optics and or sights for the 45-70 GG

[Muskie Hunter]

I just bought a Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70.Does anyone have any suggestions for setting it up for a different sighting system then what comes with the rifle?I've heard of ghost rings,peep sights,Leupold scout scope etc. but I am not familiar with any of these.I wear bifocal glasses if that is a help or hinderence.Which way to go with any of these items or others?The rifle will be used for black bear hunting either fair chase or over bait.

[Lloyd Smale]

I have a brockman peep and front post on mine and like them but there expensive. I williams peep and stock front will suffice. Dont like scopes on lever guns. there not needed at the ranges the guns are effective for and they ruin the lines and balance of a nice lever gun.

[Coyote Hunter]

Muskie Hunter –

Congrats on your new .45-70.  

Here’s the set-up I have on the .45-70 and .375Win:

Williams FireSight Front bead (~ $19)
Marlin “cut-out” front hood (Under $5)
Warne “Quick Disconnect” rings and bases (~ $60)

For scopes I chose the Leupold VXII 2-7x33 for the .45-70.  It provides 4.9” eye relief, which is a very good thing when shooting heavy loads.  I’ve shot my “Rhino Blaster” loads (43 foot-pounds recoil with the scope in place) with no problems.  The .375Win got a used Leupold M8 4x.  Both scopes are fairly compact.

When the scope is off, the FireSight front bead really helps me align the sights with the target.  Works fine with the factory rear sight, although in low light situation the FireSight rear would be a worth while addition.  The Marlin “cut-out” hood is a must, otherwise you have to remove the hood for the FireSight to get enough light to work.

My “new” .30-30 will get the same treatment.

[Muskie Hunter]

I like your set-ups and am still kicking it around.I wear tri-focals and iron or peep sighting might be a problem.I'll have to shoot the guide gun more to find out.I know that when I shoot my pistols,I have a rough time shooting cause my glasses conflict with the sight picture but maybe the ghost ring and firesight deal would be good.

[Thebear_78]

I recomend a good ghost ring set up, either wild west guns, brockmans, or XS sights.  I have the XS sights on my Stainless guide gun.  I also like the xs scout mount and the leupold 2.5 scout scope.  its almost as fast as the ghost rings sights and really nice for shooting out 150-200 yards.

[dla]

I just bought a Marlin Guide Gun...

The GG is a handy packing rifle. Don't put anything on it that mess's that quality up. Scopes, in my opinion, are a no-no. Get a good peep sight setup. The Williams WRGS receiver with a Firesight front bead is a good combo. You might order the stainless cutout hood that Marlin puts on it's stainless Model 60 22lr. to protect the fibre bead and not interfere with your sight picture.

[TennesseeNuc]

Muskie Hunter,
I have a Leupold 1.75-5X mounted on my GG.  For me, it's an ideal setup.  Now that I need bi-focals, my iron sight days are just about over and the low powered variable just fits my needs.
I initially set it on it's lowest power for a wide field of view for closer shots, but can crank it up for longer distances.  5X is plenty of power considering the 45-70's effective range.
Best of luck with your choice.  I'll bet your going to enjoy your GG.
Best,
TnNuc

[Mad Dog]

I wear bifocals, and I put a 1-4x leupold shotgun scope[thick reticles] on mine.  I love the setup.

Mad Dog

[dla]

I like your set-ups and am still kicking it around.I wear tri-focals and iron or peep sighting might be a problem.I'll have to shoot the guide gun more to find out.I know that when I shoot my pistols,I have a rough time shooting cause my glasses conflict with the sight picture but maybe the ghost ring and firesight deal would be good.

With a peep sight, all you have to do is "see" the front sight. You look "through" the receiver sight. I can use a peep much easier than the stock sights. With the larger aperature of the ghost ring, head position becomes more important. Consistancy in mounting the gun will yield excellent accuracy. I eventually put a kisser button on the stock of my GG - functions as it does on my bow. I put the button in corner of my mouth when mounting thus ensuring a consistant head placement.

[Muskie Hunter]

I put a nice Leupold scope 1.5x5 on my blue guide gun and am going to a get back-up ghost ring and firesight front for  it too.
My better half couldn't stand the thought of not having her own guide gun so she got one in stainless.I ordered a firesight front and the wwg ghost ring sight for it and installed them on her guide gun. I really like the ghost ring set up on her gun and it works great with my trifocals too.Shooting is fun again.

[Thebear_78]

If you already have the weaver base on your receiver check out the backup ghost ring sights made by XS. they have one that will clamp right onto the weaver base.
http://www.aosights.com/catbackup.html