45-70 red dot or not

[DMS1]

I think there is a 40% chance you will be underwhelmed with a red dot. They make it easy to see your aiming point, but do nothing to enhance your target. I personally find the view through any red dot to be darker than open sights. Add in being battery dependent for your hunt and they are a poor option IMHO. The rifle above sports a Leupold Ultralight 2.5 fixed with nice heavy reticle, weighs only about 6 ounces, and handles the heaviest of recoil.

Let us know how you make out once you try it.

 

[Spotswood]

I'll also recommend a low power variable scope, 1-4x would be a about perfect. You could even get one with an illuminated reticle if you really want.

 

[KND]

I also prefer low power scope and but for really fast target acquisition, you can't argue with red dot. Here are mine.

 

[Mr.Crumbz]

I just pulled my Leupold VX2 1-4x off of my SBL and will be throwing on a red dot. I found that the eye box was too finicky and couple that with a poor cheek weld I was having a hard time getting a snap sight picture in the first instance.
Loved the scope on the rifle but if I was going to keep it on I would have done an adjustable comb on the rifle, just didn’t feel like jumping in to that right now. I am between Holosun, Sig Sauer and Vortex for a “budget” red dot. Leaning to Sig Sauer.
Thought about Trijicon MRO or Aimpoint T1 but I could buy 2-3 Sig Sauers for the price of one.

 

[Mr.Crumbz]

I also prefer low power scope and but for really fast target acquisition, you can't argue with red dot. Here are mine.

Thanks for the SBL red dot pic! Looks great!

 

[WoolyG3]

Hello again. I ordered Sparc 2 and it’s on it’s way. Will it come ready to mount on the 45-70? Or will I need a rail to mount it to?

 

[Still alive]

Hello again. I ordered Sparc 2 and it’s on it’s way. Will it come ready to mount on the 45-70? Or will I need a rail to mount it to?

The pic rail will not come with the Vortex. The Vortex will not come with a riser either, unless you ordered it as a combo. But with a 45-70, you likely won’t need a riser.

 

[paintgunner]

Nice setup. I paid $850 for the gun. Looks like those optics are $800 plus.

I’m in a similar dilemma with my 45-70 GBL except I’m leaning towards a low power scope. The good stuff isn’t cheap, and the cheap stuff isn’t good!

 

[Swampy]

Pounder, what kind of stock & finish is on your levergun? Looks nice n rugged!

 

[Felonius]

Hello again. I ordered Sparc 2 and it’s on it’s way. Will it come ready to mount on the 45-70? Or will I need a rail to mount it to?

If youve got the 1895 sbl, you're all set. I mounted directly to the rail close to mid point (good view to me and also keeping balance of the gun to where i hold it if walking sometimes one handed) no riser used

*EDIT - just saw you have a gs, you'll need a picatinny rail.

 

[b_w.]

Just put a vortex crossfire on my sbl. Haven't shot it yet but feels like it will work great.

 

[pounder]

Swampy , It is called Arma coat. got it done in Alberta.it seems to be holding up well,I do not baby my rifles but I don't abuse them either.

 

[WoolyG3]

So the Vortex Sparc 2 came yesterday. None of the mounting screws fit the holes in the 1895 gs. Headed for the gun shop tomorrow. Sparc is a nice unit.

 

[WoolyG3]

Good Day Gentlemen. I ended up with a Vortex Sparc 2. Works well. New issue is. I've cycled at least 20 HMS Bear Loads 430 gr. If I shoot the shell it will eject. But if I try to eject a live round it hangs onto it. So if the gun was fully loaded the next live round is trying to come into place and she jams up. I've been reading reviews and this seems to be a problem with the newer 1895s. I'm going to dismantle and lube things up. All screws are tight. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Chuckbuster]

What peep sight are you using? I looked on Amazon for Skinner and didn't see them.

Don't know about anybody else, but I'm using an XS ghost ring on mine. I find it works well at short range with aging eyes. It's fine for longer range too, but my limitation is my eyesight once the range gets a bit longer.

Edit: KND, what make is your reflex sight? I'm considering a similar set up for my 1895 down the road. It sucks when your eyes are older than the rest of you...