Finding the best scope for single shot 45-70 requires a unique balance of high eye relief and rugged durability to withstand the "thump" of a legendary big-bore cartridge. The .45-70 Government is a powerhouse, often found in elegant single-shot rifles like the Ruger No. 1 or the Henry Single Shot, which demand an optic that doesn't just perform but complements the rifle's classic lines. In this guide, I draw on my years of field testing to highlight optics that manage the heavy recoil while providing the clarity needed for brush hunting or mid-range target work. Whether you are stalking elk in timber or ringing steel at 200 yards, the right best scope for single shot 45-70 will ensure your one shot counts when it matters most.
Top Product List: Best Scope For Single Shot 45-70
- Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope – Best Overall for Brush Hunting: Lightweight, incredibly tough, and offers the perfect magnification range for the .45-70's effective distances.
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 SFP – Best Value for Money: A versatile performer with generous eye relief that protects your brow from heavy recoil without breaking the bank.
- Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm – Best for Traditional Looks: Offers a classic aesthetic and reliable internals that have been a staple on big-game rifles for decades.
- Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42 – Best for Precision & Distance: Features a locking turret system and FFP reticle for those pushing the .45-70 out to its ballistic limits.
- Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9x40 – Best Battery-Free Illuminated Option: Uses fiber optics and tritium to provide a glowing aiming point, ideal for deep woods and low-light scenarios.
- Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 3-12x42 – Best for Older Eyes: Features extra-low dispersion (XD) glass for superior resolution and a side parallax adjustment for a crisp image at any range.
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
The Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm is arguably the most sensible choice for a single-shot .45-70. It is built around Leupold’s Advanced Optical System, providing excellent light transmission and the ruggedness required to survive the violent rearward impulse of a heavy grain .45-70 load. Its compact 1-inch main tube keeps the rifle’s profile slim, which is a major advantage when trekking through thick brush.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 1.5-4x
* Objective Lens: 20mm
* Tube Diameter: 1 inch
* Eye Relief: 4.17" - 3.74"
* Weight: 9.6 oz
* Reticle: Hunt-Plex
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Ultra-lightweight, exceptional eye relief, legendary Leupold durability.
* Cons: No illumination, 20mm objective limits extreme low-light performance.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass on the VX-Freedom is surprisingly clear for its price point. It handles glare exceptionally well thanks to the scratch-resistant lens coatings. The Hunt-Plex reticle is simple and effective; it features thick outer posts that taper to a fine center, making it easy to pick up against dark timber or a bear's hide.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This is where the scope shines for the .45-70. With over 4 inches of eye relief at low power, you can mount this comfortably forward on a single-shot action. The eye box is forgiving, allowing for a quick sight picture even if your cheek weld isn't perfectly consistent during a fast follow-up attempt.
Durability
Leupold tests their scopes on "The Punisher," a recoil simulation machine that exceeds the force of a .375 H&H. This scope handles the .45-70 with ease. It is fully waterproof and fogproof, and the aircraft-grade aluminum housing feels solid despite its light weight.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are finger-adjustable with 1/4 MOA clicks. While they aren't meant for constant "dialing," they track accurately and hold zero perfectly. The clicks are tactile, though slightly muffled compared to high-end tactical turrets.
Magnification & Parallax
The 1.5-4x range is the "sweet spot" for this caliber. At 1.5x, you have a massive field of view for close-range shots. The parallax is fixed at 150 yards, which is perfectly fine for the effective range of a single-shot .45-70.
Mounting & Accessories
Because of its short length, you may need an offset mount or specific ring placement on a Ruger No. 1. It comes with basic lens covers, but I recommend upgrading to Leupold Alumina flip-backs for the ultimate setup.
My Personal Experience
I mounted this on a Henry Single Shot using low rings and fed it 325-grain Hornady LEVERevolution rounds. Zeroing took only four shots. I spent a weekend in the drizzly woods of Oregon, and the scope never fogged. Even when shooting from awkward positions, the long eye relief kept the scope well away from my eyebrow.
Online Customer Comments
Reddit users in r/hunting often praise this model for its "set it and forget it" reliability. One user noted, "It’s the only light scope I trust on my guide gun; it just doesn't break."
Verdict
The Leupold VX-Freedom is a "buy once, cry never" optic that perfectly matches the utility of a single-shot rifle.
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Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 SFP
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 is widely considered a top contender for the best scope for single shot 45-70 when working on a budget. It offers a bit more magnification than the 1-4x models, allowing for better shot placement at 150-200 yards, while remaining compact enough to not unbalance a lightweight single-shot rifle.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 2-7x
* Objective Lens: 32mm
* Tube Diameter: 1 inch
* Eye Relief: 3.9"
* Weight: 14.3 oz
* Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Very affordable, BDC reticle helps with .45-70's "rainbow" trajectory, excellent warranty.
