Optic Suggestion for Henry 45/70 Gov't

[DustyGmt]

I was at my LGS today and he had some Henry bases and to be honest I've been kicking it around for a while now that I would put an optic on this henry but I don't want it to look like an abomination. I was thinking of a fixed 4x weaver or something like that, my LGS recommended a Vortex 2-7×32 and I have one of those kicking around but idk. I kind of want to maintain a certain aesthetic even though it's not technically a copy of anything with any historical relevance but still.....

I have the Henry Big Boy Brass and I haven't shot it much, just got a Lee loader for it and plan to make it a regular companion on range trips because I really like this lever gun. It's not a side gate model, I wish it was but here's my other question, is there any reason why shooting the tube empty and just loading shells in through the ejection port would be a problem? Is there any reason why I shouldn't do that? Alot quicker than pulling the rod out and reloading the tube should you need to get more shots off in a hurry.

Feel free to post a picture of your Henry w/ optic or any lever gun for that matter, I just want to put something classy on it. A 4x seems like a good option, I definitely won't ever need more magnification for that rifle and what I intend to do with it at the ranges I will be doing it at........

 

[.45Coltguy]

If you can find a Weaver Classic v 1-3x20mm, Made in Japan, that will work well on your Henry. Very good glass. Leupold makes a 1-4x20mm[the Freedom model?] that looks good.
Those Weaver's tho, are really nice.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I was also going to suggest something along the lines of a Weaver V3 1-3x or K2.5x fixed. The straight tubes tend to look a bit more natural on a levergun to my eye.

 

[.45Coltguy]

I was also going to suggest something along the lines of a Weaver V3 1-3x or K2.5x fixed. The straight tubes tend to look a bit more natural on a levergun to my eye.

View attachment 1078175

That looks the older "El Paso" Weaver scopes. My reference was to late 80's-90's "Made In Japan" scopes that are waaay better than the older E.P.'s. But, I know what you're saying Dave.
Those older E.P.'s do have the cool factor.

 

[Varminterror]

I tend to use 4-16x44mm on my hunting rifles, regardless of cartridge or action type, but I could be convinced a lower profile 1-10x Vortex Razor Gen III might be the optimal for shorter range big game hunting with a levergun.

 

[jmr40]

A 1-4X20 would be ideal IMO.

 

[.45Coltguy]

I tend to use 4-16x44mm on my hunting rifles, regardless of cartridge or action type, but I could be convinced a lower profile 1-10x Vortex Razor Gen III might be the optimal for shorter range big game hunting with a levergun.

$2499-3000+? For lever gun hunting/shooting? Well, ok then. I just don't see the reasoning for a lever gun for 200 yard MAX shooting. Unless you're refering to Browning's BLR in .7-08, 270 Win, 7mm RM etc. That wasn't referenced.

 

[Varminterror]

Unless you're refering to Browning's BLR in .7-08, 270 Win, 7mm RM etc. That wasn't referenced.

No, I was not referring to optics for a BLR, as the OP’s topic at hand is a Henry in 45-70.

Reasoning? Because I want to see where I’m aiming.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

That looks the older "El Paso" Weaver scopes. My reference was to late 80's-90's "Made In Japan" scopes that are waaay better than the older E.P.'s. But, I know what you're saying Dave.
Those older E.P.'s do have the cool factor

Got a couple of those too! The shorter Japanese era Weaver scopes are scaled about right to match my CZ 527:

 

[NorthBorder]

This is my Henry 45-70 with a Vortex 3-9x40. Not an abomination at all.
I would have preferred a smaller scope but this is what I had at the time.

 

[DustyGmt]

I have a fixed 4x Sears Ted Williams that I've had on my 10/22 for over a decade now, I never imagined I would ever take it off my Ruger .22 but I am considering it. It's not terribly clear but what is the general opinion of these, are they right on par with an older 80's weaver in terms of quality and function?

I think it would look quite appropriate. It's just like this

 

[DustyGmt]

I tend to use 4-16x44mm on my hunting rifles, regardless of cartridge or action type, but I could be convinced a lower profile 1-10x Vortex Razor Gen III might be the optimal for shorter range big game hunting with a levergun.

I suppose I should have specified price range and purpose....... I'm willing to spend about $150ish and I'm mostly looking to whack steel with it @100 yards and under. Possibly hunt with it at the same distance

 

[Oregontrail]

I enjoy the Leupold Vx3 1.5-5x20 on my Henry 357mag.

 

[dranrab]

 

[Spclk]

I have no idea how good these are but thought they were interesting.

 

[DustyGmt]

View attachment 1078262

I have no idea how good these are but thought they were interesting.

Where'd you find that one? Who makes it?

 

[Axis II]

Leupold 2-7-33. I always thought lever guns looked goofy with the 1-4 power type scopes on them.

 

[Spclk]

Where'd you find that one? Who makes it?

Ran across them on GunBroker but they're from 1895 scope company.

 

[threoh8]

What about a HiLux Malcolm-style scope?

 

[Bearded Phil]

is there any reason why shooting the tube empty and just loading shells in through the ejection port would be a problem? Is there any reason why I shouldn't do that? Alot quicker than pulling the rod out and reloading the tube should you need to get more shots off in a hurry.

No scope suggestion from me as I use peeps but there's no issue with single loading through the side gate, just get the rim all the way down and on the carrier for best feeding.

 

[bfoosh006]

A 2-7 power has been a great game getter scope for "shorter distance" cartridges.

Make sure you have decent eye relief on what ever scope you decide on.

 

[GerryER]

This is my Henry 45-70 with a Vortex 3-9x40. Not an abomination at all. View attachment 1078198
I would have preferred a smaller scope but this is what I had at the time.

I think the standard scope with the "bell" at each end looks better than the straight tube scopes on a Lever gun. I have a Sears Ted Williams 4x wide angle on my Marlin 30-30 and a 3-9x40 on my BLR (223). Both have Weaver tip-off mounts so I can use the iron sights in dense woods. No abomination in my book!!