You have come to the right place if you are searching for the best Leupold scope for 45-70. This is because we will review some of the top-recommended scopes that will deliver value for the money.
When hunting, having the right equipment is essential for success. A good quality scope can make all the difference in accuracy and precision, especially when using a powerful rifle such as the 45-70.
The 45-70 cartridge was first introduced in 1873 and is still popular among hunters today. This cartridge is known for its stopping power and is commonly used for hunting large game such as bear, moose, and elk.
6 Best Leupold Scopes for 45-70
Choosing the best Leupold scope for your 45-70 rifles can be daunting, as there are many factors to consider, such as magnification, reticle type, and objective lens size.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best Leupold scope for your 45-70 rifle. We will review some of the top Leupold scopes on the market, considering factors such as durability, clarity, and ease of use.
By the end of this article, you will better understand what to look for when choosing a scope for your 45-70 rifle and which Leupold scopes are the best for this powerful cartridge.
Let us get right into it.
1) Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Rifle Scope – Best Overall
The Leupold VX-R 1.25-4x20mm Riflescope is the best scope for the 45-70. It has impressive features to help you improve your shooting experience at varying distances.
The exceptional feature of this scope is the 30mm main tube, which offers incredible strength and allows for a greater range of windage and elevation adjustment. The scope is crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum. This makes it durable and lightweight.
The VX-R Hog features Leupold’s legendary quality, and it has a push-button illumination system and a specially designed FireDot PigPlex reticle. The illuminated reticle is calibrated to frame up a mature hog and provide the perfect amount of lead on running boars.
It is worth mentioning that FireDot Technology brings your eye to the center of the reticle for quick target acquisition. It has multiple brightness settings for changing conditions.
We recommend this scope because it has Motion Sensor Technology (MST). This technology ensures the scope automatically turns the illumination system to “standby” mode after five minutes of inactivity, then reactivates whenever the scope is moved.
Pros
- 30mm main tube for strength
- Crafted from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
- Push-button illumination system
- FireDot PigPlex reticle
- Motion Sensor Technology (MST)
- Holdover points out to 600 yards
Cons
- None
2) Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope – Best Value
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope is another dependable optic for the 45-70 cartridge. This scope features Leupold’s legendary Twilight Light Management System. This technology allows for superior light transmission, making spotting your target in low-light conditions easier.
In addition, the lenses are also scratch-resistant, ensuring that your scope will remain in top condition for years to come.
This reliable scope is built to last, with a rugged design that can withstand even the toughest conditions. It is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, which is lightweight and durable.
The scope is also waterproof and fog proof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged in inclement weather.
The finger click dial system and 1/4 MOA finger click make it easy to adjust your scope quickly and accurately. The 3:1 zoom ratio allows you to zoom in and out easily. In addition, the second focal plane reticle ensures that your target stays focused, regardless of the magnification.
This scope is compact and lightweight, with a weight of just 9.6 ounces and a length of 9.35 inches. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment is protected.
Pros
- Superior light transmission
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Rugged design
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Easy and accurate adjustment with finger click dial system
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited magnification range (1.5-4x)
3) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40mm Riflescope is another excellent choice to improve your shooting experience with the 45-70. With a magnification range of 3-9x, this scope is suitable for a wide range of shooting applications, from close-range shots to mid-range distances.
The 40mm objective lens diameter provides excellent light transmission. In addition, the scope is equipped with the Twilight Light Management System, which further enhances visibility in low-light conditions.
The scope is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. It is also waterproof and fog proof, ensuring it remains functional in inclement weather.
In terms of performance, this scope delivers excellent accuracy and dependability. It has a wide field of view and forgiving eye relief to improve your shooting experience.
The only downside of this scope is that it has a fixed parallax. This is not sufficient for engaging long-range targets.
Pros
- Versatile magnification range (3-9x)
- Twilight Light Management System for superior light transmission
- Rugged design with 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Easy and accurate adjustment with finger click dial system
Cons
- Fixed parallax
4) Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Rifle Scope
This Leupold VX-5HD 3-15×44 rifle scope is designed to handle any situation with its versatile magnification range.
Whether you’re hunting in thick timber or across open plains, you can adjust the power to suit your needs. The scope features a FireDot illuminated reticle for enhanced visibility during the day and easy one-button intensity adjustment.
