The .45-70 Government is a legendary cartridge, capable of taking everything from whitetail deer to the largest, most dangerous game on the continent. This versatility, however, presents a unique challenge: choosing a riflescope that can handle the cartridge’s significant recoil while being suited for the close-quarters brush or the occasional longer shot. A scope that fails under recoil or has the wrong magnification range can turn a reliable rifle into a liability.
Your intended use is the most critical factor. A scout-style setup for fast target acquisition demands a long eye relief scope, while a traditional hunting scope for timber or open fields requires a different set of features. Durability, optical clarity, and a reticle that complements the .45-70’s trajectory are all paramount. This guide breaks down the top options to help you match the perfect scope to your rifle and hunting style.
Our Top Picks for Your .45-70 Rifle
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 MOA-Ring Reticle Riflescope
- Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Scope
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Dead-Hold BDC
- Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Pig-Plex Reticle Scope
- Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9x40mm BDC Reticle Rifle Scope
- Nikon P-Tactical Spur 2-7x32mm Circle Reticle Scope
- Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 AR-BDC3 Reticle
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope
For shooters utilizing a scout-style rifle configuration, the Vortex Crossfire II Scout is an outstanding choice. Its defining feature is the generous 9.45 inches of eye relief, which is crucial for managing the .45-70’s recoil and for acquiring targets quickly from unconventional shooting positions. The 2-7x magnification range is versatile, allowing for both fast, two-eyes-open shooting on low power and more precise shot placement when you turn it up.
The V-Plex reticle is a clean and simple design, perfect for the quick shots often presented when hunting with this cartridge. Fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright sight picture in low-light conditions, and the fast-focus eyepiece ensures your reticle is sharp. With capped reset turrets and Vortex’s legendary VIP warranty, this scope is built for hard use in the field.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 MOA-Ring Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 is a lightweight and rugged scope ideal for a brush-busting .45-70. Its low-profile magnification range is perfectly suited for the typical engagement distances of this powerful round, offering a wide field of view for tracking moving game. The matte finish and compact design give your rifle a sleek, professional look without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
This model features the unique MOA-Ring reticle, which places a small circle in the center of the crosshair. This design allows for extremely fast target acquisition at close ranges, as you simply put the circle on the target and shoot. Combined with Leupold’s scratch-resistant lens coatings and rugged, waterproof construction, the VX-Freedom is a trusted companion for any demanding hunt.
Burris Scout 2-7x32mm Ballistic Plex Reticle Scope
Another excellent option for scout rifles, the Burris Scout scope is engineered specifically for extended eye relief applications. It provides a comfortable and safe shooting experience with heavy-recoiling rifles like the .45-70. The 2-7x magnification offers the same practical versatility as other models in this class, making it a go-to for hunters who need speed and a bit of precision.
This scope is equipped with a Ballistic Plex reticle, which provides holdover points for longer shots, a useful feature for hunters who push the effective range of their .45-70. Built to withstand harsh conditions, it is waterproof and fog-proof. The quality optics deliver a clear, bright image, ensuring you can make the shot when it counts.
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12×40 Dead-Hold BDC
If your .45-70 duties include longer-range shooting at the range or hunting in more open terrain, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 is a fantastic choice. The higher magnification range allows you to see your target clearly at extended distances, while the 40mm objective lens gathers ample light for dawn and dusk hunting. This scope is for the shooter who wants maximum versatility.
It features the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is excellent for shooting at varying ranges where estimating holdover is necessary. The reticle is in the second focal plane, meaning it remains the same size at all magnification levels. With a single-piece tube construction, it is argon-purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Pig-Plex Reticle Scope
For the hunter seeking premium optical performance in a compact package, the Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5×20 is a top-tier selection. Part of Leupold’s HD series, this scope features advanced lens coatings that provide exceptional resolution, color fidelity, and low-light performance. The 1.5-5x range is arguably the ideal balance for a .45-70, offering a huge field of view on the low end and enough magnification for precise shot placement.
The Pig-Plex reticle is designed with a thick outer post that quickly frames your target, perfect for shooting in dense cover or at moving game. Despite its high-end features, the scope remains lightweight and durable. The Twilight Max Light Management System ensures you get every possible minute of shooting light in the early morning and late evening.
Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9x40mm BDC Reticle Rifle Scope
The Sig Sauer Buckmasters 3-9x40mm scope brings trusted performance and value to your .45-70 platform. This magnification range is the most popular in North America for a reason, providing a great balance for mid-range shots while still being usable in closer quarters. The 40mm objective lens offers a good balance of light transmission and a low mounting profile.
It comes with a BDC reticle that is calibrated for popular hunting cartridges, providing useful holdover points. Built with a one-inch main tube, it is shockproof and holds zero reliably, even under the sharp recoil of the .45-70. With Sig Sauer’s reputation for quality, this scope represents a solid, no-nonsense option for the practical hunter.
