Are you in the market for the best red dot sights for 45-70? If yes, you have come to the right place. While the .45-70 is a highly accurate cartridge, having a red dot sight will help you shoot better despite the firearm you are using. It will also improve your target acquisition at both close and medium ranges.
Why use a Red Dot with your Lever Action Rifle?
Mounting a red dot sight on your lever-action rifle is one sure way of enhancing the functionality of your firearm. The collaboration creates a perfect solution for pursuing games at close range.
A lever gun chambered in modern straight-wall cartridges such as the .45-70 Government, .450 Marlin and .350 Legend coupled with a red dot reigns supreme and offers a perfect solution for hunting deer, feral hogs, black bears and even elks.
There are several reasons why hunters have embraced the use of red dot sights with lever-action rifles. Practicality and functionality are the main reasons why lever-action hunters love the red dot sights.
A red dot sight facilitates quick target acquisition allowing hunters to take advantage of the fast-handling element of a lever action with unrivaled speed.
Another attribute of red dot sights that give scopes and iron sights a run for their money is accuracy. With a red dot sight, you can pin the targets more accurately making your shots the most lethal in the field.
When aiming a rifle, the shooter shifts the focus back and forth to get a precise point of aim. Red dot sights are specially designed to reduce back-and-forth movements eliminating any blurriness in the focus. This helps deliver a sharp focus.
Another admirable aspect of a red dot sight is the leeway to shoot with both eyes open. Aiming with both eyes is the ultimate simplicity any beginner or seasoned shooter will need in the field.
With multiple benefits and reasonable prices, there is no reason not to add a red dot to your arsenal. You will be getting the best of both worlds quality and affordability!
8 Best Red Dot Sights for 45-70 Lever Action Rifle
Finding the best red dot sights for 45-70 is not an easy task. You have a lot of models to choose from which can be overwhelming especially if you are a beginner.
To help, we have a review of the best red dot sights for 45-70 available on the market today and a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed buying decision.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1) Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Aimpoint Micro H-2 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight is one the best red dot sights for 45-70 out there. It has the ruggedness that you need for your hunting expeditions and long battery life to help you get many hours from your hunting trip.
The optic features an advanced objective lens system that maximizes the transmission of light to provide unmatched optical clarity. It also has 2 MOA red dot with 12 brightness settings for use in extremely low light to extra bright light settings.
Furthermore, this reflex sight has 1x magnification to increase your situational awareness and it is parallax-free for greater shooting accuracy.
When it comes to construction, the optic is made from high-strength aluminum which optimizes strength and rigidity. Additionally, it is water-resistant for use in different weather conditions and has thermal stability to provide reliable performance in a wide range of environments.
Above all, this red dot reflex sight has an ultralight design for convenient portability. Pair your 45-70 lever-action rifle with a reliable optic that enhances the functionality of your firearm. Be bold with Aimpoint Micro H-2 red dot reflex sight.
Features
- 12 different brightness settings
- 2 MOA red dot
- Non-removable front and rear flip cap lens covers
- Standard mount for Picatinny and Weaver mount
- An advanced objective lens system
Pros
- Ultralightweight design
- Easy to install and use
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight design
- Suitable for use in a wide range of environments
- Excellent glass clarity with zero sight distortion
Cons
- More expensive
- Not magnified
2) Styrka S3 Series 2.5 MOA Red Dot Sight
The Styrka S3 Series 2.5 MOA Red Dot Sight is a high-quality red dot suitable for hunting and shooting. It is highly versatile and compatible with rifles, shotguns, pistols and many more.
It features a true 1x design for greater situational awareness. It offers unlimited eye relief for quick and simple target acquisition. Moreover, it has 6 brightness settings for use in different environments and a 2.5 MOA red dot illuminated reticle, that is set to be free of parallax at 50 yards.
The LED illumination is powered by a CR-2032 battery which offers long runtime to keep you in the field for many hours. Furthermore, the optic offers a wide field of view which every hunter needs for quick target scanning. It also has fully multi-coated lenses which provide brilliantly clear sight pictures from dawn till dusk.
In addition to everything else, this optic has a lightweight yet durable 6061-T6 aluminum alloy housing that is suitable for any task or field conditions.
Features
- 5 MOA red dot reticle
- 6 brightness levels
- LED illumination
- 1x magnification
- Double lens optical system which reduces parallax
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 6061-T6 aluminum alloy housing
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock-resistant
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Lightweight construction
- Auto return to last brightness setting
Cons
- No co-witnessing
3) Vortex SPARC AR II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot
Vortex has a longstanding reputation for making high-quality optics and this is clear in the Vortex SPARC AR II Red Dot. It has a 2 MOA dot that is easy to acquire in close quarters, but fine enough to provide pin-point accuracy at longer distances.
