scope for a 45-70
- Thread starter 6.5x55swm
- Start date
I've got one of these on my muzzleloader, although it's been of a few of my guns. Great little scope, wish I found a few more for the price I paid.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
OP - sort of depends what you intend to do with it - "best scope" for a 25 yard "bear buster" is likely different than "best scope" for 600 yard targets. I think I read that 45-70 fairly popular for Black Powder Cartridge Silhouette - so up to 400 yard rams with iron sights??
As above - where appropriate - is hard to beat a small (2.5 power) or slightly larger (3 power) fixed Leupold. For longer ranges - higher power / variable power - need to consider the recoil involved - and the eye relief in both cases!
Do not necessarily shy away from older scopes - there is an M8 series 6 power on my Model 70 338 Win Mag - has been fired hundreds, if not a thousand times or more with 210, 225 and 250 grain bullets. I have a Leupold M8-2.5x Compact on my 458 Win Mag - that one has not been fired nearly so often, though.
Also, with some research, you will discover that there were many levels / grades of Tasco branded scopes that were sold - from about very best ever made by anyone, to cheapest crap imaginable - so models (made in Japan, not in China or elsewhere) like Tasco World Class Wide Angle, or Tasco Titan were likely as good as anything made by Leupold, Redfield, etc. at that time. Tasco (Tanross Supply Co.) never owned a scope making factory - never made anything - always made by sub-contractors - was just sold with their brand name on it. Many people consider Tasco to be inferior and the price usually reflects that - without knowing anything about the model names or numbers.
Picture below showing Leupold M8-2.5 Compact at front, then Leupold M8-3X, then Tasco World Class Wide Angle 3-9x40 at rear. For comparison, that laptop is about 12 5/16" (31.3 cm) wide.
As above - where appropriate - is hard to beat a small (2.5 power) or slightly larger (3 power) fixed Leupold. For longer ranges - higher power / variable power - need to consider the recoil involved - and the eye relief in both cases!
Do not necessarily shy away from older scopes - there is an M8 series 6 power on my Model 70 338 Win Mag - has been fired hundreds, if not a thousand times or more with 210, 225 and 250 grain bullets. I have a Leupold M8-2.5x Compact on my 458 Win Mag - that one has not been fired nearly so often, though.
Also, with some research, you will discover that there were many levels / grades of Tasco branded scopes that were sold - from about very best ever made by anyone, to cheapest crap imaginable - so models (made in Japan, not in China or elsewhere) like Tasco World Class Wide Angle, or Tasco Titan were likely as good as anything made by Leupold, Redfield, etc. at that time. Tasco (Tanross Supply Co.) never owned a scope making factory - never made anything - always made by sub-contractors - was just sold with their brand name on it. Many people consider Tasco to be inferior and the price usually reflects that - without knowing anything about the model names or numbers.
Picture below showing Leupold M8-2.5 Compact at front, then Leupold M8-3X, then Tasco World Class Wide Angle 3-9x40 at rear. For comparison, that laptop is about 12 5/16" (31.3 cm) wide.
Attachments
Last edited:
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Look hard for a used Leupold 1.5-5x VX3 or even an older Vari-X III. they're out there at that price point though you may need to spend a few more bucks if you can't find a deal. Alternately lots of guys have had great success with the Leupold 1-4x VX2. not sure why a person would look any further than those two.
westcoaster
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central BC
As others have mentioned it may be worth saving a little more to put something that will last on there. Mine has had a Bushnell Elite 4200, 1.25 - 4, with an illuminated dot reticle. Been on there for 12+ years. Works fine. The illuminated dot is nice in low light and the 1.25 allows me to keep both eyes open at close range. Many of the suggestions listed here would be very good.
In your current suggested price range the old Leupold M-8 series are bomb proof and are often available inexpensively. Think straight 4x or 2.5x.
In your current suggested price range the old Leupold M-8 series are bomb proof and are often available inexpensively. Think straight 4x or 2.5x.
Have a look at the Westhunter brand on Amazon or Ebay, just mounted one of their 4-14x50 scopes on a 45/70, they look to be of very good quality and the optics are very nice. Can be had for about $150.00 shipped. Their rings are also stunning.
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
Now we are burning on diesel....get the power up there so you can see an eye through the leaves at 200 if need be or judge antlers/horns at a mile before spending hours stalking an animal you dont want. A 45-70 will use with equal zeal any 4 power or 14 power and it will serve you better to be prepared for a lot more scenario's.
Yep! Can't see a problem with that especially if someone is going for the Pirate look.
High power, cheap, Chinese scope with little to no eye relief on a mule-kick rifle. With the money saved a person could buy themselves a glass eyeball.
