Author Topic: Which Scope for Guide Gun? (Read 2411 times)

davem270win · « **on:** September 15, 2006, 05:15:28 AM »

I'm now the proud owner of a guide gun in 45-70, but I'm debating how I should scope it. I'm leaning toward a 1.5 x 5 or similar scope mounted traditionally, but I'm curious about using a scout scope on this gun. My eyes are showing the effects of age, so I know I need optics.

Has anyone out there used a scout scope? What would you recommend? How do you feel the Marlin handles with a scope?

Thanks!

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2006, 10:28:19 AM »

Its hard to go wrong with a 2.5x leupold scout scope with heavy german post reticle. I can't think of a faster handling rig. Wouldn't be without one myself.

jerry52 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2006, 11:45:34 AM »

Scout scope all the way, I used quick detachable mounts and also put on AO post and ring sights. Can remove scope and keep zero, ring sights are good for "old eyes" and are a great back up to the scope.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2006, 02:58:49 PM »

I say regular type scope( I just can't get used to the optics mounted forward

)...I have had 2 1895GS's...1 ported...1 non-ported...Both set up with Leupold QWR bases and rings...and with a Leupold VX-1 2x7x33 scope...My new 1895 XLR is getting the same scope tonite...If available...I'll be switching the windage ajustable Leupold base and turn in rings I have on it now...for the Brockman Talley Quick Release set up..with the pop up peep site and trintium front site..You can have the best of both worlds this way...Oh...You can have it that way too with the scout set up too...

Mac

cwlongshot · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2006, 07:18:59 AM »

I put a Scout set up on one of my Marlin 375's. I like it so far...My hunting 45-70 Marlin wears a 2X7 Leupold VXII SHOTGUN scope.

Here is the 375:

I also added the AO sites at the same time. I opted for the Iridium front blade.

CW

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2006, 02:32:16 AM »

Quote from: Mac11700 on September 15, 2006, 02:58:49 PM

I say regular type scope( I just can't get used to the optics mounted forward )...I have had 2 1895GS's...1 ported...1 non-ported...Both set up with Leupold QWR bases and rings...and with a Leupold VX-1 2x7x33 scope...My new 1895 XLR is getting the same scope tonite...If available...I'll be switching the windage ajustable Leupold base and turn in rings I have on it now...for the Brockman Talley Quick Release set up..with the pop up peep site and trintium front site..You can have the best of both worlds this way...Oh...You can have it that way too with the scout set up too...

Mac

I have to agree, I like the standard set up a lot better. A 1.5X5 or 1X4 or 2X7 Leupold will work great.

markc · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2006, 06:45:07 AM »

Using a standard set up Nikon 3X9 on my .444P.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2006, 08:39:41 AM »

Here's my new 1895 XLR..It has the Leupold VX-1 in their turn in rings..and 1pc base for now...Brockmans set up will be on later this year..

Mac

reflex264 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2006, 05:59:28 PM »

I have played around with several set ups and my favorite on the GG is the V3 Weaver. Wide field of view and decently bright optics. My second favorite for the GG is a VX-III 1.75X6 with heavy cross hairs. Better optics and actualy my favorite set up on my long barrels but for the thicker areas I hunt with the GG the V3 is perfection. I can't handle the forward mounted scope on a rifle. Bad enough that I had to scope my hunting pistols. reflex264

Bullseye · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2006, 12:51:30 AM »

Mac 11700

You say that is a Leopold 1 pc base with Dual Turn in Rings. Is it made for something else and modified to fit the Marlin? I would like a Leupold Dual Dovetail setup on mine, but Leupold does not show that mount as an option, all they list is the standard base or the QR Rings.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 21, 2006, 10:22:39 PM »

The rings are #49901 (.770) Medium...and the base is #49987 336R...Here's a better close up of them..

Mac

Mad Dog · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2006, 12:50:11 AM »

I have a 1x4 leupold shotgun scope, with the heavy duplex crosshairs, on my .45-70 guide gun. To date I've taken 5 wild hogs, a javelina, and a black bear, with this set up from 40 ft. to 185 yds.

Mad Dog

Bullseye · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2006, 06:48:19 AM »

Mac11700

Thanks for the pictures and part numbers. Those are the standard base and rings where only the front ring is a dovetail. I do not like them and prefer the Dual Dovetail setup, not there is anything wrong with them, it is just not my preference.

