That satisfying thwack of a .45-70 cartridge hitting its mark is a sound many rifle enthusiasts chase. But to truly unlock the potential of your Henry Big Boy or other .45-70 lever action, you need more than just a great rifle – you need the right optic. Ever felt overwhelmed staring at rows of scopes, wondering which one will actually improve your shooting and not just drain your wallet? You’re not alone. Many shooters struggle to find the perfect scope that balances power, clarity, and durability for their specific needs.
Choosing the wrong scope can lead to frustrating misses, wasted ammunition, and a general lack of confidence on the range or in the field. It can be a real headache trying to figure out what magnification is best, what kind of reticle will work for you, and how to mount it properly so it doesn’t get knocked out of alignment. This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down the key factors you need to consider, explain the jargon, and guide you towards a Henry .45-70 scope setup that will have you hitting targets with precision and enjoying your rifle like never before.
Top Henry 45-70 Scope Setup Recommendations
- Dedicated optic mounting platform built specifically for Henry Big Boy H6 (H006) and H12 (H012) lever action rifles, allowing for precision mounting of your preferred optic.
- Not Compatible with: Henry H1 Frontier (H001), Henry H9 (H009), Henry Big Boy X model 45-70 (H010), Henry Golden Boy, or other Henry rifle models.
- Scope mount installs directly to receiver via the factory mounting holes and included set screws with no additional hardware required
- Allows for the mounting of Picatinny or Weaver standard scope rings, scope mounts, red dots, or other optics
- All Monstrum optics mounting products come with a lifetime guarantee
- Receiver Scope Mount
- Fits Henry Big Boy
- Blue Finish
- Country Of Origin: United States
- UNITIZED ONE-PIECE DESIGN - Experience rigid optic alignment with the Talley Lightweight Scope Mount for Henry H015, precision CNC-machined from durable 6000 series alloy; The integrated ring and base construction eliminates separate connection points to provide a lightweight, stable mounting platform for field use
- ELEVATED PROFILE DESIGN - Featuring a .760-inch height, this integrated scope mount base coordinates with scopes having a 1.4-inch or smaller ocular diameter; The precise dimension ensures proper line of sight while preserving about 0.10-inch clearance over the hammer assembly
- LIGHTWEIGHT ALLOY CONSTRUCTION - Built from extruded 6000 series alloy, this Henry H015 optic mount delivers strength and durability without unnecessary weight; The precision-machined structure helps maintain consistent scope positioning while keeping your setup streamlined
- RELIABLE ZERO CONSISTENCY - The integrated ring and base system minimizes potential movement between mounting components; This rigid scope mounting solution helps preserve optic alignment and provides dependable performance during hunting, range practice, and field conditions
- SPECIFICATIONS - 960420 - Color: Black; Scope Tube Diameter: 1"; Height: .760"; Material: 6000 Series Alloy; Model Fit: Henry H015 Single Shot Current Production; Maximum Ocular Diameter: 1.4"; Mount Type: Unitized One-Piece Ring and Base Set; Included Hardware: Receiver Attachment Screws
- 【Superior Durability】Crafted from high-quality materials, this cantilever scope mount base fits for Henry Golden Boy provides a rock-solid foundation for your optics. Designed to withstand the rigors of field use, it ensures long-lasting performance.
- 【Cantilever Weaver Style Design】Featuring a cantilevered weaver style design, this mount allows for optimal eye relief and correct head position, enhancing your accuracy. The 1" top-mount rings (sold separately) ensure a secure fit for your scope.
- 【Preserves Classic Aesthetics and Enhances Scope Performance】By mounting directly to the barrel instead of the receiver, this cantilevered mount helps maintain the beauty and integrity of your receiver, preserving its classic look. This design also improves scope field of view and flexibility, offering better precision and versatility.
- 【Designed for Easy Installation with Included Accessories】This cantilever scope mount is specifically crafted for seamless compatible with the Henry Golden Boy model, ensuring a perfect fit. With all necessary components included, setup is quick and hassle-free, saving you time and effort.
- 【Customer Service】If you encounter any problems during use, please contact us, your satisfaction is our goal. We will quickly solve your after-sales or usage problems to your satisfaction.
