Ever wondered what makes a rifle truly sing when it comes to taking down big game or hitting targets at a distance? For many hunters and shooters, the answer lies in the legendary .45-70 Government cartridge. But a great cartridge is only as good as the optic perched atop it. Choosing the right scope for your .45-70 can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that handles recoil, offers clear views, and fits your budget, but the sheer number of choices can leave you scratching your head.
This is where we come in. We know the frustration of buying a scope that doesn’t quite measure up. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a 45-70 scope. We’ll break down the key features, explain what they mean for your shooting, and help you avoid common mistakes. Get ready to find the perfect partner for your .45-70 rifle and elevate your shooting experience.
Top 45-70 Scope Recommendations
- Model #181307 - VX-Freedom 3-9x40 Riflescope with a Hunt-Plex Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
- A 3:1 zoom ratio is very common in many scope models. It gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power so you can dial your power down for close encounters or all of the way up for long-range shots.
- Leupold’s Advanced Optical System offers tried and true light transmission for extended glassing sessions, best in class glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity that recreational sportsmen and sportswomen demand.
- Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold's legendary customer care
- Designed for newer hunters looking for quality gear without complexity, the Triumph HD 3-9x40 riflescope kit simplifies setup and delivers confidence in the field. It includes a riflescope, new 1" Hunter Rings (0.90" Low Height) and a neoprene case.
- The HD optical system is optimized with select glass elements to deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration, and provide outstanding color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission.
- Fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings provide increased light transmission for greater clarity and low-light performance. The fast-focus eyepiece and simple setup make it ideal for hunters seeking performance without complexity.
- The Dead-Hold BDC reticles uses a customized hashmark design helps eliminate guesswork on holdover and windage corrections. Good for use at varying ranges, where estimating holdover is a concern.
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum with a low-glare matte black anodized finish; waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for lasting field performance.
- A 1-6x optic with the same high level of performance and features as our previous generation LPVOs, but in an all new ultra-compact form factor. At 8.6 inches in length and 12.3 ounces in weight, it is 20% shorter and 51% lighter than our standard model LPVOs.
- Features Monstrum HD glass - a premium lens coating that improves light transmission over previous generation scopes providing our clearest and brightest sight picture yet.
- Exposed locking windage and elevation turrets for easy access reticle adjustments - simply pull outward to unlock the turret, make your adjustments, and push back in to lock them securely into place.
- Brighter more powerful illumination mechanism for greater reticle visibility in a variety of environments.
- Includes a Monstrum Deadlock Series offset scope mount guaranteed to hold zero against the toughest of recoil.
- The Crossfire HD 3-9x40 Second Focal Plane riflescope has an HD Optical System that uses select glass elements to deliver sharp resolution, reduces chromatic aberration, and provides excellent color fidelity with edge-to-edge clarity.
- Fully multi-coated lenses feature anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to enhance light transmission and improve clarity in low-light conditions.
- The Straight-Wall BDC MOA reticle is optimized for popular straight-wall cartridges including .450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and .45-70 Government.
- The fast focus eyepiece quickly adjusts your reticle focus for rapid target acquisition, whether you're in timber or at the range.
- Built from aircraft-grade aluminum with a low-glare matte black anodized finish; waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for lasting field performance.
- The updated Strike Eagle 1-8x24 is defined by speed and versatility. A true 1x on the low end adapts to a wide range of scenarios, letting users engage from close to extended ranges
- The magnification ring has been updated and now includes a thread-in throw lever, and the magnification indicators can now be seen without coming off the scope.
- The new illuminated BDC3 reticle focuses the user's eye faster and holdovers allow for immediate use out to 650 yards for targets of known distance.
- The fast focus dial on the eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing. Anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide increased light transmission for greater clarity and low-light performance.
- The scope is nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed the for water and fogproof performance. The one piece, aircraft grade aluminum, 30mm tube is shockproof.
- MULTI-PURPOSE SCOUT RIFLESCOPE: Specifically designed for users employing a versatile scout gun for working or combat situations, offering quick and effective close-to-medium range shots - a perfect match for the scout gun's intended use
- FIXED 2.75X MAGNIFICATION - With a fixed magnification of 2.75x, this scout riflescope provides the ideal setting for both-eyes-open shooting, ensuring rapid target acquisition and increased situational awareness
- GENEROUS EYE RELIEF WITH HEAVY PLEX RETICLE - Boasting a generous 8.5-14 inches of eye relief, the hunting scope features the classic Heavy Plex reticle for a clean, uncluttered design, delivering long-range accuracy and quick usability
- FORWARD MOUNTING DESIGN - With extended eye relief and both-eyes-open shooting, forward mounting design allows the riflescope to be mounted in front of the ejection port - a valuable feature for enhanced situational awareness and swift target acquisition
- COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT, AND DURABLE - Weighing only 7 ounces and measuring 9.2 inches, Burris Scout riflescope is compact and lightweight, ensuring easy handling and carrying in the field
- BUCKMASTERS 3-9X50MM RIFLE SCOPE - The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9x50mm Rifle Scope is a dependable & versatile optic choice for hunters looking to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness in the field; Featuring the high-performance 3x optical system with low-dispersion glass, this shooting scope delivers sharp & clear images across all magnification levels
- BUCKMASTERS BDC RETICLE - This rifle scope comes equipped with a unique Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, complete with holdover dots that extend up to a distance of 500 yards; Avid hunters know the upgraded game hunting comes with upgraded equipment
- GREAT CONSTRUCTION -The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope has extra durable construction with a single-piece, 1-inch main tube; For those who appreciate the convenience, it also features an integrated thread in the throw lever which allows for quick magnification changes
- WEATHER RESISTANT - Dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof performance and high-performance optical system with low dispersion glass of the Buckmasters scope makes your hunting season non-stop whatever weather is on the way; See the target with a reliable magnification of 3-9X50mm
- SIG SAUER - In our world-class facilities, we build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, optics, suppressors, ammunition, airguns, holsters, and various accessories, while offering the finest guns training - all as a fully integrated system
- The 3-9x50 Crossfire II riflescope is one of many configurations in the Crossfire II line. The Straight-Wall BDC reticle is optimized for popular straight-wall options.
