Wondering what sight system you all are using on your 1895 for hunting in the timber.

75 yards is a long shot on our place. Whitetail with opportunity for a porker so want something to stand out on dark piggies.

Would like to stay balanced, 22" barrel.

I hunt timber with a 358 BLR in upstate NY. I have a Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x32 in Dednutz mounts. My rig balances just fine.

I won't tell you that the above Diamondback scope has the best optics in the universe. But for 75 yard shots like you take, it's about perfect for me. It has a huge field of view. The duplex crosshair is fairly bold and stood out on a black bear 3 years ago.The glass picks up enough light for me. It's a shorter scope that looks at home on a lever gun for my tastes. It hasn't disappointed me yet.

I just leave it on 3x unless the deer come out late and then I might turn it up to 4x.

Dan

"balance" can be a very subjective thing. What one person likes, another may not so much.

I like the scout scope setup, have several. I like the XS Ghost ring too, hard to beat for a lighter rig. I was surprised at how accurate I was on quick shots with a ghost ring. I have normal scope mounting too. I'd suggest trying to shoulder all the setups and see what agrees with you the best.

I guess I could get an XS rail and sights then try both styles of scopes. See what works best for a given application.

Have a scout scope (2.5 x) on mine. Nothing in way as far as running the action or accessing the hammer. A dark timber unit, so a little extra light is a good thing.

I'm going to need a lot more powder down the barrel before having a well founded opinion, but I really like the way my XS ghost carries.

But for just straight up shooting would have to say a scope would be better. But more practice will no doubt have an effect on this. I have already shrunk my groups in half after a bit of practice and switching to single vision glasses.

I guess it would have to be decided by how much ground you cover actually hunting, not just walking to your stand then sitting there waiting on a shot.

My rifle is a specialty tool so will probably leave it as good enough the way she sits, I can always reach for the scoped .338 if needing its abilities.

It is just a quick swap and a few placement shots to go scoped with the XS platform.

The set ups I've seen it's just a matter of pulling the scope and using the ring. If it has Weaver rings for the scope, one can simply replace the scope, and it will be right on.

A maximum walk from the truck to a stand on our place would be 1/4 mile. Now 1 spot we hunt would be an all day still hunt. Could be 1/2 mile plus walk to the starting point and even farther back to truck. No scope could be nice on those hikes to save weight.

XS ghost.

A ghost ring or scout scope are gonna cost you more shots over lack of light and clarity in thick stuff, than any sensible regular scope would ever cost you in speed or balance.

XS peeps. Most of my levers wear them.

Buying a set of XS sights from a member. Hoping they work out for me.

I have the Leupold 1x4 with heavy duplex on my standard 1895. It is a good match for that rifle and doesn't look out of place. I think it is the VX-1 model, with a heavy duplex.

1-3.............1-4x20.......................

Weaver.......Leo.........Nikon...........

https://www.amazon.com/Weaver-V-3-1-3X20-Riflescope-Matte/dp/B0000V2EBM

Out to 75 yards as the OP said, a Trijicon RMR would be very hard to beat for quickness. Mount a rail on your 1895 and you'll be all set.

I have all three setup on different rigs- scout, XS, and normal mount. If you've never used a scout scope, I'd suggest finding one to handle first. They are not for everyone. I'm happy to carry any of them.