Marlin 1895G .45-70 Scope

[JohndeFresno]

This a carryover from Treeman72's ".30-30 Scope Recommendations" thread:
http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... =1&t=47434

I have never posted any target results with my excellent Marlin 1895G Guide Gun (.45-70) because, even with the slick Skinner peep sights, I just couldn't focus as expertly on a 100 yard target as I did when I had seen less summers. When I saw the results of some of my shooting, I remembered the statement from that rather mirthless monarch, Queen Victoria: "We are not amused."

Thanks to the advice of fellow levergunners here, and to helpful suggestions via PM from Old Savage and Mescalero, I have finally found what appears to be a good fit for older eyes and an inherently accurate little levergun.

What was hoped for:
* Relatively inexpensive, within the $400 range
* Waterproof, fogproof
* Shockproof for .45-70 use
* Nitrogen filled a plus
* Good light transmission
* Sufficient eye relief for quick tactical use
* A scope mount that is easy to remove in case of scope failure
(I would then have the Skinner sights available)
* Lifetime warranty a huge plus

Checking with a very competent local gunsmith, I was steered to the Nikon line of scopes, which has apparently come out nowhere with an increasingly popular and innovative line of riflescopes.

My gunsmith found and installed the scope below, and quoted $238 for the scope, base and rings, installed. My experience with installing scopes is nil, so I did not quibble - just gladly handed over the cash for his expert advice and time. The base and rings are, I think, Weaver; I was too excited about the scope to pay attention.

The scope:
Nikon Prostaff Shotgun Hunter 2-7x32 scope with BDC 200 reticle
11.5 in, 13.9 oz.

It is primarily designed for use with aerodynamic polymer-tipped shotgun slugs and muzzle velocities of 1900-2000 fps, at ranges that I would shoot with this caliber.

Its BDC 200 reticle is a trajectory-compensating reticle that "integrates unique, easy-to-see "ballistic circles" that provide instant aiming points—and takes the guesswork out of holdover at longer ranges."

Features: Waterproof/Fogproof: Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed, lifetime full warranty, 90% light transmission; all of the above desired features. The field of view is 9.5-33.4 ft at 75 yds

You can purchase this scope (without the rings and base) for $149.54 from Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-ProStaff-Sh ... nter+scope

Nikon Prostaff Shotgun Hunter 2-7x32 scope with BDC 200 reticle; 11.5 in, 13.9 oz.




The scope is backed up by some truly innovative software, available on-line for free. Here is a review:
http://www.hausofguns.com/2011/02/15/ni ... re-review/

I had a problem with the online software because it runs on Java. I have removed Java from my computer due to constant attacks and malware programs that have plagued this platform. Most computer security experts cast a jaundiced eye at Java, right now, for those reasons.

However, I ordered the software from Amazon for around $14. Additionally, there is an application for your iPhone for around 4 bucks that works the same way.
The downside issues:
1) You cannot alter loads to suit your handloads. You have to find a commercial load that is similar. EDIT: Incorrect. You can create a load. JdeF
2) If a particular bullet combination has nothing before the word "fps," don't use it or your program permanently locks up. You must then uninstall and re-install it. With Google Play, the re-installation is free.

The upside:
Using your iPhone (if you have reception in the field), you press a button and the local atmospherics are automatically entered! Amazing - like having one of those incredible portable devices that our Armed Forces snipers use.

Mike Badella of B&M Gunworks in Madera, CA did the final research and installation.

I am indeed pleased with what I have seen so far, and now I can get down to developing the best loads for this smoke wagon. When I can finally shake loose of my urban prison, I will report on some loads that I have been working up, now that there is no "failing eyesight" excuse.

[Old Savage]

Great rig. One extra benefit of the scope in my opinion and at least for the 1895SS 22" is that it takes the punchiness out of the recoil and makes it more shotgun like to my perception.

[86er]

Good choice that will add versatility and effectiveness.

[Blaine]

Nice! (I still prefer the Leupold Scout on mine, though)

[sore shoulder]

I have a 1.5-5 and think that's a perfect power range for the cartridge. Both eyes open on 1.5 for brush.

