OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rifle Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Marlin 1895 GBL - Scope ideas
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Marlin 1895 GBL - Scope ideas

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Marlin 1895 GBL - Scope ideas
    Posted: December/09/2016 at 16:37
I just picked up my Christmas present from my wife (she doesn't know yet) and curious what optics everyone is running on their lever guns.  

This is the GBL model that has the pistol grip but conventional buckhorn sights.  I'll replace it with one from XS Sights with the ghost ring and rail.  I like the set up and use the ghost ring sight on a Rossi 92 and an original Guide Gun.

This will be a 150 yard gun.  The trajectory of the 45-70 looks like something coming out of a M198 Howitzer.  Definitely can lob rounds in to targets out to 300 yards, but drop is nearly three feet even with the +P 45-70 loads from Garrett and Buffalo Bore.

This will be a brush gun for pigs and for clearing the firing line at the range.  Expect most shots will be on moving targets.  Iron sights would work, but my eyes could always use some help.

Generous eye relief, illuminated reticle, low light capability and 1X/2X low end.

Leupold VX-R line looks like a good option, but giving strong consideration to the Aimpoint Hunter.  Capped version of the SWFA 1-4x or 1-6x would also work, as would most dangerous game scopes.
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2016 at 16:58
I have a VX3 1.5-5x on mine.  I like it a lot.  I went wit the 4a reticle, so it is very bold in low light.

Buy the lever evolution bullets.  When I first started loading them at 100 yards they were hitting 8 inches higher than the flat points I was shooting.  They turn a 150 yard gun into a 300 yard gun.   
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2016 at 17:10
Originally posted by Marine24 Marine24 wrote:

I just picked up my Christmas present from my wife (she doesn't know yet) 



Whistling
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2016 at 19:39
Budget?
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2016 at 22:51
Originally posted by Marine24 Marine24 wrote:

I just picked up my Christmas present from my wife (she doesn't know yet)

My wife is thoughtful like that as well!
Whistling
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/09/2016 at 23:21
Like to keep the budget in the $500 to $1K range.
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/10/2016 at 09:16
Originally posted by Marine24 Marine24 wrote:

I just picked up my Christmas present from my wife (she doesn't know yet) and curious what optics everyone is running on their lever guns.  

This is the GBL model that has the pistol grip but conventional buckhorn sights.  I'll replace it with one from XS Sights with the ghost ring and rail.  I like the set up and use the ghost ring sight on a Rossi 92 and an original Guide Gun.

This will be a 150 yard gun.  The trajectory of the 45-70 looks like something coming out of a M198 Howitzer.  Definitely can lob rounds in to targets out to 300 yards, but drop is nearly three feet even with the +P 45-70 loads from Garrett and Buffalo Bore.

This will be a brush gun for pigs and for clearing the firing line at the range.  Expect most shots will be on moving targets.  Iron sights would work, but my eyes could always use some help.

Generous eye relief, illuminated reticle, low light capability and 1X/2X low end.

Leupold VX-R line looks like a good option, but giving strong consideration to the Aimpoint Hunter.  Capped version of the SWFA 1-4x or 1-6x would also work, as would most dangerous game scopes.

Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/10/2016 at 10:46
A very interesting article.  I can remember books on the 45-70 being used as an indirect fire round, where infantry lobbed rounds at area targets.  Sheer mass of rounds was similar to how they used archers during the middle ages.  Man portable artillery.

Always have been a fan of the 430gr LFNGC loads running at 1950 at the muzzle.  Even though it has dropped over 16ft at 500 yards, it is still carrying over 800 ft/lbs of energy.

Leverevolution ammo Supertool mentioned definitely extends the capability of 45-70 round and their 325gr round is enough for hogs.

Vortex 1.5-8x32 Razor HD LH has caught my eye, although illumination would be nice, as does the Meostar R2 1-6x, but pushes the budget.


Edited by Marine24 - December/13/2016 at 06:36
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 09:00
Handled a Burris XTR II 1-8x scope.  I have their 3-15x mounted on a 22-250.  Magnification range is good and illumination is well done.

Not sure about a 34mm scope on a lever gun and it is heavy at 24 oz.  Definitely a nice scope but it is a lot of scope and impact on balance likely.
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2016 at 09:45
Leupold VX-6 1-6x looks like a very strong contender.  I'm a fan of their VX-6 line and like the FireDot Circle reticle.
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 06:49
Any other recommendations?  Leupold VX-6 is the front runner and SWFA was very generous with their 110% price match.
Back to Top
bugsNbows View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
bowsNbugs

Joined: March/10/2008
Location: North Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 11200
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 07:30
Although I'm often criticized for been a nut (guilty as charged BTW), I'd just put a straight 4x scope on it. 
If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous
Back to Top
Peddler View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: July/04/2012
Location: Oswego,NY
Status: Offline
Points: 13526
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peddler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 07:52
Originally posted by bugsNbows bugsNbows wrote:

Although I'm often criticized for been a nut (guilty as charged BTW), I'd just put a straight 4x scope on it. 


Agree!
When you are dead, you don't know you are dead.It is difficult only for others.

It is the same when you are stupid.
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/13/2016 at 08:26
I had one on my original Guide Gun in a scout scope mount and worked just fine.

Is there such a thing as a fixed power scope with illuminated reticle?
Back to Top
Marine24 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: June/07/2010
Location: Monument, CO
Status: Offline
Points: 687
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 15:27
Opted for the Aimpoint 9000.  For 90% of the shooting I'll do with this rifle, this red dot will do just fine plus give me the option of setting it up as a scout scope or conventional eye relief distances.
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 15:34
Good deal, Mike. Be sure to come back and let us know how it goes for you.    
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Resident Redneck

Joined: June/20/2005
Location: Iowa
Status: Offline
Points: 14964
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 16:11
http://swfa.com/mounts-rings-and-bases/xs-sight-lever-scout-mount.html  mount
http://swfa.com/catalog/product/view/id/103880/category/12135/  scope
I have had a couple of the stainless models which already had the rail on them but the scope I used was the 2 moa Aimpoint model 9000L which mounts using two 30mm rings.  With the Aimpoint eye relief is not an issue and it works well in a scout configuration.  If I didnt use that I would probably use Leupolds scout scope .
http://swfa.com/optics/browse/leupold-2-5x28-fx-ii-scout-scope.html scout scope

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Resident Redneck

Joined: June/20/2005
Location: Iowa
Status: Offline
Points: 14964
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/19/2016 at 16:16
One other thought the 45-70 is a lot like running a 50 cal musket so a muzzleloader scope might be a really good match they tend to have longer eye relief also.  I have this on my muzzleloader and it works very well for me at the distances I hunt deer typically 200 yds and closer.
http://swfa.com/optics/browse/nikon-3-9x40-inline-xr-muzzleloader-riflescope-1.html

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
Whitefire View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/29/2014
Location: Alabama
Status: Offline
Points: 132
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Whitefire Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/21/2016 at 21:58
I think you'll be happy with the 9000, so long as you don't have to guess at an extended range.
Great article KB.
Wf
May His face shine upon you and give you peace.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.227 seconds.