This optic features rugged construction to stand up to anything you throw at it. It has a hard anodized finish which prevents the formation of rust and helps hide your position when hunting by providing a low-glare matte surface.
It is also sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust and dirt from penetrating. This tough and rugged construction is one of the highlights that make SPARC II red dot rank top among the best red sights for 45-70 rifle.
Furthermore, this red dot is compact for convenient pack-ability and ultralight for easy portability. It boasts unlimited eye relief for quick and easy target acquisition and has 12 illumination settings for use in different lighting conditions.
This red dot sight also has a unique, built-in base with a multi-height mount system which allows for either absolute co-witness or lower 1/3 co-witness mounting. As one of the best red dot sights for 45-70 lever-action rifles, SPARC II let you get on targets quickly and more accurately.
Features
- Multiple anti-reflective lens coatings
- Waterproof
- Rugged construction
- 12 illumination settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- 2 MOA dot
- An integrated base with a multi-height mount system
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Night vision compatibility
- Long battery life
Cons
- Glass has a slight tint
- Fixed power limits applications
4) EOTech HHS-I Holo Sight w/EXPS3-4 Red Dot Sight & G33 Magnifier
Next on our list is the EOTech HHS-I Holo Sight. It uses advanced holographic technology which provides great precision at any range.
This optic is made with ease of use in mind. It has a G33 magnifier and a switch-to-side mount which helps you change quickly from short to medium-range shooting. It also has unlimited eye relief that aids in quick target acquisition and a large field of view for simple target identification.
Moreover, this HHH-I has fog-resistant optics which provide clear views in any weather condition. Its optical surfaces are coated with anti-reflective coatings which optimize the transmission of light for bright and crisp image views. This optic is also night vision compatible and water-resistant for use in all weather conditions.
Features
- Water-resistant and fog-resistant
- Side button operation
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- 3x magnification
- Weaver mount mounting
- 5 MOA adjustments
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Rugged construction
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- High cost
5) Aimpoint CompM4 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight
If you are in the market for a quality red dot optic that is ideal for use under extremely harsh conditions, look no further than the Aimpoint CompM4. It is made with high-quality components which provide exceptional performance.
This red dot optic features an advanced lens system that enhances light transmission for bright, clear and sharp image views. It is operationally parallax-free for greater accuracy and features absolute co-witness with iron sights. It is also equipped with a high-capacity battery which provides over 80,000 hours of runtime.
Another impressive thing about the reflex sight is the durable housing. It has a high-strength aluminum housing with an anti-reflective hard-anodized finish. It is also sealed to prevent the entry of moisture, dust and any other debris.
Features
- Advanced lens system
- High-quality components
- Rugged aluminum housing
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- 1x magnification
- High-capacity battery
- Absolute co-witness with iron sights
- Fully sealed against weather elements
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Parallax free
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Expensive
6) Sig Sauer Romeo 7 1x30mm Full-Size Red Dot
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the Sig Sauer Romeo 7 1x30mm Full Size Red Dot. It is compatible with a wide selection of firearms and is suitable for multiple applications including them hunting.
It has a robust 1x aiming solution and a battery that lasts an amazing 62,500 hours. You can easily change the battery without having to remove the sight from the rifle thanks to the top battery compartment. Besides that, this optic boasts high-performance lens coatings which offer excellent light transmission and high dot brightness.
This red dot optic is built ready for hunting. It is crafted with high-quality components to stand up to rough handling. It also has an IPX-7 water resistance rating which offers dependable waterproof performance.
It also has a Motion Activated Sensor for optimum battery operation. Above all, this product has both a standard QD mount and a low-rise fixed mount to fit different systems.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Low dispersion glass
- Robust 1x aiming solutions
- 9 daytime and 2-night vision illumination settings
- 2 MOA dot
- Manual illumination controls
Pros
- Motion-activated illumination
- Great value for money
- Good battery life
- Multi-purpose use
Cons
- Slightly heavy
7) Burris RT-3 Red Dot Sight
Another best red dot sight for 45-70 on our list is the Burris RT-3 Red Dot Sight. It is compact ultralight for ease of use and convenient portability. It also offers a wide field of view for rapid target acquisition and also allows for both eyes open while shooting.
This red dot sight is made with high-quality materials for greater strength and durability. It brings to the table a high and low base mount that allows you to customize the fit of your firearm and cheek weld.
It also features a fixed 3x magnification for bringing distant targets closer, long battery life and a 2 MOA dot that stays bright even in low light settings.