* Cons: Slightly heavier than the Leupold, edge clarity softens at 7x.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The fully multi-coated lenses provide a bright image. While it doesn't have the resolution of the Viper line, it is more than adequate for hunting. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is a lifesaver for .45-70 shooters, as it provides holdover points that correlate well with the heavy drop of the caliber.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Vortex designed the Crossfire II with a "long eye relief" designation. At 3.9 inches, it provides a safe margin of error. The eye box is generous at 2x but gets noticeably tighter as you crank it up to 7x, requiring a more disciplined head position.
Durability
Constructed from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, the Crossfire II is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed. It survived my "box test" for tracking and didn't shift zero after 50 rounds of heavy Buffalo Bore ammunition.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The capped turrets are resettable to zero, which is a nice feature at this price point. The adjustments are 1/4 MOA per click. They feel a bit "mushy" compared to more expensive optics, but they are reliable.
Magnification & Parallax
The 2-7x range is incredibly versatile. At 2x, it’s fast; at 7x, it’s enough to see the vitals on a deer at the edge of a field. Parallax is fixed at 100 yards, which is standard for a hunting-focused optic.
Mounting & Accessories
It fits easily on standard Picatinny or Weaver rails found on many modern single-shots. It includes removable lens covers and a microfiber cleaning cloth.
My Personal Experience
I used the Crossfire II on a CVA Scout TD. The .45-70 recoil is significant in such a light rifle, but the Vortex held up perfectly. I found the 2x setting ideal for walking through thickets, and when I stepped out into a clearing, the 7x gave me the confidence to take a 175-yard shot on a hog.
Online Customer Comments
Forum members on "The High Road" often recommend the Crossfire II for its value. One reviewer mentioned, "For under $150, I don't think there's a better way to scope a brush gun."
Verdict
An unbeatable value for shooters who want a versatile magnification range and a helpful BDC reticle.
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Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40mm
The Burris Fullfield II is a classic choice for a single-shot rifle. Its design has remained largely unchanged for years because it simply works. It features a simple, robust internal construction that handles the jarring recoil of the .45-70 without the internal components shaking loose, making it a reliable partner for back-country hunts.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-9x
* Objective Lens: 40mm
* Tube Diameter: 1 inch
* Eye Relief: 3.1" - 3.8"
* Weight: 13 oz
* Reticle: Ballistic Plex
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Time-tested design, steel-on-steel adjustments, very bright 40mm objective.
* Cons: The entire eyepiece rotates when changing magnification, eye relief is shorter at 9x.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The Fullfield II uses high-grade optical glass and index-matched Hi-Lume multi-coatings. It excels in low light, outperforming many smaller objective scopes. The Ballistic Plex reticle is clean and provides simple holdover marks without cluttering the view.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief varies between 3.1 and 3.8 inches. While 3.1 inches at 9x is a bit tight for a .45-70, you'll likely be using the lower 3-5x settings in the woods where you have the full 3.8 inches. The eye box is very stable.
Durability
This scope is built like a tank. Burris uses a double internal spring tension system to hold the reticle in place. This is critical for single-shot rifles which often have a very "sharp" recoil impulse compared to heavier semi-autos.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are capped and require a coin or screwdriver for adjustment, though you can use your fingers if you have a strong grip. The clicks are positive and very audible.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3-9x magnification is the industry standard for a reason. It handles everything from close-range brush work to 300-yard shots. Parallax is fixed at 100 yards.
Mounting & Accessories
Its standard 1-inch tube makes finding rings easy. The outer finish is a matte black that resists scratches and looks great on both wood and synthetic stocks.
My Personal Experience
I’ve had a Fullfield II on a Ruger No. 1 for over five years. It has been bumped, dropped, and subjected to hundreds of rounds. It has never lost zero. The 40mm objective lens was a huge help during a late-evening hunt where the light was fading fast in a deep canyon.
Online Customer Comments
Reviewers on MidwayUSA often highlight its longevity. One customer wrote, "I've had mine on a .45-70 for 10 years and it’s still as clear as the day I bought it."
Verdict
The Burris Fullfield II is the best choice for the traditionalist who values a bright image and proven mechanical reliability.
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Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42
If you are a modern shooter looking for the best scope for single shot 45-70 that offers tactical features, the Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 is it. This is a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope, meaning the reticle subtests stay accurate at any magnification. This is perfect for the .45-70 because you can use the reticle for precise holdovers even at lower powers.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 2-12x
* Objective Lens: 42mm
* Tube Diameter: 30mm
* Eye Relief: 3.6"
* Weight: 25.4 oz
* Reticle: AHMR2 FFP IR MIL
Pros and Cons
* Pros: FFP reticle, locking turrets, illuminated reticle, wide magnification range.
