Recommendation for low-power illuminated scope for Marlin 1894

[josquin]

Having had a bear invasion here in the last few weeks (with several kills in the area) and missing a night shot because of difficulty seeing the target, I've decided my 1894 needs a low-power illuminated scope. Currently I have a red dot with a Surefire G3 Nitrolon LED mounted on the tube, but my eyes aren't what they used to be and a little magnification might be useful. The latest kill was by a bear estimated at 300 lbs. so I might opt to put it on my 1895.

I don't want to break the bank, so have been looking at a couple of less-expensive oprions- the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4, and a new scope from Bushnell, the Bushnell Prime 1-4 with a Nº4 reticle (which I like). The Vortex has adjustable illumination, which might be useful on a night shot; the Bushnell doesn't say. The latter is brand new, designed for the Europan market, with metric dials, so likely no field experience to draw on other than the name.

 

[geologist]

I run a non illuminated Leupy 2.5X IER in low QD rings mounted scout style. It's a fast, both eyes open kinda rig. A good carbine for carrying or at camp.

I like QD rings for safety rifles because it gives you the option of using the irons if things go sideways. More options is good IMHO.

I didn't bother with an illuminated reticle because I run a 1000 lumen PD35 in the Wild West pic rail up front.

 

[josquin]

I run a non illuminated Leupy 2.5X IER in low QD rings mounted scout style. It's a fast, both eyes open kinda rig. A good carbine for carrying or at camp.

I like QD rings for safety rifles because it gives you the option of using the irons if things go sideways. More options is good IMHO.

I didn't bother with an illuminated reticle because I run a 1000 lumen PD35 in the Wild West pic rail up front.

Nice rig!!! Can you see the reticle OK against a black target, though? I guess with that amount of light it may not be a problem. I have a UC40 UE which does about 900 but it doesn't have a tail switch like the Nitrolon G3. This is why I was thinking of an illum. reticle.

I was looking at the Wild West Guns one for the 1895. Where did you get it? I have a basic clamp on the 1894 and it's OK for the .44 mag recoil but likely iffy for a 45-70 @ 1750 fps.

 

[geologist]

Nice rig!!! Can you see the reticle OK against a black target, though? I guess with that amount of light it may not be a problem. I have a UC40 UE which does about 900 but it doesn't have a tail switch like the Nitrolon G3. This is why I was thinking of an illum. reticle.

I was looking at the Wild West Guns one for the 1895. Where did you get it? I have a basic clamp on the 1894 and it's OK for the .44 mag recoil but likely iffy for a 45-70 @ 1750 fps.

Yes I can see the reticle easy, 1000 lumens makes night into day, it's ridiculous. Same with the Williams front firesite. It's bright red in the dark with the PD35 on.

It's so important to see not only your sights and the bear in the kitchen tent but also what's behind it and to the sides. A weapon mounted light is the only way to go on a safety gun IMHO. I have a tailcap switch for the PD35 but on a bear gun I don't use it.

I got the WW mount a long time and my memory is a little foggy......

 

[josquin]

...It's so important to see not only your sights and the bear in the kitchen tent but also what's behind it and to the sides. A weapon mounted light is the only way to go on a safety gun IMHO....

Yup. There might be a second bear just off to one side! I don't know the output of my Nitrolon; I got an aftermarket LED upgrade for it before Surefire provided one, but I'm guessing around 350L, which might only be really useful at distances from Yogi that are a bit too close for comfort. The shot I missed was about 45-50 yds., from the balcony of my neigbour's studio, the main problem being that the Burris FFII is self-adjusting and therefore very dim at night. I also now have a Vortex adjustable red dot but haven't mounted it yet. I have a white line sight on my 45-70 and it shows up pretty well when there's light on it.

 

[medvedqc]

Having had a bear invasion here in the last few weeks (with several kills in the area) and missing a night shot because of difficulty seeing the target, I've decided my 1894 needs a low-power illuminated scope. Currently I have a red dot with a Surefire G3 Nitrolon LED mounted on the tube, but my eyes aren't what they used to be and a little magnification might be useful. The latest kill was by a bear estimated at 300 lbs. so I might opt to put it on my 1895.

I don't want to break the bank, so have been looking at a couple of less-expensive oprions- the Vortex Crossfire II 1-4, and a new scope from Bushnell, the Bushnell Prime 1-4 with a Nº4 reticle (which I like). The Vortex has adjustable illumination, which might be useful on a night shot; the Bushnell doesn't say. The latter is brand new, designed for the Europan market, with metric dials, so likely no field experience to draw on other than the name.

there is 6 settings for the bushnell red dot settings. a red dot even on that kind of scope will not help to shoot at night. you need a very specific made for that like 7x50, 8x50 or 8x56 with a reticle 1 or 4. i used a 7x50 for wild boar hunting in europe with a german 4. your tiny scope wont work unless you have a light to add ...

 

[josquin]

there is 6 settings for the bushnell red dot settings. a red dot even on that kind of scope will not help to shoot at night. you need a very specific made for that like 7x50, 8x50 or 8x56 with a reticle 1 or 4. i used a 7x50 for wild boar hunting in europe with a german 4. your tiny scope wont work unless you have a light to add ...

Ah, but I've had "a iight to add" for years, a Surefire Nitrolon LED, mounted on the mag tube, so a humunguous objective bell isn't necessary. I ended up buying a Vortex Crossfire II 1-4, so if Mr. Bear does put in an opportune appearance, we'll see how well it works. He's apparently still around, but feasting elsewhere in the area.

I had a Burris FF II on it but the auto-level was useless at night because the dot became very tiny. I recently picked up a used Vortex Venom RD with adjustable levsls, which is much better but as my eyes aren't getting any younger, I figured a low-power scope with an illum. reticle would be the best bet. I may put the Vortex RD on my 45-70, although it will necessitate a cheek riser as the stock is cut for irons and I'd like a good cheek weld with that rifle. I have a Willilams FP rear and a white line front on it now, and if I were to mount a light on the side, it would light up the white lilne very well.