Rifle Scope Bleg
BY Herschel Smith
1 year, 7 months ago
Let’s say that, hypothetically, you have two rifles, a Marlin 45-70 and a Marlin 30-30. I think both rifles are close enough in ballistics (even with the massive weight difference) that they can be considered together. Neither rifle is considered a 400 yard rifle – they’re both effective at 0 – 200 yards or so, with the 45-70 drop more significant further out than the 30-30. But let’s go ahead and lump the two cartridges together for the sake of argument.
You obviously don’t need a 4X24 scope, and besides, a good one with that power would cost too much for the rifle it would be mounted on to be worth it.
What power would you recommend? What brand would you recommend? Obviously, the stipulation is not breaking the bank (no Steiner, no Schmidt and Bender, etc.). Also quite obviously, this would be best in a SFP scope. Any shot requiring use of high magnification and subtensions is probably too far for those rifles. Assume that the scope is for use within and zeroed at 100 yards, but used by folks with failing eyes.
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On April 2, 2023 at 9:04 pm, Oldude said:
1-4 LPVO with a Lit Reticule in just the center.
Or
A dot with a Magnifier I could flip
out of the way.
imo.
On April 2, 2023 at 9:43 pm, X said:
Leupold Freedom 1-4x. $299.
I wish they still made the 1-4x Mark AR, that was a great scope.
On April 2, 2023 at 10:57 pm, Furminator said:
Yeah, failing eyes. As I’ve consigned myself to shooting acceptibly with age thanks to optics I’ve concluded better glass beats lower magnification. I would opt for a LPVO 1-4 or 1-6 zeroed around 1.5″ high 100 yds. Should give you a PBZ to 200 zd. I have over half a dozen Vortex brand with zero failures, others argue against…
On April 3, 2023 at 6:08 am, Latigo Morgan said:
I like my 1-4x scopes so much (Bushnell and Burris around $300), I got a Primary Arms 1-8x (around $500). I don’t HAVE to use the 8x magnification setting, but it’s there if I want it.
Since I live and hunt an area where I can be busting through thick brush with a max distance of 30 yards only to come out of it into a cleared lane where a 500-600 yard shot is possible, the red dot LPVO is very useful (not that I’d attempt a 500 yd shot on game).
On April 3, 2023 at 6:20 am, MN Steel said:
My Savage 240C in .30-30 has been wearing a Weaver KV 2.5-5 with fine crosshairs since I got it 33 years ago. I’ve only used 170 grain Corelokts or Winchesters, it’s what the rifle likes.
It stays on 2.5 power, isn’t the best in lowlight conditions, and is kind of heavy for a brush gun. It also puts meat on the table. There’s a couple other firearms out there that could meet the bill better by almost all accounts, but I go back to this combo every time.
Who cares what others think about what is best for you, I wouldn’t like 1911s if they didn’t fit my hand and shoot well for me, too.
On April 3, 2023 at 7:05 am, jrg said:
I’m with MN Steel’s thoughts. A fixed 2 1/2x Leupold handgun scope is on my Marlin 336 30-30 mounted on XS scout mount is handy. Very early morning – very late dusk could use a bit more light gathering, but at the expense of all day – every day weight and bulk – I’ll manage. Our deer are smaller, so 150 gr bullets work fine.
Good comments made – thank you for providing topic.
On April 3, 2023 at 8:35 am, Brian T said:
Leupold VX III 1.5X5
On April 3, 2023 at 9:36 am, Herschel Smith said:
Guys are recommending the Leupold 1.5X5 but that one is out of production and out of stock everywhere.
Vortex does have a 1-4X24 Crossfire.
On April 3, 2023 at 10:59 am, Coelacanth said:
Depending on the age of the guns, Hornady makes the LeverEvolution rounds that turn the old lever rifles into legitimate 300 yard plus guns. Cabelas’s markets a scope that is drop compensated to 300 yards specially for those rounds. My 1895 CS wears one and it’s a decent optic, especially for the price.
On April 3, 2023 at 12:55 pm, =TW= said:
All of my scoped carbines are equipped with 4X scopes. (The CZ 527 w/ a 1-4X variable.)
I find 4X magnification adequate under most conditions, at reasonable ranges.
Each has a Duplex reticle- to prevent confusion when switching between platforms.
On April 3, 2023 at 8:55 pm, Oldbev said:
Personally I have capitalized on everyone wanting the latest and greatest 1×30 lit retical 50mm objective lense wonder scope and been buying up all the fixed low power Leupold scopes I come across. Not that some of rifles don’t have quality hi power scopes on them. But for me a lever gun just feels and looks better with a receiver sight .
On April 6, 2023 at 10:13 am, Ozark Redneck said:
I have Leupold 1.5-4×25 VX Freedom on both my 45-70 & 30-30, and Leupold 2.5×20 FX-11 on my 22 mag lever actions
On April 6, 2023 at 11:23 am, Herschel Smith said:
The problem with all of these Leupold recommendations is that they go out of production about as quickly as they go in. Leupold is notorious for this. It’s almost become a meme in the gun community.