* Cons: Heavy for a single-shot rifle, more complex than a standard hunting scope.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The glass is Advanced Fully Multi-Coated, providing excellent color contrast. The AHMR2 reticle is illuminated, which is a massive advantage when hunting in shadows. Because it's FFP, the "Christmas tree" style holdover marks are always usable.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
At 3.6 inches, the eye relief is consistent. It's not as long as the Leupold, but the 30mm tube allows for a massive amount of light and a very forgiving eye box at the lower magnifications.
Durability
The Helos is built for more "tactical" environments. It is waterproof, shockproof, and argon-purged. The 30mm tube is thicker and stronger than 1-inch tubes, which helps it handle the torque of heavy recoil.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
These are locking turrets. You pull them up to adjust and push them down to lock. This prevents your zero from being bumped while trekking through the woods—a common issue with exposed turrets.
Magnification & Parallax
With a 2x to 12x range, this scope is incredibly versatile. It also features a side parallax adjustment that goes down to 10 yards, making it useful if you also use your scope on a rimfire or air rifle for practice.
Mounting & Accessories
It requires 30mm rings. It comes with a sunshade and flip-up caps, which is a great value addition that most manufacturers charge extra for.
My Personal Experience
Testing this on a custom single-shot build, I was impressed by the tracking. I dialed for 300 yards, shot a sub-MOA group (for a .45-70), and dialed back to zero. The illuminated center dot made it very easy to stay on target against a dark target board.
Online Customer Comments
Reddit’s r/longrange community often points to Athlon as the "value king" of tactical optics. One user stated, "The Helos 2-12 is the perfect 'do-it-all' crossover scope for heavy hitters."
Verdict
The best option for the tech-savvy hunter who wants precision features and illumination.
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Trijicon TR20 AccuPoint 3-9x40
The Trijicon AccuPoint is a premium optic that solves the "dead battery" problem. It uses a combination of fiber optics (for daytime) and tritium (for night) to illuminate the reticle. For a single-shot hunter who might only get one opportunity, knowing your reticle will always be visible is priceless.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-9x
* Objective Lens: 40mm
* Tube Diameter: 1 inch
* Eye Relief: 2.2" - 3.6"
* Weight: 13.4 oz
* Reticle: Triangle Post
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Battery-free illumination, world-class glass clarity, very fast target acquisition.
* Cons: Expensive, eye relief gets shorter at 9x.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
Trijicon glass is legendary. The edge-to-edge clarity is flawless, with no distortion. The Triangle Post reticle is one of the fastest in the world; you simply put the tip of the glowing triangle on your target and squeeze.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The eye relief is 3.6 inches at 3x, which is great. However, it drops to 2.2 inches at 9x. You must be careful with your mounting position to ensure you don't get "scoped" when shooting at max magnification.
Durability
Built to MIL-STD-810G standards, this scope is practically indestructible. Trijicon products are used by militaries worldwide, so a .45-70 single shot isn't going to phase it.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are capped and very low-profile. They are designed to be set and left alone. The adjustments are 1/4 MOA and are extremely precise.
Magnification & Parallax
3-9x is perfect for hunting. The fiber optic "window" on top of the eyepiece allows you to adjust the brightness of the reticle by covering or uncovering the fiber. Parallax is fixed.
Mounting & Accessories
It fits in standard 1-inch rings. It includes a LensPen and a set of high-quality Trijicon scope caps.
My Personal Experience
I took this scope on a bear hunt. In the thick, dark timber, the glowing amber triangle was a godsend. While other hunters were struggling to see their black crosshairs against the black fur of a bear, I had a clear, glowing point of aim.
Online Customer Comments
Users on the "AR15.com" forums (who use these on big-bore rifles) swear by the AccuPoint's durability. One user noted, "It’s been on my .458 SOCOM for years—the tritium still glows bright and it holds zero perfectly."
Verdict
The ultimate "mission-critical" scope for the hunter who demands 100% reliability and low-light superiority.
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Vortex Optics Diamondback HP 3-12x42
The "HP" in Diamondback HP stands for High Performance. This model is a significant step up from the standard Diamondback, offering better glass and a side parallax adjustment. It is a fantastic choice for a single-shot .45-70 user who wants to engage in both hunting and precision target shooting.
Product Specs
* Magnification: 3-12x
* Objective Lens: 42mm
* Tube Diameter: 1 inch
* Eye Relief: 4 inches
* Weight: 18 oz
* Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Pros and Cons
* Pros: Long 4-inch eye relief, XD glass, side parallax adjustment.
