Imagine hitting that target dead center, every single time, with your trusty .45-70 rifle. Sounds great, right? But finding the perfect Red Dot sight for this powerful lever-action rifle can feel like a puzzle. Many shooters love the .45-70 for its stopping power, but pairing it with the right optic isn’t always straightforward.
The truth is, not all Red Dot sights are built to handle the stout recoil of a .45-70. You might find some that are too fragile, or others that just don’t offer the clarity you need for accurate shooting. It’s frustrating when you spend money on an accessory, only to have it fail or not perform as you hoped. We’ve all been there, staring at a wall of choices and wondering which one will actually work.
That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of Red Dot sights specifically for the .45-70. In this post, you’ll learn exactly what to look for, discover some top-notch options that can stand up to the challenge, and finally find the Red Dot that will make your shooting experience even better. Get ready to zero in on the perfect sight!
Our Top 5 Red Dot For A 45-70 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Red Dot For A 45-70 Detailed Reviews
1. Osprey Global 45-70 Sight Tool
Rating: 9.1/10
The Osprey Global 45-70 Sight Tool is a handy gadget designed to help you zero in your rifle sights. It’s made from strong brass, so it feels solid in your hand. This tool helps you make sure your shots hit where you aim, especially for your 45-70 rifle. It’s small and light, making it easy to carry with you to the range or on any hunting trip.
What We Like:
- It is built from high-quality brass, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The sighting range of 15-100 yards is great for most shooting situations.
- It is very lightweight, weighing only 38g, so it won’t add much bulk to your gear.
- Using it is straightforward and helps you get your sights aligned quickly.
- It only needs three common LR41 batteries, which are easy to find.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sighting range might be too limited for some extreme long-range shooters.
- Availability could be an issue for those looking to buy it quickly.
Overall, the Osprey Global 45-70 Sight Tool is a reliable and easy-to-use accessory for any shooter. It makes sighting in your rifle a much simpler task.
2. VINTCON Serpens Red Dot Sight 45 MOA Circle Open Reflex Sight with Large Objective Lens for RMR Footprint Shake-Awake Parallax-Free Durable Waterproof Fogproof
Rating: 9.1/10
The VINTCON Serpens Red Dot Sight is a tough and smart aiming tool for your firearm. It has a big window so you can see your target clearly and quickly. This sight is built to last through tough conditions, like getting wet or being shaken hard. It even turns on and off by itself to save battery.
What We Like:
- LARGE SIGHT WINDOW: You get a wide, clear view to find your target fast.
- MOTION ACTIVATED: It turns on when you move it and saves power when you don’t.
- BRIGHTNESS CONTROL: You can change how bright the dot is to see well in any light.
- COMPATIBILITY: It fits easily onto RMR mounts, and it stays put even with strong jolts.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: It’s waterproof, fogproof, and can handle bumps and strong recoil. Setting it up is simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The parallax correction is optimized for distances over 33 yards, so it might not be as perfect for very close shooting.
- While it’s durable, some users might prefer an even more robust build for extreme, high-impact situations.
Overall, the VINTCON Serpens Red Dot Sight is a reliable and user-friendly option for shooters looking for a dependable aiming solution. It offers great features for its price.
3. XS SIGHTS Lever Rail for Marlin Rifles
Rating: 8.7/10
The XS SIGHTS Lever Rail is a fantastic upgrade for your Marlin 1895 rifle. If you own a Marlin 1895 in .45-70, .450, or .444, this rail is designed just for you. It gives you a strong Picatinny rail to attach your favorite sights and scopes. This rail is made tough and is easy to put on yourself.
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What We Like:
- It’s a Picatinny rail only, fitting Marlin 1895 models in .45-70, .450, and .444.
- Installation is a breeze; you can do it yourself with simple tools.
- It lets you mount any optic you want, like red dots or scout scopes.
- Made from lightweight aluminum, it won’t make your rifle heavy.
- The rail is built tough with CNC machining for lasting use.
- It’s proudly made in Ft. Worth, Texas.
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What Could Be Improved:
- This rail is specifically for Picatinny mounts, so you can’t use other types of attachments.
This rail is a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their Marlin 1895. It’s a simple, durable upgrade that makes your rifle more versatile.
4. GlobalPioneer RED Laser Arbors for 30 Carbine Bore Sight 45 Colt/45-70 Govt
Rating: 9.3/10
Getting your firearms sighted in can be a breeze with the GlobalPioneer RED Laser Arbors. This handy tool works with popular calibers like 30 Carbine, 45 Colt, and 45-70 Govt. It uses a bright red laser to help you line up your sights quickly and accurately.
What We Like:
- It’s very easy to use. You just screw it into your firearm’s chamber.
- The laser is bright and clear, making sighting simple.
- It comes with a battery, so you can use it right away.
- It’s designed for a good range, from 15 yards up to 100 yards.
- The on/off end cap makes it simple to control the laser.
What Could Be Improved:
- Remember not to look directly at the laser beam.
- It’s a Class IIIa laser, so always use it safely.
This laser arbor is a solid choice for anyone who wants to make the bore sighting process faster and more efficient. It’s a helpful tool for any shooter.
