I have used the Weaver V3 in similar situations; it has very long eye relief, and I'm only using a scope because of aging eyes, as mentioned. So I shoot at "iron sight" ranges as we used to call them. V3 is cheap, light, and sturdy, all of which I like. Also looks OK on a traditional rifle. You need to make sure you have plenty of eyebrow clearance on a .45-70; I speak as one of the "half moon club"....