Best red-dot for heavy recoil?

[tlrpunk]

I've decided to bin the 3-9X40 scope on my Marlin 45-70. I've developed a nasty flinch because of one too many whacks to the forehead. I don't care for the scout scope set-up, and I don't quite trust an open sight beyond 100 yards. What are my point-sight options for under $200? Any "recoil+scope=junk" stories?

[rugmar]

Burris makes a nice 3MOA red dot sight. It's the XTS-135. It is around 200 dollars. They (Burris) also make a less expensive version with a 35 mm main tube for about 165.00. I think it is called Speedot 135.

I think either one of these would handle the recoil just fine.

Too bad you don't like the scout setup. That would be perfect for your gun. No more injuries from the scope. The Burris Scout Scope is awesome. I have it on my 450 Guide gun and I have the Leupold scout scope on a 44 mag lever gun. They both work great.

Are you sure you have the scope far enough forward? The 45-70 recoil shouldn't be causing that much of a problem once you are accustomed to it. Maybe you just need a little better scope which offers a little more eye relief. I just bought a Burris Fullfield II scope and it has great eye relief. Ultra Clear optics as well. It was 200 bucks as well but came with a free 20x50 spotting scope. Awesome deal. It's good through October I think. Got mine through Midway USA but I've seen the same deal elsewhere.

Keep us posted and good luck. That's a beautiful rifle you have and you need to be able to get out and enjoy it to the max.

[tlrpunk]

Thanks for the info, rugmar. The Burris is actually at the top of my list right now. It seems to be getting great reviews at Midway.

You're probably right about having the right eye-relief, I wasn't expecting much from that Bushnell anyway. I bought it because I was in a hurry, I'd never hunted before, and I have a nasty habit of scoping everything I own. I'd scope a super-soaker if I had one.

I've been moving away from scopes lately. I found that I can readily hit milk-jugs at 100+ yards (off-hand) with the factory sights on the Marlin. I'm thinking a red-dot will give me a few more yards in accuracy and confidence. I loved the el-cheapo one on my Colt .22, until it broke. If I can't find a point-sight that I like, I'll just paint the front bead with something that glows in the dark and be done with it. I like the basic, unencumbered Marlin anyway; it handles so naturally without optics.

[rugmar]

Well I got a mailer from Midway and now is a good time to buy either of the Burris sights I mentioned. The 135 is on sale for 159.99 and the XTS is going for 189.99.

[P-Shooter]

I bought a "Bulleye" brand, made in China knockoff, It looks like most of the other red dots, Bsa, Simmons, etc. It was cheap, $17, and I wanted to try mounting one on my Tech-22. I used a Leupold scope mount for a Marlin 336 and was able to drill and tap the receiver top on the Tech-22. I just got it sighted in and it was working great. I was pleased, but then the recoil from the Tech-22 knocked the lens inside at the front of the scope loose. Now it is junk. (I lost the receipt or I just haven't found it again yet) I was surprised that the Tech-22 wrecked it, in less that 40 shots or so. Now I want to find something else to put on the mount. I guess I will buy something that is at least guaranteed for a year to allow a thorough test. I didn't know if I would like this type of sight, but they are neat, and you don't have to focus a front and back sight at the same time, which gets more difficult as our eyes age.

I would take this thing apart, but it won't budge, it is not worth much but I still hate to use channel locks on it, so I put it on the shelf.