Nikon P-Tactical Spur 2-7x32mm Circle Reticle Scope
The Nikon P-Tactical Spur is a robust scope designed for modern sporting rifles, but its attributes translate perfectly to the .45-70. The 2-7x magnification is highly versatile, and the circle reticle is excellent for rapid aiming. Nikon’s optical expertise ensures bright, sharp images across the entire field of view.
This scope is built to be tough, with a shockproof design that can handle repeated recoil. It is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be both fog-proof and waterproof. While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the P-Tactical Spur remains a quality find for those who can locate one, offering reliable performance for a hard-hitting rifle.
Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 AR-BDC3 Reticle
For the ultimate in close-to-mid-range versatility, the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8×24 is a compelling first focal plane (FFP) option. The true 1x magnification on the low end allows for lightning-fast target engagement with both eyes open, just like a red dot sight. When you need precision, you can dial the magnification all the way up to 8x.
Being an FFP scope, the AR-BDC3 reticle increases in size as magnification increases, meaning the holdover points are accurate at any power setting. This is a significant advantage for making rapid, calculated shots at unknown distances. Although compact, it is built to military-spec standards for strength and reliability, making it more than capable of handling the .45-70.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scope for Your 45-70
Choosing the right glass for your 45-70 Government isn’t about finding the most expensive option; it’s about finding the scope that matches how you shoot. This cartridge is a classic, capable of everything from plinking to taking down large game at moderate distances. I always start by thinking about my intended use because that dictates everything else.
First, consider the magnification. If your 45-70 is a woods gun for thick brush and close-range encounters, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) like a 1-4x or 1-6x is perfect. It gives you a wide field of view for fast target acquisition. If you plan on stretching the legs of your 45-70 to 200 yards or so, a 2-7x or 3-9x scope is a fantastic and versatile choice. You don’t need massive magnification with this round.
Next, and this is critical, you need a scope that can handle the recoil. The 45-70 generates significant, sharp recoil impulse, especially in lighter rifles. A scope built for a .22LR will not last. Look for scopes that are specifically rated for heavy-recoiling cartridges. A robust internal construction and a reliable, shockproof warranty are your best friends here.
Eye relief is your personal safety feature. With a hard-kicking rifle like a 45-70, you want a scope with generous, consistent eye relief. I feel much more comfortable with a scope that offers at least 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief. This ensures that the scope eyepiece stays a safe distance from your eyebrow during recoil, preventing the infamous “scope bite.”
The reticle and objective lens size matter for practical use. A simple duplex reticle is fast and uncluttered for hunting. For the objective lens, a 32mm or 40mm is usually sufficient for the 45-70’s effective range, providing a good balance of light gathering without making the scope overly bulky. Finally, ensure you get quality rings and a solid base. Mounting a scope poorly on a 45-70 is a recipe for failure, no matter how good the optic is. A proper mounting system is the final, non-negotiable step in setting up your rifle. This complete buying guide for the top 8 best scope for 45-70 rifles 2025 should set you on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification scope is best for a 45-70?
For most 45-70 applications, a low to medium power variable scope is ideal. I find that a 1-4x, 1-6x, or 2-7x scope covers 99% of what this cartridge is used for. These magnifications give you a wide field of view for close-range shots in dense cover, while still providing enough zoom to place a precise shot out to 150-200 yards, which is near the practical limit for many hunters using this round.
Can a normal rifle scope handle 45-70 recoil?
Not all of them can. The 45-70 produces a unique, heavy recoil impulse that can destroy scopes not built for it. You should actively seek out scopes that are advertised as being shockproof and built for magnum calibers or heavy-recoiling rifles. It’s worth investing in a quality optic from a reputable manufacturer known for building tough products. A cheap scope will likely fail and could even get damaged.
Is a 1x red dot sight a good option for a 45-70?
Absolutely, especially for a brush gun. A red dot sight is fantastic for fast, both-eyes-open shooting at close ranges. They are light, have unlimited eye relief, and are very durable. The main drawback is the lack of magnification for longer shots. If all your shooting with the 45-70 will be inside 100 yards, a quality red dot is an excellent and very practical choice.
How important is eye relief on a 45-70 scope?
It is extremely important. Generous eye relief is a critical safety feature on a hard-kicking rifle like a 45-70. I would not use a scope with less than 3.5 inches of eye relief. More is better. This ensures that when the rifle recoils, the scope has a near-zero chance of hitting your face. A scope with short eye relief on a 45-70 is an invitation for a painful cut on your brow.
What is the effective range of a 45-70 with a scope?
This depends on the rifle and load, but for most lever-action 45-70s with traditional iron sights, 150 yards is a common practical limit. With a good scope, a shooter can effectively and ethically take game out to 200 yards, and sometimes a bit farther with practice and modern ammunition. However, the 45-70 truly shines as a close-to-mid-range powerhouse, and scoping one should reflect that reality. When looking at the top 8 best scope for 45-70 rifles 2025, you will notice they are all suited for this effective range bracket.