Author Topic: Marlin 1895 45-70 scope magnification (Read 2368 times)

JMContender · « **on:** February 27, 2005, 11:39:48 AM »

I recently purchased a new 45-70, Marlin 1895 and I have decided to mount a scope on this rifle. I'm considering a fixed 4x, although a low magnification variable is not out of the question. Most hunting with this rifle will be deer hunting in heavy brush areas, although open fields do occur from time to time. The gun will also be used for black bear hunting in Canada over bait. Any input on scope magnification for this rifle will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
JM

jpstrait · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2005, 01:42:33 PM »

For the money you can't go wrong with a old, or new fixed 2.5 power weaver. Got a couple on my marlins and they are tough and in my opinion just as good as the high end scopes. For the kind of hunting your doing with that caliber, it ought to be plenty for magnification.

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2005, 07:28:27 PM »

JM,
I use a 1.75-5X on my GG with hunting conditions similar to what you describe. I keep it cranked down on 1.75X for the close shots and can raise it for longer shots which will probably not be as hurried. I think a variable with a 4X or 5X top power is enough for the effective range of a 45-70.
Best,
TnNuc

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2005, 08:01:03 PM »

You really can't beat a scout scope setup for the Guide guns. I have a 2.5x Ier Leupold scout scope on my GS. I went with the heavy german post reticle because of how easy it was to find agains dark or brushy backgrounds. Even the heavy post is good enough for shots out to 150-200 yards.

Mad Dog · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2005, 01:27:11 AM »

I have a 1-4x leupold shotgun scope on my GG. It has the heavy duplex crosshairs, and is just the ticket out to 150 yds., or so.

Mad Dog

tbmaker · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2005, 06:03:13 PM »

I've got a 1.75x4.5 Swift and very happy with it.
Had a straight 2 power on my 30-06 for many years and never felt under scoped. The small variable just adds convienence.

Old Griz · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2005, 06:08:00 PM »

:cb2: After being whacked between the eyes with a 3x9 scope, I went with a Simmons 4x shotgun scope with 5.5 in. of eye relief. The 4x is all you need with the ranges you'll use a .45-70, and I was amazed at the sight picture of the Simmons scope. I have Leupold and Burris scopes, and love them, but the brightness and clarity of the picture of this scope has made me rethink my options. I may stick with fixed.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2005, 03:10:16 AM »

I put a Leupold VX-III 1.75 X 6 X 32mm with weaver see thru rings on my 1895. I couldn't be happier with it.....

Danny Boy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2005, 02:15:06 PM »

I have a Bushnell 2-7x scope on my 1895. It fit Okay - not too bulky or heavy.

I have also tried a Bushnell Holosight. It is great for target acquisition. However, I can't see too well with it over 100 yards. It is a great alternative in heavy woods.

Danny Boy

big medicine · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2005, 06:39:16 PM »

I have the Leupold 1-4 by 20mm on my guide guns. I dont like the shotgun scopes because the paralax is set at 75 yards. I have those scopes on a few rifles and I dont think a guy can go wrong with them.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2005, 07:30:21 PM »

The Leupld 2-7x will give you 4.9" of eye relief. I've used mine to shoot my "Rhino Blaster" loads, a 460g hardcast at 1812fps and about 43 foot-pounds of recoil. If you need more eye relief than that you should consider a scout mount.

Danny Boy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2005, 03:20:59 AM »

Quote from: Coyote Hunter

The Leupld 2-7x will give you 4.9" of eye relief. I've used mine to shoot my "Rhino Blaster" loads, a 460g hardcast at 1812fps and about 43 foot-pounds of recoil. If you need more eye relief than that you should consider a scout mount.

Eye Relief - A great point of discussion!

My Bushnell 2-7X has a 3" eye relief. It lightly touched my shooting glassess a few time when I was in a hurry. Something to consider for you 45/70.

Danny Boy

Asa Lenon · « **Reply #12 on:** March 14, 2005, 04:39:19 AM »

I have one of the old 1970 4X Weavers on my 1895SS 45/70. I also have the Weaver see through rings that screw right to the rifle without the need for mounts so the scope sits lower. (Wal-Mart carries the see through rings) I use it for deer in heavy timber and brush so the combination 4X scope and see through rings make a perfect set-up in my opinion. Love this rifle, it my favorite!

Camp Cook · « **Reply #13 on:** March 29, 2005, 10:28:38 AM »

I used to use a Leupold Vari X 11 1-4X with Leupold QD rings and Warnes 2 piece bases on my Marlin 1895GS.

