Author Topic: best optic options for a handi 45-70 (Read 1614 times)

Squib · « **on:** December 11, 2009, 11:00:23 PM »

red dot is a popular suggestion... what about fixed power scopes? I'm poor so I can't go above $100. also any particular mounts?

STUMPJMPR · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2009, 11:54:52 PM »

I know the feeling about poor these days. I have a Nikon Prostaff on mine that I love. It was a little over a hundred at the time. Bushnell makes some decent scopes that sale for around a 100. I would definitely look at something in the 3x9 range. Its a 200 yard capable gun. For the mounts I'm shooting some Burris mounts. I believe they are made from steel and not aluminum.

Swampman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:24:08 AM »

2-7X32 Nikon Prostaff with Weaver base & rings. eBay has the best price but make sure you are buying a new scope and not a refurb. I love Bushnell scopes but the ocular lenses are so big you have to use extra high rings. I can't see any benifit to using a fixed power scope.

Jon in TN · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:39:28 AM »

I was wondering the same thing for my 450m. It doesn't have the open sites, but I'll be using this gun when my shots would never exceed 100yards.. I found a very nice 4x Burris on a deal, but I don't know if that's the route to go either...

Lazermule · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:44:32 AM »

I had a Nikon Prostaff on my Handi 45/70 and the recoil beat it to death. That being said I think it was pretty uncharacteristic for a Nikon to fail under these conditions so I doubt it would become an epidemic with that combo. I did exchange the scope, but I exchanged it upgrading to a Nikon shotgun scope which has been rock solid.

I know others have had decent results with the Bushnell Banner scopes which seem to be pretty reasonably priced. Also have heard some good reports on the Barska products. I am trying one now but it's not on quite as high of recoiling rifle.

As far as red dots go, I'd rather go with a lighted cross hair scope for the simple fact that if the light or battery fail in the red dot, you are dead in the water. With the lighted cross hair scope, you still have cross hairs....

LM

Swampman · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2009, 02:00:00 AM »

All Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32s are shotgun scopes I believe. I could be wrong. I believe Quick said they are one of the few scopes that can handle the .500S&Ws recoil. If they can handle the .500S&W they can handle anything.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2009, 03:32:36 AM »

With your eye problems..a good holo sight would do ok out to about 150 yards..Not as accurate as a good scope (no magnification) but..with your problems as you described them to me would seem to me a good option for you.

If you do elect to go with a scope,since you can't focus and adjust a scope per our conversation..a good fixed power would be the next best option.Find one with the longest eye relief and the widest eye box available. In a used scope..I would try to find a fixed power Leupold..like the M8's that have been showing up recently..You can usually get them for around $100 in pretty good shape..and would work pretty good for you..and Leupold is pretty good on getting them fixed if they break...Get down to Cabela's or Sportmans and look thru the scopes they have available...make sure you do this on their try stock..Just don't hold them up and look thru them..Have your hunting jacket along so you can get a real idea of what it will be like when you use it....See if you are ok with focusing on it while moving around and it gives you a clear sight picture. A fixed 4 power or 6 power would work pretty good even up close..As far as the mounts..if yours don't have the factory base..you can always ask to buy one on the forum..or order one from the factory..Rings are a personal preference..but I use Leupolds or Warne's..and have never had a problem with either..Not as cheap as Burris or Weaver's but do a good job..I saw the new Weaver steel Quad quick release the other day..and they look to be very good quality for around $30 a set..

Mac

Tallwalker · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2009, 04:40:20 AM »

One thing to watch with any lower priced scope is the eye relief. In that regard, you might be best off looking at a fixed power 2.5X scope. You can get more eye relief that way, and still have plenty of magnification for big game hunting, and even for range work. You can also mount something like that a bit lower, and that is good for hunting too. I really don't want to have only 3" of eye relief on a light 45-70 like the Handi!

revbc · « **Reply #8 on:** December 12, 2009, 05:38:16 AM »

Natchez shooters have a great 4x32 weaver classic that works on my 45/70 great. The scope has a great profile for hammer clearance. It is also a $245 scope for $80. Check it out. I think Tim told me about this one.

http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN849421&prodTitle=Weaver%20Riflescopes%20Classic%20Shot%20Gun%20Scope%204X32%20Rifle%20Scope%20Black%20Matte%20Dual%20X%20Reticle

Bobby

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2009, 05:40:45 AM »

Unfortunately it's no longer on sale. $:-\$

Tim

Squib · « **Reply #10 on:** December 12, 2009, 07:55:27 AM »

Mac- found any holo sights that aren't particularly expensive, the only one I've seen in town is over $400. That's more than my handi and loading gear I bought for it! I got a tv and couch in a span of two weeks so I'm broke for awhile now.