Yours will probably do fine. However, it looks to be sitting way too far back to me?

[JohndeFresno]

I have a 1.5-5 and think that's a perfect power range for the cartridge. Both eyes open on 1.5 for brush.

Yours will probably do fine. However, it looks to be sitting way too far back to me?

Thanks for your interest and comments, all.

The position is still up in the air - I want to be able to snap the rifle up to my shoulder and fire; but range time will tell if I need to lean more into the stock. It may be necessary to move it forward a bit.

[sore shoulder]

John I mention the position because shotgun scopes generally have a long eye relief.

[Mescalero]

I would like more on the practical math in the process.

[AJMD429]

One nice thing about scopes with multi-range reticles is that not only are they good for ultra-long-range shots with flat-shooting rifles, but they make medium-long-range shots with 'rainbow-trajectory' ones doable, and FUN, as well. If you have a 1,500 yard range to play with and a 405 Cheytac, that's cool, but a 500 yard range and a 45-70 or a 250 yard range and a 32-20, can be challenging fun as well.

'Back in the Day' the old-timers shot 1,000 yards or more with 45-70's, and although they relied on extra-tall rear sights of various sorts, we can do the same thing with the luxury of a good scope, which not only helps us hit some hypothetical target 'speck' that we can barely see that is far away, but actually SEE it, too...!

[JohndeFresno]

I would like more on the practical math in the process.

Mescalero,

This is all I can tell you; most or all which you probably know from your professional experience, but included here for those of us who don't have an engineering background:

The small circles beneath the crosshair (zero) mark are similar to many other graded ballistic reticles. Since they represent elevating your rifle at certain angles for distances just as with those other sights, or just as a vernier sight does with certain iron sighted military rifles, the software takes each different bullet's flight (trajectory) into account.

The Nikon company talks about shifting parallax within the scope, whatever in the world that means.
The algorithms included within the software, similar to QuickLoad, make predictions based upon bullet sectional density, ballistic coefficient, bullet weight and velocity - adding in the factors of elevation, temperature, wind drift and angle of shot.

To use the software (either on line or from your cell phone), you choose from a long list of their scopes, then a specific cartridge caliber (e.g. "30-30" or ".45-70"); then a bullet brand, then you enter the specific loads with their known, included velocities as tested for those cartridges.

The easiest way to grasp this is to play with the online free software program, "SpotOn," from the Nikon site; or specifically
http://nikonhunting.com/SpotOn

John

[Mescalero]

Do not worry about " shifting paralex " IF it becomes a problem for you, I can talk you through it.
I suspect it will never become an issue,
That condition is related to certain shooting conditions, that I suspect you will never encounter,

[JohndeFresno]

OK - thanks. I may recall incorrectly; perhaps the scope compensates for it and it didn't register with me. All I know is that I have never knowingly shifted a parallax before, although I did get to shift a Hurst inline racing setup as a youth.

CORRECTION to above, now while I'm fiddling with the iPhone application ("app") - the program DOES allow you to enter custom handload data at one point of the process. I missed that before. Pretty cute.

[JohndeFresno]

...helps us hit some hypothetical target 'speck' that we can barely see that is far away, but actually SEE it, too...!

As the saying goes, "Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!"

[Grizz]

I bet for a one_load guy, like me for example, a couple days plinking on the beaches would tell you all you need to know for that setup. It's remembering which whatever goes on what part of the thing that would hassle me.

Nice scopes and I almost bought the 1.65 today. There are some funny videos that let you see the potential.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-SlugHunter- ... nter+scope

[Mescalero]

Shoot the gun and the scope, it will be self explanatory.

[roundup]

Two years ago I purchased, off E-Bay, an old El Paso steel-tubed Weaver 2 1/2 X scope at a very reasonable price.. It's mounted on a Marlin 1895SS 45/70. I have found it to be just what I was looking for and use it mostly for elk hunting in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. Holds a zero and has never fogged (yet).