Low power scope recommendations for Marlin 1895 SBL?

Big_Bear

Big_Bear

Member
Rating - 100%
54   0   0
Location
Southern QC
Hey folks,
Just picked up a new Remlin 1895 SBL with the factory "installed" XS rail and ghost ring sights. Only problem I could find with it was that the rail was put on crooked but the guy down at my LGS adjusted before I took it home. All in all I'm happy with the quality and it shoots like a dream.

The ghost rings are good for close range for sure but I'd like to put a low power scope on it for hunting. I'm thinking something rugged and compact with long eye relief. Leaning more towards some of the older models like the bushnell scope chief and the weaver micro trac but I don't know much about them. Steel tubes would probably hold up better in the bush.

I'd appreciate any experienced input.

Thanks
 
I haven't tried this scope but my buddy has a newer Nikon that he is quite happy with.
If I was looking for a compact scope with good eye relief I'd check it out....
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products/product/null/prostaff-shotgun-hunter-2-7x32-matte-bdc-200.html
 
Leupolod is my brand of choice when it comes to moderately priced scopes. A Vari-X II in 1.5-5 has an excellent track record; I had one on my Ruger #1 in .416 Rigby that was mounted on a custom quarter rib, inletted for QD Talley rings, that put the ocular even with the face of the falling block. Mounted in this fashion, the ocular did not cover the loading ramp, and more importantly, there was no chance of being hit by it. The trade-off was minor in nature, in that I was restricted to 3X if I was to have a full sight picture, but mostly it was dialed down to 1.5X. a magnification of 3X proved sufficient for shots out to a quarter mile with the flat shooting Rigby, as did the 2.75X Burris Scout I had on my .375 Ultra.

I have a 30mm tube 1-4X Nightforce on my .458, and while this is a marvelous optical instrument, I think you would find it pretty heavy on your '95, to say nothing of expensive. It requires a battery for the illumination feature, but the battery tends to have a long life, and if it doesn't work, the reticle is still visible against most back grounds.

Another option you might consider is a small red dot sight. Pounder has decided this is the answer for him, as he can no longer see a front post, and he mounts his on both his .45/70 and .450 Marlins. If you want to stay away from batteries, I know I would, a reflex sight works on ambient light.
 
My personal choice for an 1895 is 3-9, 4-12, or the 6-24 that is on it right now, preferably with mil dots or ladder cross hairs.

The extra magnification is extremely helpful for spotting /trophy judgment at longer ranges than I would shoot the gun at but I don't have to carry binoc's or spotting scope.

With the rainbow trajectory of the 45-70 round, the ladder hairs are a great assist when a longer than "sighted in" shot presents itself. I have no qualms about using a 45-70 at 250 yrds or so and a 1-4 power scope would limit the certainty of such a shot.
 
With the heavier recoil loads I run a leupold fx 2 fixed power 2.5. It is about 6.5 Oz and has about 5 inches of eye relief. It works perfect for this application.
 
Leupold VX3 1.5-6 is my first choice for medium range rifles I have one that's 30 years old, has been mounted on several heavy hitters and never skipped a beat. Recently mounted a Leupold VX2 1-4 on my Rem 600 in 350 mag its performed well. I like the low power in the bush and low light conditions I can see a wide field of view at close range.
 
I put a Leupold fixed 2.5 power (actually 2.3) scout scope on a win 94 and it has really grown on me.
It's a very fast, both eyes open intuitive experience almost like a shotgun- the sight is where you're looking.
 
Last edited:
My plan as well was a 2.5 Leupold but I ended up selling my Marlin. I'd sell you the scope I was planning to list it one of these days, if that interests you BB send me a pm its NIB about 2008 vintage.
 
Careful snooping around gun shows can get one a nice Weaver 2.5 post & crosshair unit in great shape. My one has been on top of rifles from my wife's 10/22 to my last .458 magnum and hasn't skipped a beat. Still clear, repeatable & fog free for $60.oo.:)
 
In the past I have installed on my 1895GS 45-70 a Leupold VX11 1-4X and then a Leupold Compact 2-7X right now I have these scopes on other rifles/barrels only have the XS Sights low Weaver backup ghost ring sight on the rifle.

I have just been thinking over the last couple of weeks to install a scope again going with the VX2 1-4X this time.

I mount my scopes on my Marlin 1895GS with Warne 2 piece bases and Leupold QRW rings when I want the scope off I install my XS Sights ghost ring on the rear scope base.

With the ghost ring sights I can easily put 6 into 6" @ 150 yards.
 
My SBL is one of my favourites, and it's perfect gun to use with a scout scope or a red dot mounted forward of the rear aperture sight. The gun starts to get awkward, at least for me, if you mount a regular scope up high to clear the rear sight. Mounting the optic in the forward position also makes it easy to carry the gun with your hand wrapped around the receiver.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom