Are you searching for the best vortex scopes for 45-70? You are in the right place!
When it comes to enhancing the performance of a .45-70 rifle, choosing the right optic is crucial. Vortex scopes are renowned for their precision, durability, and versatility, making them an ideal choice for this powerful firearm.
Whether you’re hunting in dense forests or practicing at the range, the right Vortex scope can significantly improve your accuracy and shooting experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key features to consider when selecting a Vortex scope for a .45-70, such as magnification range, lens quality, reticle type, and construction, ensuring you make an informed decision that enhances your shooting proficiency and enjoyment.
5 Best Vortex Scopes for 45-70
1) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Riflescope
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rifle Scope is specifically designed for scout rifles, offering versatility in a lightweight, durable package. This scope is equipped with a V-Plex reticle, widely recognized for its effectiveness in various hunting scenarios. With a magnification range of 2-7x and a 32mm objective lens, it provides a clear view for medium-range shooting.
The scope boasts an impressive 9.45 inches of eye relief, paired with an ultra-forgiving eye box, allowing shooters to acquire targets quickly and comfortably. The fast-focus eyepiece enhances the user experience by facilitating rapid and easy reticle focusing. Optimal clarity is achieved through anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses, making the viewing experience bright and distinct under different environmental conditions.
Structurally, the Crossfire II is built to last. It features a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing exceptional strength and resilience against recoil and impacts. For added reliability in adverse weather, the scope is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged, ensuring it remains waterproof and fogproof.
Key Features
- Long Eye Relief: Provides 9.45″ of eye relief, which is ideal for quickly acquiring a sight picture.
- V-Plex Reticle: An all-purpose hunting reticle suitable for various hunting styles.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: These lenses offer excellent brightness and clarity by minimizing reflections.
- Durable Construction: Made from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for enhanced durability and shockproof performance.
- Weather-Resistant: Waterproof and fog proof capabilities due to O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging.
- Capped Reset Turrets: These turrets are finger adjustable with MOA clicks and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in.
Pros
- Exceptional eye relief and an easy-to-use eye box for quick target acquisition.
- Durable, solid construction suitable for rugged outdoor use.
- Clear, bright visuals in various light conditions due to fully multi-coated optics.
- Easy to adjust with finger-adjustable turrets.
- Lifetime warranty that includes repair or replacement if damaged or defective.
Cons
- Lacks an illuminated reticle
2) Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 Riflescope
The Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 Rifle Scope is a versatile and robust choice for hunters and marksmen alike. Its 3-9x magnification range makes it suitable for a variety of shooting distances, from close to medium range. Equipped with the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, it is especially useful for hunting in scenarios where estimating hold-over is crucial.
The lenses of the Diamondback 3-9×40 are fully multi-coated, enhancing light transmission and providing clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus eyepiece adds to the ease of use by enabling quick and simple reticle focusing, allowing shooters to maintain their visual on the target with minimal effort.
One of the standout features is its metal on metal precision turrets, which provide the capability to zero reset after sight-in. This is paired with a precision glide erector system that ensures accurate tracking and repeatability, a critical factor during varied shooting conditions.
The scope’s construction is robust, featuring a solid one-piece tube with a hard-anodized finish that is not only shockproof but also helps in camouflaging the shooter’s position.
Key Features
- Precision Turrets: The scope features metal on metal precision turrets that offer the capability to zero reset after sight-in, which enhances repeatability and reliability of adjustments.
- Precision Glide Erector System: Ensures smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions, maintaining accuracy and repeatability.
- Robust Construction: Built with a one-piece tube from 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope is not only shockproof but also rugged enough to handle recoil and impacts.
- Weather Resistance: O-ring sealed and Argon purged for waterproof and fogproof performance, ensuring reliability in all weather conditions.
- Optical Quality: Lenses are fully multi-coated for maximum light transmission, providing clear and bright visuals throughout the day.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and light transmission due to fully multi-coated lenses.
- Durable and robust construction that withstands environmental stress and recoil.
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle aids in precise shooting over varied distances without needing to adjust for bullet drop.
- Generous and consistent eye relief, ranging from 3.3 to 3.5 inches, offers comfortable viewing.
- Unlimited, unconditional lifetime warranty, adding value and peace of mind.
Cons
- The fixed parallax setting at 100 yards is not adjustable
3) Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope
The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Rifle Scope is designed for rapid and versatile engagement from close to extended ranges. This scope stands out for its true 1x magnification at the low end, allowing users to shoot with both eyes open for situational awareness and quick target acquisition. It’s an ideal choice for dynamic shooting scenarios where speed and adaptability are paramount.
Updated features include a thread-in throw lever on the magnification ring, enhancing the ease of adjustment between magnifications, especially in fast-paced situations. Visibility of magnification indicators without disengaging from the shooting position is a significant improvement, adding convenience and functionality.
