The .45-70 Government has earned a legendary reputation as one of the most powerful and dependable cartridges for hunting large game, making it a favorite among lever-action rifle enthusiasts. Whether you’re hunting deer in dense timber, pursuing wild hogs, or taking on larger game like black bear or elk, pairing your rifle with the right scope can significantly improve accuracy, target acquisition, and overall shooting confidence.
However, choosing the best scope for a .45-70 lever-action rifle requires more than simply selecting the highest magnification. Because these rifles are typically used at short to medium ranges and produce substantial recoil, the ideal optic should offer generous eye relief, excellent optical clarity, rugged durability, and a low-power magnification range that complements the rifle’s quick-handling design.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best scopes for .45-70 lever-action rifles, highlighting their key features, strengths, and drawbacks to help you find the perfect optic for your hunting style, shooting environment, and budget.
Best Scope for a 45-70 Lever Action Rifle
1) Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm Riflescope (Model #180615) is a premium hunting optic designed for shooters who demand exceptional clarity, rugged reliability, and fast target acquisition in the field. Built with a versatile 1.5-5x magnification range, this compact riflescope is ideal for lever-action rifles, dangerous game hunts, dense woodland environments, and short-to-medium-range shooting. Featuring a Duplex Reticle, CDS-ZL (ZeroLock) elevation system, and a durable Matte finish, it combines precision engineering with user-friendly functionality to deliver confidence on every hunt.
One of its standout features is the Custom Dial System ZeroLock (CDS-ZL), which allows hunters to quickly dial precise elevation adjustments while preventing accidental movement with its convenient push-button ZeroLock mechanism. Once your rifle is sighted in, Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) enables you to order a custom laser-marked bullet-drop dial that is calibrated specifically to your rifle, ammunition, and typical shooting conditions. This personalized approach eliminates much of the guesswork involved in holdover, allowing for faster and more accurate long-range shots.
Optical performance is equally impressive thanks to Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which provides excellent light transmission for bright, crisp images during the critical dawn and dusk hunting hours. The advanced optical coatings also deliver superior glare reduction in harsh sunlight while producing outstanding resolution, contrast, and edge-to-edge clarity that experienced hunters appreciate. Whether tracking game through thick timber or scanning open terrain, the VX-3HD offers a sharp, high-definition viewing experience in virtually any lighting condition.
Designed for speed and convenience, the riflescope includes a removable low-profile throw lever that allows for quick and effortless magnification changes when conditions change rapidly. If a streamlined appearance is preferred, the throw lever can be removed and replaced with the included thread protector plug for a clean, snag-free profile.
Built to withstand years of demanding use, the VX-3HD is Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA using premium materials and rigorous quality standards. It is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, ensuring dependable performance in rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and under the heavy recoil of hard-hitting hunting rifles. Backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care and lifetime guarantee, this riflescope represents a long-term investment for serious hunters seeking uncompromising performance and durability.
Pros
- Excellent Elite Optical System delivers bright, sharp images with outstanding low-light performance.
- CDS-ZL ZeroLock system provides quick, secure, and precise elevation adjustments.
- Custom Dial System allows personalized ballistic turret for greater long-range accuracy.
- Compact and lightweight design is perfect for lever-action rifles and fast-handling hunting setups.
- Removable throw lever enables rapid magnification changes.
- Durable matte finish minimizes glare and resists wear.
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for dependable all-weather performance.
- Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA.
- Backed by Leupold’s renowned lifetime customer support and warranty.
Cons
- Premium price may be higher than many entry-level hunting scopes.
2) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout Riflescope is a rugged and versatile optic built specifically for scout rifles, lever-action rifles, and hunters who value rapid target acquisition and dependable performance. Featuring a practical 2-7x magnification range, generous long eye relief, and the popular Dead-Hold BDC reticle, this riflescope is well-suited for close- to medium-range hunting where speed and accuracy are equally important. Combining durable construction, clear optics, and Vortex’s industry-leading warranty, the Crossfire II Scout offers exceptional value for hunters and recreational shooters alike.
A standout feature of this riflescope is its Dead-Hold BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle, which simplifies holdover estimation when shooting at varying distances. Whether pursuing deer, hogs, or other game, the reticle helps shooters make accurate shots without constantly adjusting elevation turrets, making it an excellent choice for dynamic hunting situations where targets may appear at unpredictable ranges.
