If you are looking to pair the powerful .45-70 Government cartridge with the right optic, you can hardly go wrong with a Vortex scope. In this best Vortex scope for 45-70 guide, we’ll explore the best models available and the key factors to consider to ensure you get the ideal match for your rifle and hunting style.
The .45-70 is known for its heavy recoil and excellent stopping power, making it a favorite among hunters pursuing large game such as deer, elk, or even bear. However, this power demands a durable, recoil-resistant scope that can maintain zero and deliver clear visuals in diverse lighting and weather conditions. This is where Vortex scopes come in handy.
Why Choosing the Right Scope Matters for the .45-70
Choosing the right scope for the .45-70 Government is crucial because this powerful cartridge produces heavy recoil and operates at moderate ranges. A suitable scope ensures durability, holds zero after repeated shots, and provides clear visuals in all lighting conditions. It also enhances accuracy for both short- and mid-range shots, making your rifle more reliable and effective in the field.
Understanding the .45-70 Cartridge and Its Shooting Range
The .45-70 is a heavy-bullet, large-bore cartridge that delivers massive kinetic energy and strong recoil. It’s primarily a short-to-medium-range big-game round with most ethical hunting shots occurring inside 50–200 yards.
With modern high-pressure loads and a skilled shooter, useful shots can stretch to ~300–400 yards. However, that brings steep bullet drop and reduced accuracy.
When choosing a scope for the .45-70, prioritize rugged construction, good low-light clarity, modest magnification, and plenty of elevation adjustment to compensate for its steep trajectory.
Why Vortex Optics Is a Top Choice for .45-70 Rifles
Vortex Optics pairs very well with the .45-70 because of the following reasons:
- Solid construction. Vortex scopes are rugged, shock-resistant, and hold zero under heavy recoil, which is essential for the .45-70’s stout impulse.
- Optical clarity when it counts. Further, the lens coatings and quality glass deliver bright, usable images in low light, so you get better target ID and follow-up shots.
- Practical magnification and reticle options. Vortex offers low-to-mid magnification models and several reticles such as simple duplex, BDC, and MOA/MIL that suit typical .45-70 shooting distances and quick target acquisition.
- Adjustment range and turrets. The best vortex scope for 45-70 provides ample elevation travel and reliable turrets for dialing drop at common hunting ranges.
- Excellent value. Vortex consistently undercuts premium brands on price while offering strong customer service and a well-known lifetime VIP warranty. This makes them low-risk for hunters who want performance without breaking the bank
Best Vortex Scopes for 45-70
1.Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Scout Rifle Scope
The Crossfire II 2-7x32mm Scout Rifle Scope is the best Vortex scope for 45-70. It offers an excellent blend of clarity, durability, and precision for shooters who value reliability and versatility.
The highlight of this scope is its optical clarity. It features fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, crisp images with impressive color fidelity, even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the 2-7x magnification range provides flexibility for both close- and mid-range shooting.
For added convenience, the eye relief is generous and consistent. This enhances comfort and safety when shooting high-recoil calibers. Moreover, the capped reset turrets allow smooth and repeatable adjustments, adding precision to every shot without accidental shifts during field use.
Construction-wise, this rifle scope is built on a one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The solid construction ensures solid shock resistance and dependable waterproof and fog-proof performance in harsh environments.
Pros
- Clean sight picture free of clutter
- Premium optical performance
- Rugged and reliable construction
- User-friendly design
- Available at a competitive price
Cons
- Non-illuminated
2.Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 Straight-Wall BDC
The Vortex Crossfire II Straightwall 3-9x50mm is a 1-inch rifle scope that is highly dependable for hunting and shooting.
Its large 50mm objective lens delivers excellent light transmission, ensuring bright and crisp visuals even in low-light conditions like dawn or dusk. Furthermore, the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for estimating bullet drop and wind drift at extended ranges, allowing shooters to make more accurate shots without constant adjustments.
This rifle scope is built for rugged field use. It is constructed from a single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube to withstand recoil and rough handling. On top of that, the optical tube is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to ensure it remains waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant through rugged outdoor use.
In terms of usability, the Crossfire II offers smooth and precise adjustments with its capped reset turrets, allowing for quick zeroing after sight-in. The generous eye relief and forgiving eye box also make it comfortable to use, even with heavy recoiling calibers, while the fast-focus eyepiece allows for rapid reticle focusing in dynamic situations.
Pros
- Excellent light transmission with a large 50mm objective lens
- Durable, shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof construction
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle enhances long-range accuracy
- Smooth and precise turret adjustments with easy zero reset
- Generous eye relief and comfortable eye box
- Fast-focus eyepiece for quick target acquisition
Cons
- Image edges may lose sharpness at maximum magnification
- Lacks illumination for very low-light conditions
3.Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24
As the best Vortex scope for 45-70 for the money, the Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24 Rifle Scope is an excellent investment for anyone seeking consistent accuracy, dependable construction, and exceptional optical performance in one sleek package.
Designed and built with a 30mm tube and high-quality extra-low dispersion glass, it delivers outstanding clarity and color fidelity even in challenging light conditions. Moreover, the fully multi-coated lenses enhance brightness, while the red illuminated reticle provides sharp aiming points for quick target acquisition at close to mid-range distances.
Regarding the reticle, the first focal plane (FFP) design ensures accurate holdovers at any magnification. Furthermore, the magnification ring turns smoothly with a raised fin for quick transitions between power levels.
