Author Topic: Optics for 45/70 Encore  (Read 1042 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline rebAL

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • *****
  • Posts: 554
Optics for 45/70 Encore
« on: January 28, 2009, 07:24:14 AM »
I can't decide.  Currently I have a 3-9X that whacks me on the forehead so I know I need to make a change.  Since 45/70 is short range caliber I don't figure I need lots of magnification, and I know I need a lot of eye-relief whatever I get.  I was also thinking about red dot type optic or those large ghost ring type sights for quick target acquision.  I will be using the rifle for deer & bear mostly in deep woods.  Please offer pros & cons of my options.  Thanks.   

Offline teddy12b

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3078
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2009, 07:55:34 AM »
I'd give some consideration to the nikon omega bdc 250 series of muzzleloader scopes if you want some serious eye relief.  I put one on my rifle before last season and I was amazed at how well it did at the range.  They're meant for abuse and are very clear.  I have mine on an encore.

Offline hankster76

  • Trade Count: (72)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 370
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2009, 08:23:32 AM »
I use a 1.75 - 4 power bushnell trophy shotgun scope on mine. Mine is a Katahdin carbine so th 4 is more that enough magnification and the 1.75 makes a great both eyes open quick accusition wide field of view option.

Offline readr1

  • Trade Count: (3)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 44
  • Gender: Male
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2009, 05:42:19 PM »
I just mounted and sighted in a Vortex StrikeFire red-dot on my 45-70.  I had no trouble ringing the 12" plate at around 140-150 yards. 

Offline surveyor47

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 127
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2009, 05:30:19 AM »
Why dont you try a Williams Foolproof Receiver Sight and a Williams Firesight Front Sight?  This is a really fun setup.

Offline Swampman

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (44)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 16518
  • Gender: Male
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2009, 05:32:44 AM »
The Nikon Prostaff 2-7X32 would be a good choice.  It has lots of eye relief.  I also really like the Bushnell 1.5-4.5X32.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline Lone Star

  • Reformed Gunwriter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2359
  • Gender: Male
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2009, 12:46:11 PM »
My .45-70 Contender carbine has a Leupold 2.5 power.  Mucho eye relief, light weight and small size, bright optics and enough magnification for any reasonable .45-70 application.  My longest .45-70 kill was 225 yards with a 3X scope - a 2.5 would be fine.


.

Offline Tn Jim

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 714
  • Gender: Male
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2009, 06:32:53 PM »
I use a Simmons 4X Pro Diamond shotgun scope. Plenty of eye relief and about half the size and weight of a 3-9 rifle scope.
Not all Muslims are terrorist, but oddly enough, all terrorist are Muslims.

Offline rebAL

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • *****
  • Posts: 554
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2009, 06:55:48 AM »
Thanks for all the feedback.  I finally decided on a Bushnell banner 1.75-4X32 "Slug gun" circle-X scope with 6" eye relief.  I have it mounted on traditional Weaver base & medium height rings.  $74. + shipping from D&R.  I just sighted it in and I'm happy!

Offline Capt Gary

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 163
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2009, 01:26:03 PM »
Mounted a Leupold Vari X III 1.5 X 5 on my 45/70 Katahdin. Seems to work out fine. Have not shot it yet. Hope to hit the range next week.

Good luck.

Keep us posted on how it works out.

Offline troy_mclure

  • Trade Count: (10)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 231
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2009, 05:12:45 AM »
i put on a Simmons trophy 2.5-5x40 shot gun scope, and a Talley 1 peice mount. its great, kinda weired seeing the bbl in the scope tho. lol

Offline Varmint Hunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 665
Re: Optics for 45/70 Encore
« Reply #11 on: May 14, 2009, 02:23:00 PM »
I second the vote for a Leupold Vari X III 1.5 X 5. I use a 30mm tube with ill. reticle. The ill. reticle works GREAT on black bears where the traditional black crosshairs just diappear.