5. GOTICAL 45 Degree Offset Picatinny Rail Mount – Angle (45 Degree Mount Set and Reflex Red Dot)
Rating: 9.1/10
The GOTICAL 45 Degree Offset Picatinny Rail Mount is a handy tool for anyone who wants to add more accessories to their firearm. This mount lets you attach things like lasers, flashlights, or red dot sights at a 45-degree angle. This makes it super easy to reach the controls for these accessories without changing your shooting grip.
What We Like:
- It gives you a great spot to put your red dot sight next to your main scope.
- The angled design makes it simple to turn your laser or flashlight on and off.
- You can attach it to Weaver or Picatinny rails really fast with its special thumb nut.
- Putting it on is a breeze; it just bolts right on.
- It’s perfect for setting up a backup sight that sits beside your main one.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sometimes, getting the exact angle you want can take a little fiddling.
- While it’s sturdy, some users might want even more material options for extreme conditions.
This mount makes customizing your firearm easier and more efficient. It’s a solid addition for any shooter looking to improve their setup.
Choosing the Right Red Dot Sight for Your .45-70
The .45-70 Government cartridge is a powerhouse, known for its stopping power and impressive range. When you pair it with a red dot sight, you unlock faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best red dot for your trusty .45-70? This guide will help you make an informed decision.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a red dot sight for your .45-70, keep these important features in mind:
- Durability and Ruggedness: Your .45-70 is a big-bore rifle, meaning it has significant recoil. The red dot sight needs to withstand this pounding. Look for sights built with strong materials and designed to handle heavy recoil.
- Lens Quality: Clear, bright lenses make a big difference. They help you see your target quickly and accurately. Anti-reflective coatings are a plus, as they reduce glare.
- Dot Size: Red dots come in different sizes, usually measured in minutes of angle (MOA). For a .45-70, a 4 MOA dot is a good all-around choice. It’s large enough to see easily but small enough for decent precision at longer ranges. Some shooters prefer a 6 MOA dot for even faster acquisition.
- Battery Life: You don’t want your red dot to die at the wrong moment. Check the estimated battery life and consider models with longer-lasting batteries or those that use commonly available types.
- Brightness Settings: The ability to adjust the brightness of the red dot is crucial. You need it bright enough to see against a dark background but not so bright that it washes out your target in daylight.
- Waterproof and Fogproof: These features protect your sight from the elements, ensuring it works even in rain or fog.
Important Materials
The materials used in a red dot sight directly impact its performance and lifespan:
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum: This is a common and excellent material for the housing of red dot sights. It’s strong, lightweight, and can withstand impacts and recoil.
- Hard Anodized Finish: This finish adds extra durability to the aluminum housing, protecting it from scratches and corrosion.
- High-Quality Glass: Lenses made from premium glass provide better clarity and light transmission.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a red dot sight better or worse for your .45-70:
- Recoil Resistance: A sight that isn’t built to handle the recoil of a .45-70 will likely break or lose its zero quickly. This is a major factor.
- Optical Clarity: Smudged or distorted lenses will hinder your ability to aim. High-quality glass and coatings improve clarity.
- Battery Compartment Design: A poorly designed battery compartment can lead to intermittent power or difficulty changing the battery.
- Mounting System: A secure and stable mounting system is essential. If the sight shifts, your accuracy will suffer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a red dot sight on a .45-70 opens up a variety of applications:
- Hunting: For hunting medium to large game, a red dot allows for quick, instinctive aiming. It’s especially useful in brushy areas where follow-up shots might be needed.
- Plinking and General Shooting: Enjoy faster and more enjoyable shooting sessions at the range.
- Home Defense: The speed of a red dot sight can be invaluable for home defense situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Red Dots for .45-70
Q: Will a red dot sight hold up to the recoil of a .45-70?
A: Yes, if you choose a red dot sight specifically designed for heavy recoil. Look for models that advertise robust construction and recoil resistance.
Q: What is the best dot size for a .45-70?
A: A 4 MOA dot is a great all-around choice. A 6 MOA dot is also popular for faster target acquisition.
Q: Do I need a special mount for a red dot on a .45-70?
A: You’ll need a mount that is compatible with your rifle’s receiver or rail system. Ensure the mount is strong enough to handle the recoil.
Q: Are all red dot sights waterproof?
A: No, not all of them are. It’s important to check the product specifications for waterproof and fogproof ratings if you plan to shoot in wet conditions.
Q: How important is battery life?
A: Battery life is very important. You want a sight that can last through extended shooting sessions or hunts without the battery dying.
Q: Can I use a red dot for long-range shooting with a .45-70?
A: Red dots are best for closer to medium ranges. For very long distances, a magnified scope might be more suitable, but a red dot excels at quick aiming.
Q: What does MOA stand for?
A: MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It’s a way to measure the size of the red dot on your target.
Q: Should I worry about the weight of the red dot sight?
A: While it’s a consideration, most red dot sights are relatively lightweight. The benefits of faster aiming usually outweigh the slight weight addition.
Q: Can I mount a red dot on any .45-70 rifle?
A: Most modern .45-70 rifles have scope mounting options like Picatinny rails or drilled and tapped receivers, making red dot mounting possible.
Q: How do I adjust the red dot sight?
A: Red dot sights have adjustment turrets, usually on the top and side, to move the dot up/down and left/right to zero your rifle.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!