- PURPOSE-BUILT OPTIC MOUNTING - Designed to fit Henry Lever Action Models H009, H010, H014, H018, H023, and H024 rifles, these Talley integral ring-and-base scope mounts are available for 1" and 30mm scope tubes in Low (.520") and Medium (.620") ring heights, providing stable optic positioning for hunting, target shooting, and field applications
- INTEGRAL RING & BASE DESIGN - Combining the scope ring and mounting base into a single precision-machined assembly, these Talley scope mounts eliminate the alignment issues and loose interfaces associated with traditional two-piece mounting systems, creating a rigid platform for dependable optic support and consistent zero retention
- LIGHTWEIGHT ALLOY CONSTRUCTION - Fully CNC machined from high-grade lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum, these one-piece scope mounts provide exceptional strength while weighing less than traditional steel ring and base combinations; The black anodized finish helps resist corrosion, scratches, and everyday field wear for long-lasting performance.
- AMERICAN-MADE CRAFTSMANSHIP - Proudly made in the USA with over 40 years of Talley manufacturing expertise, these receiver-specific scope mounts are built to precise tolerances for dependable fit and repeatable performance; No lapping is required, allowing straightforward installation right out of the box.
- SPECIFICATIONS - Compatible with Henry Lever Action Models H009, H010, H014, H018, H023 & H024 rifles; Scope Tube Diameter: 1"; Ring Height: Low (.520"); Rear Height: .520"; Front Height: .520"; Weight: 2.0 oz; Hole Spacing: Front .500" (12.7 mm) / Rear .500" (12.7 mm); Includes mounting screws (8-40) and T-15 installation wrench; Sold as a pair
- This design, made from a single piece of T7075 aluminum and machined in house on our Haas VF4SS 4 axis machining center is designed to fit precisely.
- Our rails are available for the 3 or 4-screw in 0MOA.
- Type III black hardcoat anodized
- Recommended torque spec: 15 in/lb
- Hardware is included
- PRECISION FIT FOR THE HENRY BIG BOY: This receiver scope mount is contoured specifically for the Henry Big Boy lever-action rifle and lines up with its existing mounting points, so there is no drilling, tapping, filing or other modification, the base drops on for a tight, wobble-free lockup every time.
- FORWARD POSITION, BETTER SIGHT PICTURE: The mount places your optic slightly ahead of the receiver, giving you the correct eye relief and a natural, upright head position behind the stock; the result is faster target acquisition, a full field of view and more comfortable shooting from a bench, on the range or in the field, while the standard picatinny top accepts most scope rings, red dots and reflex sights.
- BARREL-MOUNTED TO KEEP THE RECEIVER CLEAN: Instead of clamping over the classic Big Boy receiver, the base attaches at the barrel, which preserves the original receiver lines and blued finish of your lever gun; it is fully reversible, so removing it returns the rifle to stock appearance with no permanent alteration.
- 6061 ANODIZED ALUMINUM, FIELD-TOUGH: Machined from 6061 aluminum with a hard black anodized finish, the base stays lightweight on the rifle while resisting recoil shock, scuffs and corrosion through years of carry; chamfered end edges remove sharp corners for a smooth, snag-free look and feel.
- BARREL-MOUNTED TO KEEP THE RECEIVER CLEAN: Instead of clamping over the classic Big Boy receiver, the base attaches at the barrel, which preserves the original receiver lines and blued finish of your lever gun; it is fully reversible, so removing it returns the rifle to stock appearance with no permanent alteration.
- Product Compatibility: Designed specifically for Henry H024 rifle series
- Rail Mount Specifications: Henry H024 Series Picatinny Rail Mount measures 5.5 inches in length with a low profile design for easy installation
- Universal Rail Standard: Features 21mm standard picatinny/Weaver rail with shock proof design engineered for high recoil rifles
- Complete Package Contents: Package includes 1x Henry H024 Series Rail Mount, 4x mounting screws, and 1x Allen Key for installation
- Simple Installation Process: Easy to install design with set screws that fit directly into the Henry factory mounting holes
Choosing the Right Scope for Your Henry 45-70: A Buyer’s Guide
So, you’ve got a mighty Henry 45-70 rifle. That’s a fantastic lever-action rifle known for its stopping power. To get the most out of it, you need a good scope. Let’s figure out what makes a great scope setup for your Henry 45-70.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a scope, keep these important things in mind:
- Magnification: This is how much closer the scope makes things look. For a 45-70, which is often used for hunting at medium ranges, a variable magnification scope is a good choice. Think about something like 2-7x or 3-9x. This lets you zoom in for longer shots or zoom out for wider views.