OSOK · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2009, 08:04:19 AM »

It's hard to beat a fixed 4-power scope. I have red-dot scopes on several rigs, and really like them, but, as Lazermule said, batteries are the bane of red-dots. They are always dead when you need them. If I ever buy another illuminated sight, it will be a scope with illuminated reticle. Best of both worlds...at least until someone comes up with an updated version of the old Weaver Quick-Point!

Mac11700 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2009, 08:17:26 AM »

Here..http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602006-cat601558-cat20760&id=0044767712738a&navCount=1&podId=0044767&parentId=cat20760&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true#chart

Nothing funky but a nice scope that will work and give you some magnification for the bench

Or here http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=81227

Or here http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/pentax.pl?page=gameseeker4x32

Mac

Squib · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2009, 09:10:14 AM »

the second link wouldn't work for me.... the scope looked good though, I saved the page to favorites. I'm going to get a list going and get something in january probably.

Mac... I was right about the quick acquisition with the handi w/iron sights... like using a shotgun up close. I couldn't shoot an action figure at 25yds in five quick shots, but I flipped it over twice (I had a shootout with a starwars trooper). at 50yds I could do the quick shooting good enough to hit a pizza box and pumpkin fine but that's all. when I used a rest at fifty the group was about three inches across for four shots. I don't think my eyes are gonna let me shoot farther than that ironsights. I'm ashamed but that's just how it's gotta be... I can't walk a straight line either but I still walk around- can't shoot straight but gotta keep shooting

spikehorn · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2009, 10:15:01 AM »

Tru Glo 2X red at Dick's SG For $89 I think. I have one on my 20 ga tracker II. The trick I've found with red dots is to get used to shooting them with both eyes open, if the battery fails you can still center the target in the lense and hit a deer. Or carry a spare battery. You know what they say " better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it"

Big Blue · « **Reply #15 on:** December 12, 2009, 10:17:32 AM »

Don't overlook used scopes from local gun dealers. Many rifles are traded with scopes attached and many times you can pick them up very reasonably.
I'd like to second Mac's suggestion of Leupold M8 scopes. I have a M8-3X that has been on several very heavy recoiling rifles. Good strong construction and Leupold has one of the best customer service departments of any scope manufacturer. Even bought used a Leupold is still under warranty.
Don

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #16 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:16:32 PM »

There are always 2.5 power Weavers at the gun shows. For really cheap check out the Simmons 8-point shotgun scope. 2.5 power and enough eye relief to allow you to mount the bell in front of the hammer. They have been discussed and cussed here a few times. I think Tim said he's only heard of one going belly-up, I have 5 of em and no problems with any of them. I have several of the old and new Weaver K 2.5's and really lucked out at a gun show last year. Hour before it shut down, private table, 2 older Weaver's, a newer one, all 2.5's and a Redfield Bear Cub 2.75. Asked if he would take $40.00 for all 4 and damn near broke my arm getting money out when he said yes!

Some stores are having close-out sales on Luepold VX-I, II, and III's now. I got another VX-III 1.5-5X20 for $270.00 NIB today from Shiptons. Get what you can afford now and keep an eye out for better down the road. DP

Squib · « **Reply #17 on:** December 12, 2009, 01:46:21 PM »

lots of models to look up now...

thanks guys!

geezer56 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 12, 2009, 02:20:36 PM »

I have a really short 45-70, with a barrel bobbed off to 18 inches. I bought a used Redfield Tracker 4X32 at a local pawn shop, for $20. It has been rock solid, haven't turned an adjustment on it since I assembled the rifle. Don't overlook used units, bargains can be had on the reputable brands.

