Leupold Ultralight 2.5X x 20

[Yornoc3]

Back in early December, when I acquired my single shot 45-70, I looked at the Leupold ultralight 2.5X scope as a likely candidate for that rifle. Every site I checked showed out of stock, no back order (Leupold did still show it as a cataloged item), so I opted to fit a pristine Burris 2.75X I found at a gun show, long before I even had the rifle. Fast forward to today. Since I still haven't sighted in the 45-70, due in part to breaking in a new knee, I took one last look to see if the 2.5X Leupolds had returned. They're everywhere . The old Burris' length, and shorter eye relief, had me a little nervous on that light weight 45-70, I like the longer eye relief possible (up to 4.9") with the Leupold, so now there's one on its way - with no tax and free shipping besides. I'll figure something else out for that ol' Burris.

[Cofisher]

Looking forward to an installed pic. Thanks

[Sir Henry]

Looking forward to a range report.

[North Country Gal]

That Leupold 2.5x is what I put on my Contender 45-70 16" barrel, also for the sake of long eye relief. Great choice for a 45-70 carbine or rifle. You made the right choice.

[Yornoc3]

That little scope looks perfect there.

I did a little measuring before I ordered, so I'm confident it'll fit the Henry using the Warne steel base (981m) I've already fit to the rifle (which required a little filing at the standing breech end). The only down side is that it'll make the whole package a few ounces lighter, not really necessary with a 45-70 .

[Yornoc3]

A quick update: No range report, yet. Since it was forecast to rain most of the day (it has, almost 2" so far), it seemed like a good day to get the scopes mounted on the Henry single shots. The Ultralight 2.5X fit nicely on the 45-70, the eyepiece winds up almost exactly above the end of the opening lever, a good inch+ forward of where the 2.75X Burris was. It's about as far back as it can be. The only down side I see is that the rig now weighs 7 lbs 12 oz ready to go; I'm sure it lost several ounces. What's ironic is that I also mounted the FX II 6X to the .243, which weighs 8 lbs 4 oz ready to go. I think I've got it backwards . But the 45-70 will be pleasant to carry .

Edit.
I should add that the scope is also about as far forward as it can be, too. I used the Warne 981m base, with Burris low Zee rings, wanting the scope mounted as low as possible. This scope is not critical for eye relief, its small size limits how much it can be moved around, though. I think it'll work for most average sized folks.