Ordered a new scope for my Marlin 1895 45/70. GBL,
Its a Weaver Classic Extreme. 1.5X4.5 illuminated duplex. Been looking for awhile now, Sold the Fixed power leupold i had on it, For about a 3rd the price, so i am les than 100 out of pocket. Would have loved a leupold, but they don't have a illuminated Duplex at a price i wanted to pay. I emailed Leupold and asked why they don't just put a duplex reticle on one of there 1x6 AR scopes and call it a lever gun scope. , he steered me to a 500 dollar VXR, sure it would be great but, i just ain't paying that much.
I will give a review...tj3006

They previously did the Ultimateslam with firedot. At that time it was their lowest price illuminated scope. The reticle works well with 45-70, once you figure drop distances.

It was a 3-9x40 though.

I agree, they have the technology and a scope like you mentioned sure would sell

I like the leupold M8’s. Fixed 2, 2.5, or 4x. Their new FXii would be good also.

I have a Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 1.75-5 in Talley extra low rings on my GBL. I had the scope so decided to mount it on the Marlin to see how it fit. It's been great. A snug fit with the extra low rings but it provides a really low scope position, which I like a lot.
I hope your GBL shoots as good as mine. The groups with factory LeverEvolution ammo are so good that I have little incentive to use handloads, though I may try loading some of the FTX bullets to see if I can duplicate the factory loads.

I used an old Weaver steel tube K1x on mine for many years. Lot of field of view and never felt the need for any magnification in the areas I hunted with the Marlin.

I had a Nikon Monarch 2x7 on my 1895 GG, worked well.

I put a 1980s vintage Redfield 2 3/4X on my Guide Gun. Sits low on the receiver and doesn't look out of place on a lever gun.

Any well made fixed 2.5x20 is plenty of visual power out past 200 yds on big game. My Win BB 444 Marlin wears an old Sightron with Weaver bases and Leupold quick detach rings. Very solid setup and works well for me.