- Objective Lens Diameter: This is the front lens of the scope. A bigger lens (like 40mm or 50mm) lets in more light. This means you can see better in low light conditions, like at dawn or dusk.
- Reticle Type: This is the aiming crosshair you see inside the scope. Simple crosshairs are great. Some scopes have illuminated reticles, which can help you see your target in dark conditions.
- Eye Relief: This is the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see a clear picture. For a powerful rifle like the 45-70, you want good eye relief. This means you won’t get bumped in the forehead by the scope if the rifle recoils. Look for at least 3-4 inches of eye relief.
2. Important Materials
The best scopes use strong and reliable materials:
- Lens Coatings: Good scopes have special coatings on their lenses. These coatings help light pass through better and reduce glare. This gives you a clearer and brighter image.
- Scope Body: Most good scopes have bodies made of strong aluminum. This metal is light but tough. It can handle bumps and weather.
- Sealing: The best scopes are sealed to keep out water and fog. This is important if you hunt in wet or humid places.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a scope better or worse:
- Lens Quality: The clearest and brightest images come from scopes with high-quality glass. Better glass means you see finer details.
- Build Quality: A well-built scope feels solid. Its adjustments for windage and elevation (the knobs you turn to zero the scope) should click precisely. Cheap scopes might feel loose or have unclear adjustments.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making excellent scopes that last a long time. Doing a little research on brands can help you find a reliable one.
- Price: While not always true, more expensive scopes often use better materials and have more advanced features. However, you can find great value in mid-range scopes.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your Henry 45-70 is key to choosing the right scope.
- Hunting: If you hunt deer or other medium-sized game, you need a scope that works well in low light and at typical hunting distances. A variable magnification scope is perfect for this. You can adjust it from a wider view for closer shots to a magnified view for longer ones.
- Target Shooting: For shooting at paper targets or for practice, you might want a scope with higher magnification. This helps you see where your shots are hitting more clearly.
- Ease of Use: A good scope should be easy to mount and easy to adjust. The turrets for making adjustments should be simple to turn and lock in place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best magnification for a Henry 45-70 scope?
A: For most hunting situations with a Henry 45-70, a scope with a magnification range like 2-7x or 3-9x is ideal. This offers flexibility for different distances.
Q: Do I need a special mount for my Henry 45-70 scope?
A: Yes, you will need scope rings and a base that are compatible with your specific Henry 45-70 model. Many Henry rifles come with pre-drilled holes for mounting bases.
Q: How do I know if a scope has good eye relief?
A: Look for the scope’s specifications. It should list the eye relief in inches. For a 45-70, aim for at least 3-4 inches to avoid getting hit by the scope when the rifle recoils.
Q: What does “fully multi-coated” mean on a scope lens?
A: “Fully multi-coated” means all lens surfaces have multiple layers of anti-reflective coating. This improves light transmission, brightness, and contrast.
Q: Can I use a scope with a very high magnification on my Henry 45-70?
A: While possible, extremely high magnification might not be practical for the typical ranges where a 45-70 is used and can make it harder to find your target quickly. It also requires very stable mounting.
Q: How important is the reticle in a scope for a 45-70?
A: The reticle is very important for aiming. A simple crosshair is effective. Some shooters prefer illuminated reticles for low-light conditions.
Q: What is “windage” and “elevation” on a scope?
A: Windage refers to the adjustment for wind drift (side-to-side movement). Elevation refers to the adjustment for bullet drop (up-and-down movement). You adjust these to zero your scope.
Q: Are expensive scopes always better for a Henry 45-70?
A: Not always. While higher prices often mean better quality, many mid-range scopes offer excellent performance for the needs of a 45-70 shooter.
Q: How do I clean my rifle scope?
A: Use a soft lens brush to remove dust. Then, use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to gently clean the lenses. Never use harsh chemicals or rough cloths.
Q: Should I get a scope with a large objective lens for my Henry 45-70?
A: A larger objective lens (like 40mm or 50mm) helps gather more light, which is beneficial in dim conditions. However, it also makes the scope heavier and requires higher mounting rings.