The Best Scope for .45-70 Government | Top Picks and Reviews

The .45-70 is a very popular cartridge and is considered one of the best hunting calibers of all time. It  has proven capable of taking all types of big games.

Many even use it to protect themselves against grizzlies and polar bears. This rifle caliber has enough power to take down any big game. However, it is a little bit deficient in range.

As a result, you need the best scope for 45-70 to step up your game and extend your shooting range farther. We will also provide you with a guide that would help streamline your decision-making process.

Here are our top recommendations for the best scopes for .45-70 rifles:

The Best Scopes for .45-70 Rifles Are:

Product	Details
1. UTG 3-9x32 1” BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-Dot, QD Rings	Top Pick	3 to 9x 9.4 inches 13.9 ounces	Check Current Price
2. Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40mm Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)		3 to 9x 12.4 inches 16 ounces	Check Current Price
3. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6x24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes		1 to 6x 10.5 inches 17.6 ounces	Check Current Price
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Second Focal Plane Riflescope		1.75 to 5x N/A 14.6 ounces	Check Current Price
5. Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope		3 to 9x 12.6 inches 15 ounces	Check Current Price
6. BARSKA 3-9x40 Huntmaster 30/30 Riflescope		3to 9x 12.2 inches 12.9 ounces	Check Current Price
7. Primary Arms Classic 1-4x24 SFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated Duplex Dot Reticle		1 to 4x 11 inches 17 ounces	Check Current Price

1. UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-Dot, QD Rings — Best Scope for Marlin 45 70

The UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope is one of the most popular scopes out there and it is one of the best scopes for 45-70. This scope comes with many great features at a pocket-friendly price. The red dog of this scope can change from red to green and then back to red when the light is turned on.

One of the most outstanding features of this scope is its lock system; this allows you to lock your settings for perfect target acquisition. The lock system of this scope is better than that of most scopes in the market.

This scope is completely sealed and 100 percent nitrogen filled. This feature completely prevents water, dust, and fog from entering into the scope. It is also shockproof, which helps to prevent common damages when it drops.

This scope is ideal for all shooters and hunters, regardless of the environmental or weather condition, thanks to its generous eye relief and dual red and green illumination.

This unit also comes with detachable rings, high-quality lens caps, and a 2-inch sunshade. The magnification range of this scope is 3x to 9x. This provides you with a minimum zoom level of 3x and a maximum zoom level of 9x, which is great for short and medium-distance shootings. It comes with a 32mm objective lens, which provides clear and sharp images.

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2. Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40mm Black Matte Riflescope (BDC)

The Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40mm Black Matte Riflescope is a compact scope that packs quite a punch. It is one of the best scopes for 45-70, as it offers a great picture quality and magnification range.

This unit comes with Nikoplex Reticle, which is one of the most outstanding features of this scope. It is a great option for those that prefer traditional reticles with a single aiming point and without too may clutter.

This scope offers the best picture quality, as the optics come with multiple anti-reflective layers to ensure intense light transmission. It also offers great contrast regardless of how dim the environment is.

This unit allows you to return to zero without reversing count clicks, thanks to its adjustment turrets that come with a quick reset facility. It comes with O-ring seals and nitrogen-purged lenses to prevent water, fog, and dust from entering it. It is also shockproof, which is another great feature.

The magnification range of this scope is 3x to 9x, which means a minimum zoom level of 3 times and a maximum zoom level of 9 times. This zoom range is perfect for near to medium-range shots, which is mostly what the 45-70 rifle is used for.

The objective lens of this scope is also pretty large, at 40mm. It comes with a fully multicoated optical system that transmits up to 98 percent of available light.

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3. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescopes

The next on our list is the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Second Focal Plane Riflescopes. This is one of the most reliable scopes out there for 45-70. It is a high-quality scope, and it comes with great features including BDC reticle.

This scope also comes with a magnification range that is great for short to medium-range shootings. The minimum zoom level is 1x while the maximum zoom level is 6x.

This scope comes with a BDC reticle, and it is known for its speed and versatility. With this reticle and the magnification range of this scope, you can acquire targets with ease no matter the distance. It also comes with a 24mm objective lens that offers clear sight pictures.

This would help you aim better, providing you with a better hunting experience. The integrity of this scope is further boosted by its multicoated lenses. This also contributes to the clarity of images regardless of the lighting condition.

It has 11 different illumination levels, giving you more versatility when hunting. The battery lasts for a long time, and it also comes with an extra battery that you can store conveniently in the windage cap.

This scope also features a fast focus dial, which can be found on the eyepiece. You can use this scope in any weather condition, as it is waterproof, fog-proof, and even shockproof.

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4. Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5x32mm Second Focal Plane Riflescope

If you are looking for the best scope for 45-70 with great precision, then you should consider the Vortex Optics Diamondback 1.75-5×32 riflescope. This is a precision scope and it is one of the best scopes for short-range shootings.

