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Author Topic: Scoping a 45-70  (Read 1212 times)

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Offline Stuart C.

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Scoping a 45-70
« on: February 04, 2009, 07:25:25 AM »
As much as I prefer the looks of the fixed sites, my eyes ain't what they once were and I need to consider a scope.

Will middle-of-the-road (recoil wise) 45-70 loads damage the scope over time?
Will heavy recoil loads damage a scope?
Will a fixed scope be a safer bet?

Thanks.
S
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2009, 07:37:02 AM »
I use variables on all of mine but a couple, even the $80 Bushnell Banners will hold up to the 45-70 which I have used on one of mine, see the link in the FAQs on 45-70 scopes. I have a Nikon Prostaff shotgun scope on the 500S&W and a Nikon Omega shotgun scope on the SS 45-70 with ruger loads, generally shotgun scopes have more eye relief and are built to handle the recoil a bit better due to the nature of slug guns.

Tim
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Offline mechanic

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2009, 07:41:18 AM »
I use a shotgun scope on mine with great results.  I've fired the Buffalo Bore factory loads, which are approaching the max. for this rifle.  I have fired a lot of the Leverlution.  Works well out to 200 yds.
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2009, 08:24:34 AM »
The Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 is excellent for your application.
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Offline Spanky

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2009, 09:51:27 AM »
Quote from: Swampman on February 04, 2009, 08:24:34 AM
The Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 is excellent for your application.

Sure is.

Don't overlook a good fixed 4x32 either.
I have 4x32's on most of my Handi's and a scoped Pardner.
They work well and don't need high rings to mount.

I have a little 2.5x shotgun scope on one of my 45-70's and it is mounted ahead of the hammer.
I use low rings on this one and the bell of the scope is just clearing the scope rail.
This setup comes up to the eye very quickly.


Spanky
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Offline TopperT

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2009, 10:30:10 AM »
"Spanky".  I just this afternoon dropped off my Shikari 45-70 to have a Simmons 2.5X Shotgun Scope put on it.  The Shikari is not tapped so I need my friendly "Smith'"   

BUT  The shop said use large rings........I would LOVE to use the small rings......  Is yours a Weaver Base? and rings???:  If so I will call tomorrow and tell him to use the small rings.  Also 'm hoping to leave the existing iron sights in place...."just in case"....I do get into an Elk or Buffalo Hunt. ::) :P :'($$$$$?
 ...............would THIS make a difference?



"Stuart C";  I shoot only Black Powder Cartridge, and only in H&R's.  I've heard a lot of good things about using a shotgun type scope with 5 to 5 1/2" relief with Black Powder.  This will be my first chance to try one.

If I like the Shikari 45-70 set up this way,  I might have to break down and do one of my 38-55's simply because even with my glasses.......man its not fun at times........ hate like hell to admit it.......;  anyway, I shoot ONLY Trapdoor Loads in this rifle and from what I have read, I do not think I will find any issues with the scope once its sighted in.  In my W&H 38-55 with my "pet" load there is hardly any recoil
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2009, 10:55:37 AM »
The Simmons 8-Point 2½x20 is a nice little scope, it has enough eye relief to mount ahead of the hammer in low rings on the longer Ultra base, dunno whatcha mean by large and small rings Jim, I think you mean low or high, dont'cha?

Tim

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Offline petemi

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2009, 11:24:21 AM »
I've got a Simmons 8 Point, 3-9x50 on my Handi .45-70......It came with it and it really works for me.  The Leverevolutions haven't bothered it a bit.  I find, if you get down around 32 in the objective lens, you can't see squat at dark thirty.  I keep 50s on all my guns except the .308, and that wears a 3-9x40 Banner....again, it came that way.

