Scope alternatives

[rebAL]

I want to improve my encore 45/70 sights without throwing weight & handling of firearm.  I would be shooting big game at distances up to 100 yards.  What are my best options & cost?  Thanks, Al

[Bigeasy]

Peep sights like those by Williams, for example, about $75.  A small holographic sight like the Bushnell FastFire 2, about $200.

Larry

[243dave]

I realize you are looking for a scope alternative but have you considered a small, low powered scope??  A small shotgun scope such as the bushnell banner with 1.5x4.5 power and a heavy plex may fit your needs.  For about $70 its a lot of scope for the $$.  Compact and light with lots of eye relief and set at low power gives you lots of FOV while at its high setting allows you to shoot at longer ranges more accurately.  I got one on a 45colt trapper and I love it.  The scope took my little trapper from a 75yd gun to a 150yd gun.  The factory irons left a lot to be desired and plus the scope helps out a good bit at low light.  Dave  

[rebAL]

I realize you are looking for a scope alternative but have you considered a small, low powered scope?    

  Yeah Dave I tried it and took it off after drawing blood;  Not from the game but from my nose.  It was the bushnell with 6" eye relief. 

[woodchukhntr]

How the heck did you get hit with a scope with a 6" eye relief?  What gun are you using?  You had better give me the scope before it bites again

[rebAL]

How the heck did you get hit with a scope with a 6" eye relief?  What gun are you using?  You had better give me the scope before it bites again

I guess it's a combination of encore short stock design , 45/70 hornady leverevolution ammo, and my anatomy.

[woodchukhntr]

Ah yes, the old "combination of encore short stock design , 45/70 hornady leverevolution ammo, and anatomy" trick.

Go for the peep sight, but make sure that you have a proper height front sight.

[jhm]

     They have SURGERY to correct that anatomy issue     Jim

[rebAL]

I just ordered a tru-glo multi reticle red/green dot.  Price was right;  Hope it works out.  Anyone here have any experience with one for big game, heavy caliber,short range?

[rebAL]

Tru-glow arrived and installed on encore 45/70.  So far I like it;  Hope it can withstand recoil.

[drdougrx]

Try a Leupold scout scope.  It's 2.5x and requires 9-13" of eye relief.

[mrussel]

     They have SURGERY to correct that anatomy issue     Jim

 I think there was an old play and a movie made from it about that.

[rebAL]

Tru-glow arrived and installed on encore 45/70.  So far I like it;  Hope it can withstand recoil.

  Returned it today.  Cross-hair reticle moves from 45/70 recoil.  I am exchanging it for BSA which is supposed to be "Shockproof".  We'll see.

[rebAL]

BSA has feature that allows you to "Lock in" reticle after sighting in which should help keep it aligned and recoil-proof.  So far so good.

[mrussel]

Ah yes, the old "combination of encore short stock design , 45/70 hornady leverevolution ammo, and anatomy" trick.

Go for the peep sight, but make sure that you have a proper height front sight.

 Do you have to sit when you hold your rifle like that? Ordinarily your rifle should be up around your shoulder,well clear of your "anatomy" 

[rebAL]

Ah yes, the old "combination of encore short stock design , 45/70 hornady leverevolution ammo, and anatomy" trick.

Go for the peep sight, but make sure that you have a proper height front sight.

 Do you have to sit when you hold your rifle like that? Ordinarily your rifle should be up around your shoulder,well clear of your "anatomy" 

  I think problem it only happens when I scrunch up on bench or sitting while sighting in.  Rifle comes straight up when shooting off-hand. 

[rebAL]

BSA has feature that allows you to "Lock in" reticle after sighting in which should help keep it aligned and recoil-proof.  So far so good.

  Returned BSA;  Couldn't get reticle to stay fixed shooting 45/70 leverevolution ammo.   

[shvlhead.45]

Brother and I have been shooting Handi-Rifles in .45/70 for going on two years with Bushnell Trophy Red Dots.  Mine is the $130 with four reticles and his is the older plain jane version with a the larger dot.  Neither have exhibited any signs of failure due to recoil and both of us shoot mid-level Marlin handloads and Hornady LeverEvolution rounds.  My brother had his on an Encore .454 pistol for a while. 

Best of luck finding what works.

v/r
Shvlhead.45

[rebAL]

Brother and I have been shooting Handi-Rifles in .45/70 for going on two years with Bushnell Trophy Red Dots.  Mine is the $130 with four reticles and his is the older plain jane version with a the larger dot.  Neither have exhibited any signs of failure due to recoil and both of us shoot mid-level Marlin handloads and Hornady LeverEvolution rounds.  My brother had his on an Encore .454 pistol for a while. 

Best of luck finding what works.
Thanks for feedback.  BSA & Tru-glo were under $50.  Right now I'll stay with open sights this year.  Perhaps I'll try the Bushnell Trophy next year.   
v/r
Shvlhead.45

[Swampman]

I realize you are looking for a scope alternative but have you considered a small, low powered scope?    

  Yeah Dave I tried it and took it off after drawing blood;  Not from the game but from my nose.  It was the bushnell with 6" eye relief. 

I'd suggest grasping the rifle before you pull the trigger.  The .45-70 doesn't have much recoil even with hot loads.