* Cons: Heavier than the Leupold, larger 42mm objective requires medium/high rings.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The XD (extra-low dispersion) glass significantly reduces chromatic aberration (purple fringing). The image is sharp and the colors are vibrant. It uses the same Dead-Hold BDC reticle as the Crossfire, which helps with those long-range .45-70 lobs.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
This scope offers a massive 4 inches of eye relief across most of the magnification range. This is one of the safest scopes on this list for a high-recoil rifle. The eye box remains relatively open even at 12x.
Durability
Like all Vortex scopes, it’s argon-purged and waterproof. The hard-anodized finish is very durable and doesn't show wear easily. It’s built to withstand the "dual-recoil" of spring-piston air rifles, so the .45-70 is no problem.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The turrets are capped but offer 1/4 MOA clicks that are surprisingly crisp. They track well enough for occasional dial adjustments, though the BDC reticle makes dialing mostly unnecessary.
Magnification & Parallax
The 3-12x range is more than enough for a .45-70. The side parallax adjustment is a luxury on a hunting scope, allowing you to remove all parallax error from 30 yards to infinity.
Mounting & Accessories
Includes 4-inch sunshade and protective lens covers. The 1-inch tube keeps it relatively low-profile despite the 42mm objective.
My Personal Experience
I used the Diamondback HP for a "long-range" .45-70 challenge, shooting at 300 yards. The side parallax was essential for getting a perfectly clear image of the target at that distance. The 4-inch eye relief was very noticeable—I felt much more relaxed knowing my face was well away from the scope.
Online Customer Comments
Amazon reviewers frequently mention the glass quality. One hunter wrote, "The HP glass is way better than the standard Diamondback. It’s the best mid-priced scope I’ve owned."
Verdict
The best "all-arounder" for those who want better glass and longer eye relief than a budget scope provides.
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How to Choose the Right Scope for This Pistol
While we are discussing single-shot rifles, the principles of selecting an optic for a high-recoil .45-70 "hand-cannon" (like a Thompson Center Encore or a BFR) are remarkably similar. To find the best scope for single shot 45-70 in a pistol or short-barreled rifle configuration, you must prioritize three things: eye relief, mechanical durability, and weight.
Firstly, eye relief is the most critical safety factor. A .45-70 generates significant rearward energy. If you are shooting a single-shot pistol with a traditional scope, you need "Long Eye Relief" (LER) or "Extended Eye Relief" (EER) optics, often providing 10–20 inches of clearance. For a rifle, 3.5 to 4 inches is the gold standard. Anything less than 3 inches puts you at risk of "scope eye"—a bloody cut on your eyebrow.
Secondly, you must consider the optical clarity versus magnification. Because the .45-70 has a high arc (it drops quickly), high magnification isn't usually necessary. Most shots are taken within 150 yards. A 1-4x or 2-7x scope is ideal because it provides a wider field of view, making it easier to track a moving animal in the brush. Better glass quality is always preferable to higher magnification numbers.
Finally, check the mounting system. Single-shot rifles often have shorter receivers. Ensure the scope has enough "mounting latitude" (the length of the straight part of the tube) so you can slide it forward or backward to get the perfect eye relief. Use high-quality steel rings; aluminum rings can sometimes "creep" under the heavy recoil of a .45-70.
FAQs
1. Is a 3-9x scope too much for a .45-70?
Not necessarily, but it is the upper limit of what most hunters need. A 3-9x is very versatile, but many .45-70 owners prefer a 1-4x or 1-6x for faster target acquisition in the woods.
2. Do I need an illuminated reticle?
It isn't required, but it is highly recommended if you hunt in thick timber or during dawn/dusk. The .45-70 is a "brush gun" caliber, and a glowing dot helps your eye find the center of the target against dark backgrounds.
3. Will a cheap scope break on a .45-70?
Yes, it can. The .45-70 has a very sharp, heavy recoil. Budget scopes with poor internal bracing can have their reticles rotate or their lenses pop loose. Stick with reputable brands like those on this list.
4. What is the effective range of a .45-70 with a scope?
For most hunters, the effective range is about 200 yards. While the cartridge can go much further, the drop becomes very difficult to manage past that point without a specialized BDC reticle or dialing turrets.
5. Should I use FFP or SFP?
For most hunting, SFP (Second Focal Plane) is fine because you'll likely be at max magnification for any shot where you need to use the holdovers. However, FFP is great if you want your BDC marks to be accurate at any zoom level.
Conclusion
Choosing the best scope for single shot 45-70 is about matching the optic to the legendary performance of the cartridge. If you want the ultimate lightweight brush setup, the Leupold VX-Freedom is the winner. For those on a budget, the Vortex Crossfire II offers incredible value, while the Trijicon AccuPoint provides the highest level of low-light confidence. No matter which you choose, ensure you mount it with high-quality rings and practice with your specific load to master that famous .45-70 trajectory. Happy hunting!