Author Topic: scope reccommendations for a 45-70 (Read 1120 times)

rebel57 · « **on:** July 02, 2009, 04:29:18 AM »

i picked up a 45-70 for close range deer hunting.It came with a 3x9x32 inex pensive simmons scope in weaver mounts...I would like to rescope it.... i was thinking a 2.5 fixed...whohas one.....ihave a budget of 200 max, as i thought of a vx-1 2x7 33....i have this on my 30-30...any suggestions?

Couger · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2009, 05:31:09 AM »

I can't afford to shoot anything but Leupold's, and I've also looked at the VX-1 2X7X33 too. Good choice altho I wouldn't get anything more powerful.

A variable 1X4X or 1.5X5X would be great too.

You could shop eBay for a used 4X, some really good deals are sometimes found - and Leupold usually will still warranty a "current scope" if it breaks, even if you picked it up second hand. Maybe you might also find a fixed 2.5X or 3X Leupy, too.

mitch132 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2009, 06:14:15 AM »

My BC will be wearing a 1.5x5 VXIII as soon as my Warne gloss steel base and gloss rings come in. Picked up the scope used for around $220-$230 ish.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2009, 09:22:49 AM »

My 45-70 Handi has worn an old Weaver K2.5 for years. Never had a problem. My 45-120 now has a Leupold VXII 2x7 but I will replace that with a Leupold VXIII 1.5X5 before deer season. All great scopes but I don't think you need a lot of magnification. $:-\$

Tim got me turned on to those Weaver Signature mounts and they are great!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2009, 09:49:50 AM »

I think Richard meant Burris Signature Zee rings which are my favorite rings, I've got a bunch of scopes mounted in mediums on H&Rs. There's a thread in the FAQs on 45-70 scopes, be sure to read it.

Scopes on my 45-70s are the Nikon Omega BDC 250 3-9x40, Nikon Prostaff BDC 3-9x40, and a Weaver K2½x20. Another to consider is the Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32 Shotgun scope, I have one on my 500 S&W that's held up fine to some real punishing loads.

Tim

Ten Ring · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2009, 10:07:09 AM »

On the lease I hunt in Mississippi I have to be wary of spread and point count and with my old eyes I need something I can zoom in on. I have had good luck with the 4x12 Bushnell Banner.
Ten Ring

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2009, 10:25:17 AM »

I have several of the Weaver K 2.5's and they work great. Simmons has a shotgun scope, 2.5 power, with a long eye relief that will let you clear the hammer. I have a VXIII 1.5X5 and a Nikon 1.5X4.5 that are both excellent but more than $200.00. Weaver also makes a 1X3 variable that Natchez has listed for about $140.00. DP

AtlLaw · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2009, 10:28:36 AM »

Richard said...

Quote from: AtlLaw on July 02, 2009, 09:22:49 AM

Tim got me turned on to those Weaver Signature mounts and they are great!

Tim replied:

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 02, 2009, 09:49:50 AM

I think Richard meant Burris Signature Zee rings which are my favorite rings,

Of course Tim is correct... $:-\$ which means Tim knows more about what I'm talking about then I do when I say it...

mounts/rings... what the heck! they both go on top... Weaver/Burris... what the heck! they both make scope stuff! At least I got the "Signature" part right...

Oh well, they say the mind is the first thing to go... second thing to go in my case...

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2009, 10:33:13 AM »

I like the Weaver 4X or the 2.5-7X32 scope. I bought a few weaver scopes all at the same time from my friends shop and I don't remember any of the weavers being over $200.
I bought 2 3-9X38, and one 2.5-7X32.

petemi · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2009, 10:37:29 AM »

I hate to sound like the orphan kid on the block, but my used .45-70 came with a cheap 3-9x50 Simmons 8 Point scope. I assumed it was somewhat sighted in and took it for a ride the day I got it. First shot out of it took the head off a 'chuck at 80 yards. I shoot 25 to 300 yards with it and have put about 400 rounds through it and the scope is still right there. My old eyes need the 50mm objective lens, I keep it at 3X for hunting and can see well with it at dusk and dawn. At those hours, I can't see diddly squat out of anything smaller than a 40mm.