MS Mule · « **Reply #19 on:** December 12, 2009, 02:32:17 PM »

I've got a Leupold Vari.X III 1.5-5X20 that I got off e-bay for just over $200. In my mind it's pefect for a Handi-45/70. Before I got the Leupy my Handi-45/70 toted an older Weaver K4 for a while. That scope has been around forever and has been mounted on almost every rifle I own at one time or another. It is over 25 years old and still going strong. If I hadn't gotten the Leupold the K4 would probably still be on the Handi 45/70.

kmbrown · « **Reply #20 on:** December 12, 2009, 03:04:36 PM »

I've got a 2-7 Nikon Prostaff on my 45-70 Handi that started out on my 45-70 No.1. It's been subjected to over 300 rounds of fairly warm handloads and hasn't missed a beat. A bright and durable scope for about $129 and plenty of magnification for 45-70 ranges.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #21 on:** December 12, 2009, 03:12:55 PM »

i have the 2x7 nikon prostaff on my 357 handi it is a great fit
it would be a great choice for you too

this is on one of my 45-70s
http://www.millettsights.com/controller.php/cat09/dms_reddot
a handi stainless varminter

i think i will put the other one on the marlin xlr
or a nikon omaga 2x7

peternap · « **Reply #22 on:** December 12, 2009, 03:13:41 PM »

Quote from: MS Mule on December 12, 2009, 02:32:17 PM

I've got a Leupold Vari.X III 1.5-5X20 that I got off e-bay for just over $200. In my mind it's pefect for a Handi-45/70. Before I got the Leupy my Handi-45/70 toted an older Weaver K4 for a while. That scope has been around forever and has been mounted on almost every rifle I own at one time or another. It is over 25 years old and still going strong. If I hadn't gotten the Leupold the K4 would probably still be on the Handi 45/70.

Be careful what you buy off of Ebay. Not only are you contributing to an anti gun establishment, a lot of the Leupolds sold there are fakes and Leupold won't repair them.

From what I understand, they are pretty nice for Chinascopes, but they aren't Leupolds.

Swampman · « **Reply #23 on:** December 12, 2009, 03:47:01 PM »

The Nikon Prostaffs are the genuine article. For $109.00 shipped.

Squib · « **Reply #24 on:** December 12, 2009, 04:33:00 PM »

swampie a bunch of guys keep recommending that one... I'm gonna have to look that one up

spikehorn · « **Reply #25 on:** December 12, 2009, 04:39:00 PM »

Squib just make sure you get the shot gun version of the 2X7X32 pro staff i have one on my 44 mag and love it

Lefty Dude · « **Reply #26 on:** December 12, 2009, 04:55:09 PM »

Far to many shooters use scopes and do not know how to use or adjust Iron sights.
When that scope goes bad, you have a nice expensive Club.

Many Buffalo were killed with the 45-70 and Iron sights.

Squib · « **Reply #27 on:** December 12, 2009, 04:59:02 PM »

I prefer iron sights since that's what I was taught with, but my eyes are screwy, especially the left one- it won't focus half the time. iron sights are still an option inside of fifty yards now but it won't be in a few years at this pace.

oh so stupid of me to not bring this up, anyone got a preference for add-on cheekpieces? that makes a difference too. if my eyes won't focus nice and crisp I can at least rely on consistent sight pictures centered on a center-mass of deer within 100yds (my loads go about 2,000fps so they don't rainbow too crazy)

Mac11700 · « **Reply #28 on:** December 12, 2009, 07:18:25 PM »

Quote

anyone got a preference for add-on cheekpieces

Yes..and it's cheap too...A Uncle Mike's nylon sheel holder and a piece of soft foam underneath it..Works great

Mac

Swampman · « **Reply #29 on:** December 13, 2009, 02:00:17 AM »

Quote from: Lefty Dude on December 12, 2009, 04:55:09 PM

Far to many shooters use scopes and do not know how to use or adjust Iron sights.
When that scope goes bad, you have a nice expensive Club.

Many Buffalo were killed with the 45-70 and Iron sights.

At 53 I can't see the sights or the deer. Scopes are faster for me. I've never had a scope go bad.