The illuminated BDC3 reticle is a central feature designed to aid in faster focus and effective holdovers up to 650 yards, which is perfect for known-distance targets. This, combined with anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces, enhances light transmission, providing clearer and brighter visuals, even in low-light conditions.
Constructed with a 30mm tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, the scope ensures durability and shockproof performance. It is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, offering reliable waterproof and fogproof capabilities, making it suitable for all weather conditions.
Key Features
- True 1x to 6x Magnification: Allows for quick engagement at close range with the ability to zoom in for longer-range precision.
- Illuminated BDC3 Reticle: Enhances target acquisition speed and accuracy out to 650 yards.
- Thread-in Throw Lever: Facilitates rapid magnification changes.
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses: Provide excellent clarity and light gathering capabilities.
- Robust Build: The solid one-piece tube is built to withstand heavy recoil and impact.
- Weatherproof: Nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing deliver waterproof and fogproof performance.
- Lifetime Warranty: Covered by Vortex’s VIP warranty that guarantees repairs or replacement.
Pros
- Versatile magnification suitable for a range of shooting activities.
- High-speed focus features make it ideal for tactical and hunting applications.
- Enhanced clarity and low-light performance from fully multi-coated optics.
- Durable, lightweight, and designed to handle tough conditions.
- Easy-to-use controls, including a fast-focus eyepiece and a practical throw lever.
Cons
- Relatively short battery life
4) Vortex Optics Viper HS 2.5-10×44 Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Viper HS 2.5-10×44 Rifle Scope is a versatile and robust scope designed for both hunting and tactical shooting. With a magnification range of 2.5-10x, this scope is perfect for those who require precision at varying distances. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is particularly beneficial for estimating hold-over at different ranges, making it ideal for dynamic shooting situations.
The advanced optical system features XD glass which provides sharp, clear images across the entire field of view. XR multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission, ensuring bright and vivid visuals from dawn to dusk. The 4x zoom range allows for significant flexibility in targeting, pulling the shooter closer to distant targets with ease.
Additionally, the scope features capped quick-reset turrets for easy re-indexing to zero after sighting in. Built on a sturdy 30mm main tube, this scope offers increased elevation and windage travel, allowing for optimal adjustment. The ultra-hard, scratch-resistant Armortek coatings on the exterior lenses protect against scratches and debris.
The scope’s durability is further enhanced by its argon purging, making it both fogproof and waterproof. A hard-anodized matte black finish not only adds to the robustness but also helps in camouflaging the shooter’s position.
Key Features
- Versatile Magnification: 2.5-10x ideal for varied shooting distances.
- XD Glass and XR Coating: Provides excellent clarity and light gathering capabilities.
- Dead-Hold BDC Reticle: Aids in shooting at varied ranges by reducing guesswork on hold-overs.
- Durable Construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum and Armortek coating ensure a rugged build.
- Weather-Resistant: Waterproof and fogproof performance for reliability in all conditions.
- Capped Reset Turrets: Allow for quick re-indexing of the zero after adjustments.
Pros
- Flexible magnification range suitable for multiple shooting applications.
- High optical clarity with fully multi-coated lenses and premium glass.
- Robust build quality capable of withstanding rough environmental conditions.
- Easy to adjust with capped turrets and a precision-glide erector system.
- Backed by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime VIP warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
Cons
- Fixed parallax set at 100 yards
5) Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6×24 Riflescope
The Vortex Razor HD Gen II-E 1-6×24 Rifle Scope is a state-of-the-art optic designed for shooters who demand high performance from their scopes in both short and medium-range applications. This scope is particularly suited for dynamic shooting environments where rapid target acquisition and versatility are critical.
The Razor HD Gen II-E is notable for its lightweight design, having shed nearly a quarter pound from its predecessor, enhancing its usability in the field. It features the JM-1 BDC reticle with an illuminated center dot, which provides precise aiming under various lighting conditions, enhancing its functionality across a wide range of scenarios.
Equipped with an APO optical system and high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, the scope offers stunning image quality and clarity. XR Plus anti-reflective coatings on the lenses maximize light transmission, ensuring outstanding brightness from dawn till dusk. The scope’s low-profile locking illumination dial with 11 brightness levels allows for tailored visual clarity in different ambient light settings.
The Razor HD Gen II-E’s construction is robust, featuring a single-piece 30mm tube that is both shockproof and argon purged. This design ensures that the scope remains waterproof and fogproof, making it suitable for all weather conditions. The exterior lenses are protected by ultra-hard, scratch-resistant Armortek coatings, which guard against scratches, oil, and dirt.
Key Features
- Lightweight and Durable: Nearly a 1/4 pound lighter than its predecessor, built from aircraft-grade aluminum.
- High-Performance Optics: APO system with HD glass for unparalleled clarity and XR Plus coatings for great light transmission.
- Illuminated Reticle: JM-1 BDC reticle with a center dot that provides excellent precision.