Pete

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2009, 01:18:59 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on July 02, 2009, 10:28:36 AM

Richard said...

Quote from: AtlLaw on July 02, 2009, 09:22:49 AM
Tim got me turned on to those Weaver Signature mounts and they are great!

Tim replied:

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 02, 2009, 09:49:50 AM
I think Richard meant Burris Signature Zee rings which are my favorite rings,

Of course Tim is correct... $:-\$ which means Tim knows more about what I'm talking about then I do when I say it... mounts/rings... what the heck! they both go on top... Weaver/Burris... what the heck! they both make scope stuff! At least I got the "Signature" part right...

Oh well, they say the mind is the first thing to go... second thing to go in my case...

cwlongshot · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2009, 01:47:01 PM »

Quote

I can't afford to shoot anything but Leupold's

Cougar,
GREAT LINE!!!! I LOVE it! SO TRUE!!!!

Rebel,
Just like momma told you trust your gut!! Your first thought was the best. GO LEUPOLD!!!

On a budget, as suggested, look for used scopes. As long as you buy a VXI or better Leupold dosen't care who owns it and what happened. (to an extent) they will fix it!! So buy that used Leupold and if your worried, send it in and have it checked out!! it will only cost you shipping back to the factory.

I have 2x7 VXII and Vari X scopes on 90% on my guns with scopes. (Believe you ,me, thats no small number!

)

Did I mention that I like Leupold?

CW

canon6 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2009, 02:59:28 PM »

Plus 1 on the Simmons 2.5 power.I have them on a 357,30-30 and a 45-70 they are great Doug

gendoc · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2009, 03:04:48 PM »

i agree with ten ring!!!!!!!
the bushnell banner 4-12x40 a/o is a fine piece on a 45/70.
and yes, scopes do matter....
thats why i have a bushy......it's proven many times over

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #14 on:** July 03, 2009, 05:29:26 PM »

Jeeze CW, quit beatin around the bush and tell us what ya really think about them Leupold scopes.

DP

tykempster · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2009, 06:38:06 PM »

My 45-70 Guide Gun just turned a real old "reliable" Redfield belly up the other day. Crosshairs turned fuzzy and you can't screw it in near enough to fix it.
So I put on a cheap Simmons 3-9x I had laying around. It worked fine on a 22. It BROKE with 405 grain bullets under 900 fps with 10 grains of powder. The crosshairs move around and the windage adjustment doesn't work after about 10 shots. I guess I'll try to save up for a cheapo old Leupy off ebay.

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2009, 03:18:55 PM »

CDNN sports still has the Simmons 8pt 2.5x shotgun scopes on sale for 19.99. I've had one on my 45-70 for a couple of years and it has held up fine,and I shoot some realy stiff loads .

gendoc · « **Reply #17 on:** July 05, 2009, 12:59:31 AM »

Quote from: FLNT4EVR on July 04, 2009, 03:18:55 PM

CDNN sports still has the Simmons 8pt 2.5x shotgun scopes on sale for 19.99. I've had one on my 45-70 for a couple of years and it has held up fine,and I shoot some realy stiff loads .

yep, they are tough.... got one on a .58 bp
has had over 100 rounds in it with no problems

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2009, 04:02:16 AM »

Quote from: FLNT4EVR on July 04, 2009, 03:18:55 PM

CDNN sports still has the Simmons 8pt 2.5x shotgun scopes on sale for 19.99.

Tim pointed those out to me some time ago. I wanted to try one but I couldn't convince myself to pay $15 shipping for a $20 item! $:-\$ Or even 2 of them!