- With long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, you'll be able to quickly get a sight picture and acquire your target. The fast focus eyepiece allows quick and easy reticle focusing.
- Anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses provide bright and clear views for the user.
- A single piece tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminum ensures strength and shockproof performance. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, the Crossfire II delivers waterproof and fogproof performance.
- Backed by our unlimited, unconditional, lifetime, VIP Warranty. A fully transferable promise to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. Does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.
Choosing the Right Scope for Your .45-70 Rifle
The .45-70 Government cartridge is a powerful round, perfect for hunting large game or enjoying a day at the range. To get the most out of your rifle, you need a good scope. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a .45-70 scope, keep these important features in mind.
Magnification
Magnification tells you how much closer the scope makes things appear. For .45-70, you usually don’t need super high magnification. A variable zoom, like 3-9x or 4-12x, is often best. This lets you zoom in for far shots and zoom out for closer ones.
Objective Lens Diameter
This is the size of the front lens. A larger objective lens (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light. This is great for shooting in low light, like at dawn or dusk.
Reticle Type
The reticle is the aiming crosshair you see inside the scope. Some reticles have simple crosshairs. Others have dots or lines that help you estimate distance or holdover for bullet drop. For .45-70, a reticle with some markings can be very helpful.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope’s eyepiece. When you shoot a .45-70, it has a good amount of recoil. You want a scope with generous eye relief (at least 3-4 inches). This prevents the scope from hitting your forehead when you shoot.
Turrets
Turrets are the knobs on top and side of the scope. They let you adjust the reticle for windage (side to side) and elevation (up and down). Look for turrets that are easy to adjust and lock down. Some turrets are “capped,” meaning they have covers. Others are “exposed,” meaning you can adjust them by hand. Exposed turrets are often preferred for quick adjustments.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a scope affect its strength and how well it works.
Lens Coatings
Good lens coatings improve clarity and light gathering. Multi-coated lenses are better than single-coated ones. They reduce glare and make the image brighter and sharper.
Body Construction
Most good scopes have a body made of aircraft-grade aluminum. This makes them strong and light. A durable body protects the delicate lenses inside from bumps and jolts. Scopes are often filled with nitrogen or argon gas. This prevents the lenses from fogging up inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a scope better or worse.
Optical Quality
This is how clear and sharp the image is. High-quality lenses and good coatings create a bright, distortion-free image. Cheaper scopes might have blurry images or colors that look off.
Durability
A tough scope can handle the recoil of a .45-70. It should also be water and fog proof. If a scope is well-built, it will last for many years.
Brand Reputation
Well-known brands often make reliable scopes. They usually have good warranties too. Researching different brands can help you find a quality product.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your .45-70 will help you choose the right scope.
Hunting
For hunting big game like deer or bear, you need a scope that works well in low light. A variable magnification scope is useful. You can zoom in for a clear shot at a distance. You can also zoom out if the animal gets closer.
Target Shooting
If you shoot targets at the range, you might want a scope with a reticle that helps you make precise adjustments. Some shooters prefer higher magnification for seeing small targets at long distances.
General Use
For a rifle used for a bit of everything, a balanced scope is best. A 3-9x magnification with a clear reticle and good eye relief will serve you well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best magnification for a .45-70 scope?
A: For most .45-70 rifles, a variable magnification between 3-9x or 4-12x is ideal. This offers flexibility for different shooting distances.
Q: How important is eye relief for a .45-70 scope?
A: Eye relief is very important. The .45-70 has strong recoil. Good eye relief (3-4 inches or more) prevents the scope from hitting your forehead.
Q: Should I get a scope with a larger objective lens for my .45-70?
A: A larger objective lens (40mm or 50mm) lets in more light. This is beneficial for hunting in dim light conditions.
Q: What kind of reticle is best for a .45-70 scope?
A: A reticle with some markings, like dots or lines, can help with range estimation and bullet drop compensation, which is useful for the .45-70.
Q: Are expensive scopes always better for a .45-70?
A: Not always. While higher prices often mean better quality, many good, affordable scopes are available. It’s more about finding the right features for your needs.
Q: What does “multi-coated lenses” mean?
A: Multi-coated lenses have several layers of special coatings. These coatings improve light transmission, reduce glare, and make the image clearer and brighter.
Q: Is a scope with exposed turrets better for a .45-70?
A: Exposed turrets allow for quicker adjustments in the field. Capped turrets offer more protection but require removing the caps before adjustment.
Q: Can I use any rifle scope on my .45-70?
A: While many scopes will fit, you need one that can handle the recoil of the .45-70. Look for scopes specifically designed for hunting rifles or those known for durability.
Q: How do I clean my .45-70 scope lenses?
A: Use a soft lens brush to remove dust. Then, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses. Never use harsh chemicals or rough materials.
Q: What is the warranty like on .45-70 scopes?
A: Warranties vary by brand. Many reputable manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties, covering defects in materials and workmanship.