Designed with a long eye relief and an ultra-forgiving eye box, the Crossfire II Scout allows shooters to quickly establish a full sight picture while maintaining a comfortable shooting position. This extended eye relief makes it especially suitable for forward-mounted scout rifle configurations and heavy-recoiling firearms, while also promoting faster target acquisition in fast-moving hunting scenarios. The fast-focus eyepiece further enhances usability by allowing quick and simple reticle adjustments for a sharp, clear aiming point.
Optically, the Crossfire II features anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission to produce bright, crisp, and clear images across the entire magnification range. These premium coatings improve image brightness and contrast while minimizing glare, providing dependable visibility during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk when game is most active.
Built for years of dependable service, the riflescope utilizes a single-piece tube constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, delivering excellent strength while maintaining a lightweight profile. Its shockproof construction is capable of handling repeated recoil, while O-ring seals and nitrogen purging provide reliable waterproof and fogproof performance in harsh weather conditions. Whether hunting in rain, snow, or humid environments, the Crossfire II is engineered to keep performing when conditions become challenging.
Adding even more value is Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional VIP Warranty, one of the best warranties in the optics industry. The fully transferable lifetime promise ensures that if the riflescope becomes damaged or defective during normal use, Vortex will repair or replace it at no charge. Although the warranty does not cover loss, theft, deliberate damage, or cosmetic wear that doesn’t affect performance, it offers outstanding long-term peace of mind for every owner.
Pros
- Versatile 2-7x magnification is ideal for scout rifles, lever-action rifles, and short- to medium-range hunting.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover for shooting at varying distances.
- Long eye relief enhances safety and comfort, especially on heavy-recoiling rifles.
- Ultra-forgiving eye box allows fast target acquisition.
- Fast-focus eyepiece enables quick reticle adjustment.
- Fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses deliver bright, sharp, and clear images.
- Durable one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube offers excellent strength and shock resistance.
- Waterproof and fogproof construction performs reliably in all weather conditions.
- Backed by Vortex’s outstanding unlimited, transferable VIP Lifetime Warranty.
- Excellent value for hunters seeking a dependable scout riflescope at an affordable price.
Cons
- Optical clarity and brightness are good but not on the same level as premium Vortex Viper or Razor series scopes.
3) Burris Scout Scope 2-7×32
The Burris Scout Scope 2-7×32 is a purpose-built optic designed for scout rifles, lever-action rifles, and hunters who prioritize speed, versatility, and situational awareness. Featuring a flexible 2-7x magnification range, extended eye relief, and the highly regarded Ballistic Plex reticle, this compact riflescope delivers quick target acquisition and dependable accuracy across a variety of hunting environments. Its lightweight construction and forward-mount design make it an excellent choice for hunters who want to preserve the natural balance and handling characteristics of their rifle while maintaining rapid engagement capabilities.
At the heart of the Burris Scout Scope is the Ballistic Plex reticle, one of the simplest and most effective trajectory-compensating reticles available to hunters. Designed to provide intuitive holdover points for longer shots, the reticle helps improve accuracy without requiring complicated calculations or constant turret adjustments. Combined with the variable 2-7x magnification, the scope offers excellent versatility, allowing shooters to engage fast-moving game at close range while providing enough magnification for precise shots at extended distances.
One of the defining features of this riflescope is its generous 9.2 to 12 inches of eye relief, making it ideal for forward-mounted scout rifle configurations and heavy-recoiling firearms. The extended eye relief enhances shooter safety while promoting fast target acquisition. Its forward mounting design, positioned ahead of the rifle’s ejection port, allows shooters to keep both eyes open while aiming. This technique significantly improves peripheral vision, situational awareness, and speed when tracking moving game or engaging targets in dense cover.
Built with hunters in mind, the Burris Scout Scope is remarkably compact and lightweight, measuring just 9.7 inches long and weighing only 13 ounces. Its streamlined design maintains the rifle’s natural balance, making it easier to carry comfortably during long days in the field. The finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets provide convenient sight adjustments while maintaining a sleek profile that minimizes the risk of snagging on clothing or brush.
Optical performance is enhanced by multi-coated lenses, which improve light transmission and reduce glare to deliver bright, sharp images in a wide range of lighting conditions. Whether hunting during the first light of dawn or the final minutes before sunset, the optics provide the clarity needed for confident shot placement.