With its High Definition optical system and Twilight Max Light Management system, this rifle scope provides hunters with superior low-light performance and sharpened clarity at dawn and dusk.
The Custom Dial ZeroLock 2 (CDS-ZL2) elevation dial locks in place to ensure accuracy, and a quick button press allows for precise adjustments.
For exceptional accuracy when it matters most, the Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Side Focus Rifle Scope is the ideal choice.
Pros
- Rugged and lightweight
- Weatherproof performance
- Made in the USA
- Guard-Ion Rain Shedding
- Ring attachment
- Durable and strong 6061-T6 Aluminum construction
- Side Focus
- Zero lock dial and Zero stop
Cons
- None
5) Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm Rifle Scope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12x40mm riflescope is a dependable and high-performing option for mid to long-range shots.
Its versatile magnification range makes it suitable for use with any rifle in your collection making it one of the best Leupold scopes for 45-70. With Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, the VX-Freedom provides excellent light transmission, reduced glare in harsh lighting conditions, and exceptional resolution and clarity that recreational hunters and shooters demand.
The riflescope is 100% waterproof and fogproof, ensuring its reliability in all weather conditions. Its scratch-resistant lenses offer added protection, meeting military standards for extreme scratch resistance.
Additionally, the 3:1 zoom ratio allows for three times more magnification at high power than at low power, giving you the flexibility to adjust the power based on your needs, whether it’s for close encounters or long-range engagements.
As with all Leupold riflescopes, the VX-Freedom is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Pros
- Advanced Optical System
- Scrach Resistant Lenses
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Twilight Light Management System
- 6061-T6 Aluminum Construction
- Side Focus
Cons
- Non-Illuminated
6) Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Riflescope
The final scope we tested with the 45-70 is the Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x20mm Riflescope. This versatile riflescope can be used on a wide range of rifles, making it one of the most sought-after scopes in the Leupold line.
The FX-II Ultralight is built with Leupold’s Advanced Optical System. This powerful system provides exceptional light transmission, excellent glare reduction in harsh light, and unrivaled resolution and clarity.
With its tried and true optical system, this scope can easily handle long glassing sessions and harsh hunting environments. It will give you the confidence to make accurate shots.
The 2.5x magnification power makes this scope ideal for low-light hunting situations. This scope is built to withstand the rigors of the field and is tested to the same harsh standards as all other Leupold scopes.
We recommend this scope because of its durable construction. It will not disappoint you.
Pros
- Advanced Optical System with good light transmission
- 2.5x magnification power
- Durability with 100% waterproof and fog proof construction
- Delivers clear images
- Easy to use
Cons
- Fixed magnification
See Also
- 5 Best Leupold Scopes
- 7 Best Leupold Rangefinder for Bow Hunting
- 7 Best Bushnell Scopes for Deer Hunting
Choosing a Leupold Reticle for 45-70
Choosing the right reticle is important if you want to acquire your targets accurately and with ease. A reticle that’s simple to use will help you get the most out of your scope. Here is how you should choose the ideal reticle depending on your hunting or shooting needs.
Low-Light Hunting
If you are looking for a Leupold scope for hunting, it should have a reticle that stays visible even in a dismal environment since most hunting occurs in such low-light settings. The best reticles for hunting are Duplex, Hunt-Plex or FireDot reticles. It will be an added advantage if the scope has an illuminated reticle.
Long-Range Hunting
The best scope for long-range hunting comes with a reticle which accounts for bullet drop. One of the best reticles for long-range hunting is the Boone and Crockett (BDC) reticle. The other ones ideal for long-range hunting are Wind-Plex and TMOA reticles.
Tactical Shooting
Regarding the tactical shooting, MOA and MIL are the best reticles today. Any Leupold scope with FFP PR2-MOA or PR2-MIL reticles will give you exceptional speed and precision at long distances without cluttering. On the other hand, you can select an AR Ballistic reticle which also provides excellent accuracy.
Choosing Scope Mounts
Leupold has a wide variety of scope mounts for use with the different scopes it makes. Finding the right scope mount is crucial for correct scope mounting. Here are the different scope mounts that Leupold offers.
Standard (STD) Mounts
This traditional hunting-style mount is available in 1-piece and 2-piece steel bases with windage adjustment features. It has a front dovetail pivot which allows the rear windage adjustment to hold the base in place while bore sighting. Standard mounts are ideal for all standard calibres less than .300 Win Mag.