Halwg · « **Reply #19 on:** July 05, 2009, 06:06:46 AM »

I have 5 Simmons ProHunter Master Series 2-7X32 scopes on everything from an 1894C in 357 mag, 30-30, 35 Remington and 444 Marlin. They are clear, hold zero and work well on the lever guns. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another, and probably will for my 22 Mag.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 05, 2009, 08:37:58 AM »

Both of my 45/70's wear the same scope's , Bushnell Banner 3x9x40 , the one has had over 500 rounds down the tube with loads form mild to starting Ruger and not even the first blip . I also like the longer eye releif of the banner scopes on a heavy recoiling rifle like the 45/70 .

That and the local MC Sports has them for $80 out the door .

stimpy

mechanic · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2009, 09:58:29 AM »

I'm noticing that scope selection here is like (as Richard might say), wimmen selection...kinda personal and folks generally settle on one type. Unlike wimmen selection, we want everyone else to try ours.........

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2009, 11:56:06 AM »

Rchard, all ya gotta do is what I did, get 5 and then it's not so much per scope shipping.

Then stick one on your 45-120 and test some 'o them "REAL MAN LOADS". With 5" eye relief, that might work well. DP

AtlLaw · « **Reply #23 on:** July 05, 2009, 05:41:11 PM »

Quote from: dpe.ahoy on July 05, 2009, 11:56:06 AM

With 5" eye relief, that might work well. DP

That's what Tim said and he thought well of them. $:-\$ Being a Leupold fan it's a concession to say I'd try one... But 5!

tykempster · « **Reply #24 on:** July 05, 2009, 06:28:10 PM »

Now don't tempt me to do anything dumb with my 45-120.

Scibaer · « **Reply #25 on:** July 06, 2009, 03:17:07 AM »

i'm chiming in.. why, when referring to Simmons scopes they get referred to as "cheap" ?
i have two 4x32 , one on my 45-70 BC and have zero problems.. i also have barska's and bushnell's, and the Simmons i have are much better then them others.
what gives ?

gendoc · « **Reply #26 on:** July 06, 2009, 03:40:01 AM »

probably because most of these guys like the HIGH $$$ stuff to assure a positive kill....
or shot placement, light gather'n, clarity and utha thangs.....

but i'm with you on tha (cheapies) i got many and like u'm too!!!

whitetail, hawgs, kiyotes and paper, don't like'um tho

i ain't had no misses due to scope failures, mainly its me !!!!

wreckhog · « **Reply #27 on:** July 06, 2009, 04:02:08 AM »

Nice scopes are like new eyeglass prescriptions. You get by for years not really knowing what you missing but never upgrade. If you do there is no going back.

44 Man · « **Reply #28 on:** July 06, 2009, 08:48:25 AM »

Well said Wreckhog. But things change and in this case, newer is better. I received a wonderful Bosch and Lomb 3x9 40 a short time ago. Excellent clarity was very apperant. But then I pulled a new Simmons 3x9 40 I had lying around. It was still new in the box and I hadn't gotten around to mount it on anything yet. I picked it up and compared the two. I'm sure the bosch & lomb was well over $200 in it's day, ($350 to $400 now) while the Simmons is $80. Surprise, the Simmons was just as bright and clear as the B&L! I'm sure the B&L will take more punishment, but it does show the improvement in optics where the less expensive scope nowdays can match what was top of the line a few years back. I will still pick the B&L for a 45-70 though, since the lenses are screwed in place with steel rings while the Simmons are glued in place. Yep, lifetime warranty on the Simmons, but quality is still quality. After all of that, I won't put a 3x9 on the 45-70. Something in the 2 1/2 or 3x fixed, or maybe the little Leopold 4X compact that I have on the 30-30. I would like something with a little more light on the 30-30 as the deer seem to come out most at dusk. But it is so trim and compact that I also don't really want to put a 'big' scope on it. Decisions, decisions. 44 Man