Engineered to perform in demanding environments, the Burris Scout Scope is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof, ensuring dependable operation through rain, humidity, rough terrain, and heavy recoil. Its rugged construction makes it a reliable companion for hunters who need an optic capable of standing up to years of field use.
Pros
- Versatile 2-7x magnification offers excellent performance for close- and medium-range hunting.
- Ballistic Plex reticle provides simple and effective holdover points for improved long-range accuracy.
- Long 9.2 to 12-inch eye relief is ideal for scout rifles and heavy-recoiling firearms.
- Forward mounting design allows both-eyes-open shooting for faster target acquisition and greater situational awareness.
- Compact 9.7-inch length and lightweight 13-ounce design preserve rifle balance and improve portability.
- Finger-adjustable, low-profile turrets offer easy adjustments while maintaining a streamlined profile.
- Multi-coated lenses produce bright, clear images with improved light transmission.
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction ensures reliable all-weather performance.
- Excellent choice for lever-action rifles, scout rifles, and fast-paced hunting situations.
Cons
- Extended eye relief may require additional practice for shooters accustomed to traditional riflescope mounting.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Scope for a 45-70 Lever Action Rifle
1. Magnification Range
The magnification range is one of the first features to consider because it determines how versatile your riflescope will be in different hunting environments. Since most .45-70 rifles are used within 200 yards, excessively high magnification offers little advantage and can actually slow target acquisition. A low-power variable optic in the 1-4x, 1-5x, 1-6x, or 2-7x range is generally the best choice. Lower magnification provides a wider field of view for tracking moving game in thick woods, while the higher settings offer enough precision for longer shots across open fields.
2. Eye Relief
The .45-70 Government is a powerful cartridge that generates significant recoil, making generous eye relief an essential safety feature. A scope with at least 4 inches of eye relief helps prevent “scope bite,” where the optic strikes the shooter’s eyebrow during recoil. Scout scopes often provide between 9 and 12 inches of eye relief, making them an excellent option for forward-mounted lever-action and scout rifle setups. Longer eye relief also allows for faster target acquisition and a more comfortable shooting experience.
3. Optical Quality
Clear, bright optics can make a tremendous difference when hunting during the first and last hours of daylight. High-quality glass with fully multi-coated lenses improves light transmission, reduces glare, and produces sharper images with better contrast. Premium optical systems, such as those found in higher-end hunting scopes, help hunters distinguish game from dense vegetation and maintain a clear sight picture even under challenging lighting conditions.
4. Reticle Design
The reticle plays a crucial role in aiming speed and shot placement. Traditional reticles like the Duplex Reticle provide a clean, uncluttered sight picture that excels in fast-paced hunting situations. Hunters who expect to shoot at varying distances may benefit from ballistic reticles such as the Dead-Hold BDC or Ballistic Plex, which include holdover reference points to compensate for bullet drop without adjusting the turrets. The ideal reticle should match your typical hunting style and shooting distances.
5. Durability and Recoil Resistance
A .45-70 lever-action rifle produces heavy recoil, so your scope must be built to withstand repeated punishment without losing zero. Look for scopes constructed from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube with proven shockproof performance. A rugged riflescope not only maintains accuracy after repeated shots but also provides years of dependable service in demanding hunting environments.
6. Waterproof and Fogproof Construction
Hunters often encounter unpredictable weather, from heavy rain to freezing temperatures and humid mornings. A quality riflescope should be waterproof, fogproof, and weather-resistant to ensure reliable performance regardless of the conditions. O-ring seals and nitrogen or argon purging prevent internal fogging while keeping moisture and dust out of the scope, allowing you to hunt confidently in virtually any environment.
7. Weight and Overall Size
One of the biggest advantages of a lever-action rifle is its lightweight, quick-handling design. Mounting a large, heavy scope can upset the rifle’s balance and make it less comfortable to carry throughout the day. Compact scopes with smaller objective lenses—typically 20mm to 32mm; help preserve the rifle’s natural handling characteristics while still providing excellent optical performance. Lightweight optics are especially beneficial for hunters covering long distances on foot.
8. Turret System
The turret system should match how you intend to use your rifle. Most hunters prefer low-profile hunting turrets that resist accidental movement while remaining easy to adjust when needed. Advanced systems like Custom Dial System (CDS) turrets allow shooters to order custom ballistic dials matched to their ammunition and shooting conditions, making long-range elevation adjustments faster and more precise. Some models also feature ZeroLock technology, which prevents accidental changes after the rifle has been zeroed.
