Which optic?

[donut slayer]

I'm going to Colorado this fall to hunt mule deer. I'm taking 2 rifles, a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 and a Browning x-bolt in 30'06. Which optic should I put on the Marlin? Nikon 3, 1-4x20 with BDC, a vortex 1-4x24 PST or a vortex Venum red dot sight. Long distance will go to the Browning, Ranges up to 250ish will fall to the marlin.

 

[TennJeep1618]

Moved to the optics section. Please post in the correct location.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[wildrider666]

If the Marlin is primarily for timber work the red dot would be my choice. The dot will be faster, stand out in darker terrain and not get lost in foliage. A BDC scope is nice but consider the rifle/ammo MOA, your zeroing distance and your intended terrain: is it something you will use or have time to use? I also prefer a uncluttered reticle in the bush. If your working the edge of a timberline with equal opertunity for brush and in open shots I'd go with the PST. I don't know your load but guesstamate about a 20 inch drop at 200 yards and mulie about 20-23 back to chest, it should not be a issue to fii a tag. Good luck.

 

[fl57caveman]

bullet drop on the 45-70, at the 250-300 yrd range will be anywhere from 22" to 28", depending on bullet weight, and wind conditions.

I would go with a 3x9x40 on the heavy bullets, jmho