I have one on a 45-70 in Encore and as soon as get a little money together will place one on my marlin 444.

coalcifer · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2010, 08:39:53 AM »

I use a 1940 vintage weaver k3. Out to 100 yds is not a problem and it really fits the profile of my 1895 Marlin.

kingstrider · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2010, 10:02:45 AM »

I had a Weaver V3 on a 1894 in.44 mag but the eye relief was barely adequate, ringed me a couple of times. I'll probably put it on a 30/30 but wouldn't want to use it on my guide gun.

shind444 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2010, 02:06:28 PM »

I have a 444P outfitter, pretty much same as a guide gun. I put Brockman generation 3 peep sights, a lever X scout rail and a Burris Scout 2.75 with low Warne QD rings. I can change out the scope with an Aimpoint red dot in a matter of seconds, and both optics hold their point of aim. Even at 2.75 advertised power, I can keep both eyes open as I sight, and it doesn't seem to have any affect on my ability to follow the target with one eye, while getting it lined up in the crosshairs with the other. The Leupold Scout has a little advantage on the field of view, but it rides higher and is a little bigger.

pastorp · « **Reply #10 on:** December 15, 2010, 02:32:49 AM »

I have pretty much settled on 2 scopes for all my hunting rifles. The closer range guns get one of the m8 3x leupolds that I have collected over the years and the longer range guns get a 6x42 leupold.

I've sold most of my other scopes.

So if I still owned a guide gun I would mount a leupold 3x on it.

. They just make me happy.

gaileyr · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:04:57 AM »

OK, finally found a scope that matches up with my Marlin GS guide gun. Was thinking of the new Leupold FX 2 1/2X Ultralite. But the $260 price was a bit stiff for me. At the local gun show yesterday found a Leupold M8 2 1/2X Compact (the older model of the Ultralite). Price... $50. Mounted it last night and it's a perfect fit for the guide gun. The scope is bright, clear, and has plenty of eye relief. So..... $375 for the rifle... $50 for the scope. All I need now is a couple boxes of Hornady ammo and I'll take this puppy out to the range for a little exercise.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:08:52 AM »

I've had a Leupold 1-4x20 VX2 on my guide gun for years. Works great for what I use it for and it has held up to the recoil.

gaileyr · « **Reply #13 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:39:26 AM »

Usually, I don’t buy used scopes. But what the heck. It was only $50 bucks and it’s a Leupold. If something is wrong with it. I’ll just send it back to Leupold for a free fix or replacement.

roscoe · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2011, 01:55:11 PM »

Just put a Redfield Revolution 2-7x 33 Scope on my 45/70 Guide Gun. Lots of eye relief and very clear; seems to work just fine. Backed by Leupold Lifetime Warranty.

gaileyr · « **Reply #15 on:** January 04, 2011, 11:15:43 AM »

Here's a pic of my guide gun after mounting the Leupold compact scope.

coalcifer · « **Reply #16 on:** January 04, 2011, 11:59:49 AM »

good choice gaileyr. good luck with your 1895 and leupold. leave us know when you put down an animal with this combo.

gaileyr · « **Reply #17 on:** January 05, 2011, 06:18:54 AM »

Just got back from my first hunt with the guide gun this morning. After mounting the Leupold scope day before yesterday I did a bore sighting and a final zeroing in with half box of Hornady gummy tips I had lying around. Figuring I’d pick up another box before the hunting trip. Didn’t work out… the only ammo I could find was Remington’s 405gr. Didn’t have time to re-zero. Figured shots would be under 75yds so went hunting anyway (dumb move on my part). At about 7AM a small 8-point came prancing by. Needed meat for the freezer so I took the shot. Carefully aiming for a double lung hit. Instead the shot hit dead on his shoulder. When hit the buck did something I’ve never ever witnessed before. He leaped straight up in the air, did a sideways somersault flip and hit the ground without making another move. When I got to him I knew I had a messy field-dressing job ahead of me. The bullet had smashed thru the near side shoulder blowing bone splinters all thru the chest cavity. And exited the far shoulder leaving a golf ball size hold, and spraying the nearby vegetation with a large blood pattern.
Three lessons here, First… the 45-70 is an awesome caliber. Second… always zero your rifle with the ammo you’ll be hunting with. Third… never intentionally aim for a deer’s shoulder with a 45-70 (unless you don’t care about saving the meat).

roscoe · « **Reply #18 on:** January 06, 2011, 05:03:40 PM »

Second… always zero your rifle with the ammo you’ll be hunting with. Third… never intentionally aim for a deer’s shoulder with a 45-70 (unless you don’t care about saving the meat).

cwlongshot · « **Reply #19 on:** January 07, 2011, 02:22:04 AM »

With a rifle and under a 100 yard shot. I ALWAYS take a hi shoulder shot. IMHO There is little meat to waste there and the bang flops are a good exchange for not having to run over hill and dale tracking them. As a heart shot or lesser vitals shot can cause. On longer shots pushing and over 200 yards center of the lungs are a rule.

Congrats on the first deer with your 45/70!!! Your spot on correct it IS a great caliber!!!

CW

roscoe · « **Reply #20 on:** January 15, 2011, 03:18:01 PM »

Finally have a pic of mine with the Revolution 2-7 and Burris QR's.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2011, 06:16:36 PM »

Quote from: roscoe on January 15, 2011, 03:18:01 PM

Finally have a pic of mine with the Revolution 2-7 and Burris QR's.

I can't quite make it out from the pic. What is that were the stock meets the receiver? Looks like an ivory inlay??

roscoe · « **Reply #22 on:** January 21, 2011, 03:42:44 PM »

Quote from: Cabin4 on January 20, 2011, 06:16:36 PM

Quote from: roscoe on January 15, 2011, 03:18:01 PM
Finally have a pic of mine with the Revolution 2-7 and Burris QR's.

I can't quite make it out from the pic. What is that were the stock meets the receiver? Looks like an ivory inlay??

Kinda cool looking now that you mention it, but its just a reflection from the camera flash.

oldfort · « **Reply #23 on:** January 26, 2011, 05:27:33 PM »

My Guide gun and .35Rem SC have the Simmons Pro-Diamond 1 1/2x5x20 shotgun scopes on them. Small and rugged. Mahap discontinued. Good luck.

Old Grizz · « **Reply #24 on:** January 27, 2011, 03:28:31 AM »

I personally like the Leupold Scout scope with XS mount and Leupold QD rings.

1895gunner · « **Reply #25 on:** July 31, 2011, 07:36:04 PM »

I really like the Bushnell Banner 1.5 X 4.5 on my Guide Guns.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #26 on:** August 01, 2011, 02:29:40 AM »

i dont care for scopes on lever guns. I much prefer a apature sight. But if i was to scope one id probably go with a 1x4 leupold or a 1x5 nikon.

Swampman · « **Reply #27 on:** August 01, 2011, 03:55:50 AM »

I've used the Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 for years with great results.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #28 on:** August 02, 2011, 02:29:56 PM »

Quote from: Lloyd Smale on August 01, 2011, 02:29:40 AM

I dont care for scopes on lever guns. I much prefer a apature sight. But if I was to scope one id probably go with a 1x4 leupold or a 1x5 nikon.

Generally, I agree, but if its a Leupold in a scout set up on a bigbore Marlin... I like it! ....

CW

45-70.gov · « **Reply #29 on:** August 02, 2011, 04:08:56 PM »

this is not a guide gun

it has the pistol grip and 16 inch barrel

bushnell red dot

sorry that pic was before i mounted the scope
but here is a video of it and scope in action
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF5Y4lgE7mk&feature=email