Vortex optics are known for their rugged construction, and this model is no different. Its robust aircraft-grade aluminum body ensures reliability in harsh environments. On top of that, the O-ring seals combined with argon purging guarantee waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity with extra-low dispersion glass
- Illuminated FFP reticle
- Durable, aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof performance
- Smooth magnification adjustment with raised fin for quick changes
- Tactical-style turrets with zero-reset feature
- Excellent balance between close and mid-range versatility
Cons
- Limited magnification range for long-distance shooting
- Premium price point may not suit all budgets
4.Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5×32
The Diamondback 1.75-5×32 stands out as a rugged, high-performing optic that bridges the gap between professional-grade tactical scopes and practical all-purpose hunting optics.
Built with a rugged, one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum body, this scope is both shockproof and weather-resistant. Furthermore, the fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright and crisp images, even in low-light environments such as dawn or dusk.
Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly useful for estimating holdover and wind drift, helping shooters achieve accurate long-range shots without guesswork. The scope also features a smooth magnification range from 1.75× to 5×, which provides a wide field of view at low power and enough zoom for medium-range accuracy.
In terms of performance, the Diamondback 1.75-5×32 excels in maintaining zero and providing consistent clarity shot after shot. The precision-glide erector system ensures smooth magnification changes, while the capped reset turrets allow quick and easy re-indexing after sighting in.
Above all, eye relief is generous, offering comfortable and safe shooting even with heavy-recoiling rifles.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clear optics
- Durable construction
- Generous eye relief
- Large field of view
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
5.Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Lastly, we have the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope. This is a well-balanced optic that combines durability, precision, and affordability for both beginner and seasoned hunters.
Built with a rugged, one-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the Diamondback offers exceptional shockproof performance, capable of withstanding heavy recoil and tough outdoor conditions.
Its fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, crisp, and high-contrast images even in low-light settings, while the Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdover and windage corrections for long-range shooting.
Furthermore, the fast-focus eyepiece ensures quick target acquisition, allowing hunters to maintain accuracy in dynamic field situations. Its lightweight design enhances handling and balance on the rifle, reducing fatigue during extended hunts.
Another highlight of the Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40mm is its precise and smooth adjustments. The capped reset turrets allow for easy zero-reset after sighting in, maintaining reliability through repeated use.
In addition to everything else, the scope is also argon-purged and O-ring sealed, offering waterproof and fog-proof protection. This ensures reliable performance across all weather conditions.
Pros
- Excellent optical quality
- Robust and reliable construction
- Ease of use
- Large field of view for rapid target acquisition
- Good value for its price
Cons
- Tight eye relief at maximum zoom settings
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How to Choose the Best Vortex Scope for 45-70
When choosing the best Vortex scope for a .45-70 rifle, take into account the following key factors:
Magnification
Start by considering magnification. The .45-70 Government cartridge excels at close to medium ranges, typically between 100 and 300 yards. A variable scope with a magnification range like 1-6x or 2-10x is ideal for this caliber.
Lower magnification allows faster target acquisition and a wider field of view, while higher magnification supports more precise aiming when shooting at longer ranges.
Optical Clarity
Next, focus on optical clarity and glass quality. Vortex scopes are known for their fully multi-coated and extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses, which provide crisp images and reduce glare. Clear optics are crucial for spotting game in low-light conditions such as dawn or dusk. High light transmission ensures you don’t lose detail in shaded areas or during the early and late hours of your hunt.
Reticle Type
Another critical factor is the reticle type. The best Vortex scope for 45-70 often features simple duplex or illuminated reticles that enhance aiming speed and visibility. A BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle can also be advantageous if you shoot across varying distances, as it helps you account for bullet drop without complicated holdover calculations.
Build Quality
Durability and recoil resistance are essential considerations. The .45-70 is a hard-hitting round, so your scope must withstand heavy recoil. Look for scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a single-piece tube design. Additionally, ensure the scope is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof to perform reliably in any weather condition.
Eye Relief
It is also important to consider eye relief as it plays a vital role in comfort and safety. Because the .45-70 produces significant recoil, choose a scope with generous eye relief of at least 3.5 inches. Adequate eye relief helps prevent scope bite and allows you to maintain a consistent sight picture, whether shooting offhand or from a rest.
Adjustment Controls
You should also evaluate adjustment controls. The best Vortex scope for 45-70 should have precise, easy-to-use turrets that help you make quick windage and elevation changes in the field. For hunting, capped turrets are preferred since they prevent accidental movement. If you plan on shooting at extended ranges, consider a scope with adjustable parallax for added accuracy.
Budget
Lastly, budget is key. Vortex offers scopes across all price ranges, from entry-level to premium optics. Regardless of the model, all Vortex products are backed by the company’s Lifetime VIP Warranty, ensuring your investment is protected against damage or defects for life.
Best Vortex Scope for 45-70 FAQs
- What magnification is best for a .45-70 rifle?
A scope with 1-6x, 2-7x, or 3-9x magnification works best for .45-70 rifles. It offers versatility for both close and medium-range shooting.
- Can Vortex scopes handle the recoil of a .45-70?
Yes. Vortex scopes are designed to withstand heavy recoil. Models like the Crossfire II and Viper are built for powerful calibers such as the .45-70 Government.
- What is the ideal eye relief for a .45-70 scope?
At least 3.5 inches. A minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief is recommended for a .45-70 rifle because this cartridge produces significant recoil, especially when fired from lever-action or single-shot rifles.
Parting Shot
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide comprehensive and insightful. Keep in mind that what you plan to use the scope for plays a vital role in determining which model you get. Prioritize rugged construction and sufficient eye relief to handle the caliber’s recoil effectively.