Scope for my new Henry 45-70

[A207X2]

I'm going to be putting a scope on my new Henry Classic 45-70 rifle. I'm planning on using the rifle itself for < 200 yard shooting. With that as the background, I'm going to go with another Leupold scope. I currently have a VX-5HD 3-15X44 CDS-ZL2 SIDE FOCUS HTMR on my Browning 30-06. What I'm going back and forth about is whether to put the same scope (except this time with a Firedot reticle) on the Henry, or to put the VX-3HD 3.5-10X50 CDS-ZL ILLUM. FIREDOT TWILIGHT HUNTER on it.

I'm leaning towards the VX-5 vs the VX-3, but would like to hear from others on what you would recommend. Is the 50mm objective on the VX-3 worth the trade off vs the better overall optics of the 40mm objective on the VX-5? Thanks.

 

[Caseknife]

I'd go with something like this, https://www.leupold.com/vx-5hd-1-5x24-metric-illum-firedot-4-fine-riflescope. If you plan on limiting your shots to <200yds, this would be ideal and look pretty cool on a Henry lever gun.

 

[A207X2]

I'd go with something like this, https://www.leupold.com/vx-5hd-1-5x24-metric-illum-firedot-4-fine-riflescope. If you plan on limiting your shots to <200yds, this would be ideal and look pretty cool on a Henry lever gun.

Yeah, I looked at that one really hard. One thing I was taking into consideration is that in a pinch (i.e. something happens to my scope on the Browning) I could use this scope as a backup, and the 1-5 might not be enough glass in that role. Another person made a good point similar to yours: the 50mm objective would look like a telescope on the lever gun. After thinking about that, I'm backing off of the 50mm and considering the VX-5HD 2-10x42 Firedot. I really like the VX-5HD glass.

 

[Caseknife]

Don't think that would be a worry for me at all. Priority for me when setting up a rifle is balance and esthetics. In a pinch, that scope would work great on your '06, many, many animals have been killed with the '06 with straight 4x scopes.

 

[D4570]

MAKE sure you have plenty of eye relief!
I have 5 stitches over my eye to prove the statement.
I have a Marlin and shoot buffalo bore and hot hand loads.
A good limb saver is recommended too.

 

[A207X2]

MAKE sure you have plenty of eye relief!
I have 5 stitches over my eye to prove the statement.
I have a Marlin and shoot buffalo bore and hot hand loads.
A good limb saver is recommended too.

Wow! That’s quite the recoil. I love BuffaloBore ammo. Use it in my 30-06, and my .45 ACP as defensive loads. Will be shooting it in my Henry when moose hunting.

 

[A207X2]

Well, after reading everyone’s input, I’ve decided on the Leupold VX-3HD 1-5x20 Firedot. Your points about it being <200 yards, smaller size, still able to use it as a backup to my larger scope all made good sense.

Thank you to all of you.

 

[noharleyyet]

Well, after reading everyone’s input, I’ve decided on the Leupold VX-3HD 1-5x20 Firedot. Your points about it being <200 yards, smaller size, still able to use it as a backup to my larger scope all made good sense.

Thank you to all of you.

You chose well...aesthetically and functionally. Be sure to post the finished image.

 

[hank4elk]

I would love one with a pop up peep myself.

 

[A207X2]

I would love one with a pop up peep myself.

This is the one I was originally going to put on.



Skinner Peep Sight

 

[PawPawWPG]

I’ve got the skinner peep sight on my 45 Colt Henry. Works well out to 100 yards.

 

[hank4elk]

This is the one I was originally going to put on.

View attachment 205692

Skinner Peep Sight

Nice & clean.
I was thinking more the quigley type...but I don't even know if I could use one of those these days. I need reading glasses now & that really screws with up close things,like the rear peep. Now, I think I could see with a duece sight still....lol 2" ring with a crosshair.

 

[hank4elk]

I think Ken nailed it with the fire dot.

 

[A207X2]

I’ve decided that I’m going to try a Skinner sight as well. They have a setup where you can run with just the peep sights or express attach a scope.

 

[A207X2]

UPDATE: I got the Skinner Express sight in brass and it looks beautiful. I also got the Talley Quick Disconnect Scope Rings and decided to go with the Leupold VH-5HD 1-5x24 with the Firedot reticle. I just ordered the scope today. It was a little more than the VX-3HD, but from all accounts the glass on the 5HD is much better than the 3HD. Pay once, cry once.

I took the rifle out to the range and it shoots great at 100 yards with the Skinner peep sights, but I really do need a scope on it. And boy, does it kick!

Terminator T3B muzzle brake is getting installed as we speak.

 

[stk]

UPDATE: I got the Skinner Express sight in brass and it looks beautiful. I also got the Talley Quick Disconnect Scope Rings and decided to go with the Leupold VH-5HD 1-5x24 with the Firedot reticle. I just ordered the scope today. It was a little more than the VX-3HD, but from all accounts the glass on the 5HD is much better than the 3HD. Pay once, cry once.

I took the rifle out to the range and it shoots great at 100 yards with the Skinner peep sights, but I really do need a scope on it. And boy, does it kick!

Terminator T3B muzzle brake is getting installed as we speak.

Looking forward to seeing pictures when it's all together

 

[LongRangeDisciple]

VX-Freedom 2-7x33 Hunt-Plex

The VX®-Freedom® 2-7x33mm delivers the legendary Leupold® performance and dependability hunters and shooters have demanded for decades. The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for anyone who wants a wide field of view for close range shots but is also looking to take precise, mid-range shots.

www.leupold.com

 

[A207X2]

VX-Freedom 2-7x33 Hunt-Plex

The VX®-Freedom® 2-7x33mm delivers the legendary Leupold® performance and dependability hunters and shooters have demanded for decades. The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for anyone who wants a wide field of view for close range shots but is also looking to take precise, mid-range shots.

www.leupold.com

I wanted to get the Firedot reticle for this one.

 

[A207X2]

Here’s the other thread with the pics: https://www.hunttalk.com/threads/my...lassic-lever-gun-in-45-70.311836/post-3342764