The .45-70 Government cartridge has been hunting big game in North America since 1873. A 405 grain cast bullet or a 300 grain jacketed hollow point at 1,800 to 2,100 fps delivers massive energy at close range, exactly what a woods hunter, dangerous game tracker, or hog hunter needs inside 200 yards.
Scope selection for the .45-70 follows from two constraints. First, the cartridge’s effective hunting range is 150 to 200 yards depending on load and rifle.
High magnification scopes are wasted on a cartridge with this trajectory. A 2-7x is ideal. A 3-9x is the maximum useful magnification for practical .45-70 use. Second, the .45-70 generates sharp, heavy recoil, especially from lightweight lever action rifles like the Marlin 1895.
Recoil is measured at 30 to 50 ft-lbs depending on load and rifle weight, which eliminates scopes with short eye relief and bargain-tier construction.
Eye relief is the critical safety specification. A scope with less than 4 inches of eye relief on a hard-kicking .45-70 lever gun is a scope bite waiting to happen. Every pick on this list has adequate eye relief for this cartridge.
Best Scopes for .45-70 Comparison
| # | Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 | HD glass, 4.4 in ER, CDS dial, lifetime warranty | Check Price |
| 2 |  |
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Dead-Hold BDC, VIP warranty, 3.9 in ER | Check Price |
| 3 |  |
Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 | 4.5 in ER, Forever warranty, Ballistic Plex | Check Price |
| 4 |  |
Nikon ProStaff 2-7×32 | BDC reticle, budget price, 4.1 in ER | Check Price |
| 5 |  |
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 | Twilight clarity, 4.7 in ER, lifetime warranty | Check Price |
#1 Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 – Best Overall
The Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 is the best overall scope for the .45-70 because it combines the widest minimum magnification on this list with Leupold HD glass and a 4.4-inch eye relief that keeps the shooter safe on even the hardest-kicking .45-70 loads from a lightweight lever gun.
The 2.5x minimum gives a wide field of view for fast shots on moving game in heavy timber. The 8x ceiling is more than sufficient for clean shots at 200 yards, the practical limit of the cartridge.
HD glass delivers Leupold’s characteristic low-light clarity for the dawn and dusk shots that define deer and hog hunting seasons.
The CDS dial option allows custom calibration to a specific .45-70 load, which is useful for hunters shooting a non-standard load with a steeper-than-average trajectory. The Leupold Lifetime Warranty covers the original purchaser.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2.5-8x |
| Objective Lens | 36mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.4 inches |
| Reticle | Wind Plex or CDS |
| Weight | 9.9 oz |
| Warranty | Leupold Lifetime |
Pros
- 4.4 inch eye relief protects against scope bite on hard-kicking .45-70 loads
- 2.5x minimum gives the widest field of view for close timber shots
- HD glass delivers Leupold quality in low-light hunting conditions
- CDS dial option for custom load calibration
Cons
- Higher price than the Vortex and Nikon options
- Wind Plex reticle has no holdover marks without CDS option
- Lighter 36mm objective collects less light than 40mm alternatives
Our Take
The Leupold VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 is the right scope for a .45-70 used for big game and dangerous game hunting where the eye relief and HD glass make a practical difference at the margins of legal shooting light.
#2 Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 – Best Value
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 delivers the correct magnification range for the .45-70, a Dead-Hold BDC reticle for holdover reference, and the VIP warranty, all at a price that represents outstanding value on a hard-recoil platform.
Eye relief at 3.9 inches is the tightest on this list. It is safe with proper stock fit and consistent cheek weld on a .45-70 lever gun, but shooters with variable head position or unfamiliar rifles should verify before committing to a full hunt. Zero retention under heavy .45-70 recoil is documented and reliable.
This scope is backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty: unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Reticle | Dead-Hold BDC |
| Weight | 9.1 oz |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Lifetime |
Pros
- VIP warranty unconditional, lifetime, and transferable to the next owner
- Dead-Hold BDC provides holdover reference for .45-70 hunting distances
- Lightweight at 9.1 oz keeps a lever gun balanced
- Strong value for the feature set
Cons
- 3.9 inch eye relief is the shortest on this list verify fit on your specific rifle
- Glass quality below Leupold VX-3HD in low light
- Not illuminated
Our Take
The Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the right value scope for most .45-70 owners. The VIP warranty and BDC reticle deliver above-price performance, just verify the eye relief fits your shooting position before the first shot.
#3 Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 – Best Eye Relief
The Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 earns this position because of its 4.5-inch eye relief, the most generous on the list and the Burris Forever Warranty that covers the scope for the life of the original purchaser. On a .45-70 lever gun with a straight-grip stock and hard recoil, 4.5 inches of eye relief is a real safety margin. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides holdover marks for hunting distances. Build quality handles heavy recoil.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 35mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.5 inches |
| Reticle | Ballistic Plex |
| Warranty | Burris Forever Warranty |
Pros
- 4.5 inch eye relief is the most generous on this list for .45-70 safety
- Burris Forever Warranty covers original purchaser for life
- Ballistic Plex holdover marks for hunting distances
- Reliable construction handles heavy .45-70 recoil
Cons
- Heavier than the Leupold and Vortex options at 10.3 oz
- Glass quality below Leupold VX-3HD
- Ballistic Plex marks calibrated for centerfire, verify with your .45-70 load
Our Take
The Burris Fullfield II 2-7×35 is the right scope for a .45-70 owner who prioritizes maximum eye relief protection and Forever Warranty coverage above all other specifications.