9. Mounting Style
Your preferred mounting configuration can influence the type of scope you should buy. Traditional scopes are mounted directly over the receiver and provide a familiar shooting experience. Scout scopes, however, are designed for forward mounting ahead of the ejection port, offering extended eye relief and allowing shooters to keep both eyes open for improved situational awareness and faster target acquisition. Lever-action hunters should choose a mounting style that complements both their rifle and hunting preferences.
10. Target Acquisition Speed
Many .45-70 hunting situations involve fast-moving game at close range, making rapid target acquisition extremely important. Features such as low magnification, generous eye relief, forgiving eye boxes, and wide fields of view help shooters quickly establish a full sight picture and engage targets without hesitation. Scout scopes further enhance speed by allowing both-eyes-open shooting, improving peripheral vision and making it easier to track moving animals.
11. Warranty and Brand Reputation
A riflescope is a long-term investment, so it’s worth considering the manufacturer’s reputation and warranty coverage. Brands like Leupold and Vortex are known for producing reliable optics backed by outstanding lifetime warranties and excellent customer service. A comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring that your investment is protected should the scope ever become damaged or develop a manufacturing defect.
12. Budget and Value for Money
Finally, choose a scope that fits your budget while offering the features most important to your hunting needs. Budget-friendly models can provide dependable performance for casual hunters, while premium scopes often deliver superior optical clarity, advanced turret systems, lighter construction, and enhanced durability. Rather than focusing solely on price, evaluate the overall value by considering the scope’s build quality, optical performance, features, and warranty to ensure you’re making a worthwhile investment.
FAQs
1. What magnification is best for a .45-70 lever-action rifle?
The best magnification for a .45-70 lever-action rifle depends on your typical shooting distance, but most hunters find that a 1-4x, 1-5x, 1-6x, or 2-7x scope offers the ideal balance of speed and precision. Since the .45-70 Government cartridge is primarily designed for short- to medium-range hunting, high magnification is usually unnecessary. Lower magnification provides a wider field of view for quickly acquiring moving targets in dense woods, while the higher settings allow for accurate shot placement out to approximately 200 yards.
2. Do I need a scout scope for a .45-70 lever-action rifle?
Not necessarily. A traditional riflescope mounted over the receiver works perfectly well for most hunters. However, a scout scope offers several advantages, including extended eye relief, forward mounting, and the ability to shoot with both eyes open for faster target acquisition and improved situational awareness. Scout scopes are particularly popular on lever-action rifles because they leave the ejection port unobstructed and preserve the rifle’s quick-handling characteristics. The best choice depends on your shooting style, hunting environment, and personal preference.
3. What features should I prioritize when choosing a scope for a .45-70 rifle?
When selecting a scope for a .45-70 lever-action rifle, focus on features that complement the rifle’s intended purpose. Look for a scope with low-power magnification, generous eye relief to handle heavy recoil safely, high-quality multi-coated optics for bright, clear images, and a durable, shockproof construction capable of withstanding repeated recoil. Weatherproof performance, lightweight design, and a practical hunting reticle such as a Duplex or BDC reticle are also important considerations. Choosing a scope with a strong lifetime warranty from a reputable manufacturer can provide added peace of mind and long-term value.
Read Also : Best Scope for 3030 Lever Action Rifle
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best scope for a .45-70 lever-action rifle ultimately comes down to selecting an optic that complements the cartridge’s strengths and matches your hunting style. Since the .45-70 excels at short- to medium-range shooting, the ideal scope should prioritize low-power magnification, generous eye relief, rugged construction, and bright, clear optics over excessive zoom.
Premium options like the Leupold VX-3HD 1.5-5x20mm deliver exceptional optical performance and advanced ballistic features, while models such as the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Scout and Burris Scout Scope 2-7×32 offer excellent value with extended eye relief and rapid target acquisition. By considering factors such as magnification, reticle design, durability, weather resistance, mounting style, and overall weight, you can confidently choose a scope that enhances your rifle’s performance in the field.
Whether you’re hunting deer in thick woods, tracking wild hogs, or pursuing larger game, investing in a high-quality riflescope will help you shoot more accurately, react more quickly, and make the most of your .45-70 lever-action rifle for years to come.