Do to a vision problem I have had to increase the power on scopes lately so have now switched to a Leupold Compact 2-7X scope with the same rings.

I also use XS backup Ghost ring sights when the scope is off the gun.

hemlock-45/70 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 29, 2005, 12:37:45 PM »

I'd vote for the 2x7 Leupold or something similar. Compact, rugged, good eye relief and a good range of power. Many won't agree, but I feel that 7 or 9 power is very useful in thick cover. I hunt very thick and brushy areas. The higher powered scopes will show you branches, as well as holes in the brush to shoot through. I've hunted with 3 and 4 power scopes, and it just isn't enough to see well at say 50-70 yards in the thick stuff.

This all depends on how you hunt, and where you hunt. The stand hunter, or cautious still-hunter can use the higher magnification to their advantage. Those who unload their rifle at running deer in thick brush won't need or want a higher powered scope. I find that normally the scope stays at 2 or 3 power for most of it's life. That will work for a great many, or even most shots in more open areas. My feeling is why not have the option of turning it up when needed. My last 3 deer were taken at 9 power, and from 40-80 yds. Some will laugh and say it's foolish to use 9 power at 40 yds. I'd rather actually "see" where my bullet is going, rather than spray and pray.

cam69conv · « **Reply #15 on:** March 29, 2005, 07:39:07 PM »

Cant believe the nikon scopes havnt been mentioned...I have the 2.5-7 nikon shotgun scope on my .444 and Im VERY comfy out to 200 yrds with it...Increadible clairity and plenty of eye relief..(dont like scope eye maself) Reasonably priced. If I remember correctly I paid 125 for mine

pc · « **Reply #16 on:** April 04, 2005, 02:56:17 AM »

I have a 2.5x compact on my marlin 45/70 and I reckon it is a great scope for a 45/70 heaps of eye releif and near impossible to whack you.

RayA · « **Reply #17 on:** April 05, 2005, 02:23:42 PM »

Good Post guys. Ive been wanting to scope up my 1895 also. ole eyes aint what they use to be.good to see all the diff variances in what brands and powers everyone has. iam thinkingof goin with a fixed 6 power my self. i have a wide view 6 pwr on my siam mauser and its really about all a guy needs. I'll have to check some the rest of these out though. RayA

tanoose · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2005, 10:44:41 AM »

I prefer a small variable like the old weaver V4.5 (1.5x4.5) I'll walk around on 1.5 and then 4.5 when i hunt fields. My Dad just put a Bushnell Trophy 1.75x5 on his lever .35 remington.

Gurn · « **Reply #19 on:** April 22, 2005, 07:14:14 AM »

I've got a Burris compact matte finish 4X on my 45/70. It works great and looks real good.

Nanook 450 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 26, 2005, 03:17:24 PM »

Went from a 2.5 x 8 Leupold III to a 1.5 x 5 Leupold III on my 450.

Went from a Burris Scout to a 1.5 x 5 Leupold III on my LTD V 45-70.

Put that Burris Scout on my 1894p, short barreled 44 mag + Ashley Ghost Ring set-up.

I've not put the 2.5 x 8 on anything yet - with quick release rings, its still set for my 450. Was wishing for a bit more magnification while hog hunting recently - could not see well during that magic last 10 minutes before legal shooting time is up.

gallatin · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2005, 06:15:16 PM »

I have started to read these old post for info on scopes for my 1985CB.
At my locale gun shop I was amased at the clarity and brightness of nikon and simmons scopes. As to mounts I'd like to try the quick release type mounts, I have a folding leaf buckhorn. One poster talked of walmart see through mounts that screw to the gun rather than to bases. How do thease work
John

v-man · « **Reply #22 on:** July 08, 2005, 12:42:40 AM »

I've got to agree with The Bear. Scout mounted Leupold 2.5X IER.
Mounts low & tight to barrel, fast target aquisition and can take the thumpin'. About 6 years of hundreds of heavy handloads and no sign of failure. My hunting is almost always under 100 yards and 2.5X has been plenty.

old06 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 08, 2005, 05:10:27 PM »

On my close cover rifles I use 1 3/4 - 5 X 20 or very simular type scope made by Simmons, Leupold, Tasco, and Zeiss, there are many more mfg that make a scope that would fill this slot. Last week I picked up a Simmons diamond recticle 1 3/4 - 5 X 20 on a Marlin 336 and it still retains it balance and shoulders with quick targer aquazisiton good light transimission.

hogship · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2005, 04:27:05 AM »

Anyone here tried a red dot or holo sight on their guide gun.

Me, I just have the XS ghost ring sights on mine.....I'm satisfied with it.

hog