Dual Dovetail (DD) Mounts
The Dual Dovetail mount is another traditional hunting style mount. It is available in 1-piece and 2-piece steel bases but with the addition of dovetail features on the front and back of the mount. Dual dovetail rings are available in different heights and are ideal for use with standard to magnum calibers.
Quick Release Mount (QR)
Quick-release 1-piece and 2-piece steel bases are designed to accept QR rings. They are popular for people with muzzleloaders and big game rifles. They are popularly known to be straightforward to mount and detach. With this mount, you can remove a scope from your firearm and do a replacement while maintaining zero.
Cross Slot
Leupold Cross Slot mounts are available in QRW2, PRW2, LRW and Open Range series with 1-piece and 2-piece bases. All Cross-slot mounts are weaver-style rings, but they are flexible enough to be used on any rifle with Weaver or Picatinny rail. Plus, they are ideal for use with standard to magnum calibers.
SFP or FFP
Choosing between a first or second focal plane scope is a matter of individual preference. FFP scopes are the best option for long-range shooting and hunting since the reticle stays true at every magnification.
On the other hand, an SFP scope is better when shooting targets at varying ranges, especially at close quarters, since the reticle stays clear even on the lowest magnification power.
Understanding Magnification and Zoom Range
Knowing how far you will be shooting and the type of environment you will be hunting in will help determine the right magnification. For close and medium hunting in bushy or forested areas, you require a scope with a moderate magnification power of not more than 9x. On the other hand, long-range hunting and shooting require a high magnification to bring distant targets closer.
Leupold Optical Systems
Leupold scopes are known to provide unmatched low-light performance. They have 3 different optical systems, which are professional grade optical system, elite optical system, and advanced optical system. Scopes with professional-grade systems provide unparalleled image quality even in challenging conditions.
Scopes with the Elite optical system also offer excellent image clarity to elevate your hunting skills. Lastly, scopes with the advanced optical system are priced right, offering great optical performance even in low-light settings.
See Also
- 5 Best Leupold Scopes
- 7 Best Leupold Rangefinder for Bow Hunting
- 7 Best Bushnell Scopes for Deer Hunting
FAQs on the Best Leupold Scope for 45-70
1) What is the 45-70 cartridge, and what makes it unique?
The 45-70 cartridge was first introduced in 1873 and was originally designed for use in the Springfield Model 1873 rifle. It is a centerfire rifle cartridge commonly used for hunting large game such as bear, moose, and elk. What makes the 45-70 unique is its stopping power due to its large caliber size and high muzzle velocity.
2) Why should I choose a Leupold scope for my 45-70 rifle?
Leupold is a well-known and respected brand in the hunting industry, and their scopes are known for their durability, clarity, and ease of use. Choosing a Leupold scope for your 45-70 rifle ensures you get a high-quality product performing well in the field.
3) What factors should I consider when choosing a Leupold scope for my 45-70 rifle?
When choosing a Leupold scope for your 45-70 rifles, some factors include the magnification range, reticle type, objective lens size, and durability. You should also consider your specific hunting needs and the type of game you will be hunting.
4) What is the best Leupold scope for the 45-70 cartridge?
The best Leupold scope for the 45-70 cartridge will depend on your specific hunting needs and preferences. Some popular options include the VX-5HD 2-10x42mm, VX-6HD 2-12x42mm, and VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm. These scopes offer a good balance of magnification, clarity, and durability.
5) Are Leupold scopes expensive?
Leupold scopes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the model and features. However, they have generally considered a good value for their high quality and performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Leupold scope for your 45-70 rifle is essential for a successful hunting experience. With the wide range of Leupold scopes available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
However, by considering factors such as magnification, reticle type, objective lens size, and durability, you can narrow your options and find the perfect scope for your needs.
Leupold is a trusted hunting industry brand known for their high-quality and reliable products. The VX-5HD 2-10x42mm, VX-6HD 2-12x42mm, and VX-3i 2.5-8x36mm are all popular options among hunters and offer excellent clarity, precision, and durability.
By choosing the best Leupold scope for your 45-70 rifle, you can have confidence in your accuracy and make your next hunting trip successful.