The lowest magnification range of this scope is 1.75x, which is great for focusing on closer targets. The maximum zoom range is 5x, and it is great for focusing on mid-range targets.

This scope comes with a precision glide erector system that makes the turret swivel and adjusters very easy and smooth to operate. It is waterproof and highly durable. This scope also comes with outstanding lenses, as it comes with multicoated lenses to provide you with optimal clarity and great colors.

It comes with a 32mm objective lens that allows for a great amount of light penetration for bright images. The scope allows you to keep track of targets regardless of the time of the day, as it works very well in low and high light conditions. It features a solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish to boost durability and shockproof performance.

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5. Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof Fogproof Riflescope

Leupold is a name in the hunting gear industry that many hunters and shooters have come to appreciate and love over the years. This is because this brand is known for making some of the best hunting gears in the market, including scopes. The Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm Compact Waterproof, Fogproof riflescope is one of the best scopes for 45-70.

This scope is built to keep water and dust from entering it. It is also fog-proof, which allows you to use it even in foggy conditions. It comes with a great zoom range that is ideal for short and medium-range shootings. The minimum zoom level is 3x while the maximum zoom range is 9x.

The objective lens of this scope is 40mm, which is large enough to allow for a great amount of light to pass through to provide you with super clear and sharp images.

The VX-1 from Leupold is a multi-purpose scope and it provides you with the versatility you need to handle unpredictable, diverse hunting scenarios. The reticle of this scope also holds zero very well for up to 200/300 yards.

It also features a centralized circle that is ideal for getting moving targets in your crosshairs. This scope gives crystal clear, HD pictures, with minimum glare and maximum contrast.

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6. BARSKA 3-9×40 Huntmaster 30/30 Riflescope

The BARSKA 3-9x40mm Huntmaster 30/30 Riflescope is another great scope for 45-70. This product is very popular for its integrity and solid performance. It is made with heavy-duty materials and it is highly durable. This high-quality scope is built to help shooters and hunters enhance their shooting accuracy and skills.

It features a magnification range of 3x to 9x, which is great for short to medium-range shootings. This scope has a 1” tube diameter and it comes with a 40mm objective lens that provides crystal clear and sharp pictures.

This unit comes with complete accessories such as scope caps, lens cloth, and mounting rings. In addition to these great features, this scope is highly affordable and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

This scope comes with fully coated optics and a 30/30 reticle. It is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. It also has an attractive silver finish that gives it a unique look. The eye relief of this scope is 3.3 inches, which is a bit small.

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7. Primary Arms Classic 1-4×24 SFP Rifle Scope with Illuminated Duplex Dot Reticle — Best Scope for Lever Action .45-70

Primary Arms is another brand that made waves in the optics industry a couple of years back. This brand also makes great quality and durable scopes. The Primary Arms Classic 1-4×24 scope is one of the finest the brand has made.

This unit features a minimum magnification range of 1x with a maximum magnification range of 4x, making it one of the best scopes for short-range shootings. It comes with fully multicoated optics with an objective lens of 24mm, which is a bit small.

This scope is fog-resistant, which means you do not have to worry about fog issues. You will not have to deal with water also, as it is completely waterproof. The scope is also shockproof, and it is less likely to get damaged by any normal means.

The eye relief is up to 5 inches, which is great compared to other similar scopes, and it adds to the safety of the user. This is one of the best scopes for liver action 45 70 and it comes with adjustable ocular to ensure the reticle is sharp enough. It has 12 brightness settings and you can use it in low-light conditions.

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Guide for Buying the Best Scope for .45-70

Magnification

The magnification range of a scope is one of the most important things you need to look for when buying a scope for 45 70. For .45-70 rifles, you do not need an ultra-powerful magnification.

This caliber is known for accuracy, and the accuracy comes from windage, not the elevation. Scopes with higher magnification ranges will run out of adjustment before you get the shot. As such, we recommend you go for a scope with lower power.

Durability

When it comes to durability, there is a two-fold requirement. Firstly, you want to make sure the scope comes with the normal durability options such as waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.

These features greatly contribute to the durability of the scope and they allow you to use it in any weather or environmental conditions.

Eye Relief

The space between the scope and your eye matters for accuracy and personal safety. You should go for a scope with a lot of eye relief, as you do not want to be left with a black eye after firing your weapon. The larger the eye relief, the better. The minimum eye relief space you should opt for is 3 inches.

Light Transmission

Your scope should be able to produce super clear and sharp pictures with great contrast, regardless of what time of the day it is. Since you cannot always tell how long your hunting sessions will take, you need to opt for a scope that produces quality images even in low-light conditions.

Conclusion

With the reviews and buyer’s guide in this article, choosing the best scope for 45 70 should no longer be a daunting task. From the products reviewed in this guide, our top pick is the UTG 3-9×32 1” BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-Dot, QD Rings because it comes with a great magnification range, a multicoated lens, generous eye relief, and it is durable.