Echo4Lima · « **Reply #13 on:** September 22, 2006, 07:35:59 AM »

Leupold 1-4X20 mounted on XS scout scope mount with rear of scope even with rear of receiver. No iron sights at all.

Im going to change to a Leu. 2-7X33 with the same eye relief. I just cant see at any distance with my current set up. Thinking about having the German #4 reticle put in.

I see a lot of you like the Scout Scope set up. How is it for distance with the 2X? I had a little buck @ about 140yds and couldnt see him well enough to shoot with my current set up. Thats why I'm looking at the 2-7X33.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #14 on:** September 23, 2006, 04:38:58 AM »

The scout set up is not a long range setup. its popular for shorter ranges with shooters that do not see as well as they once did.

It doesn't work with more than say 3X and that's pushing it 1 & 2X are better. So you are correct, unless you have fine cross hairs, a longish 140yd shot could be difficult if not impossible with a heavy duplex like the German #4.

Here is a shot of that reticule. I have it on my 500S&W handi. I LOVE it for what its i tended fore, Close range FAST site acquisition.

CW

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 23, 2006, 01:03:50 PM »

I wouldn't be quite so quick to discount the scout scopes abilities to shoot at longer ranges. I agree the heavy german post reticle isn't much useful out past 150-200 yards but thats about the max range of a 45/70 anyway. For longer range shooting the regular duplex reticle in the 2.5 leupold scout is plenty thin enough for precise shooting out to 300 yards on game, probably even farther in a flatter shooting caliber. My 9.3x62 wears a standard duplex scout scope and I shot my moose last year at 280 yards, it wasn't a hard shot at all. Now if shooting at say a fox or rabbit or something it would have been fairly difficult but I don't think deer at 300 yards would be that out of hand. There is a big difference between trying to shoot tiny groups at a range and placing a shot into the center of a larger target, like the chest of a deer for example. You will run out of trajectory before you run out of ability to shoot a good 2.5x scope with duplex reticle.

retiree · « **Reply #16 on:** September 23, 2006, 04:31:28 PM »

One brand of rings and bases that I haven't seen mentioned is the Warne brand. They are available for all of the 1895 variants and also the 1894's. What makes them the best in this application, at least to me, is their availability in solid steed and nickel finish. They also have VERY strong lever locking rings which are also steel and availible in nickel. I have one of the stainless 1894 guns in .44 Mag. and I just purchased one of the 45-70 XLR models. These rings and bases fit perfectly and allow quick revoval in order to use the iron sights. I have a stainless finish 2 X 7 Leupold on the 1894 and also a stainless finish Leupold 2.5 X 8 on the XLR. They definately look great and I want to get out the range to try this 45-70 XLR with the lever-evolution ammunition. These are available Midway (they seem to be the only ones who stock the nickel bases, although Brownell's said they would make a special order for them).

Buckmaster 30-30 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 24, 2006, 06:59:32 AM »

Hey bear 78... where did you get those synthetic stock and forarm ant.. that is one sharp looking rifle

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #18 on:** September 24, 2006, 03:13:55 PM »

That is a standard wood stock in my guide gun. I just removed the factory finish and use spray on bedliner. It has held up very well for 2 years now. It is as tough as any other stock material I have ever used. There are a couple of chips out of it in the checkering section of the forearm. I think its probably because I didn't get all of the factory finish off in those areas. Other than that it looks like the day I painted it. It spends a lot of time on the gunrack of my 4 wheeler and has numerous hard contacts with trees and branches every day.

Buckmaster 30-30 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 24, 2006, 04:10:11 PM »

I am thinking about doing my NEF 20 gauge like that ... i might be able to get a different set of stocks for my 336 and oing that if i can find a cheap set on ebay

Echo4Lima · « **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2006, 07:23:55 AM »

Leupolds German #4 has a fine crosshair with the post and horizontal duplex, with the fine crosshair all the way up on top. I think Longshots is the German #1.

?

308Win · « **Reply #21 on:** October 05, 2006, 09:05:16 AM »

If I put a scope on my 1895 Marlin it would be in the scout configuration.For my Bear hunting in thick timber and cover It's iron sights only.

ScoutMan · « **Reply #22 on:** October 05, 2006, 11:06:18 AM »

Scout Position: Leupold or Burris Scoutscope
Conventional Position: Leupold Ultralight 2.5X

Echo4Lima · « **Reply #23 on:** October 06, 2006, 09:56:48 AM »

I set mine up the way it is with the thought of woods/shorter ranges. However, I always come on to canyons and draws the present some longer than woods/short range shots.