The Best 45-70 Rifle Scopes

The .45-70 government cartridge was originally developed for use by the military for the Springfield 1873 rifle. These lever-action rifles sure are fun to shoot and man can the 45-70 cartridge pack a punch.If you want to convert your 45-70 into a traditional hunting rifle or just a range toy, stay tuned.

We asked our experts to do some research and find the best 45-70 scopes on the market. Below is what we found.

Rifle Scope Tactical 4×32 Red-Green-Blue Triple Illuminated Rapid Range Reticle Scope

If you are looking to top your 45-70 with glass, chances are you are looking for a full replacement for rifle sights. As such, going with a simple optic that has good glass is typically the goal, but what about those rifle sights that you won’t be using anymore?

A 4×32 is the solution you might be looking for, specially when it comes topped with a fiber optic rifle sight for close quarter engagements, because you don’t need any zoom to kill rabbits, foxes, or tree rats at close range.

This rifle scope gives you the option to use either, and while your “rifle sights” on the scope will have a much shorter sight distance than stock, they are there for those times when you want quick acquisition. The 4×32 combination so common on ACOGs is common for a reason. I

t means that you get an 8mm exit pupil that won’t dim incoming light or cause the sight picture to black out. This is a wonderful addition to that old Henry or Marlin rifle, extending the range, while allowing you a quick sight picture on top when you need it. You can get this particular rifle scope for your 45-70 on the cheap right now.

Simmons 8-Point Truplex Reticle Riflescope

If you are looking to turn your 45-70 into a more traditional hunting rifle, and using it in that pursuit, then a 3-9×50 is very likely the perfect optics range for that purpose. It’s wonderful for knocking down varmints at 100 yards or taking game at longer ranges.

The downside is that you will be losing the use of your rifle sights, and there is no short-range option. Still, this is the easiest and most cost effective way to convert your 45-70 to a deer rifle without the worry of a huge investment. A 50mm objective means that the scope will be collecting enough light to take down critters in the dark (at low magnification) while giving you full zoom-ability during the day to punch paper and target small game at long range.

Built tough for heavy recoil, this scope shouldn’t let you down. Don’t let the name fool you, Simmons makes decent-enough optical equipment for purpose. They ditched the fancy glass coatings to make a rugged tube for a budget price. It’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC

Still want to convert your 45-70 to a hunting rifle, but looking for something a bit higher class than a Simmons scope. Something that perhaps you won’t have to worry about when your weapon is riding side-saddle.

The Nikon Buckmasters is a rugged scope that won’t cost you a ton of money, yet remains a best buy in it’s class for having laser sharp optics, full weatherproofing, and a bright sight picture, while still being rugged enough to deal with the harshest terrain and conditions.

It holds zero, simple as that. No fuss, no worries, sight it in once and you are good to go, unless you happen to knock the gun hard enough to throw the rings out of alignment. Again, you will be giving up your rifle sights, you you want something that will fill in as a proper replacement. But for a designated hunting rifle, or simply upping the range for aging eyes, this is a top-notch scope at a very reasonable price.

Monstrum Tactical 1-6×24 First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope

Let’s face it, a 45-70 is generally not outfitted with glass for a reason. Rifle sights rule the caliber, and it’s a wonderful weapon for engaging short-range targets.

If you still want the power to take longer range shots with higher accuracy, but would like to retain your both-eye-open target acquisition for up close and personal shots, then give this scope from Monstrum Tactical a try. Fully adjustable from 1-6x zoom, and the small tube isn’t very intrusive.

It even comes with a lighted reticle for night use, like taking care of that crafty fox that’s been eating your chickens. When it comes to versatility, you can have it all in one scope that is built tough by a reliable company. Plenty of magnification to make the most of the 45-70’s effective range, and clear glass when you need it. What could be better?