#4 Nikon ProStaff 2-7×32 – Best Budget
The Nikon ProStaff 2-7×32 is the budget option for a .45-70 scope that covers the 2-7x range at the lowest price on this list. The 4.1-inch eye relief is safe with proper stock fit. The BDC reticle provides holdover reference. Multi-coated lenses handle daylight hunting conditions.
For a .45-70 owner who wants a functional scope at an accessible price, the ProStaff covers the basics without a premium investment.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.1 inches |
| Reticle | BDC |
| Warranty | Nikon Limited Lifetime |
Pros
- Budget price for a functional 2-7x scope
- 4.1 inch eye relief adequate for .45-70 with proper stock fit
- BDC provides holdover reference
- Lightweight at 8.7 oz
Cons
- Optical quality below Leupold and Vortex tiers
- Limited lifetime warranty less comprehensive than VIP or Forever
- Low-light performance adequate but not hunting-grade
Our Take
The Nikon ProStaff is the right budget option for a .45-70 owner who wants basic scope coverage at the lowest cost. For any shooter where budget allows the Crossfire II, the VIP warranty makes it the better long-term choice.
#5 Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 – Best Hunting
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 delivers the most generous eye relief on this list at 4.7 inches, combined with Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System in a lightweight 8.8 oz package. For a .45-70 hunter who spends long days in the field and needs maximum comfort, the combination of generous eye relief and Leupold low-light clarity is the practical hunting choice.
The Leupold Lifetime Warranty covers the original purchaser.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 33mm |
| Eye Relief | 4.7 inches |
| Reticle | Wind Plex |
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
| Warranty | Leupold Lifetime |
Pros
- 4.7 inch eye relief is among the most generous available in this magnification class
- Twilight light management for the best low-light hunting performance at this price
- Lightweight at 8.8 oz
- Leupold lifetime warranty
Cons
- No BDC reticle Wind Plex is a simple duplex crosshair
- Lower price tier than VX-3HD but still more than Vortex alternatives
- 33mm objective collects less light than 36-40mm options
Our Take
The Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is the right hunting scope for a .45-70 owner who wants Leupold’s low-light clarity, maximum eye relief protection, and a lifetime warranty in the lightest possible package.
Did You Know? The .45-70 Government cartridge was adopted by the US Army in 1873 and became the standard infantry and cavalry cartridge for the Springfield Trapdoor rifle. The original military load pushed a 405 grain lead bullet at 1,350 fps. Modern factory loads for strong modern actions like the Marlin 1895 and Ruger No. 1 push 300 to 405 grain bullets at velocities 40 to 50 percent faster than the original military load, generating energy levels capable of stopping Cape buffalo and brown bear at close range. This range of performance from one cartridge designation means .45-70 rifle owners must always verify that a specific load is safe for their specific action before shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Scopes for .45-70
What eye relief is safe on a .45-70 lever action?
A minimum of 4 inches is the recommended safe starting point for a .45-70 lever gun. The cartridge generates 30 to 50 ft-lbs of felt recoil depending on load and rifle weight, and straight-grip lever action stocks place the eye closer to the scope than a pistol-grip rifle. The Burris Fullfield II at 4.5 inches and the Leupold VX-Freedom at 4.7 inches are the safest options on this list.
What magnification range is best for .45-70?
A 2-7x scope is the ideal match for the .45-70. The cartridge’s trajectory drops past 200 yards, which means high magnification past 8-9x provides no practical benefit for the distances where the .45-70 is effective.
Can I use any scope on a .45-70?
No. The .45-70 generates enough recoil to damage scopes not designed for heavy recoil platforms. Budget scopes in the $50-150 range may develop zero loss or internal damage under sustained .45-70 fire. Every scope on this list is rated for the cartridge’s recoil level.
Is the Marlin 1895 the most common .45-70 rifle?
Yes. The Marlin 1895 is the most popular modern .45-70 rifle. It uses standard Weaver-style scope bases on the receiver and mounts a scope. The Winchester 1886 reproduction and Ruger No. 1 are also popular platforms with different mounting requirements.
What is the best .45-70 load for deer hunting?
For the Marlin 1895 and similar lever actions, the Hornady LEVERevolution 325 grain FTX at 2,050 fps is the most popular modern deer hunting load. The flexible polymer tip allows safe use in tubular magazines while delivering controlled expansion performance comparable to centerfire hunting bullets. —
Verdict
The .45-70 is a proven big game cartridge that demands a scope with adequate eye relief, robust construction, and magnification matched to its actual effective range rather than its reputation. For the best combination of eye relief, HD glass, and Leupold’s lifetime warranty, the VX-3HD 2.5-8×36 is the right answer. The Crossfire II 2-7×32 delivers outstanding performance at an accessible price for the best value with a BDC reticle and VIP warranty.
For maximum eye relief protection and the Forever Warranty, the Burris Fullfield II is the purpose-matched safety choice. For the lowest entry price with adequate eye relief, the Nikon ProStaff 2-7×32 covers the basics. And for a hunting scope with maximum eye relief and Leupold’s low-light clarity in the lightest package, the VX-Freedom 2-7×33 is the right field companion.
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me