Pete
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Offline TopperT

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2009, 11:25:29 AM »
Damn but I am stupid ::).......  Yes thank you, Low and High ::).  So the LOW (small  ;D) rings will work?  Thanks.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2009, 11:37:32 AM »
Low will work only if the clears the hammer which is the problem with variable scope power rings and/or ocular bells. Fixed power scopes work well because they can usually be mounted so the ocular bell is behind the hammer, either that or you have to modify the hammer which is covered in detail in the FAQs. Another nice shotgun scope is the Weaver 4x32 as was mentioned before, I have one mounted in superlow Burris rings on one of my 243 Superlights, but even it has a modified(by dremel) hammer.  ;D

Tim
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2009, 12:26:37 PM »
  Generally speaking a fixed power scope is more durable than a variable. If only because there are much less moving parts. Buy the best you can afford and you will very likely be just fine. Or, just buy a LEUPOLD VXI or better, and forget about any problems.  ::) :D ;)

 Because you mention recoil, I'm going to assume your going to be shooting +P class loads. That being said, I would avoid the bottom end of anybodies line of scopes. FORGET about the Kmart/Wal-Mart cheapo's!!!

CW
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Offline mechanic

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #11 on: February 04, 2009, 02:16:34 PM »
Quote from: cwlongshot on February 04, 2009, 12:26:37 PM
  Generally speaking a fixed power scope is more durable than a variable. If only because there are much less moving parts. Buy the best you can afford and you will very likely be just fine. Or, just buy a LEUPOLD VXI or better, and forget about any problems.  ::) :D ;)

 Because you mention recoil, I'm going to assume your going to be shooting +P class loads. That being said, I would avoid the bottom end of anybodies line of scopes. FORGET about the Kmart/Wal-Mart cheapo's!!!

CW

I can also tell you that the "Guide Gear" cheapos don't like high recoil either.
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Offline tykempster

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2009, 04:11:59 PM »
Buy a high quality 4x and you'll be good for 300 yards.

Leupold, Zeiss, etc..
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Offline Curt Dawson

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #13 on: February 04, 2009, 04:37:25 PM »
I use an El Paso Weaver 4x I pcked up off of ebay cheap.Works just fine!
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Offline tykempster

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #14 on: February 04, 2009, 04:45:27 PM »
Fixed would be best bet for the money as far as glass quality and "toughness".
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Offline brad925

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #15 on: February 05, 2009, 04:41:05 AM »
I put a Bushnell Trophy 3-9 on my Ultra in .450 Marlin and it has handled the 1000 or so rounds i put through it and it won't warp the wallet either.
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #16 on: February 05, 2009, 04:58:28 AM »
I don't think fixed are any tougher than variables.  That was probably true at one time.
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Offline Bayou Stalker

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #17 on: February 05, 2009, 05:22:19 AM »
I put a Burris 4X20 on my first 45/70.  After I bought my .444 Ultra I decided that I wanted more reach, so I bought a Cabelas Pine Ridge with the BDC for LeverEvoloution ammo.  The optics are descent, and I like having the 100, 200, and 300 tick marks. 
Kendall
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Offline Hammerspur

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #18 on: February 05, 2009, 05:41:38 AM »
My Shikari wears a Weaver V-3 mounted on a base Brownell's used to carry intended for Ruger Mk II pistols in Ruger low rings.
With the old-style low hammer and extension it just clears the magnification adjustment ring.
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Offline BC Steve

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #19 on: February 07, 2009, 04:56:39 PM »
I got the Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn 3x9x40  with the 6" eye relief mounted with medium height rings.  Works like a charm.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Scoping a 45-70
« Reply #20 on: February 07, 2009, 04:58:42 PM »
Quote from: Hammerspur on February 05, 2009, 05:41:38 AM
My Shikari wears a Weaver V-3 mounted on a base Brownell's used to carry intended for Ruger Mk II pistols in Ruger low rings.
With the old-style low hammer and extension it just clears the magnification adjustment ring.


 VERY NICE clean mount!! PERFECT height!!!

Quote
I don't think fixed are any tougher than variables.  That was probably true at one time.

Swampy,
    Can you explain to me how no moving parts of a fixed power scope are not stronger than many moving parts of a variable?  ???

 I am not saying modern variables are problematic. They are not, they are quite strong and most provide lifetimes of perfect service. Now, I'm no hypocrite, I have more variables than fixed power scopes, as most of us do. But the facts are the facts, and ZERO moving parts inside a fixed power scope makes for a stronger scope than whats moving in a variable. Yesterday, today and tomarrow.

CW
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