Features
- Fixed 3x magnification
- Ballistic 3x illuminated reticle
- Longer battery life
- Fully multi-coated glass
- High and low base mount
- One-piece aluminum construction
Pros
- Small footprint and lightweight
- Both eyes open shooting
- A huge field of view
- Ideal for close and mid-range applications
Cons
- Not the best for up-close targets
8) Holosun HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight w/HM3X Magnifier
Last but not least we have the Holosun HS510C Circle Dot Sight w/HM3X Magnifier. This optic uses Holosun advanced LED technology which provides up to 50,000 hours of operation.
One thing that makes this red dot stand out is the user-friendly design. It has a reticle that you can easily switch to a 65 MOA circle with a 2 MOA dot, a 2 MOA only, or 65 MOA only with a simple push of a button. Even better, the LED illumination projects both reticles, therefore no re-zeroing is needed.
This optic has a magnifier to help you tackle targets at long ranges. It is operationally parallax-free for greater accuracy and comes with a generous eye relief that aids in quick target acquisition.
To add to everything else, this product boasts extremely clear glass and a robust aluminum housing to stand anything you subject it to.
Features
- Holosun HM3X Magnifier
- Waterproof down to 1m
- Adjustable diopter
- Integrated QD mount
- Durable aluminum housing
- Advanced LED technology
- Protective titanium hood
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Extremely clear glass
- Easy to use
- A protective storage case included
Cons
- A little heavy
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Choosing the Best Red Dot Sights for 45-70
The plethora of red dot sights in the market can make the search for the best red dot a taxing process. The red dot sights highlighted above meet all the criteria to be worthy partners for your 45-70 lever-action rifle.
However, to be sure you are selecting the right red dot for your specific needs, here are some of the essential considerations to keep in mind:
Brightness Levels
The brightness levels of red dot sights vary from one model to the other. The high-end models offer more brightness levels some of which are night compatible.
Having many brightness levels gives you the advantage of being able to customize the red dot to suit the situation at hand.
Reticle Size
The size of the reticle in a red dot sight makes a big difference in your aiming ability. Most red dot sights have a reticle size that varies from 2 MOA to 4 MOA.
For hunting with your 45-70, is best to get a red dot that has a small reticle size. This way, it won’t take so much space on your target and interfere with your accuracy.
Durability
A good red dot sight for 45-70 should be well-built to offer long-lasting durability. It should be tough enough to stand the abuse that comes with hunting.
If the sight isn’t durable, the recoil from your rifle can damage or destroy it. To add on durability, ensure that you get a red dot sight that is waterproof and fog proof as well.
Weight
Another thing you should consider is the overall weight of the red dot sight. Adding a heavy optic to your rifle will change its maneuverability. It can also interfere with accuracy. Luckily, most red dot sights are compact, light and portable.
Price
You should also consider the cost of the red dot sight and see if it aligns with your budget needs. Luckily, the multiple models available come at varying costs to meet the needs of different buyers. Figure out what features you need then look for a model that matches your budget needs the closest.
Read: Best Hog Hunting Sights
Types of Red Dot Sights
There are three types of red dot sights available on the market today namely miniature and micro red dot sights, compact and full-sized red dots.
Miniature and Micro Red Dot Sights
These red dot sights are very small and they work well on pistols as a backup sight for magnified optics. They can also be used as the primary optic of some long guns. they often don’t have magnification and their main advantage is the compact and low-weight design.
Compact Red Dots
Compact red dots are the most common red dot sights. They have an objective lens that varies from 18mm to 23mm. They have often enclosed optics with a tubular or square shape.
Compact red dots are extremely dependable and their lightweight design makes them a better alternative for long gun red dot sights.
Full-Sized Red Dots
Full-size red dots are larger than compact red dots. They have an objective lens that is larger than 25mm.
While their popularity continues to decline, they have the advantage of offering a large field of view. Additionally, they pair well with magnifiers, night vision equipment and thermal clip-on.
Read: Best Reflex Sights for Hunting
Best Red Dot Sights for 45-70 FAQs
Q: What is the Effective Range of a Red Dot Sight?
This will largely depend on the model you are using. In most cases, red dot sights have an effective range of about 100 yards without any magnification.
Q: Are Red Dots Accurate?
Yes. Red dot sights eliminate the need to keep changing the focal planes like with iron sights. This ensures that the dot is always on the same plane as the target which helps increase the accuracy of your shots.?
Q: Which is Better Red Dot or Scope?
It depends. If you are looking to increase your accuracy when hunting or shooting at long distances, a scope is an ideal option for you. On the other hand, a red dot is better if you are looking for a quick target acquisition at close quarters.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this article useful and enlightening. All these red dots should provide the important features you need for your next hunting needs. Put into consideration your needs and your activity, then look for the model that suits your needs best.