- Enhanced Adjustment Features: Low-profile locking illumination dial with off positions between settings.
- Rugged Build: Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof with Armortek lens coatings.
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity with edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Versatile for both close-quarters and medium-range use.
- Durable and lightweight, suitable for rigorous field use.
- Advanced illumination settings provide versatility in various lighting conditions.
- Comprehensive lifetime VIP warranty guarantees durability and service.
Cons
- Higher price point
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Vortex Scopes for 45-70
When selecting the best Vortex scope for a .45-70 rifle, there are several factors to consider to ensure optimal performance and suitability for your shooting needs. Here are eight critical factors:
Magnification Range
The magnification range of the scope is crucial depending on your intended use. For short to medium-range shooting, which is common with .45-70 rifles, a scope with a lower magnification range, like 1-6x or 2-10x, is typically sufficient. These ranges offer versatility, allowing for both quick target acquisition at close range and enough magnification to comfortably hit targets at greater distances.
Lens Quality
High-quality lenses are essential for clear, sharp images. Look for scopes with high-density, extra-low dispersion glass that can deliver crisp visuals with minimal aberration. Coatings on the lenses, such as anti-reflective coatings, improve light transmission and reduce glare, which is particularly valuable in low-light conditions, enhancing the shooter’s ability to see clearly at dawn or dusk.
Reticle Type
The choice of reticle should align with your shooting activities. A BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle is advantageous for shooting over varied ranges as it helps in estimating holdovers at different distances. Alternatively, a simple duplex reticle may be suitable for closer range and more straightforward shooting scenarios. Illuminated reticles can also be beneficial for low-light conditions, providing better reticle visibility against dark targets.
Durability and Build Quality
Given the robust recoil of a .45-70 rifle, the scope must be durably constructed. Look for scopes built with a single-piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum strength and durability. Additionally, features like shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof capabilities ensure the scope can withstand harsh field conditions and continue to perform optimally.
Eye Relief
Longer eye relief is critical for high-recoil rifles to ensure safe and comfortable shooting without the risk of the scope striking the eye region. An eye relief of at least 3.5 inches is advisable, allowing you to maintain a safe distance from the scope while still obtaining a full field of view.
Adjustment Features
Turrets that offer precise and repeatable adjustments are crucial for fine-tuning your shots, especially at longer distances. Look for scopes with turrets that provide tactile and audible clicks, which allow for better adjustment accuracy. Resettable zero turrets can also enhance usability by making it easier to return to your original zero after making temporary adjustments.
Weight and Size
The weight and size of the scope can affect the balance and handling of your rifle. A lighter scope can make the rifle easier to handle and quicker to maneuver, which is beneficial for dynamic shooting situations or when hunting in rugged terrain. However, ensure that the reduction in weight does not compromise the optical quality or durability.
Warranty and Support
Considering the investment in a high-quality scope, look for products that come with solid warranty terms and customer support. A lifetime warranty can provide peace of mind, ensuring that any defects or damages can be addressed. This factor is crucial for maintaining the long-term reliability and performance of your scope.
Best Vortex Scopes for 45-70 Frequently Asked Questions
1) What magnification range is best for a Vortex scope used with a .45-70 rifle?
For a .45-70 rifle, a scope with a magnification range that supports both short and medium distances is ideal. Typically, a range from 1-6x or 2-10x provides sufficient versatility. This range allows for clear close-up views and detailed visualization of more distant targets, making it suitable for both hunting and target shooting scenarios.
2) How important is eye relief in a Vortex scope for a .45-70 rifle?
Eye relief is extremely important when using high-recoil rifles like the .45-70. A longer eye relief ensures safety and comfort, preventing the scope from hitting the eye area during recoil. Look for a Vortex scope offering at least 3.5 inches of eye relief to maintain a safe distance while still achieving a full and clear field of view.
3) Are Vortex scopes for the .45-70 rifle durable enough for rugged outdoor use?
Yes, Vortex scopes are designed to be exceptionally durable and are suitable for rugged outdoor environments. Look for models that feature a single-piece tube construction, typically made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which provides shockproof performance. Additionally, scopes should be O-ring sealed and nitrogen or argon purged to ensure they are waterproof and fogproof, thereby enhancing their resilience in various weather conditions and terrains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best Vortex scope for a .45-70 rifle involves a careful consideration of several key factors tailored to enhance your shooting experience.
Whether you’re engaging in hunting or target shooting, factors such as the appropriate magnification range, high-quality lens materials, suitable reticle type, robust build quality, adequate eye relief, precise adjustment capabilities, and the overall weight and balance of the scope play pivotal roles in achieving optimal performance.
Additionally, opting for a scope backed by a solid warranty and reliable customer support ensures durability and value for your investment. By prioritizing these criteria, shooters can find a Vortex scope that not only meets their specific needs but also maximizes the capabilities of the powerful .45-70 rifle.
Happy shooting!
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